Aroclor 1254 as a 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin antagonist: effects on enzyme induction and immunotoxicity

Windows of sensitivity to toxic chemicals in the development of the endocrine system: an analysis of ATSDR's toxicological profile database

This review utilizes the robust database of literature contained in toxicological profiles developed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The aim was to use this database to identify developmental toxicity studies reporting alterations in hormone levels in the developing fetus and offspring and identify windows of sensitivity. We identified 74 oral exposure studies in rats that provided relevant information on 30 chemicals from 21 profiles. Most studies located provided information on thyroid hormones, with fewer studies on anterior pituitary, adrenal medulla, ovaries, and testes. No studies pertaining to hormones of the posterior pituitary, pancreas, or adrenal cortex were located. The results demonstrate that development of the endocrine system may be affected by exposure to environmental contaminants at many different points, including gestational and/or lactational exposure. Moreover, this review demonstrates the need for more developmental toxicity studies focused on the endocrine system and specifically alterations in hormone levels.

Concentration dependence of human and mouse aryl hydrocarbon receptor responsiveness to polychlorinated biphenyl exposures: Implications for aroclor mixtures

1. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are endocrine disrupting chemicals associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study documents the species-specific differences between mouse (high affinity mAhR) and human AhR (hAhR) activation by PCB congeners and Aroclor mixtures. 2. AhR activation by TCDD or PCBs 77, 81, 114, 114, 126, and 169 was measured using luciferase reporter constructs transfected into either Hepa1c1c7 mouse or HepG2 human liver cell lines. The EC₅₀ values were lower in Hepa1c1c7 cells than HepG2 cells for all compounds tested except PCB 81. The results for TCDD and PCB 126 were validated in primary human and mouse hepatocytes by measuring CYP1A1 gene transcript levels. 3. Because humans are exposed to PCB mixtures, several mixtures (Aroclors 1254; 1260; and 1260 + 0.1% PCB126 each at 10 µg/ml) were then tested. Neither Aroclor 1254 nor Aroclor 1260 increased luciferase activity by the transfected AhR reporter construct. The Aroclor 1260 + 0.1% PCB 126 mixture induced mAhR-mediated transactivation, but not hAhR activation in cell lines. 4. In summary, significant concentration-dependent differences exist between human and mouse AhR activation by PCBs. Relative effect potencies differed, in some cases, from published toxic equivalency factors.

Modification and quantification of in vivo EROD live-imaging with zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to detect both induction and inhibition of CYP1A

The visualization of specific activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) directly in the zebrafish embryo (Danio rerio) via live-imaging is a reliable tool to investigate the presence of dioxin-like substances in environmental samples. The co-existence of inducers and inhibitors of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases (CYP1A) is typical of complex environmental mixtures and requires modifications of the in vivo EROD assay: For this end, zebrafish embryos were used to evaluate the EROD-modifying potentials of common single-compound exposures as well as binary mixtures with the PAH-type Ah-receptor agonist β-naphthoflavone. For chemical testing, chlorpyrifos and Aroclor 1254 were selected; β-naphthoflavone served as maximum EROD induction control. Chlorpyrifos (≤EC₁₀) could be documented to be a strong CYP1A inhibitor causing characteristic edema-related toxicity. Aroclor 1254 resulted in inhibition of CYP1A catalytic activity in a concentration- and specific time-dependent manner. Next to a fast CYP1A induction, CYP1A inhibition could also be detected after 3h short-term exposure of zebrafish embryos to chlorpyrifos. This communication also describes techniques for the quantification of fluorescence signals via densitometry as a basis for subsequent statistical assessment. The co-exposure approach with zebrafish embryos accounts for the nature of potential interaction between CYP1A inducers and inhibitors and thus pays tribute to the complexity of environmental mixtures. The co-exposure EROD live-imaging assay thus facilitates a better understanding of mixture effects and allows a better assessment and interpretation of (embryo) toxic potentials.

Characterisation of transcriptional responses to dioxins and dioxin-like contaminants in roach (Rutilus rutilus) using whole transcriptome analysis

There is significant concern regarding the contamination of riverine sediments with dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs), including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The majority of studies investigating the ecotoxicology of DLCs in fish have focused on a few standard model species. However, there is significant uncertainty as to whether these model species are representative of native river fish, particularly in Europe. In this study, the transcriptional responses following exposure to equipotent concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), PCB 156 or the dioxin-like PAH, benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), were investigated in juvenile roach (Rutilus rutilus), a fish species that constitutes a large proportion of the fish biomass in freshwater bodies throughout Europe. To this end, RNA sequencing analysis was used to comprehensively characterise the molecular mechanisms and pathways of toxicity of these DLCs. Whole transcriptome analyses using ClueGO software revealed that DLCs have the potential to disrupt a number of important processes, including energy metabolism, oogenesis, the immune system, apoptosis and the response to oxidative stress. However, despite using equipotent concentrations, there was very little conservation of the transcriptional responses observed in fish exposed to different DLCs. TCDD provoked significant specific changes in the levels of transcripts related to immunotoxicity and carbohydrate metabolism, while PCB 156 caused virtually no specific effects. Exposure to BkF affected the most diverse suite of molecular functions and biological processes, including blood coagulation, oxidative stress responses, unspecific responses to organic or inorganic substances/stimuli, cellular redox homeostasis and specific receptor pathways. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the transcriptome-wide effects of different classes of DLCs in fish. These findings represent an important step towards describing complete toxicity pathways of DLCs, which will be important in the context of informing risk assessments of DLC toxicity in native fish species.

The H4IIE Cell Bioassay as an Indicator of Dioxin-like Chemicals in Wildlife and the Environment

The H4IIE cell bioassay has proven utility as a screening tool for planar halogenated hydrocarbons (PHHs) and structurally similar chemicals accumulated in organisms from the wild. This bioassay has additional applications in hazard assessment of PHH exposed populations. In this review, the toxicological principles, current protocols, performance criteria, and field applications for the assay are described. The H4IIE cell bioassay has several advantages over the analytical measurement of PHHs in environmental samples, but conclusions from studies can be strengthened when both bioassay and analytical chemistry data are presented together. Often, the bioassay results concur with biological effects in organisms and support direct measures of PHHs. For biomonitoring purposes and prioritization of PHH-contaminated environments, the H4IIE bioassay may be faster and less expensive than analytical measurements. The H4IIE cell bioassay can be used in combination with other biomarkers such as in vivo measurements of CYP1A1 induction to help pinpoint the sources and identities of dioxin-like chemicals. The number of studies that measure H4IIE-derived TCDD-EQs continues to increase, resulting in subtle improvements over time. Further experiments are required to determine if TCDD-EQs derived from mammalian cells are adequate predictors of toxicity to non-mammalian species. The H4IIE cell bioassay has been used in over 300 published studies, and its combination of speed, simplicity, and ability to integrate the effects of complex contaminant mixtures makes it a valuable addition to hazard assessment and biomonitoring studies.

