1
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Abugazleh MK, Ali HM, Chester JA, Al-Fa'ouri AM, Bouldin JL. Aquatic toxicity of hydroquinone and catechol following metal oxide treatment to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023:10.1007/s10646-023-02672-5. [PMID: 37306764 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02672-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metal oxides comprise a large group of chemicals used in water treatment to adsorb organic pollutants. The ability of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) to reduce the chronic toxicity of (phenolic) C6H6(OH)2 isomers, namely hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CAT) to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas (less than 24 h-old) were investigated. The toxic endpoints following metal oxide treatment were compared to endpoints of untreated CAT and HQ. In chronic toxicity testing, HQ resulted in greater toxicity than CAT for both test organisms; the median lethal concentrations (LC50) for CAT were 3.66 to 12.36 mg.L-1 for C. dubia and P. promelas, respectively, while LC50 for HQ were 0.07 to 0.05 mg.L-1, respectively. Although both treated solutions presented lower toxic endpoints than those in the untreated solutions, Fe2O3 had a better potential to reduce the toxic effects of CAT and HQ than TiO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Kotaiba Abugazleh
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA.
| | - Hashim M Ali
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA
| | - Jae A Chester
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Bouldin
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA
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2
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Villeneuve DL, Blackwell BR, Blanksma CA, Cavallin JE, Cheng WY, Conolly RB, Conrow K, Feifarek DJ, Heinis LJ, Jensen KM, Kahl MD, Milsk RY, Poole ST, Randolph EC, Saari TW, Watanabe KH, Ankley GT. Case Study in 21st-Century Ecotoxicology: Using In Vitro Aromatase Inhibition Data to Predict Reproductive Outcomes in Fish In Vivo. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:100-116. [PMID: 36282016 PMCID: PMC10782516 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To reduce the use of intact animals for chemical safety testing, while ensuring protection of ecosystems and human health, there is a demand for new approach methodologies (NAMs) that provide relevant scientific information at a quality equivalent to or better than traditional approaches. The present case study examined whether bioactivity and associated potency measured in an in vitro screening assay for aromatase inhibition could be used together with an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) and mechanistically based computational models to predict previously uncharacterized in vivo effects. Model simulations were used to inform designs of 60-h and 10-21-day in vivo exposures of adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to three or four test concentrations of the in vitro aromatase inhibitor imazalil ranging from 0.12 to 260 µg/L water. Consistent with an AOP linking aromatase inhibition to reproductive impairment in fish, exposure to the fungicide resulted in significant reductions in ex vivo production of 17β-estradiol (E2) by ovary tissue (≥165 µg imazalil/L), plasma E2 concentrations (≥74 µg imazalil/L), vitellogenin (Vtg) messenger RNA expression (≥165 µg imazalil/L), Vtg plasma concentrations (≥74 µg imazalil/L), uptake of Vtg into oocytes (≥260 µg imazalil/L), and overall reproductive output in terms of cumulative fecundity, number of spawning events, and eggs per spawning event (≥24 µg imazalil/L). Despite many potential sources of uncertainty in potency and efficacy estimates based on model simulations, observed magnitudes of apical effects were quite consistent with model predictions, and in vivo potency was within an order of magnitude of that predicted based on in vitro relative potency. Overall, our study suggests that NAMs and AOP-based approaches can support meaningful reduction and refinement of animal testing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:100-116. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Villeneuve
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Brett R. Blackwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | | | - Jenna E. Cavallin
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Wan-Yun Cheng
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rory B. Conolly
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kendra Conrow
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306-4908
| | - David J. Feifarek
- Student Services Contractor, US EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Larry J. Heinis
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jensen
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Michael D. Kahl
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. Milsk
- ORISE Participant, US EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Shane T. Poole
- Student Services Contractor, US EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Eric C. Randolph
- ORISE Participant, US EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Travis W. Saari
- Student Services Contractor, US EPA Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Karen H. Watanabe
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306-4908
| | - Gerald T. Ankley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
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3
