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Kumaresan A, Yadav P, Sinha MK, Nag P, John Peter ESK, Mishra JS, Kumar S. Male infertility and perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: evidence for alterations in phosphorylation of proteins and fertility-related functional attributes in bull spermatozoa†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:723-739. [PMID: 38847481 PMCID: PMC11402523 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive environmental pollutants and potential threats to reproductive health. Epidemiological studies have established an association between PFAS and male infertility, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. OBJECTIVES Investigate the effect of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the most prevalent and representative PFAS, on bull sperm protein phosphorylation and function. METHODS We exposed bull sperm to PFOS at 10 (average population exposure) and 100 μM (high-exposure scenario), and analyzed global proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis by TMT labeling and Nano LC-MS/MS. We also measured sperm fertility functions by flow cytometry. RESULTS PFOS at 10-μM altered sperm proteins linked to spermatogenesis and chromatin condensation, while at 100 μM, PFOS affected proteins associated with motility and fertility. We detected 299 phosphopeptides from 116 proteins, with 45 exhibiting differential expression between control and PFOS groups. PFOS dysregulated phosphorylation of key proteins (ACRBP, PRKAR2A, RAB2B, SPAG8, TUBB4B, ZPBP, and C2CD6) involved in sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, sperm-egg interaction, and fertilization. PFOS also affected phosphorylation of other proteins (AQP7, HSBP9, IL4I1, PRKAR1A, and CCT8L2) related to sperm stress resistance and cryotolerance. Notably, four proteins (PRM1, ACRBP, TSSK1B, and CFAP45) exhibited differential regulation at both proteomic and phosphoproteomic levels. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that PFOS increased protein phosphorylation in sperm and also decreased sperm motility, viability, calcium, and mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial ROS in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that PFOS exposure negatively affects phosphorylation of proteins vital for bull sperm function and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Kumaresan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, WI 65211, USA
| | - Ebenezer Samuel King John Peter
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560030, India
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Ou K, Zhang S, Lei X, Liu X, Zhang N, Wang C, Yuan X. Prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PAHs inhibits spermatogenesis in adult mice and the mechanism involved. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 362:124914. [PMID: 39245200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of contaminants that cannot be banned. Exposure to PAHs has been reported to alter spermatogenesis in mammals, but little is known about prenatal exposure to a mixture of PAHs on the reproductive toxicity of adult offspring. In this study, we investigated the associations between prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PAHs in mice and testicular dysfunction, including impaired spermatogenesis and steroid hormone dysfunction in male offspring on postnatal day 180. The percentage of testicular apoptotic cells was significantly increased, which was further verified by the up-regulated BAX protein. The expression of Ar and the Leydig cell marker Cyp11a1 was down-regulated, suggesting an impairment in the synthesis of steroid hormones. DNA hypermethylation of the Tnp1 and Sohlh2 promoters suppresses transcriptional expression, consequently altering the sperm production process. This study shows that prenatal exposure to PAHs may induce long-term reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlin Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China; State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China; National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518112, China
| | - Xinxing Lei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Ningfang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Chonggang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China.