Towards the development of a multidisciplinary understanding of the effects of toxic chemical mixtures on health

Mixtures can be divided into simple (chemicals with comparable properties--health risk assessments on the chemicals) and complex, which can be further subdivided into defined (a reasonably distinct composition, created at a specific time and place despite dissimilar components--risk assessments on the common source) and coincidental (chemicals without similar properties or constant composition in time or space-risk assessments on the receptor). Interactions recognized are: independent action, dose addition (additivity), and potentiation (synergy and antagonism). Unpredicted outcomes need recognition. New approaches in higher education and multidisciplinary investigations are essential. The community of the Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health should help clarify points such as when transformations in mixtures may become important enough to alter the classification and the risk assessment. The multidisciplinary community is also well placed to support the integration of non-chemical influences into mixture analysis and to contribute to the investigation of cumulative and multiple exposures.

Relative potency based on hepatic enzyme induction predicts immunosuppressive effects of a mixture of PCDDS/PCDFS and PCBS

The toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach was employed to compare immunotoxic potency of mixtures containing polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls relative to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), using the antibody response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Mixture-1 (MIX-1) contained TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (1-PeCDF), 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (4-PeCDF), and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF). Mixture-2 (MIX-2) contained MIX-1 and the following PCBs, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (IUPAC No. 77), 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (126), 3,3',4,4',5,5N-hexachlorobiphenyl (169), 2,3,3',4,4'-pentachlorobiphenyl (105), 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (118), and 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexachlorobiphenyl (156). The mixture compositions were based on relative chemical concentrations in food and human tissues. TCDD equivalents (TEQ) of the mixture were estimated using relative potency factors from hepatic enzyme induction in mice [DeVito, M.J., Diliberto, J.J., Ross, D.G., Menache, M.G., Birnbaum, L.S., 1997. Dose-response relationships for polyhalogenated dioxins and dibenzofurans following subchronic treatment in mice. I .CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzyme activity in liver, lung and skin. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 130, 197-208; DeVito, M.J., Menache, G., Diliberto, J.J., Ross, D.G., Birnbaum L.S., 2000. Dose-response relationships for induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 enzyme activity in liver, lung, and skin in female mice following subchronic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 167, 157-172] Female mice received 0, 1.5, 15, 150 or 450 ng TCDD/kg/day or approximately 0, 1.5, 15, 150 or 450 ng TEQ/kg/day of MIX-1 or MIX-2 by gavage 5 days per week for 13 weeks. Mice were immunized 3 days after the last exposure and 4 days later, body, spleen, thymus, and liver weights were measured, and antibody response to SRBCs was observed. Exposure to TCDD, MIX-1, and MIX-2 suppressed the antibody response in a dose-dependent manner. Two-way ANOVA indicated no differences in the response between TCDD and the mixtures for body weight, spleen/body weight and decreased antibody responses. The results support the use of the TEF methodology and suggest that immune suppression by dioxin-like chemicals may be of concern at or near background human exposures.

The role of exposure versus body burden data in deriving health guidance values

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) derives health-based guidance values to estimate daily human exposure to hazardous substances that are likely to be without appreciable risk of adverse noncancer effects for specific routes and durations of exposure. Most of these guidance values are derived from data showing external dose/health effect relationships. However, for chemicals that persist in the body, information on body burdens may provide more accurate understanding of their toxicity. This article evaluates the exposure versus body burden approaches using 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and lead as examples.

AhR transcriptional activity in serum of Inuits across Greenlandic districts

BACKGROUND

Human exposure to lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDDs/PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticide is ubiquitous. The individual is exposed to a complex mixture of POPs being life-long beginning during critical developmental windows. Exposure to POPs elicits a number of species- and tissue-specific toxic responses, many of which involve the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The aim of this study was to compare the actual level of integrated AhR transcriptional activity in the lipophilic serum fraction containing the actual POP mixture among Inuits from different districts in Greenland, and to evaluate whether the AhR transactivity is correlated to the bio-accumulated POPs and/or lifestyle factors.

METHODS

The study included 357 serum samples from the Greenlandic districts: Nuuk and Sisimiut (South West Coast), Qaanaaq (North Coast) and Tasiilaq (East Coast). The bio-accumulated serum POPs were extracted by ethanol: hexane and clean-up on Florisil columns. Effects of the serum extract on the AhR transactivity was determined using the Hepa 1.12cR mouse hepatoma cell line carrying an AhR-luciferase reporter gene, and the data was evaluated for possible association to the serum levels of 14 PCB congeners, 10 organochlorine pesticide residues and/or lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

In total 85% of the Inuit samples elicited agonistic AhR transactivity in a district dependent pattern. The median level of the AhR-TCDD equivalent (AhR-TEQ) of the separate genders was similar in the different districts. For the combined data the order of the median AhR-TEQ was Tasiilaq > Nuuk > or = Sisimiut > Qaanaaq possibly being related to the different composition of POPs. In overall, the AhR transactivity was inversely correlated to the levels of sum POPs, age and/or intake of marine food.

CONCLUSION

i) We observed that the proportion of dioxin like (DL) compounds in the POP mixture was the dominating factor affecting the level of serum AhR transcriptional activity even at very high level of non DL-PCBs; ii) The inverse association between the integrated serum AhR transactivity and sum of POPs might be explained by the higher level of compounds antagonizing the AhR function probably due to selective POP bioaccumulation in the food chain.

Identifying soil cleanup criteria for dioxins in urban residential soils: how have 20 years of research and risk assessment experience affected the analysis?

This article reviews the scientific evidence and methodologies that have been used to assess the risks posed by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and presents a probabilistic analysis for identifying virtually safe concentrations of TCDD toxicity equivalents (TEQ) in residential soils. Updated data distributions that consider state-of-the-science cancer and noncancer toxicity criteria, child soil ingestion and dermal uptake, bioavailability in soil, and residential exposure duration are incorporated. The probabilistic analysis shows that the most sensitive determinants of dose and risk are childhood soil ingestion, exposure duration, and the selected TCDD cancer potency factor. It also shows that the cancer risk at 1 per 100,000 predicted more conservative (lower) soil criteria values than did the noncancer hazard (e.g., developmental and reproductive effects). In this analysis, acceptable or tolerable soil dioxin concentrations (TCDD TEQ) ranged from 0.4 to 5.5 ppb at the 95th percentile for cancer potency factors from 9600 to 156,000 (mg/kg/d)(-1) with site-specific adjustments not included. Various possible soil guidelines based on cancer and noncancer risks are presented and discussed. In the main, the current toxicology, epidemiology, and exposure assessment data indicate that the historical 1 ppb TEQ soil guidance value remains a reasonable screening value for most residential sites. This analysis provides risk managers with a thorough and transparent methodology, as well as a comprehensive information base, for making informed decisions about selecting soil cleanup values for PCDD/Fs in urban residential settings.

