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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Tao Y, Guo X, Cui Y, Li Z. Phthalates (PAEs) and reproductive toxicity: Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis aspects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132182. [PMID: 37557049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates (PAEs) are widely used for their excellent ability to improve plastic products. As an essential endocrine axis that regulates the reproductive system, whether dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is involved in reproductive toxicity mediated by environmental endocrine disruptors PAEs has become a hot topic of widespread concern. This study systematically reviewed the adverse effects of multiple PAEs on the HPG axis in different models and objectively discussed the possible underlying mechanisms. The abnormal release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin, dysfunction of sex hormone receptors and steroid hormone synthesis, and general damage, including cell proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy have been confirmed to be involved in this process. Although it is widely established that PAEs induce HPG axis dysfunction, the specific mechanisms involved remain unclear. From a systematic review of relevant publications, it appears that the abnormal expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated, aryl hydrocarbon, and insulin receptors mediated by PAEs is key upstream event that induces these adverse outcomes; however, this inference needs to be further verified. Overall, this study aimed to provide reliable potential biomarkers for future environmental risk assessment and epidemiological investigation of PAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yue Tao
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Xiangyong Guo
- Fuyu County Agricultural Technology Extension Center, Qiqihar 161200, PR China
| | - Yunhe Cui
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Zixu Li
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
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Ducroq S, Duplus E, Penalva-Mousset L, Trivelloni F, L’honoré A, Chabat-Courrède C, Nemazanyy I, Grange-Messent V, Petropoulos I, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Behavior, Neural Structure, and Metabolism in Adult Male Mice Exposed to Environmentally Relevant Doses of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Alone or in a Phthalate Mixture. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:77008. [PMID: 37458746 PMCID: PMC10351581 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that chronic exposure of adult male mice to low doses of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) altered male sexual behavior and induced down-regulation of the androgen receptor (AR) in the neural circuitry controlling this behavior. OBJECTIVES The cellular mechanisms induced by chronic exposure of adult male mice to low doses of DEHP alone or in an environmental phthalate mixture were studied. METHODS Two-month-old C57BL/6J males were exposed orally for 8 wk to DEHP alone (0, 5, or 50μg/kg/d) or to DEHP (50μg/kg/d) in a phthalate mixture. Behavior, dendritic density per 50-μm length, pre-/postsynaptic markers, synapse ultrastructure, and bioenergetic activity were analyzed. RESULTS Mice exposed to DEHP either alone or in a phthalate mixture differed in mating, emission of ultrasonic vocalizations, and the ability to attract receptive females in urinary preference tests from control mice. Analyses in the medial preoptic area, the key hypothalamic region involved in male sexual behavior, showed lower dendritic spine density and protein levels of glutamate receptors and differences in other postsynaptic components and presynaptic markers between the treated groups. Ultrastructural observation of dendritic synapses by electron microscopy showed comparable morphology between the treated groups. Metabolic analyses highlighted differences in hypothalamic metabolites of males exposed to DEHP alone or in a phthalate mixture compared to control mice. These differences included lower tryptophan and higher NAD+ levels, respectively, a precursor and end product of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The protein amounts of the xenobiotic aryl hydrocarbon receptor, one of the targets of this metabolic pathway and known negative regulator of the AR, were higher in the medial preoptic area of exposed male mice. DISCUSSION Differences in behavior of male mice exposed to environmental doses of phthalates were associated with differences in neural structure and metabolism, with possibly a key role of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in the effects mediated by these substances. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11514.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Ducroq
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Eric Duplus
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing – Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Lucille Penalva-Mousset
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing – Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Francesca Trivelloni
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Aurore L’honoré
