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Muñoz JP. The impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on stem cells: Mechanisms and implications for human health. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 147:294-309. [PMID: 39003048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds, either natural or man-made, that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. There is increasing evidence that exposure to EDCs can have profound adverse effects on reproduction, metabolic disorders, neurological alterations, and increased risk of hormone-dependent cancer. Stem cells (SCs) are integral to these pathological processes, and it is therefore crucial to understand how EDCs may influence SC functionality. This review examines the literature on different types of EDCs and their effects on various types of SCs, including embryonic, adult, and cancer SCs. Possible molecular mechanisms through which EDCs may influence the phenotype of SCs are also evaluated. Finally, the possible implications of these effects on human health are discussed. The available literature demonstrates that EDCs can influence the biology of SCs in a variety of ways, including by altering hormonal pathways, DNA damage, epigenetic changes, reactive oxygen species production and alterations in the gene expression patterns. These disruptions may lead to a variety of cell fates and diseases later in adulthood including increased risk of endocrine disorders, obesity, infertility, reproductive abnormalities, and cancer. Therefore, the review emphasizes the importance of raising broader awareness regarding the intricate impact of EDCs on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000007, Chile.
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Di Martino P, Marcozzi V, Bibbò S, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A, Gaggi G, Di Credico A. Unraveling the Epigenetic Landscape: Insights into Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:553. [PMID: 38928553 PMCID: PMC11202179 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are examples of neurodegenerative movement disorders (NMDs), which are defined by a gradual loss of motor function that is frequently accompanied by cognitive decline. Although genetic abnormalities have long been acknowledged as significant factors, new research indicates that epigenetic alterations are crucial for the initiation and development of disease. This review delves into the complex interactions that exist between the pathophysiology of NMDs and epigenetic mechanisms such DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Here, we examine how these epigenetic changes could affect protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and gene expression patterns, thereby influencing the viability and functionality of neurons. Through the clarification of the epigenetic terrain underpinning neurodegenerative movement disorders, this review seeks to enhance comprehension of the underlying mechanisms of the illness and augment the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Di Martino
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valentina Marcozzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Sandra Bibbò
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Gaggi G, Barbagallo F, De Toni L, Bucci I. Editorial: Endocrine disruptors: mechanism of action and implications for human health. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378345. [PMID: 38385028 PMCID: PMC10879546 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Pan J, Liu P, Yu X, Zhang Z, Liu J. The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1324993. [PMID: 38303976 PMCID: PMC10832042 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1324993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproductive system diseases pose prominent threats to human physical and mental well-being. Besides being influenced by genetic material regulation and changes in lifestyle, the occurrence of these diseases is closely connected to exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), characterized by hormone-like effects, have a wide range of influences on the reproductive system. EDCs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are present in a wide range of industrial and everyday products. Currently, thousands of chemicals have been reported to exhibit endocrine effects, and this number is likely to increase as the testing for potential EDCs has not been consistently required, and obtaining data has been limited, partly due to the long latency of many diseases. The ability to avoid exposure to EDCs, especially those of artificially synthesized origin, is increasingly challenging. While EDCs can be divided into persistent and non-persistent depending on their degree of degradation, due to the recent uptick in research studies in this area, we have chosen to focus on the research pertaining to the detrimental effects on reproductive health of exposure to several EDCs that are widely encountered in daily life over the past six years, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. By focusing on the impact of EDCs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which leads to the occurrence and development of reproductive system diseases, this review aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of EDCs' damage to human health and to encourage further in-depth research to clarify the potentially harmful effects of EDC exposure through various other mechanisms. Ultimately, it offers a scientific basis to enhance EDCs risk management, an endeavor of significant scientific and societal importance for safeguarding reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongming Zhang
- Zhang Zhongjing College of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Jinxing Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Di Credico A, Weiss A, Corsini M, Gaggi G, Ghinassi B, Wilbertz JH, Di Baldassarre A. Machine learning identifies phenotypic profile alterations of human dopaminergic neurons exposed to bisphenols and perfluoroalkyls. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21907. [PMID: 38081991 PMCID: PMC10713827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49364-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are active substances that interfere with hormonal signaling. Among EDCs, bisphenols (BPs) and perfluoroalkyls (PFs) are chemicals leached from plastics and other household products, and humans are unavoidably exposed to these xenobiotics. Data from animal studies suggest that EDCs exposure may play a role in PD, but data about the effect of BPs and PFs on human models of the nervous system are lacking. Previous studies demonstrated that machine learning (ML) applied to microscopy data can classify different cell phenotypes based on image features. In this study, the effect of BPs and PFs at different concentrations within the real-life exposure range (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 2 µM) on the phenotypic profile of human stem cell-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDANs) was analyzed. Cells exposed for 72 h to the xenobiotics were stained with neuronal markers and evaluated using high content microscopy yielding 126 different phenotypic features. Three different ML models (LDA, XGBoost and LightGBM) were trained to classify EDC-treated versus control mDANs. EDC treated mDANs were identified with high accuracies (0.88-0.96). Assessment of the phenotypic feature contribution to the classification showed that EDCs induced a significant increase of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining intensity within the neurons. Moreover, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) neurite length and branching were significantly diminished in treated neurons. Our study shows that human mDANs are adversely impacted by exposure to EDCs, causing their phenotype to shift and exhibit more characteristics of PD. Importantly, ML-supported high-content imaging can identify concrete but subtle subcellular phenotypic changes that can be easily overlooked by visual inspection alone and that define EDCs effects in mDANs, thus enabling further pathological characterization in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Corsini
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze Umane, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
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Di Credico A, Gaggi G, Bucci I, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15018. [PMID: 37834465 PMCID: PMC10573528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
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