Aqueous exposure to Aroclor 1254 modulates the mitogenic response of Atlantic salmon anterior kidney T-cells: indications of short- and long-term immunomodulation

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exist as persistent organic pollutants in numerous river systems in the United States. Unfortunately, some of these rivers are sites of active Atlantic salmon restoration programs, and polychlorinated biphenyls have been implicated as ancillary factors contributing to failed salmon restoration. Here, we investigate the immediate and chronic effects of intermediate duration aqueous PCB exposure (1 or 10 microgL-1 Aroclor 1254) on the mitogen-stimulated lymphoproliferative response of Atlantic salmon anterior kidney leukocytes (AKLs). A short-term study was designed to examine immunomodulation in Atlantic salmon smolts immediately following 21 days of aqueous exposure, while a long-term study evaluated chronic impacts in the mitogen response in parr 15 months post-exposure as larvae. The proliferative response of AKLs to the mitogens concanavalin A (CON A), phytohemaglutinnin-P (PHA-P), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and lipopolysaccharide were used as an indice of immunomodulation. The proliferative response to the T-cell mitogens CON A and PHA-P was significantly increased in the 10 microgL-1 group (n=10; P=0.043 and 0.002, respectively) immediately following exposure of smolts. Additionally, The PHA-P response was significantly increased in the 1 microgL-1 exposure group (n=10, P=0.036). In fish treated as larvae and tested 15 months later, the PHA-P sensitive populations exhibited elevated proliferation in the 1 and 10 microgL-1 groups (n=12, P<0.04) relative to the vehicle control while the PWM response was significantly increased (n=12, P=0.036) only in the 10 microgL-1 treated groups. These results demonstrate an immunomodulatory effect of PCBs on T-cell mitogen sensitive populations of lymphocytes in Atlantic salmon as well as long-term immunomodulation in PHA-P and PWM sensitive populations.

Persistent chemicals found in breast milk and their possible interactions

Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs), hexachlorobenzene, dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethane (p,p'-DDE), methylmercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were selected as an important subset of persistent chemicals detected in breast milk for the purpose of reviewing data on their joint toxic actions following oral exposure. Epidemiological studies of possible health hazards associated with exposure to biopersistent chemicals in breast milk identify mild neurodevelopmental deficits as a possible health hazard. However, the studies did not analyze all the components of the above defined mixture, and, therefore, they are not directly useful for the purposes of conducting exposure-based assessments of hazards associated with this mixture. For this purpose, component-based methodology such as binary weight-of-evidence, the hazard index (HI) and the target-organ toxicity dose (TTD) approaches are recommended. Weight-of-evidence evaluation of the limited animal studies' data on interactions among CDDs, hexachlorobenzene, p,p-DDE, methylmercury, and PCBs indicates that the data are inadequate to warrant a concern for deviations from the additivity assumption. Further, exposure-based health assessments are used, in conjunction with evaluation of community-specific health outcome data, consideration of community health concerns, and biomedical judgement, to assess the degree of public health hazard presented by mixtures of substances released into the environment.

Seeking solutions to chemical mixtures challenges in public health

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) identifies people near hazardous waste sites who are at potential health risk because of their exposure to environmental chemicals. Nearly, 2000 chemicals have been associated with such sites. Residents of U.S. communities are potentially exposed to hazardous substances through air, soil, drinking water, and food. The agency has determined that more than 73 million people live within a 4-mile radius of waste sites. More than 14 million Americans live within 1 mile of a National Priorities List site, of which 11% are 7 years of age or younger, 12% are 64 years of age or older, 24% are women of childbearing age, and 25% are minorities. The lack of adequate environmental sampling and information on human exposures often restricts ATSDR's evaluation and assessment activities. Assessing human exposure with its attendant health risks and outcomes is complex because many populations have a wide range of reported illnesses, and generally exposures are to mixtures of chemicals. This prompted ATSDR to consider mixtures issues more in depth and to establish a formal mixtures assessment and research program in 1994. In this paper, we present an overview of the agency activities, the genesis, legislative mandates, and pertinence of the mixtures program including applied research and the development of methods for evaluating the impact of multiple-chemical exposure. On the basis of 20-year experience of evaluating and researching environmental chemical mixtures at waste sites, ATSDR convened the International Conference on Chemical Mixtures (ICCM) in 2002. The conference was supported by several federal agencies and scientific organizations and attended by international and national experts. The conference addressed broad topics such as prevalence of exposures to chemical mixtures, importance of interactions at environmentally relevant levels, validity of assuming additivity (dose or response) as default for mixtures assessment, and promising avenues in the three broad areas, viz., research, assessment, and computational tools.

Interaction between halogenated aromatic compounds in the Ah receptor signal transduction pathway

Many toxic and biochemical responses to halogenated aromatic compounds (HACs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is an intracellular cytosolic target for HACs. Environmental exposure to HACs almost always involves complex mixtures of congeners, some of which can antagonize the action of potent HACs such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In this work we studied TCDD and representative PCB congeners, alone and in mixture, for their effect on CYP1A gene transcription and protein levels in primary rat hepatocytes. Together with our previous work, our results suggest that formation of the Ah receptor-ligand-DRE (dioxin response element) complex is the principal point of divergence in the mechanism between an AhR agonist and an AhR antagonist. The coplanar PCBs 77 and 126 and the mono-ortho PCB 156 were full agonists toward CYP1A1 gene transcription and CYP1A protein levels, showing typical additive behavior with TCDD to the target molecule AhR. In contrast, the nonplanar PCB 153 antagonized the action of TCDD, even at concentrations that occupied a significant fraction of AhR molecules. Competitive inhibition explains the commonly reported decrease of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity when PCBs are present in high concentrations and the antagonism of PCBs to the EROD activity of TCDD. The result is that Western blotting offers a much more reliable measure of CYP1A protein concentration than does the EROD assay, despite the greater convenience of the latter.

Implications of chemical mixtures in public health practice

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a federal public health agency that investigates and strives to prevent human health problems produced by exposure to toxic chemicals and their mixtures in the environment. Most human exposures involving toxic chemicals or mixtures are thought to originate from environmental and occupational sources; however, concurrent exposures are also likely from other sources, such as prescription and nonprescription drugs, indoor air pollutants, alcohol, and tobacco smoke. Thus, in evaluating the potential hazard following exposure to environmental mixtures, ATSDR not only considers the inherent joint toxicity of the mixture but also the influence of environmental, demographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors. To foster these goals, ATSDR has pursued a Mixtures Research and Assessment Program that consists of three component efforts: trend analysis, joint toxicity assessment, and experimental testing. Through trend analysis, ATSDR sets priorities for environmental mixtures of concern for which joint toxicity assessments are conducted as needed. If data are not available to conduct appropriate assessments, a research agenda is pursued through established extramural mechanisms. Ultimately, the data generated are used to support ATSDR's work at sites involving exposure to chemical mixtures. This pragmatic approach allows testable hypotheses or research needs to be identified and resolved and enhances our understanding of the mechanisms of joint toxicity. Several collaborative and cooperative efforts with national and international organizations such as the Toxicology and Nutrition Office, the Netherlands, and the Department of Energy are being pursued as part of these activities. ATSDR also develops guidance manuals to consistently and accurately apply current methodologies for the joint toxicity assessment of chemicals. Further, expert panels often are assembled to resolve outstanding scientific issues or obtain expert advice on pertinent issues. Recently, the need for studies on chemical mixtures has been proposed as one of the six priority areas the agency identified in its agenda for public health environmental research. This has been reinforced through the agency's close work with communities whose leaders have spoken passionately about their concern for information on exposures to chemical mixtures. The five other priority research areas the agency identified are exposure, susceptible populations, communities and tribal involvement, evaluation/surveillance of health effects, and health promotion/prevention.