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Qian X, Huang J, Yan C, Xiao J, Cao C, Wu Y, Wang L. Evaluation of ecological impacts with ferrous iron addition in constructed wetland under perfluorooctanoic acid stress. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134074. [PMID: 38518702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
In this study, ferrous ion (Fe(II)) had the potential to promote ecological functions in constructed wetlands (CWs) under perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) stress. Concretely, Fe(II) at 30 mg/L and 20-30 mg/L even led to 11.37% increase of urease and 93.15-243.61% increase of nitrite oxidoreductase respectively compared to the control. Fe(II) promotion was also observed on Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Azospira, and Zoogloea by 1.00-6.50 folds, which might result from higher expression of nitrogen fixation and nitrite redox genes. These findings could be explanation for increase of ammonium removal by 7.47-8.75% with Fe(II) addition, and reduction of nitrate accumulation with 30 mg/L Fe(II). Meanwhile, both Fe(II) stimulation on PAOs like Dechloromonas, Rhodococcus, Mesorhizobium, and Methylobacterium by 1.58-2.00 folds, and improvement on chemical phosphorus removal contributed to higher total phosphorus removal efficiency under high-level PFOA exposure. Moreover, Fe(II) raised chlorophyll content and reduced the oxidative damage brought by PFOA, especially at lower dosage. Nevertheless, combination of Fe(II) and high-level PFOA caused inhibition on microbial alpha diversity, which could result in decline of PFOA removal (by 4.29-12.83%). Besides, decrease of genes related to nitrate reduction demonstrated that enhancement on denitrification was due to nitrite reduction to N2 pathways rather than the first step of denitrifying process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwen Qian
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
| | - Chunni Yan
- School of Urban Planning and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chong Cao
- Department of Municipal Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Luming Wang
- Department of Municipal Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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Gasparini C, Iori S, Pietropoli E, Bonato M, Giantin M, Barbarossa A, Bardhi A, Pilastro A, Dacasto M, Pauletto M. Sub-acute exposure of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA and GenX induces significant changes in the testis transcriptome and reproductive traits. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108703. [PMID: 38705092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently detected in the environment and are linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in humans. Although legacy PFAS have been phased out due to their toxicity, alternative PFAS are increasingly used despite the fact that information on their toxic effects on reproductive traits is particularly scarce. Here, we exposed male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for a short period (21 days) to an environmentally realistic concentration (1 ppb) of PFOA, a legacy PFAS, and its replacement compound, GenX, to assess their impact on reproductive traits and gene expression. Exposure to PFAS did not impair survival but instead caused sublethal effects. Overall, PFAS exposure caused changes in male sexual behaviour and had detrimental effects on sperm motility. Sublethal variations were also seen at the transcriptional level, with the modulation of genes involved in immune regulation, spermatogenesis, and oxidative stress. We also observed bioaccumulation of PFAS, which was higher for PFOA than for GenX. Our results offer a comprehensive comparison of these two PFAS and shed light on the toxicity of a newly emerging alternative to legacy PFAS. It is therefore evident that even at low concentrations and with short exposure, PFAS can have subtle yet significant effects on behaviour, fertility, and immunity. These findings underscore the potential ramifications of pollution under natural conditions and their impact on fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gasparini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - S Iori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - E Pietropoli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Bonato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - M Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - A Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy; Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Pilastro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - M Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
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Chen Z, Chen Z, Gao S, Shi J, Li X, Sun F. PFOS exposure destroys the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) through PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100846. [PMID: 38160586 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100846] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonate or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of perfluorinated compound, is mainly found in consumer products. Exposure to PFOS could cause male reproductive toxicity by causing injury to the blood-testis barrier (BTB). However, the specific mechanisms through which PFOS affects male reproduction remain unclear. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a vital protein kinase that is believed to be a central regulator of autophagy. In this study, we established in vivo and in vitro models to explore the effects of PFOS on the BTB, autophagy, and the regulatory role of the mTOR signaling pathway. Adult mice were developmentally exposed to 0, 0.