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing – Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Chabat-Courrède
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing – Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ivan Nemazanyy
- Platform for Metabolic Analyses, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Inserm US24/CNRS UMS 3633, Paris 75015, France
| | - Valérie Grange-Messent
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Petropoulos
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8256, Inserm ERL1164, Biological Adaptation and Ageing – Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France
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Adam N, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Phthalates in Female Rodents: Evidence for Endocrine Disruption? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2559. [PMID: 35269705 PMCID: PMC8910129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates have been widely studied for their reprotoxic effects in male rodents and in particular on testosterone production, for which reference doses were established. The female rodent brain can also represent a target for exposure to these environmental endocrine disruptors. Indeed, a large range of behaviors including reproductive behaviors, mood-related behaviors, and learning and memory are regulated by sex steroid hormones. Here we review the experimental studies addressing the effects and mechanisms of phthalate exposure on these behaviors in female rodents, paying particular attention to the experimental conditions (period of exposure, doses, estrous stage of analyses etc.). The objective of this review is to provide a clear picture of the consistent effects that can occur in female rodents and the gaps that still need to be filled in terms of effects and mode(s) of action for a better risk assessment for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine—Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France;
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Li S, Xu W, Gong L, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Chen J, Yu J, Xu J. Subchronic nonylphenol exposure induced anxiety-like behavior and decreased expressions of regulators of synaptic plasticity in rats. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 282:130994. [PMID: 34102488 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that there were associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and anxiety. Nonylphenol (NP) is an EDC with weak estrogen activity. This study aimed to clarify whether subchronic exposure of NP at environmental concentrations induces anxiety-like behavior, and effects of NP on the regulators (NMDAR2B, PSD-95, Synapsin1) expressions of synaptic plasticity in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo, 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (each with 10 rats): low dose (0.4 mg/kg/day, L-NP), middle-dose (4 mg/kg/day, M - NP), high-dose (40 mg/kg/day, H-NP) and corn oil (Control) groups. In vitro, HT22 cells were divided into a control group (Control), NP group (NP, 20 μM), glutamine acid receptor inhibitor group (MK-801, 10 μM) and MK-801 + NP group. The concentration of NP in the hippocampus rised with the increase of NP exposure concentration in the treatment groups (F = 7.542, P = 0.001). Compared with the control group, the residence time in the dark box after NP exposure had extended (F = 117.927, P < 0.01). The duration (F = 112.054, P < 0.01) and the number of times (F = 13.514, P < 0.01) to enter the closed arm in the NP exposure group significantly increased. There were more neurons degeneration and nuclear shrinkage in the M - and H- NP groups, while the average number of shrinked neurons increased with the increasing dose of NP exposure. The protein expressions of PSD-95 (F = 97.723, P < 0.01), Synapsin1 (F = 41.797, P < 0.01) and NMDAR2B (F = 3.440, P = 0.036) in the NP group were lower than those of the control. Simultaneously, the expressions of PSD-95, Synapsin1 and NMDAR2B in the hippocampus were down-regulated; the mRNA expression of PSD-95 (F = 19.950, P < 0.01), Synapsin1 (F = 3.498, P = 0.035) and NMDAR2B (F = 9.293, P < 0.01) genes in the hippocampus decreased in the M - and H-NP groups. In vitro, the trend of the fluorescence intensity expressed by PSD-95 (F = 2.606, P = 0.124) and Synapsin1 (F = 20.573, P < 0.01) among the groups was: MK-801 + NP group < MK-801 < NP group. The protein expressions of PSD-95 (F = 5.699, P = 0.022), Synapsin1 (F = 10.820, P = 0.003) and NMDAR2B (F = 6.041, P = 0.019) were down-regulated. These results suggested that subchronic exposure to environmental concentrations of NP induced anxiety, and reduced the protein and/or mRNA expressions of regulators of synaptic plasticity (PSD-95, Synapsin1, NMDAR2B).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Li
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Weihong Xu
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Lei Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, 1st Affiliated Hospital to Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, 563000, PR China
| | - Jianling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Jingting Chen
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China.
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, 563000, PR China.