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Villeneuve DL, Blackwell BR, Cavallin JE, Cheng WY, Feifarek DJ, Jensen KM, Kahl MW, Milsk RY, Poole ST, Randolph EC, Saari TW, Ankley GT. Case Study in 21st Century Ecotoxicology: Using In Vitro Aromatase Inhibition Data to Predict Short-Term In Vivo Responses in Adult Female Fish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1155-1170. [PMID: 33332681 PMCID: PMC8127875 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated whether in vitro measures of aromatase inhibition as inputs into a quantitative adverse outcome pathway (qAOP) construct could effectively predict in vivo effects on 17β-estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in female fathead minnows. Five chemicals identified as aromatase inhibitors in mammalian-based ToxCast assays were screened for their ability to inhibit fathead minnow aromatase in vitro. Female fathead minnows were then exposed to 3 of those chemicals: letrozole, epoxiconazole, and imazalil in concentration-response (5 concentrations plus control) for 24 h. Consistent with AOP-based expectations, all 3 chemicals caused significant reductions in plasma E2 and hepatic VTG transcription. Characteristic compensatory upregulation of aromatase and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) transcripts in the ovary were observed for letrozole but not for the other 2 compounds. Considering the overall patterns of concentration-response and temporal concordance among endpoints, data from the in vivo experiments strengthen confidence in the qualitative relationships outlined by the AOP. Quantitatively, the qAOP model provided predictions that fell within the standard error of measured data for letrozole but not for imazalil and epoxiconazole. However, the inclusion of measured plasma concentrations of the test chemicals as inputs improved model predictions, with all predictions falling within the range of measured values. Results highlight both the utility and limitations of the qAOP and its potential use in 21st century ecotoxicology. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1155-1170. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Villeneuve
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
- Address Correspondence to
| | - Brett R. Blackwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Jenna E. Cavallin
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Wan-Yun Cheng
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David J. Feifarek
- Student Services Contractor, US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jensen
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Michael W. Kahl
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. Milsk
- ORISE Participant, US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Shane T. Poole
- Student Services Contractor, US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Eric C. Randolph
- ORISE Participant, US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Travis W. Saari
- Student Services Contractor, US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Gerald T. Ankley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
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Wheeler JR, Gao Z, Lagadic L, Salinas ER, Weltje L, Burden N. Hormone data collection in support of endocrine disruption (ED) assessment for aquatic vertebrates: Pragmatic and animal welfare considerations. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106287. [PMID: 33276311 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James R Wheeler
- Shell International B.V., Shell Health, Carel van Bylandtlaan 16, 2596 HR The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Zhenglei Gao
- Bayer AG Research and Development, Crop Science, Environmental Safety, Environmental Effects, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Laurent Lagadic
- Bayer AG Research and Development, Crop Science, Environmental Safety, Environmental Effects, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Edward R Salinas
- BASF SE, Agricultural Solutions - Ecotoxicology, Speyerer Strasse 2, 67117 Limburgerhof, Germany.
| | - Lennart Weltje
- BASF SE, Agricultural Solutions - Ecotoxicology, Speyerer Strasse 2, 67117 Limburgerhof, Germany.
| | - Natalie Burden
- NC3Rs, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, UK.
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5
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Parrott JL, Pacepavicius G, Shires K, Clarence S, Khan H, Gardiner M, Sullivan C, Alaee M. Fathead minnow exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of metformin for one life cycle show no adverse effects. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a glucose-lowering drug taken for diabetes. It is excreted by humans in urine and detected in municipal wastewater effluents and rivers. Fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas) were exposed over a life cycle to measured concentrations of metformin: 3.0, 31, and 322 μg/L. No significant changes were observed in survival, maturation, growth, condition factor, or liver size. Relative ovary size of females exposed to 322 μg/L metformin was significantly larger than controls. There was no induction of vitellogenin in plasma of minnows, and gonad maturation was not statistically different from controls. The start of breeding was delayed by 9–10 d in the mid- and high metformin treatments (statistically significant only in the mid-concentration), but numbers and quality of eggs were not statistically different from controls. There were no effects of metformin on survival or growth of offspring. Exposure to metformin at environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e., 3.0 and 31 μg/L metformin) caused no adverse effects in fathead minnows exposed for a life cycle, with the exception of a delay in time to first breeding (that did not impact overall egg production). The results of the study are important to help understand whether metformin concentrations in rivers and lakes can harm fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L. Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Grazina Pacepavicius
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Kallie Shires
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Stacey Clarence
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Hufsa Khan
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Madelaine Gardiner
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Cheryl Sullivan
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mehran Alaee
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
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6