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day PFOS for five weeks. Thereafter, their testicular morphology, sperm counts, serum testosterone, expression of BTB-related proteins, and autophagy-related proteins were evaluated. Additionally, TM4 cells (a mouse Sertoli cell line) were used to delineate the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of PFOS on BTB. Our results demonstrated that exposure to PFOS induced BTB injury and autophagy, as evidenced by increased expression of autophagy-related proteins, accumulation of autophagosomes, observed through representative electron micrographs, and decreased activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, treatment with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, alleviated the effects of PFOS on the integrity of TM4 cells in the BTB and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Overall, this study highlights that exposure to PFOS destroys the integrity of the BTB through PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifeng Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zhengru Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Rodríguez-Carrillo A, Remy S, Koppen G, Wauters N, Freire C, Olivas-Martínez A, Schillemans T, Åkesson A, Desalegn A, Iszatt N, den Hond E, Verheyen V, Fábelová L, Murinova LP, Pedraza-Díaz S, Castaño A, García-Lario JV, Cox B, Govarts E, Baken K, Tena-Sempere M, Olea N, Schoeters G, Fernández MF. PFAS association with kisspeptin and sex hormones in teenagers of the HBM4EU aligned studies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122214. [PMID: 37482334 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS) can impair human reproductive function, e.g., by delaying or advancing puberty, although their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. We therefore set out to evaluate the relationship between serum PFAS levels, both individually and as a mixture, on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis by analyzing serum levels of reproductive hormones and also kisspeptin in European teenagers participating in three of the HBM4EU Aligned Studies. For this purpose, PFAS compounds were measured in 733 teenagers from Belgium (FLEHS IV study), Slovakia (PCB cohort follow-up), and Spain (BEA study) by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) in laboratories under the HBM4EU quality assurance quality control (QA/QC) program. In the same serum samples, kisspeptin 54 (kiss-54) protein, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were also measured using immunosorbent assays. Sex-stratified single pollutant linear regression models for separate studies, mixed single pollutant models accounting for random effects for pooled studies, and g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models for the mixture of the three most available (PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS) were fit. PFAS associations with reproductive markers differed according to sex. Each natural log-unit increase of PFOA, PFNA, and PFOS were associated with higher TT [18.41 (6.18; 32.31), 15.60 (7.25; 24.61), 14.68 (6.18; 24.61), respectively] in girls, in the pooled analysis (all studies together). In males, G-computation showed that PFAS mixture was associated with lower FSH levels [-10.51 (-18.81;-1.36)]. The BKMR showed the same patterns observed in G-computation, including a significant increase on male Kiss-54 and SHBG levels. Overall, effect biomarkers may enhance the current epidemiological knowledge regarding the adverse effect of PFAS in human HPG axis, although further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rodríguez-Carrillo
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium; Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein, 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Natasha Wauters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Carmen Freire
- Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Tessa Schillemans
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Agneta Åkesson
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Anteneh Desalegn
- Division of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Nina Iszatt
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | | | - Veerle Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Lucia Fábelová
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Palkovicova Murinova
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Bianca Cox
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Baken
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004., Córdoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz, Km. 396. 14071. Córdoba, Spain; University Hospital Reina Sofía, Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004, Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition, Carlos III Health Institute, Menéndez Pidal s/n. 14004. Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400, Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
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Ogunsuyi OM, Fasakin PT, Ajibiye OP, Ogunsuyi OI, Adekoya KO. Perfluoroundecanoic acid induces DNA damage, reproductive and pathophysiological dysfunctions via oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139491. [PMID: 37453524 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) is an eleven carbon-chain compound that belongs to the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid family. It has been detected in the human blood, effluents, and surface/ground waters, but its toxic effects to the DNA and reproductive system remain unclear. This study was aimed at exploring the toxicity of PFUnA on the hepatic DNA, organ-system and reproductive system in orally treated male Swiss mice. In this present study, administration of PFUnA for 28 days with five doses (0.1, 0.3, 05, 0.7 and 1.0 mg kg-1 b.w./d) in male Swiss mice induced significant hepatic DNA damage which was observed using the alkaline comet assay and equally altered hematological and clinical biochemical parameters. In addition to testicular atrophy, sperm count and sperm motility significantly decreased while sperm abnormalities increased after 35 days exposure. Serum LH and FSH levels were remarkably increased while serum testosterone levels were strikingly reduced. Histopathology revealed the liver, kidney, and testis as potential targets of PFUnA toxicity. Increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as levels of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH), with consistent reduction of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver and testis induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, PFUnA exhibited both genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity via oxidative stress induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeoluwa M Ogunsuyi
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Peter T Fasakin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatobi P Ajibiye
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun I Ogunsuyi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Khalid O Adekoya