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Wei S, Xu T, Jiang T, Yin D. Chemosensory Dysfunction Induced by Environmental Pollutants and Its Potential As a Novel Neurotoxicological Indicator: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10911-10922. [PMID: 34355568 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution composed of the complex interactions among particular matter, chemicals, and pathogens is an emerging and global environmental issue that closely correlates with a variety of diseases and adverse health effects, especially increasing incidences of neurodegenerative diseases. However, as one of the prevalent health outcomes of air pollution, chemosensory dysfunction has not attracted enough concern until recently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple scientific studies emphasized the plausibly essential roles of the chemosensory system in the airborne transmission airway of viruses into the human body, which can also be utilized by pollutants. In this Review, in addition to summarizing current progress regarding the contributions of traditional air pollutants to chemosensory dysfunction, we highlight the roles of emerging contaminants. We not only sum up clarified mechanisms, such as inflammation and apoptosis but also discuss some not yet completely identified mechanisms, e.g., disruption of olfactory signal transduction. Although the existing evidence is not overwhelming, the chemosensory system is expected to be a useful indicator in neurotoxicology and neural diseases based on accumulating studies that continually excavate the deep link between chemosensory dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we argue the importance of studies concerning chemosensory dysfunction in understanding the health effects of air pollution and provide comments for some future directions of relevant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), Neuro-Ethology Team, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Daqiang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
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Lu D, Yu L, Li M, Zhai Q, Tian F, Chen W. Behavioral disorders caused by nonylphenol and strategies for protection. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 275:129973. [PMID: 33639553 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) is widely used in daily production and life due to its good emulsification. In this review, we discuss toxicology studies that examined behavioral disorders caused by NP, the corresponding toxicological mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS), and strategies for protection. Available in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that exposure to NP during adulthood or early childhood is associated with cognitive dysfunction, including depression-like behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and impaired learning and memory. The main mechanisms underlying NP-related cognitive disorders include inflammation, destruction of synaptic plasticity, and destruction of important signaling pathways that affect the synthesis and secretion of neurotransmitters. The effects and mechanisms of NP exposure on CNS-mediated reproductive function, including interference with the expression of hormones, proteins, and enzymes, are discussed. Other abnormal behaviors such as locomotor activity and swimming behavior are also described. Several measures to prevent NP neurotoxicity are summarized. These measures are based on the toxicological mechanisms underlying NP exposure and include external protection and internal self-regulation of the nervous system. Finally, a new treatment idea is proposed based on the gut-brain axis. Characterizing the behavioral changes and underlying toxicity mechanisms associated with NP exposure and investigating the possible methods of treatment will help to expand the understanding of these mechanisms and could lead to more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122 China.
| | - Miaoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122 China
| | - Fengwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Pharmabiotics & Antibiotic Resistance, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122 China.
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, 225004, China; Beijing Innovation Centre of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology & Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
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Capela D, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Effects of pubertal exposure to low doses of di-(2-ethylexyl)phthalate on reproductive behaviors in male mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128191. [PMID: 33297156 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive behaviors are tightly regulated by sex steroid hormones. Interference with these hormones or their neural signaling pathways leads to behavioral alterations. We have previously shown that oral exposure of adult male mice to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an organic environmental endocrine disruptor, altered sexual behavior. In this study, we examined the effects of pubertal exposure to DEHP and analyzed whether pubertal and adult exposures to DEHP trigger long-term effects. For pubertal exposure, male mice were exposed orally to the vehicle or DEHP at 5 or 50 μg/kg/d from postnatal day (PND) 30 to PND60. Exposure was arrested and animals were analyzed on PND120. They exhibited normal olfactory preference but showed modified emission of ultrasonic vocalizations. DEHP exposure also affected partner preference and mating components. These modifications were associated with normal circulating testosterone levels and weight of androgen-sensitive tissues. In contrast, androgen receptor (AR) protein amount was reduced in the hypothalamic preoptic area in particular for the DEHP-50 group. Pubertal exposure also increased the anxiety-state level without changing circadian activity. When adult male mice were exposed to DEHP at the same doses from PND60 to PND105 and analyzed two months later, no effects of treatment on reproductive and anxiety-related behaviors or hypothalamic AR protein amount were seen. Our data show that pubertal exposure of male mice to DEHP induces long-term behavioral changes in contrast to the adult exposure. This highlights the sensitivity of the nervous system to low doses of DEHP during the critical period of puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Capela
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France.