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Wheeler JR, Segner H, Weltje L, Hutchinson TH. Interpretation of sexual secondary characteristics (SSCs) in regulatory testing for endocrine activity in fish. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 240:124943. [PMID: 31574443 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Secondary sexual characteristics (SSCs) are important features that have evolved in many fish species because of inter-individual competition for mates. SSCs are crucial not only for sexual selection, but also for other components of the reproductive process and parental care. Externally, they are especially clear in males (for instance, tubercles, fatpad, anal finnage, colouration) but are also externally present in the females (for instance, ovipositor). These characters are under hormonal control and as such there has been much interest in incorporating them as measures in fish test methods to assess the potential endocrine activity of chemicals. Here we describe the external SSCs in typical laboratory test species for endocrine testing - fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.). We also provide some examples and discuss the utility of SSC responses to the endocrine activity of chemicals in the field and the laboratory. This paper is not aimed to provide a comprehensive review of SSCs in fish but presents a view on the assessment of SSCs in regulatory testing. Due to the current regulatory importance of establishing an endocrine mode-of-action for chemicals, we also consider other, non-endocrine factors that may lead to SSC responses in fish. We conclude with recommendations for how the assessment of SSCs in fish could be usefully incorporated into the endocrine hazard and risk assessment of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Wheeler
- Shell Health, Shell International B.V., Carel van Bylandtlaan 16, 2596, HR, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Laenggass-Strasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lennart Weltje
- BASF SE, Agricultural Solutions - Ecotoxicology, Speyerer Strasse 2, 67117, Limburgerhof, Germany.
| | - Thomas H Hutchinson
- Plymouth University, School of Life Sciences, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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7
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Doering JA, Villeneuve DL, Poole ST, Blackwell BR, Jensen KM, Kahl MD, Kittelson AR, Feifarek DJ, Tilton CB, LaLone CA, Ankley GT. Quantitative Response-Response Relationships Linking Aromatase Inhibition to Decreased Fecundity are Conserved Across Three Fishes with Asynchronous Oocyte Development. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10470-10478. [PMID: 31386814 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative adverse outcome pathways (qAOPs) describe quantitative response-response relationships that can predict the probability or severity of an adverse outcome for a given magnitude of chemical interaction with a molecular initiating event. However, the taxonomic domain of applicability for these predictions is largely untested. The present study began defining this applicability for a previously described qAOP for aromatase inhibition leading to decreased fecundity developed using data from fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). This qAOP includes quantitative response-response relationships describing plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) as a function of plasma fadrozole, plasma vitellogenin (VTG) as a function of plasma E2, and fecundity as a function of plasma VTG. These quantitative response-response relationships simulated plasma E2, plasma VTG, and fecundity measured in female zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to fadrozole for 21 days but not these responses measured in female Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). However, Japanese medaka had different basal levels of plasma E2, plasma VTG, and fecundity. Normalizing basal levels of each measurement to equal those of female fathead minnow enabled the relationships to accurately simulate plasma E2, plasma VTG, and fecundity measured in female Japanese medaka. This suggests that these quantitative response-response relationships are conserved across these three fishes when considering relative change rather than absolute measurements. The present study represents an early step toward defining the appropriate taxonomic domain of applicability and extending the regulatory applications of this qAOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon A Doering
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
- National Research Council , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Shane T Poole
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Kathleen M Jensen
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Michael D Kahl
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Ashley R Kittelson
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - David J Feifarek
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Charlene B Tilton
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Carlie A LaLone
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
| | - Gerald T Ankley
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Duluth , Minnesota 55804 United States
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8
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Miller JL, Sherry J, Parrott J, Quinn JS. An evaluation of germline mutations and reproductive impacts in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) exposed to contaminated sediment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 161:594-601. [PMID: 29929136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have become ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. Some PAHs are mutagenic, potentially causing germline mutations in fish that inhabit PAH contaminated waters. We evaluated the effect of exposure to sediment-borne PAHs on reproduction and germline mutation rates in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Exposure to the contaminated sediment had no significant impact on the reproductive endpoints measured in this study. Germline mutations rates at three microsatellite DNA loci were 1.69 × 10-3 in fish exposed to PAH-contaminated sediment and 0.55 × 10-3 in control fish, with zero mutations being observed in fish exposed to sediment from a reference site. While the difference in mutation rates between treatments was not statistically significant for the sample size used (15-19 families per treatment), the observed mutations rates enabled us to estimate the sample size required to detect a significant effect. To our knowledge, this is the first report of germline mutation rates in fathead minnow exposed to an environmental contaminant, providing baseline data for use in the design of future experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Miller
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1; Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON, Canada L7S 1A1.