Six interaction profiles for simple mixtures

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has a program for chemical mixtures that encompasses research on chemical mixtures toxicity, health risk assessment, and development of innovative computational methods. ATSDR prepared a guidance document that instructs users on how to conduct health risk assessment on chemical mixtures (Guidance Manual for the Assessment of Joint Toxic Action of Chemical Mixtures). ATSDR also developed six interaction profiles for chemical mixtures. Two profiles were developed for persistent environmental chemicals that are often found in contaminated fish and also can be detected in human breast milk. The mixture included chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, hexachlorobenzene, dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethane, methyl mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Two profiles each were developed for mixtures of metals and mixtures of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that are frequently found at hazardous waste sites. The two metal profiles dealt with (a) lead, manganese, zinc, and copper; and (b) arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead; the two VOCs mixtures dealt with (a) 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene; and (b) benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTEX). Weight-of-evidence methodology was used to assess the joint toxic action for most of the mixtures. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling was used for BTEX. In most cases, a target-organ toxicity dose modification of the hazard index approach is recommended for conducting exposure-based assessments of noncancer health hazards.

Antagonism of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent induction of CYP1A1 and inhibition of IgM expression by di-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls

Halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) are ubiquitous environment contaminants that produce many of their toxic effects by binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). However, several investigations have demonstrated that certain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, principally di-ortho-chlorinated PCB congeners, or mixtures containing multiple di-ortho-chlorinated PCBs, inhibit AhR-mediated responses induced by other toxic HAHs. Most relevant to the present study are past reports demonstrating antagonism by these uniquely acting PCB congeners on AhR agonist-mediated inhibition of humoral immune responses. The mechanism responsible for antagonism of AhR agonists by certain PCBs is presently unknown. The present study evaluated the antagonist activity of several di-ortho-substituted PCB congeners [PCB47 (2,2',4,4'), PCB52 (2,2',5,5'), PCB128 (2,2',3,3',4,4'), and PCB153 (2,2',4,4',5,5')] when present in combination with AhR agonists [TCDD (2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin), PCB126 (3,3',4,4',5), and PCB77 (3,3',4,4')] on CYP1A1 induction and inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunoglobulin production in the CH12.LX B cell line. In contrast to non-ortho-substituted PCB (PCB77), which showed additive effects on CYP1A1 induction in combination with TCDD, all of the di-ortho-substituted PCBs examined produced antagonism. Di-ortho-substituted PCB (PCB52) also antagonized TCDD- or PCB126- mediated inhibition of IgM secretion and immunoglobulin heavy chain mRNA expression in the LPS-activated B cells. In addition, PCB52 inhibited TCDD-induced AhR DNA binding to a dioxin-responsive element. Collectively, these results suggest that the mechanism responsible for antagonism by di-ortho-substituted PCB congeners of AhR agonist-mediated CYP1A1 induction and inhibition of antibody responses in B cells occurs through interference with agonist activation of the cytosolic AhR complex.

The mechanism of AH receptor protein down-regulation (degradation) and its impact on AH receptor-mediated gene regulation

The proteolytic degradation of transcription factors is an established mechanism of regulating signal transduction pathways. Recent reports have suggested that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) protein is rapidly downregulated (degraded) following ligand binding. The downregulation of AHR has been observed in nine distinct cells culture lines derived from human and rodent tissues and has also been observed in rodent models following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The downregulation of AHR appears to be ubiquitin mediated and occurs via the 26S proteasome pathway following nuclear export of AHR. The consequence of blocking AHR degradation in cell culture appears to be an increase in both the magnitude and duration of gene regulation by the AHR.ARNT complex. Thus, the physiological role of AHR degradation may be to modulate AHR-mediated gene regulation. This review provides analysis of the studies that have focused on the degradation of AHR in vivo and in vitro and the hypothesis that the downregulation of AHR is critical in the attenuation of AHR-mediated gene regulation.

Mixture effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rats

Concern of the toxic effects and bioaccumulation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment continues to be a focus of research in persistent organochlorine contaminants. Groups of five adult female S.D. rats were administered by gavage 0, 2.5, 25, 250 or 1000 ng TCDD/kg body weight/day or TCDD in combination with a mixture of PCB congeners (PCBs) at 2 or 20 microg/kg b.w./day for a period of 28 days. Growth suppression, increased absolute and relative liver weights, and decreased thymic weight were observed in either the 1000 ng TCDD group alone, or the groups receiving a mixture of 1000 ng TCDD + 2 microg PCBs. The TCDD induced increases in liver and thymic weights were not altered by co-administration with PCBs, however, growth suppression appeared to be more pronounced in the group receiving 1000 ng TCDD + 2 microg PCBs than with TCDD alone. Treatment with TCDD at 250 ng and 1000 ng/kg resulted in a significant increase in hepatic microsomal methoxy resorufin-O-demethylase and ethoxy resorufin-O-deethylase activities which were antagonized by co-administration with PCBs. Similarly, effects of 250 ng TCDD on serum cholesterol and liver UDP glucuronosyl transferase activity and ascorbic acid were significantly reduced by co-administration with 20 microg PCBs. Other biochemical effects elicited by treatment with 1000 ng TCDD, but not affected by co-administration with PCBs include the following: increased serum albumin, decreased liver vitamin A, and increased kidney vitamin A and liver microsomal glutathione-S-transferase activity. While decreased hemoglobin, platelet, packed cell volume and red cell indices were observed in TCDD treated rats, no interactive effects were seen. The above results indicate that the mixture effects of PCBs and TCDD may be additive or antagonistic depending on the dose level and endpoints measured. For the purpose of predicting mixture effects, knowledge of mechanisms of action and toxicokinetics is required.

Effects of contamination level of dioxins and related chemicals on thyroid hormone and immune response systems in patients with "Yusho"

Effects of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs) on thyroid hormone and immune response systems were examined in 16 Yusho patients at about 30 years after the outbreak of the Yusho accident. Their toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels in the blood were 27.8-1048.5 pg/g fat with the median level of 222.4 pg/g fat, which was about seven times higher than that of healthy Japanese people. Even at such high blood TEQ concentrations, they seemed not to affect the serum levels of thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), immunoglobulins (A, G and M), autoantibodies (antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid and lupus erythematosus (LE) factors), and lymphocyte subsets in the blood. However, positive rates of rheumatoid factor were considered to increase in higher blood TEQ groups. This investigation was done using rather small number of Yusho patients, so further large-scale investigations are needed to get more conclusive findings concerning their effects on thyroid hormone and immune response systems.

Polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures (Aroclors) inhibit LPS-induced murine splenocyte proliferation in vitro

The immune system is believed to be a sensitive indicator for adverse polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-induced health effects. Four commercial PCB mixtures (Aroclors) or six individual PCB congeners were evaluated for their effect on splenocyte viability and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced splenocyte proliferation in vitro in two strains of mice, C57B1/6 (high affinity aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) complex) and DBA/J (low affinity AhR complex). All four Aroclors, the selected individual noncoplanar congeners, or two tertiary mixtures containing one congener from each class significantly decreased the in vitro LPS-induced proliferation of murine splenocytes in either strain of mice without inducing a significant decrease in viability. In contrast, selected individual coplanar or mono-ortho-coplanar congeners did not inhibit splenocyte proliferation or viability at any concentration. These results suggest that mixtures of PCBs and/or congener class (specifically, noncoplanar congeners) may be more highly immunotoxic than individual planar and mono-ortho-coplanar congeners alone. Thus, this in vitro assay has revealed a more complex pattern of immunotoxicity of Aroclors versus individual congeners than has previously been reported or anticipated based on both in vivo derived immunotoxic data and standard comparisons to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). These results have important practical significance since mixtures of PCB congeners were used industrially and now contaminate the environment.