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Adam N, Brusamonti L, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Exposure of Adult Female Mice to Low Doses of di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Alone or in an Environmental Phthalate Mixture: Evaluation of Reproductive Behavior and Underlying Neural Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:17008. [PMID: 33502250 PMCID: PMC7839353 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that adult male mice exposure to low doses of an ubiquitous endocrine disruptor, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), alters courtship behavior. OBJECTIVE The effects of adult exposure to low doses of DEHP alone or in an environmental phthalate mixture on estrous cyclicity, reproductive behavior, and underlying neural structures were analyzed in female mice. METHODS Two-month-old C57BL/6J females were exposed orally for 6 wk to DEHP alone (0, 5 or 50μg/kg/d) or to DEHP (5μg/kg/d) in a phthalate mixture. Estrous cyclicity was analyzed in intact mice, and behavior [lordosis, olfactory preference, partner preference, ability to stimulate male ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs)] was measured in ovariectomized mice primed with estradiol and progesterone. Immunohistochemical studies were conducted in the neural structures involved in behavior for estrogen receptor (ER) α and progesterone receptor (PR). RESULTS Exposure to DEHP alone or in mixture lengthened the estrous cycle duration, with a shorter proestrus and longer estrus and metestrus stages. Under normalized hormonal levels, females exposed to DEHP alone or in mixture exhibited altered olfactory preference. A lower lordosis behavior and ability to attract and stimulate male emission of courtship USVs was observed, probably due to modifications of pheromonal emission in exposed females. The behavioral alterations were associated with a lower number of PR-expressing neurons, without changes in ERα, in the neural circuitry underlying sexual behavior. The majority of effects observed was comparable between the two DEHP doses and were driven by DEHP in the mixture. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to environmental doses of DEHP alone or in mixture altered several components of female sexual behavior in mice, probably through selective disruption of neural PR signaling. Together with the previously reported vulnerability of male mice, this finding suggests a major impact of exposure to phthalates on sexual reproduction, including in other species with similar neural regulatory processes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7662.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolwenn Adam
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm); Neuroscience Paris Seine — Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Linda Brusamonti
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm); Neuroscience Paris Seine — Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm); Neuroscience Paris Seine — Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
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Neubert da Silva G, Zauer Curi T, Lima Tolouei SE, Tapias Passoni M, Sari Hey GB, Marino Romano R, Martino-Andrade AJ, Dalsenter PR. Effects of diisopentyl phthalate exposure during gestation and lactation on hormone-dependent behaviours and hormone receptor expression in rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12816. [PMID: 31758603 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are found in different plastic materials, such as packaging, toys and medical devices. Some of these compounds are endocrine disruptors, comprising substances that are able to induce multiple hormonal disturbances and downstream developmental effects, including the disruption of androgen-dependent differentiation of the male reproductive tract and changes in pathways that regulate hormone-dependent behaviours. In a previous study, metabolites of diisopentyl phthalate (DiPeP), a potent anti-androgenic phthalate, were found in the urine of Brazilian pregnant women. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of DiPeP exposure during critical developmental periods on behaviours controlled by sex hormones in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with DiPeP (1, 10 or 100 mg kg day-1 ) or canola oil by oral gavage between gestational day 10 and post-natal day (PND) 21. Male offspring were tested in a behavioural battery, including the elevated plus maze task, play behaviour, partner preference and sexual behaviour. After the behavioural tests, the hypothalamus and pituitary of these animals were removed on PND 60-65 and PND 145-160 to quantify gene expression for aromatase, androgen receptor (Ar) and oestrogen receptors α (Esr1) and β (Esr2). Male rats exposed to 1 and 10 mg kg day-1 DiPeP displayed no preference for the female stimulus rat in the partner preference test and 1 mg kg day-1 DiPeP rats also showed a significant increase in mount and penetration latencies when mated with receptive females. A decrease in pituitary Esr1 expression was observed in all DiPeP treated groups regardless of age. A reduction in hypothalamic Esr1 expression in rats exposed to 10 mg kg day-1 DiPeP was also observed. No significant changes were found with respect to Ar, Esr2 and aromatase expression in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that DiPeP exposure during critical windows of development in rats may induce changes in behaviours related to mating and the sexual motivation of males.
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