| | - Jim Sherry
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON, Canada L7S 1A1
| | - Joanne Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON, Canada L7S 1A1
| | - James S Quinn
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8S 4K1
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9
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Bell SM, Chang X, Wambaugh JF, Allen DG, Bartels M, Brouwer KLR, Casey WM, Choksi N, Ferguson SS, Fraczkiewicz G, Jarabek AM, Ke A, Lumen A, Lynn SG, Paini A, Price PS, Ring C, Simon TW, Sipes NS, Sprankle CS, Strickland J, Troutman J, Wetmore BA, Kleinstreuer NC. In vitro to in vivo extrapolation for high throughput prioritization and decision making. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 47:213-227. [PMID: 29203341 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In vitro chemical safety testing methods offer the potential for efficient and economical tools to provide relevant assessments of human health risk. To realize this potential, methods are needed to relate in vitro effects to in vivo responses, i.e., in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE). Currently available IVIVE approaches need to be refined before they can be utilized for regulatory decision-making. To explore the capabilities and limitations of IVIVE within this context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development and the National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods co-organized a workshop and webinar series. Here, we integrate content from the webinars and workshop to discuss activities and resources that would promote inclusion of IVIVE in regulatory decision-making. We discuss properties of models that successfully generate predictions of in vivo doses from effective in vitro concentration, including the experimental systems that provide input parameters for these models, areas of success, and areas for improvement to reduce model uncertainty. Finally, we provide case studies on the uses of IVIVE in safety assessments, which highlight the respective differences, information requirements, and outcomes across various approaches when applied for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Bell
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Xiaoqing Chang
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - John F Wambaugh
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - David G Allen
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | | | - Kim L R Brouwer
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7569, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Warren M Casey
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Neepa Choksi
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Stephen S Ferguson
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | | | - Annie M Jarabek
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Alice Ke
- Simcyp Limited (a Certara company), John Street, Sheffield, S2 4SU, United Kingdom.
| | - Annie Lumen
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
| | - Scott G Lynn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
| | - Alicia Paini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Chemical Safety and Alternative Methods Unit incorporating EURL ECVAM, Via E. Fermi 2749, Ispra, Varese 20127, Italy.
| | - Paul S Price
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Caroline Ring
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Ted W Simon
- Ted Simon LLC, 4184 Johnston Road, Winston, GA 30187, USA.
| | - Nisha S Sipes
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Catherine S Sprankle
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Judy Strickland
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - John Troutman
- Central Product Safety, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA.
| | - Barbara A Wetmore
- ScitoVation LLC, 6 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Nicole C Kleinstreuer
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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10
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Ivanova J, Zhang S, Wang RL, Schoenfuss HL. Social hierarchy modulates responses of fish exposed to contaminants of emerging concern. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186807. [PMID: 29049393 PMCID: PMC5648243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many organisms, including the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), a toxicological model organism, establish social hierarchies. The social rank of each male in a population is under the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis mainly through regulation of circulating androgen concentrations, which in turn drive the expression of secondary sex characteristics (SSCs). As dominant and subordinate males in an exposure study are initially under different physiological conditions (i.e., differing plasma androgen concentrations), we proposed that they belong to different subpopulations in the context of exposure to compounds that may interact with the HPG axis. Using a meta-analysis of our data from several previously published studies, we corroborated the hypothesis that social status, as indicated by SSCs, results in distinct clusters (eigenvalues >0.8 explaining >80% of variability) with differential expression of plasma vitellogenin, a commonly used biomarker of exposure to contaminants of emerging concern (CEC). Furthermore, we confirmed our predictions that exposure to estrogenic CECs would homogenize plasma vitellogenin response (E1: cluster mean SSC values decreased to 4.33 and 4.86 relative to those of control; E2: decreased to 4.8 and 5.37) across the social hierarchy. In contrast, serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors expand this response range (cluster mean SSC increased to 5.21 and 6.5 relative to those of control). Our results demonstrated that social hierarchies in male fathead minnows result in heterogeneous responses to chemical exposure. These results represent a cautionary note for the experimental design of single-sex exposure studies. We anticipate our study to be a starting point for the re-evaluation of toxicological data analyses in single sex exposure experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Ivanova
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Saint Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Shiju Zhang