Induction of altered hepatic foci by a mixture of dioxin-like compounds with and without 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl in female Sprague-Dawley rats

The hepatic tumor-promoting activity of a mixture of polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) was studied in a medium term two-stage initiation/promotion bioassay in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The PHAH mixture contained 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 1, 2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD), 2,3,4,7, 8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126), 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118), 2,3,3',4,4', 5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 156), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) and covered >90% of the total toxic equivalents (TEQ) present in Baltic herring. To determine possible interactive effects of di-ortho-substituted PCBs, the PHAH mixture was tested with (PHAH+) and without (PHAH-) PCB 153. Rats were initiated by a diethylnitrosamine injection (30 mg/kg body wt i.p.) 24 h after a partial 23 hepatectomy. Six weeks after initiation, the PHAH mixtures were administered once a week by subcutaneous injections for 20 weeks. Treatment with the PHAH mixtures caused liver enlargement and an increased activity of the hepatic cytochrome P4501A1/2 and P4502B1/2. All PHAH exposure groups exhibited an increased occurrence of hepatic foci positive for the placental form of glutathione-S-transferase. In the PHAH-group dosed 1 microgram TEQ/kg body wt/week, the volume fraction of the liver occupied by foci was significantly lower compared to the TEQ equivalent dosed TCDD group (3.8 vs 8.7%). The volume fraction was significantly increased in the groups treated with 0.5, 1, or 2 micrograms TEQ/kg body wt/week of the PHAH+ mixture (4.5, 5.2, and 6.6%, respectively) compared to the corn oil group (2.0%), but to a lower extent than expected on basis of the TEQ doses. Overall, the TEQ-based administered dose overestimated the observed tumor-promoting effects of this PHAH mixture. The applicability of the toxic equivalency factor concept, the role of differences in toxicokinetic properties and interactive effects of PCB 153 on hepatic deposition of the dioxin-like congeners are discussed.

Environmental exposures that affect the endocrine system: public health implications

In recent years much attention has been focused on the potential for a wide range of xenobiotic chemicals to interact with and disrupt the endocrine systems of animal and human populations. An overview of the chemicals that have been implicated as endocrine disruptors is presented. The ubiquity in the environment and associated body burdens of these chemicals in human populations are described. Potential mechanisms of action are reviewed, including the role of specific intracellular receptors and their interactions with endogenous and exogenous materials. The subsequent upregulation or downregulation of physiological processes at critical stages of development is discussed. The potential for joint toxic action and interaction of chemical mixtures is also discussed. The acknowledged role of wildlife populations as sentinels of potential human health effects is reviewed, and the weight of evidence for the role and impact of endocrine disruptors is presented. The implications of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals for human health are reviewed, with special emphasis on the potential for transgenerational effects in at-risk populations. Recommendations for future research include the development of (1) structural activity and in vivo and in vitro functional toxicology methods to screen chemicals for their endocrine-disrupting ability, (2) biomarkers of exposure and effect, and (3) in situ sentinel systems.

Xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity: mechanisms of liver injury and methods of monitoring hepatic function

Xenobiotic-induced liver injury is a clinically important etiology of hepatic disease that, if not recognized, can lead to hepatic failure. In this article we discuss the mechanisms of xenobiotic-induced liver injury, various factors that can alter the risk and severity of injury, the clinical and laboratory manifestations of injury, and the methods used to detect the presence of injury and (or) functioning liver mass.

Species-specific antagonism of Ah receptor action by 2,2',5,5'-tetrachloro- and 2,2',3,3'4,4'-hexachlorobiphenyl

Using recombinant cell lines showing Ah receptor-controlled expression of a luciferase reporter gene, the interaction of di-ortho-substitute polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with Ah receptor agonists was studied. In the recombinant Hepa1c1c7 mouse hepatoma (H1L1.1c7) cells strong antagonistic interaction of 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB52) with luciferase expression induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77) was observed, and similarly, between 2,2',3,3',4,4'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB128) and PCB77. Accordingly, PCB52 was found to inhibit ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) induction by PCB77 in wild-type Hepa1c1c7 cells. In contrast, the antagonistic effect of PCB52 on TCDD-induced luciferase expression was only minor in recombinant guinea pig GPC16 colon adenocarcinoma (G16L1.1c8) and human HepG2 hepatoma (HG2L1.1c3) cells, and intermediate in recombinant H4IIE rat hepatoma (H4L1.1c4) cells. Gel retardation studies using a 32 P-labelled dioxin responsive element (DRE)-containing oligonucleotide, and ligand binding studies using [3H]TCDD, demonstrated that the species-specific antagonistic activity of PCB52 on Ah receptor-controlled luciferase expression is due to inhibition of Ah receptor ligand and DNA binding. We conclude, that Ah-mediated luciferase expression provides a useful tool to study the species specificity of Ah receptor (ant)agonists.

In vitro inhibition of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced activity by alpha-naphthoflavone and 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran using an aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-responsive construct

Rat hepatoma H4IIE and mouse hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid construct that contained the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter and one copy of the dioxin responsive element. Treatment of transfected H4IIE and Hepa 1c1c7 cells with 10(-13) to 10(-6) M 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in transient CAT activity. Maximum CAT activity was induced in both cell lines by exposure to 10(-9) M TCDD. The induction of CAT activity correlated well with the TCDD-induced, P4501A1-dependent ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity. Cotreatment of transfected cells with 10(-9) M TCDD and 10(-8) to 10(-6) M alpha-naphthoflavone (alpha NF) or 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of TCDD-induced CAT activity. Treatment of cells with 10(-6) M alpha NF or MCDF alone resulted in only minimal induction of CAT activity. Both antagonists inhibited the induction of genes under the control of the CYP1A1 and mouse mammary tumor virus promoters, which indicates that the alpha NF- and MCDF-mediated antagonism of TCDD-induced, aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent gene transcription does not depend on promoter context.

Halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) from the public health assessment perspective

The validity of the toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) approach to predicting toxicity of mixtures was investigated on the basis of the public health risk assessment that had been posted for different groups of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. First, the minimal risk levels (MRLs) were derived based on the databases available for chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs), chlorinated dibenzofurans (CDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The MRL values were then converted to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxicity equivalents (TEQs) and compared with each other. There was a good correlation between intermediate duration oral MRLs for TCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-pentaCDF when expressed in TEQs (7 pg/kg/day and 15 pg/kg/day). Although the studies that served for derivation of these MRLs used different species (guinea pigs and rats, respectively), the toxicity endpoints (immunological and hepatic for TCDD and hepatic for 2,3,4,7,8-pentaCDF) were comparable. The hepatic effects were measured by the same techniques (blood chemistry and histopathology), ensuring similar sensitivity. However, there was a discrepancy between acute oral MRLs for TCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-pentaCDF when they were expressed in TEQs (20 pg/kg/day and 500 pg/kg/day, respectively). The studies used for MRL derivation involved not only different species (mice and guinea pigs, respectively), the immunotoxicity endpoints were measured by techniques with different sensitivity (serum complement activity versus histopathology), making comparison difficult. Further calculations showed that the TEFs approach may be feasible for individual coplanar congeners of PCBs, but not for a mixture of Aroclors. Correlations presented here support the concept that the TEFs are valid only if specific criteria for their derivation are met (e.g., a broad database of information, consistency across endpoints, additivity for the effects, a common mechanism of action, etc.). In environmental exposure, the total toxicity of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons is not necessarily the sum of the total individual congener toxicities because individual congeners compete for the same receptor; therefore, nonadditive behavior may occur.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): environmental impact, biochemical and toxic responses, and implications for risk assessment