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Saint Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rong-Lin Wang
- Exposure Methods & Measurements Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Heiko L. Schoenfuss
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, Saint Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota, United States of America
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Mihaich EM, Schäfers C, Dreier DA, Hecker M, Ortego L, Kawashima Y, Dang ZC, Solomon K. Challenges in assigning endocrine-specific modes of action: Recommendations for researchers and regulators. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:280-292. [PMID: 27976826 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
As regulatory programs evaluate substances for their endocrine-disrupting properties, careful study design and data interpretation are needed to distinguish between responses that are truly endocrine specific and those that are not. This is particularly important in regulatory environments where criteria are under development to identify endocrine-disrupting properties to enable hazard-based regulation. Irrespective of these processes, most jurisdictions use the World Health Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety definition of an endocrine disruptor, requiring that a substance is demonstrated to cause a change in endocrine function that consequently leads to an adverse effect in an intact organism. Such a definition is broad, and at its most cautious might capture many general mechanisms that would not specifically denote an endocrine disruptor. In addition, endocrine responses may be adaptive in nature, designed to maintain homeostasis rather than induce an irreversible adverse effect. The likelihood of indirect effects is increased in (eco)toxicological studies that require the use of maximum tolerated concentrations or doses, which must produce some adverse effect. The misidentification of indirect effects as truly endocrine mediated has serious consequences for prompting animal- and resource-intensive testing and regulatory consequences. To minimize the risk for misidentification, an objective and transparent weight-of-evidence procedure based on biological plausibility, essentiality, and empirical evidence of key events in an adverse outcome pathway is recommended to describe the modes of action that may be involved in toxic responses in nontarget organisms. Confounding factors such as systemic toxicity, general stress, and infection can add complexity to such an evaluation and should be considered in the weight of evidence. A recommended set of questions is proffered to help guide researchers and regulators in discerning endocrine and nonendocrine responses. Although many examples provided in this study are based on ecotoxicology, the majority of the concepts and processes are applicable to both environmental and human health assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:280-292. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Mihaich
- Environmental and Regulatory Resources, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - David A Dreier
- Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Markus Hecker
- School of the Environment & Sustainability and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lisa Ortego
- Bayer CropScience, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Keith Solomon
- Centre for Toxicology, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Szwejser E, Verburg-van Kemenade BML, Maciuszek M, Chadzinska M. Estrogen-dependent seasonal adaptations in the immune response of fish. Horm Behav 2017; 88:15-24. [PMID: 27760301 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental evidence shows that estrogens affect immunity in mammals. Less is known about this interaction in the evolutionary older, non-mammalian, vertebrates. Fish form an excellent model to identify evolutionary conserved neuroendocrine-immune interactions: i) they are the earliest vertebrates with fully developed innate and adaptive immunity, ii) immune and endocrine parameters vary with season, and iii) physiology is constantly disrupted by increasing contamination of the aquatic environment. Neuro-immuno-endocrine interactions enable adaption to changing internal and external environment and are based on shared signaling molecules and receptors. The presence of specific estrogen receptors on/in fish leukocytes, implies direct estrogen-mediated immunoregulation. Fish leukocytes most probably are also capable to produce estrogens as they express the cyp19a and cyp19b - genes, encoding aromatase cytochrome P450, the enzyme critical for conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens. Immunoregulatory actions of estrogens, vary among animal species, and also with dose, target cell type, or physiological condition (e.g., infected/non-infected, reproductive status). They moreover are multifaceted. Interestingly, season-dependent changes in immune status correlate with changes in the levels of circulating sex hormones. Whereas E2 circulating in the bloodstream is perhaps the most likely candidate to be the physiological mediator of systemic immune-reproductive trade-offs, leukocyte-derived hormones are hypothesized to be mainly involved in local tuning of the immune response. Contamination of the aquatic environment with estrogenic EDCs may violate the delicate and precise allostatic interactions between the endogenous estrogen system and the immune system. This has negative effects on fish health, but will also affect the physiology of its consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szwejser
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - B M Lidy Verburg-van Kemenade
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Dept of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Magdalena Maciuszek
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chadzinska
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, PL30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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Falkenberg LJ, Havenhand JN, Styan CA. Sperm Accumulated Against Surface: A novel alternative bioassay for environmental monitoring. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 114:51-57. [PMID: 26763685 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Forecasting the impacts of changes in water quality on broadcast spawning aquatic organisms is a key aspect of environmental monitoring. Rapid assays of reproductive potential are central to this monitoring, and there is a need to develop a variety of methods to identify responses. Here, we report a proof-of-concept study that assesses whether quantification of "Sperm Accumulated Against Surface" (SAAS) of tissue culture well-plates could be a rapid and simple proxy measure of fertilisation success. Our results confirm that motile sperm (but not immotile sperm) actively accumulate at surfaces and that the pattern of accumulation reflects fertilisation success in the model oyster species Crassostrea gigas. Furthermore, we confirm these patterns of SAAS for another marine species, the polychaete Galeolaria caespitosa, as well as for a freshwater species, the fish Gasterosteus aculeatus. For all species considered, SAAS reflected changes in sperm performance caused by experimentally manipulated differences in water quality (here, salinity). These findings indicate that SAAS could be applied easily to a range of species when examining the effects of water quality. Measurement of SAAS could, therefore, form the basis of a rapid and reliable assay for bioassessments of broadcast spawning aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Falkenberg
- School of Energy and Resources, UCL Australia, University College London, Torrens Building, 220 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Jon N Havenhand
- Department of Marine Sciences - Tjärnö, University of Gothenburg, 452 96, Strömstad, Sweden
| | - Craig A Styan
- School of Energy and Resources, UCL Australia, University College London, Torrens Building, 220 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
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Simmons DBD, Benskin JP, Cosgrove JR, Duncker BP, Ekman DR, Martyniuk CJ, Sherry JP. Omics for aquatic ecotoxicology: control of extraneous variability to enhance the analysis of environmental effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:1693-1704. [PMID: 25827364 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There are multiple sources of biological and technical variation in a typical ecotoxicology study that may not be revealed by traditional endpoints but that become apparent in an omics dataset. As researchers increasingly apply omics technologies to environmental studies, it will be necessary to understand and control the main source(s) of variability to facilitate meaningful interpretation of such data. For instance, can variability in omics studies be addressed by changing the approach to study design and data analysis? Are there statistical methods that can be employed to correctly interpret omics data and make use of unattributed, inherent variability? The present study presents a review of experimental design and statistical considerations applicable to the use of omics methods in systems toxicology studies. In addition to highlighting potential sources that contribute to experimental variability, this review suggests strategies with which to reduce and/or control such variability so as to improve reliability, reproducibility, and ultimately the application of omics data for systems toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denina B D Simmons
- Emerging Methods Section, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Drew R Ekman
- Ecosystems Research Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology & Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - James P Sherry
- Emerging Methods Section, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Water Science & Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Martyniuk CJ, Houlahan J. Assessing gene network stability and individual variability in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) transcriptome. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2013; 8:283-91. [PMID: 24036207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomics is increasingly used to assess biological responses to environmental stimuli and stressors such as aquatic pollutants. However, fundamental studies characterizing individual variability in mRNA levels are lacking, which currently limits the use of transcriptomics in environmental monitoring assessments. To address individual variability in transcript abundance, we performed a meta-analysis on 231 microarrays that were conducted in the fathead minnow (FHM), a widely used toxicological model. The mean variability for gene probes was ranked from most to least variable based upon the coefficient of variation. Transcripts that were the most variable in individual tissues included NADH dehydrogenase flavoprotein 1, GTPase IMAP family member 7-like and v-set domain-containing T-cell activation inhibitor 1-like while genes encoding ribosomal proteins (rpl24 and rpl36), basic transcription factor 3, and nascent polypeptide-associated complex alpha subunit were the least variable in individuals across a range of microarray experiments. Gene networks that showed high variability (based upon the variation in expression of individual members within the network) included cell proliferation, metabolism (steroid, lipids, and glucose), cell adhesion, vascularization, and regeneration while those that showed low variability (more stability) included mRNA and rRNA processing, regulation of translational fidelity, RNA splicing, and ribosome biogenesis. Real-time PCR was conducted on a subset of genes for comparison of variability collected from the microarrays. There was a significant positive relationship between the two methods when measuring individual variability, suggesting that variability detected in microarray data can be used to guide decisions on sample sizes for measuring transcripts in real-time PCR experiments. A power analysis revealed that measuring estrogen receptor ba (esrba) requires fewer biological replicates than that of estrogen receptor bb (esrbb) in the gonad and samples sizes required to detect a 50% change for reproductive-related transcripts is between 12 and 20. Characterizing individual variability at the molecular level will prove necessary as efforts are made toward integrating molecular tools into environmental risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Martyniuk
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 4L5, Canada.