Commercial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and environmental extracts contain complex mixtures of congeners that can be unequivocally identified and quantitated. Some PCB mixtures elicit a spectrum of biochemical and toxic responses in humans and laboratory animals and many of these effects resemble those caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, which act through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor signal transduction pathway. Structure-activity relationships developed for PCB congeners and metabolites have demonstrated that several structural classes of compounds exhibit diverse biochemical and toxic responses. Structure-toxicity studies suggest that the coplanar PCBs, namely, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (tetraCB), 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB, and their monoortho analogs are Ah-receptor agonists and contribute significantly to the toxicity of the PCB mixtures. Previous studies with TCDD and structurally related compounds have utilized a toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach for the hazard and risk assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners in which the TCDD or toxic TEQ = sigma([PCDFi x TEFi]n)+sigma([PCDDi x TEFi]n) equivalent (TEQ) of a mixture is related to the TEFs and concentrations of the individual (i) congeners as indicated in the equation (note: n = the number of congeners). Based on the results of quantitative structure-activity studies, the following TEF values have been estimated by making use of the data available for the coplanar and monoortho coplanar PCBs: 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.1; 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB, 0.05; 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB, 0.01; 2,3,3',4,4'-pentaCB, 0.001; 2,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.0001; 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexaCB, 0.0003; 2,3,3',4,4',5'-hexaCB, 0.0003; 2',3,4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.00005; and 2,3,4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.0002. Application of the TEF approach for the risk assessment of PCBs must be used with considerable caution. Analysis of the results of laboratory animal and wildlife studies suggests that the predictive value of TEQs for PCBs may be both species- and response-dependent because both additive and nonadditive (antagonistic) interactions have been observed with PCB mixtures. In the latter case, the TEF approach would significantly overestimate the toxicity of a PCB mixture. Analysis of the rodent carcinogenicity data for Aroclor 1260 using the TEF approach suggests that this response is primarily Ah-receptor-independent. Thus, risk assessment of PCB mixtures that uses cancer as the endpoint cannot solely utilize a TEF approach and requires more quantitative information on the individual congeners contributing to the tumor-promoter activity of PCB mixtures.

The toxicokinetics and metabolism of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and their relevance for toxicity

This article reviews the present state of the art regarding the toxicokinetics and metabolism of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The absorption, body distribution, and metabolism can vary greatly between species and also may depend on the congener and dose. In biota, the 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs are almost exclusively retained in all tissue types, preferably liver and fat. This selective tissue retention and bioaccumulation are caused by a reduced rate of biotransformation and subsequent elimination of congeners with chlorine substitution at the 2,3,7, and 8 positions. 2,3,7,8-Substituted PCDDs and PCDFs also have the greatest toxic and biological activity and affinity for the cytosolic arylhydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor protein. The parent compound is the causal agent for Ah-receptor-mediated toxic and biological effects, with metabolism and subsequent elimination of 2,3,7,8- substituted congeners representing a detoxification process. Congener-specific affinity of PCDDs and PCDFs for the Ah-receptor, the genetic events following receptor binding, and toxicokinetics are factors that contribute to the relative in vivo potency of an individual PCDD or PCDF in a given species. Limited human data indicate that marked species differences exist in the toxicokinetics of these compounds. Thus, human risk assessment for PCDDs and PCDFs needs to consider species-, congener-, and dose-specific toxicokinetic data. In addition, exposure to complex mixtures, including PCBs, has the potential to alter the toxicokinetics of individual compounds. These alterations in toxicokinetics may be involved in some of the nonadditive toxic or biological effects that are observed after exposure to mixtures of PCDDs or PCDFs with PCBs.

Liver accumulation of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-[3H]dibenzofuran in mice: modulation by treatments with polychlorinated biphenyls

The distribution of 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-[3H]dibenzofuran ([3H]TCDF; 40 micrograms/kg) resembled that earlier reported for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, with a strong accumulation in the liver and a selective uptake in the nasal olfactory mucosa of adult and fetal mice. Pretreatments with a series of selected congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), i.e.. I (IUPAC)-77, I-105, I-118, I-126, I-153, I-156, I-169, and a commercial preparation, Aroclor 1254 (25-100 mg/kg body wt. i.p.), were found to modulate the hepatic uptake of [3H]TCDF (24 h post-3H-injection). At a short pretreatment time (4 h), non-ortho-chlorinated congeners decreased the uptake of [3H]TCDF equivalents in the liver (e.g., I-126 = 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl: 34% of control), while several mono- and di-ortho PCB congeners and Aroclor 1254 increased the hepatic uptake of [3H]TCDF (e.g., I-156 = 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexachlorobiphenyl: 183% of control). At a longer pretreatment time (48 h), both a non-ortho (I-169 = 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl) and mono-ortho PCB congener(s) (e.g. I-156) markedly increased the hepatic 3H-uptake (190%), a probable effect of an induction of hepatic binding sites for TCDF. Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities, regarded to mirror the metabolic activity of cytochrome P-450 IA1 (CYP IA1), were strongly and time-dependently induced after I-169, but not after I-156, pretreatment (25 mg/kg). The initial liver concentrations of the two PCB congeners were similar and increased for I-169 but not for I-156 at later time points. In conclusion, the results show a selective uptake of [3H]TCDF in the mouse liver and nasal olfactory mucosa of both dam and fetus. The uptake of [3H]TCDF in the liver is influenced both by dose and pre-exposure with PCBs. The presence of a PCB-sensitive, but CYP IA1-independent, hepatic binding site for TCDF is suggested. Consequently, pharmacokinetic interactions with PCBs complicate the toxicity assessment of TCDF in complex mixtures.

Development of bioassays and approaches for the risk assessment of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) are industrial compounds or by-products that have been identified as contaminants in almost every component of the global ecosystem. 2,3,7,8- Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most toxic HAH, and studies in rodents have shown that this compound is a carcinogen. Analysis of environmental samples for HAHs has shown that these extracts contain complex mixtures of isomers and congeners, and this greatly complicates risk assessment due to the paucity of data available for most of the individual compounds. Extensive research has demonstrated a common receptor-mediated mechanism of action for TCDD and related toxic HAHs, and this has led to the development of a mechanism-based risk assessment approach for HAHs. Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs; relative potency compared to TCDD) have been developed for selected HAH congeners, and the TEF values can be used to determine "toxic equivalents" (TEQs) for HAH mixtures. In addition, several bioassays that use receptor-mediated end points have been developed and can be used directly to determine the TEQs for HAH mixtures. The applications of the TEF/TEQ approach for the risk assessment of HAHs are considerable, particularly with the conversion of complex analytical data into TEQs. However, there appear to be several limitations to this approach, particularly with PCBs because their potential nonadditive (antagonistic), interactive effects with "2,3,7,8-TCDD-like" compounds may invalidate the use of the risk assessment procedure for some environmental matrices.