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16
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Breen M, Villeneuve DL, Ankley GT, Bencic DC, Breen MS, Watanabe KH, Lloyd AL, Conolly RB. Developing Predictive Approaches to Characterize Adaptive Responses of the Reproductive Endocrine Axis to Aromatase Inhibition: II. Computational Modeling. Toxicol Sci 2013; 133:234-47. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kft067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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17
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Li Z, Kroll KJ, Jensen KM, Villeneuve DL, Ankley GT, Brian JV, Sepúlveda MS, Orlando EF, Lazorchak JM, Kostich M, Armstrong B, Denslow ND, Watanabe KH. A computational model of the hypothalamic: pituitary: gonadal axis in female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol and 17β-trenbolone. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2011; 5:63. [PMID: 21545743 PMCID: PMC3118352 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-5-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Endocrine disrupting chemicals (e.g., estrogens, androgens and their mimics) are known to affect reproduction in fish. 17α-ethynylestradiol is a synthetic estrogen used in birth control pills. 17β-trenbolone is a relatively stable metabolite of trenbolone acetate, a synthetic androgen used as a growth promoter in livestock. Both 17α-ethynylestradiol and 17β-trenbolone have been found in the aquatic environment and affect fish reproduction. In this study, we developed a physiologically-based computational model for female fathead minnows (FHM, Pimephales promelas), a small fish species used in ecotoxicology, to simulate how estrogens (i.e., 17α-ethynylestradiol) or androgens (i.e., 17β-trenbolone) affect reproductive endpoints such as plasma concentrations of steroid hormones (e.g., 17β-estradiol and testosterone) and vitellogenin (a precursor to egg yolk proteins). Results Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations, the model was calibrated with data from unexposed, 17α-ethynylestradiol-exposed, and 17β-trenbolone-exposed FHMs. Four Markov chains were simulated, and the chains for each calibrated model parameter (26 in total) converged within 20,000 iterations. With the converged parameter values, we evaluated the model's predictive ability by simulating a variety of independent experimental data. The model predictions agreed with the experimental data well. Conclusions The physiologically-based computational model represents the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in adult female FHM robustly. The model is useful to estimate how estrogens (e.g., 17α-ethynylestradiol) or androgens (e.g., 17β-trenbolone) affect plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol, testosterone and vitellogenin, which are important determinants of fecundity in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhong Li
- Division of Environmental and Biomolecular Systems, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, USA
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18
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Werner J, Ouellet JD, Cheng CS, Ju YJ, Law RD. Pulp and paper mill effluents induce distinct gene expression changes linked to androgenic and estrogenic responses in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2010; 29:430-439. [PMID: 20821463 DOI: 10.1002/etc.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although effluent treatment systems within pulp and paper mills remove many toxicants and improve wastewater quality, there is a need to understand and quantify the effectiveness of the treatment process. At a combined news and kraft pulp and paper mill in northwestern Ontario, Canada, fathead minnow (FHM) reproduction and physiology were examined before, during, and after a short-term (6-d) exposure to 10% (v/v) untreated kraft mill effluent (UTK), 25% (v/v) secondary treated kraft mill effluent (TK), and 100% (v/v) combined mill outfall (CMO). Although UTK exposure significantly decreased egg production, neither TK nor CMO caused any reproductive changes. The expression of six genes responsive to endocrine-disrupting compounds, stress, or metals was then examined in livers of these fish using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In female FHMs, none of the three effluents induced significant expression changes in any genes investigated. By contrast, in males there were significant increases in the mRNA levels of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor (ER) beta, and cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) upon UTK and TK exposure but no changes in ERalpha or vitellogenin (VTG) gene expression, whereas CMO exposure significantly increased the mRNA levels of ERalpha, VTG, and CYP1A. Together, these results suggest that kraft effluent before and after biological treatment contained compounds able to induce androgenic effects in FHMs, and that combination of kraft and newsmill effluents eliminated the androgenic compounds while inducing distinct and significant patterns of gene expression changes that were likely due to estrogenic compounds produced by the newsmill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Werner
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Jacob D Ouellet
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Caroline S Cheng
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Young-Jun Ju
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - R David Law
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