Mechanism of action of aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonists: inhibition of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced CYP1A1 gene expression

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces CYP1A1 gene expression as determined by increased CYP1A1 mRNA levels and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in mouse Hepa 1c1c7, rat hepatoma H-4II E and human Hep G2 cancer cell lines. In contrast, treatment of these cell lines with either alpha-naphthoflavone (alpha NF) or 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) at concentrations as high as 10(-6) M resulted in only minimal induction of CYP1A1 mRNA levels or EROD activity. Cotreatment of the cells with 10(-9) M TCDD plus different concentrations (10(-8)-10(-6) M) of MCDF or alpha NF resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in TCDD-induced CYP1A1 mRNA levels and EROD activity in the three cell lines. Moreover, using 10(-9) M [3H]TCDD, it was shown that the alpha NF- and MCDF-mediated antagonism of TCDD-induced CYP1A1 gene expression was paralleled by a decrease in levels of the nuclear [3H]TCDD-Ah receptor complex as determined by velocity sedimentation analysis of the nuclear extracts. The binding of nuclear extracts from the treated cells to a synthetic consensus dioxin responsive element (DRE) (a 26-mer) was determined by gel retardation studies using 32P-DRE. In cells treated with 10(-9) M TCDD or TCDD plus 10(-8)-10(-6) M alpha NF, the concentration-dependent decrease in TCDD-induced CYP1A1 gene expression by alpha NF was also paralleled by decreased levels of a retarded band associated with the nuclear Ah receptor-DRE complex. In contrast, the results of the gel shift assay of nuclear extracts treated with 10(-9) M TCDD or TCDD plus 10(-8)-10(-6) M MCDF indicated that there were relatively high levels of nuclear MCDF-Ah receptor complex in the cells co-treated with TCDD plus the antagonist but this was not accompanied by induced CYP1A1 gene expression. The results suggest that alpha NF and possibly MCDF compete with TCDD for cytosolic Ah receptor binding sites; however, MCDF may also inhibit the induction response by competing for and/or partially inactivating genomic binding sites.

The interactions of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran in chick embryo hepatocytes

Treatment of chick embryo hepatocytes in ovo and in culture with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) resulted in a dose-dependent induction of microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities. Significant induction was observed in the hepatocytes at TCDD doses as low as 10(-11) mol/egg (in ovo) and 10(-10)m (in culture). In contrast, 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) was a relatively weak inducer of these activities and only 10-20% of the induction responses observed for TCDD were elicited by MCDF at doses of 10(-6) mol/egg or 10(-7)m in culture. Co-treatment of the chick embryo hepatocytes with TCDD (10(-10) mol/egg in ovo; 10(-10)m in culture) and different concentrations of MCDF (10(-6) to 10(-8) mol/egg in ovo and 10(-7) and 10(-8)m in culture) resulted in minimal inhibition of TCDD-induced enzyme activities in ovo and a 37 to 50% inhibition in culture. The partial antagonist activity of MCDF in the chick embryo hepatocytes in culture paralleled the interactive effects previously reported in rodent liver and transformed rodent cell lines. TCDD (10(-7) to 10(-10)m) also caused an accumulation of hepta- and octacarboxyporphyrins in chick embryo hepatocytes (10(-7) to 10(-9)m); however, MCDF (10(-6) and 10(-5)m) elicited similar responses and MCDF did not significantly decrease the TCDD-induced porphyrogenic response in these cells. These results suggest that chick embryo hepatocytes in culture will serve as a useful model for investigating TCDD-induced gene transcription and the effects and mechanism of action of antagonists.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment

This review surveys the problems arising from the release of PCBs into the environment from the point of view of the analytical chemist. These problems are very complex and interdependent and so it is essential to recognize their mutual links rather than to separate one problem from another (sources of contamination, fate in the environment, toxic properties and particular capabilities, limitations and purposes of analytical methods). Prominent attention should be paid in the future to congener-specific analyses of "toxic" congeners using high-resolution gas chromatography and to toxicity-assessing biological methods.

Epidemiology of Great Lakes bald eagles

Historical data are provided to support the hypothesis that organochlorine chemicals introduced into the Great Lakes ecosystem following World War II are the cause of reproductive loss among bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the basin. This is supported with data on concurrent population fluxes of extrabasin North American bald eagle populations and the European white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicillus) where the same chemicals were produced and released. Organochlorine chemicals appear as a unique stress on Great Lakes bald eagle populations when compared with stresses on successful populations of bald eagles continentwide. Shoreline birds bear significantly higher concentrations of these persistent toxics than inland birds. Association between contaminated prey and elevated concentrations of PCBs, DDT, and DDE in Great Lakes bald eagles are presented. A fledging ratio is used to support the hypothesis that maternal prezygotic exposure affects the viability of embryos and chicks. The ratio of the mean number of fledglings per successful territory to the mean number of fledglings per active territory, when the numerator is greater than 1.4, provides an index of exposure to contaminants by parental animals and affected offspring. When the ratio is greater than 2, parental exposure to organochlorine chemicals should be considered. The adverse effects of prezygotic exposure to the same contaminants in other animal species dependent upon Great Lakes fish, and extrabasin bald eagle populations dependent upon contaminated fish, provide consistency to the argument. The mechanism of action of the organochlorine chemicals further strengthens the causal argument indicting DDT, DDE, and PCBs. A strong association between DDT/DDE and bald eagle reproductive success is provided. However, the role of PCBs is not ruled out. Only data for total PCB concentrations in bald eagle tissue are available, and until specific PCB congeners are quantified there will be uncertainty concerning PCB's role in the Great Lakes bald eagle's lack of success.

Comparison of effects of Aroclors 1016 and 1260 on non-human primate catecholamine function

Adult male non-human primates, Macaca nemestrina, were orally-exposed to corn oil or corn oil containing either Aroclor 1016 or 1260 at doses of 0.8, 1.6 or 3.2 mg/(kg.day) for 20 weeks. Brain concentrations of biogenic amines and individual PCB congeners were determined following exposure. Aroclor 1016 significantly decreased concentrations of dopamine and its metabolites in the caudate, putamen, substantia nigra and hypothalamus but did not alter neurotransmitter or metabolite concentrations in the globus pallidus and hippocampus. Total PCB concentrations ranged from 1 to 5 ppm with only three congeners detected (2,4,4'; 2,4,2',4' and 2,5,2',5') making up, on average, 72%, 18% and 7% respectively of the total residue in brain. There were no discernible differences in the congener make-up between brain regions. Aroclor 1260 reduced dopamine concentrations in the caudate, putamen and hypothalamus but produced no effects in the substantia nigra, globus pallidus or hippocampus. Aroclor 1260 concentrations ranged from 18 to 28 ppm with the highest levels found in the hippocampus. Of the congeners that made up more than 5% of the total residue in brain, all were hexa- and heptachlorinated di-ortho-substituted congeners. There were no discernible differences in congener make-up between brain regions. We conclude that: (1) ortho-substituted non-planar congeners are responsible for the observed changes in neurochemical function; (2) both Aroclor 1016 and Aroclor 1260 decrease dopamine concentrations by similar mechanisms; and (3) based on differences in brain concentrations of Aroclor 1260 congeners compared to Aroclor 1016 congeners, lightly-chlorinated congeners are more effective in reducing central dopamine concentrations than are the more highly chlorinated congeners.