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Mager EM, Brix KV, Grosell M. Influence of bicarbonate and humic acid on effects of chronic waterborne lead exposure to the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2010; 96:135-144. [PMID: 19889467 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 10/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the USEPA has only considered water hardness when establishing acute and chronic water quality criteria (WQC) for lead (Pb) in freshwater. Yet, recent evidence suggests that hardness may not be protective during chronic Pb exposure and that other factors (e.g., dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and alkalinity) influence toxicity. In fact, we have recently shown that Ca(2+) (as CaSO(4)) does not protect against Pb accumulation in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) during chronic exposures whereas DOC as humic acid (HA) clearly does. To more clearly define the water chemistry parameters mediating chronic Pb toxicity we carried out 300 d exposures to study the influence of DOC and alkalinity on Pb accumulation and toxicity to fathead minnows at 2 different Pb concentrations (170 and 580 nM (35 and 120 microg/L)). Alkalinity was adjusted by addition of 500 microM NaHCO(3) and DOC by addition of 4 mg/L HA. Fish were collected at 4, 30, 150 and 300 d of exposure to measure growth and Pb accumulation. Breeding assays (21 d) were performed at the end of these exposures to assess reproductive and larval behavioral endpoints. To determine whether effects were acute or chronic, switched breeding exposures were performed in which control breeders were transferred to either high or low Pb conditions and Pb-exposed breeders transferred to tap water without Pb. Mortality and growth effects were observed primarily in the high Pb treatments and within the first 10 d of exposure. Strong protection against Pb accumulation was afforded by increased DOC at both Pb concentrations. Increased alkalinity also appeared to moderately reduce Pb accumulation although not to the level of statistical significance. Tissue distribution of Pb was analyzed at 300 d and was found to accumulate mostly in bone, gill, intestine and kidney. Unexpectedly, high Pb reduced total reproductive output and increased average egg mass in the HCO(3)(-) and DOC treatments but not in the control water (+Pb) treatments. No statistically significant differences in egg hatchability or egg Pb accumulation were observed. Results from switched exposures suggest that embryo Pb accumulation arose from acute exposure to embryos rather than parental transfer. Finally, prey capture assays revealed potential Pb-induced motor/behavioral impairment in 10-d-old F1 larvae exposed to high Pb in all water treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Mager
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149-1098, USA.
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Stegeman JJ, Goldstone JV, Hahn ME. Perspectives on zebrafish as a model in environmental toxicology. FISH PHYSIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1546-5098(10)02910-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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21
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Villeneuve DL, Mueller ND, Martinović D, Makynen EA, Kahl MD, Jensen KM, Durhan EJ, Cavallin JE, Bencic D, Ankley GT. Direct effects, compensation, and recovery in female fathead minnows exposed to a model aromatase inhibitor. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:624-31. [PMID: 19440503 PMCID: PMC2679608 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several chemicals in the environment have the potential to inhibit aromatase, an enzyme critical to estrogen synthesis. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to provide a detailed characterization of molecular and biochemical responses of female fathead minnows to a model aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole (FAD). METHODS Fish were exposed via water to 0, 3, or 30 microg FAD/L for 8 days and then held in clean water for 8 days, with samples collected at four time points during each 8-day period. We quantified ex vivo steroid production, plasma steroids, and plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) concentrations and analyzed relative transcript abundance of 10 key regulatory genes in ovaries and 3 in pituitary tissue by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Ex vivo 17beta-estradiol (E2) production and plasma E2 and Vtg concentrations were significantly reduced after a single day of exposure to 3 microg or 30 microg FAD/L. However, plasma E2 concentrations recovered by the eighth day of exposure in the 3-microg/L group and within 1 day of cessation of exposure in the 30-microg/L group, indicating concentration- and time-dependent physiologic compensation and recovery. Concentration-dependent increases in transcripts coding for aromatase (A isoform), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor all coincided with increased E2 production and recovery of plasma E2 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Results of this research highlight the need to consider compensation/adaptation and recovery when developing and interpreting short-term bioassays or biomarkers or when trying to predict the effects of chemical exposures based on mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Villeneuve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota 55804, USA.
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