Mechanism of action of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin antagonists: characterization of 6-[125I]methyl-8-iodo-1,3-dichlorodibenzofuran-Ah receptor complexes

6-Methyl-8-iodo-1,3,-dichlorodibenzofuran (I-MCDF) and its radiolabeled analog [125I]MCDF have been synthesized and used to investigate the mechanism of action of 1,3,6,8-substituted dibenzofurans as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) antagonists. Like 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF), I-MCDF partially antagonized the induction by TCDD of microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities in rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells and male Long-Evans rat liver. Incubation of rat liver cytosol with [125I]MCDF followed by velocity sedimentation analysis on sucrose gradients gave a specifically bound peak which sedimented at 9.6 S. This radioactive peak was displaced by coincubation with a 200-fold excess of unlabeled I-MCDF, 6-methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and benzo [a]pyrene. Based on the velocity sedimentation results and the elution profile from a Sephacryl S-300 gel permeation column, the Stokes radius and apparent molecular weights of the cytosolic [125I]MCDF-Ah receptor complex were 6.5 nm and 259,200, respectively. In addition, the nuclear [125I]MCDF-receptor complex eluted at a salt concentration of 0.29 M KCl from a DNA-Sepharose column. Velocity sediment analysis of the nuclear [125I]MCDF-Ah receptor complex from rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells gave a specifically bound peak at 5.6 +/- 0.8 S. All of these properties were similar to those observed using [3H]TCDD as the radioligand. In addition, there were several ligand-dependent differences observed in the properties of the I-MCDF and TCDD receptor complexes; for example, the [125I]MCDF rat cytosolic receptor complex was unstable in high salt buffer and was poorly transformed into a form with increased binding affinity on DNA-Sepharose columns; Scatchard plot analysis of the saturation binding of [3H]TCDD and [125I]MCDF with rat hepatic cytosol gave KD values of 1.07 and 0.13 nM and Bmax values of 137 and 2.05 fmol/mg protein, respectively. The nuclear extract from rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells treated with I-MCDF or TCDD interacted with a dioxin-responsive element in a gel retardation assay. These results suggest that the mechanism of antagonism may be associated with competition of the antagonist receptor complex for nuclear binding sites.

Short-term effects of the tumor promoting polychlorinated biphenyl mixture, Aroclor 1254, on I-compounds in liver, kidney and lung DNA of male Sprague-Dawley rats

The effects of a tumor promoting polychlorinated biphenyl mixture, Aroclor 1254, on I-compounds (tissue, species and sex dependent DNA modifications that increase with age in untreated rodents) were studied by 32P-postlabeling in male Sprague-Dawley rat liver, kidney, and lung DNA. Aroclor 1254 was dissolved in corn oil and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected (2 x 500 mg/kg, 2 weeks apart) into 3-month-old rats. Control rats were given corn oil. Groups of 3 animals were sacrificed at 2 and 6 weeks after the second injection of corn oil or Aroclor 1254. At both time points Aroclor 1254-treated rats had significantly lower body weights and higher liver weights while kidney and lung weights were unaffected. Thymidine incorporation into liver and lung DNA was significantly increased at both time points, while kidney DNA showed a small decrease at 2 weeks. Treatment resulted in significant reductions (ranging from 29 to 100%) of each of nine liver I-spots at 2 and 6 weeks. In treated rats there was no decrease in kidney I-spots at 2 weeks, while the levels of only two out of ten kidney spots were reduced by 42-91% at 6 weeks. At 2 weeks three out of seven and at 6 weeks four out of seven lung I-spots were lowered by 51-100% in the Aroclor 1254-treated rats. Thus the effects decreased in the order liver greater than lung greater than kidney. Since Aroclor 1254 has been reported to be a tumor promoter in liver and lung but not kidney, these results suggest a correlation between organ specific promotion of carcinogenesis by Aroclor 1254 and the reduction of DNA I-compounds.

The mechanism of action of alpha-naphthoflavone as an inhibitor of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced CYP1A1 gene expression

Treatment of rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells with alpha-naphthoflavone (alpha NF) (10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6)M) resulted in only minimum induction of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity and cytochrome P4501A1 mRNA levels only at 10(-6)M. In contrast, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) caused maximum or near maximum induction responses at 10(-8) and 10(-9)M. In a time-course study with TCDD (10(-9)M), and TCDD plus alpha NF (cotreated), alpha NF significantly inhibited the induction of EROD activity and cytochrome P4501A1 mRNA levels by TCDD for 6-24 h after initial exposure of the cells to the chemicals. In addition, treatment of the cells with 10(-9)M TCDD in the presence or absence of 10(-8), 10(-7), and 10(-9)M alpha NF showed that the latter compound inhibited the induction effects by TCDD in a concentration-dependent manner and these inhibitory effects could be overcome, in part, by a higher concentration of TCDD (10(-8)M). Treatment of the rat hepatoma H-4-II E cells with [3H]TCDD showed that within 60 min, there was an initial rapid increase in nuclear [3H]TCDD receptor complex levels (38 fmol/mg protein) which decreased to less than 10 fmol/mg protein within 4 h and remained relatively constant for up to 24 h. However, in cells treated with [3H]TCDD (10(-9)M) plus alpha NF (10(-6)M) the levels of the nuclear [3H]TCDD receptor complex were less than 5 fmol/mg protein throughout the 24-h time course. These data, coupled with the results which indicate that the alpha NF competitively inhibits the binding of [3H]-TCDD to the cytosolic aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor, suggest that alpha NF inhibits the TCDD-mediated induction of CYP1A1 gene transcription and translation by direct competition for cytosolic Ah receptor binding sites.

Influence of the Ah locus on the humoral immunotoxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin: evidence for Ah-receptor-dependent and Ah-receptor-independent mechanisms of immunosuppression

There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the role of the Ah locus in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) immunotoxicity. The present studies have utilized two congenic strains of C57Bl/6 mice that differ only at this locus to assess its influence on TCDD-induced suppression of antibody responses. Mice were given a single oral dose of TCDD 2 days prior to challenge with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) or trinitrophenyl-lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS). The subsequent dose-dependent effects of TCDD on the amount of antibody produced by splenic plasma cells were measured using the hemolytic antibody isotope release assay. In addition, the relative importance of the Ah genotype of lymphoid versus nonlymphoid tissue was examined in adoptive transfer experiments. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity was significantly induced in Ahbb mice by a dose of 0.5 micrograms/kg TCDD and maximally induced by a dose of 2 micrograms/kg. Ahdd mice required 10-fold higher doses of TCDD to induce comparable levels of AHH. The degree of thymic involution and liver hypertrophy induced by TCDD was also influenced by the Ah genotype of the animals. Both Ahbb and Ahdd mice exhibited dose-dependent suppression of the anti-TNP response following TCDD exposure. The ID50 was 7.0 micrograms/kg in Ahbb mice and 30.8 micrograms/kg in Ahdd mice. Suppression of the antibody response to SRBC was also dependent on the Ah locus. The ID50 in Ahbb mice was 0.6 micrograms/kg TCDD. However, an apparent biphasic dose response for suppression of the anti-SRBC response in Ahdd mice suggested the involvement of an Ah-independent component of suppression as well. In adoptive transfer studies, lymphocytes were identified as an Ah-dependent component of the response. The Ah-independent component of the response was not identified, and could be either lymphoid or nonlymphoid in nature. The possibility that T helper cells represent the Ah-independent component is discussed.