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
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8
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Purdue MP, Rhee J, Denic-Roberts H, McGlynn KA, Byrne C, Sampson J, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Rusiecki J. A Nested Case-Control Study of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors among U.S. Air Force Servicemen. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:77007. [PMID: 37458713 PMCID: PMC10351502 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a component of firefighting foams used at military installations. Although high PFAS exposures have been related to cancer risks among civilian populations, the effects for military personnel are unclear. OBJECTIVES We investigated associations between serum PFAS concentrations and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) among U.S. Air Force servicemen. METHODS This nested case-control study involved active-duty Air Force servicemen with sera from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. We selected 530 cases and 530 controls individually matched on birth date, race and ethnicity, year entered the service, and year of sample collection, with prediagnostic serum samples collected between 1988 and 2017. A second prediagnostic sample, collected a median of 4 y after the first, was selected for 187 case-control pairs. Seven PFAS were quantified using isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from conditional logistic regression adjusting for military grade, number of deployments, and, in some models, other PFAS, estimated associations between PFAS concentrations (categorized using quartiles among controls) and TGCT. RESULTS Elevated concentrations of some PFAS were observed for military employment in firefighting [perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid] and service at a base with high PFAS concentrations in drinking water (PFHxS). Elevated PFOS concentrations in the second sample were positively associated with TGCT [OR for fourth vs. first quartile ( OR Q 4 ) = 2.6 , 95% CI: 1.1, 6.4; p trend = 0.02 ], including after adjustment for other PFAS (OR Q 4 = 4.6 , 95% CI: 1.4, 15.1; p trend = 0.009 ). Associations with PFOS in the first/only samples were weak and not statistically significant. Elevated concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid were inversely associated with TGCT, whereas results were null for other PFAS. DISCUSSION We identified service-related predictors of PFAS concentrations and increased TGCT relative risks with elevated PFOS concentrations among Air Force servicemen. These findings warrant further investigation in other populations and military service branches. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12603.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Purdue
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jongeun Rhee
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Hristina Denic-Roberts
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Celia Byrne
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua Sampson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer Rusiecki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Chen L, Xie Y, Li M, Mortimer M, Li F, Guo LH. Toxicological Mechanisms of Emerging Per-/poly-fluoroalkyl Substances: Focusing on Transcriptional Activity and Gene Expression Disruption. Toxicology 2023:153566. [PMID: 37263573 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and human monitoring studies have witnessed increasing occurrence of emerging per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances (ePFASs) worldwide. Three classes of ePFASs, namely chlorinated polyfluoroalkylether sulfonic acids, hexafluoropropylene oxide homologues and short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids attracted the most attention. It is, therefore, the goal of this review to systematically and critically analyse the toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of these ePFASs based on the papers published between 2017 and 2022. The review summarized the main findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies, covering the hepatotoxicity of ePFASs and their interference with the endocrine system, including reproductive, developmental and thyroid toxicity. It also summarized the changes in gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis of the model organisms after ePFASs exposure. The changes in gene expression in vitro and in vivo provide a clearer understanding of the toxicological mechanisms of ePFASs interference on hormonal levels (i.e., estradiol, testosterone, and thyroid hormones), developmental disturbance (e.g., swim bladder dysfunction) and lipid metabolism disruption (e.g., lipid droplet accumulation and hepatomegaly). In the end, future research directions on the toxicological mechanisms of ePFASs are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Yue Xie
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
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10
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Shan L, Chai Y, Gao T, Li K, Yu J, Liang F, Ni Y, Sun P. Perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid inhibit progesterone-responsive capacitation through cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and induce DNA damage in human sperm. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104165. [PMID: 37245612 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two persistent organic pollutants harmful to human health. They induce negative effects on male reproduction by influencing male hormones, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. However, their effects and mechanisms on human sperm capacitation and fertilization remain unclear. Here, human sperm were incubated with different concentrations of PFOS or PFOA with progesterone during capacitation. Both PFOS and PFOA inhibited human sperm hyperactivation, sperm acrosome reaction, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels. PFOS and PFOA decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the presence of progestrone, and subsequently decreased cAMP level, and PKA activity. PFOS and PFOA increased reactive oxygen species production and sperm DNA fragmentation duing the only 3h capacitation incubation. Conclusively, PFOA and PFOS may inhibit human sperm capacitation via the Ca2+-mediated cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in the presence of progesterone, and induce sperm DNA damage through increased oxidative stress, which is not conducive to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhao Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Gundacker C, Audouze K, Widhalm R, Granitzer S, Forsthuber M, Jornod F, Wielsøe M, Long M, Halldórsson TI, Uhl M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Reduced Birth Weight and Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Review of Possible Underlying Mechanisms Using the AOP-HelpFinder. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10110684. [PMID: 36422892 PMCID: PMC9699222 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) may impair fetal growth. Our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is incomplete. We used the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP)-helpFinder tool to search PubMed for studies published until March 2021 that examined PFAS exposure in relation to birth weight, oxidative stress, hormones/hormone receptors, or growth signaling pathways. Of these 1880 articles, 106 experimental studies remained after abstract screening. One clear finding is that PFAS are associated with oxidative stress in in vivo animal studies and in vitro studies. It appears that PFAS-induced reactive-oxygen species (ROS) generation triggers increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ expression and activation of growth signaling pathways, leading to hyperdifferentiation of pre-adipocytes. Fewer proliferating pre-adipocytes result in lower adipose tissue weight and in this way may reduce birth weight. PFAS may also impair fetal growth through endocrine effects. Estrogenic effects have been noted in in vivo and in vitro studies. Overall, data suggest thyroid-damaging effects of PFAS affecting thyroid hormones, thyroid hormone gene expression, and histology that are associated in animal studies with decreased body and organ weight. The effects of PFAS on the complex relationships between oxidative stress, endocrine system function, adipogenesis, and fetal growth should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40160-56503
| | - Karine Audouze
- Unit T3S, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Raimund Widhalm
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Granitzer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Forsthuber
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florence Jornod
- Unit T3S, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Maria Wielsøe
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Manhai Long
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thórhallur Ingi Halldórsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Greenland Center for Health Research, Greenland University, Nuuk 3905, Greenland
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12
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Huang J, Xiang S, Chen S, Wu W, Huang T, Pang Y. Perfluoroalkyl substance pollution: detecting and visualizing emerging trends based on CiteSpace. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:82786-82798. [PMID: 35752676 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in all kinds of environmental media and can harm animals and human beings. They have attracted the attention of environmental workers worldwide and have become another research hotspot in the field of environment. However, analyses of PFASs have seldom been studied systematically. Therefore, this study summarizes the available data in 6756 publications (2000-2022) using the CiteSpace software to provide insights into the specific characteristics of PFASs and consequently shows global development trends that scientists can use for establishing future research directions. As opposed to traditional review articles by experts, this study provides a new method for quantitatively visualizing information about the development of this field over the past 23 years. Results show that the countries with more research in this field are mainly the USA and China. The research on PFASs is mainly concentrated in environmental sciences and ecology. Zhanyun Wang and Robert C. Buck's research has the highest influence rate in this field, and their research group is worthy of attention. Through the analysis of hot keywords, we conclude that the research hotspots are mainly focused on PFASs' transmission media and pathways, human exposure and the mechanism of toxicity, and degradation and remediation measures. Collectively these results indicate the major themes of PFAS research are as follows: (1) transmission media and pathways, (2) human exposure and the mechanism of toxicity, (3) degradation and remediation measures. This study maps the major research domains of PFAS research; explanations and implications of the findings are discussed; and emerging trends highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Huang
- Lake Basin Management, National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, People's Republic of China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Xiang
- Lake Basin Management, National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqin Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, Anhui, 246011, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyin Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Pang
- Lake Basin Management, National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Li Z, Lin Z, Ji S, Lai KP, Wan HT, Wong CKC, Li L. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid exposure altered hypothalamic metabolism and disturbed male fecundity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:156881. [PMID: 35753445 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have examined the effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) on disruption of the blood-testis barrier and spermatogenesis. Sertoli and Leydig cells were perturbed, resulting in a decrease in testosterone levels and sperm counts. However, the effects of PFOS on male fecundity are not limited to the testes. In this study, we demonstrated that oral PFOS exposure (1 μg/g BW and 5 μg/g BW) decreased the function of the Luteinizing hormone (LH)/Luteinizing hormone receptor (LHr) and decreased epididymal sperm motility. Consistently, testicular transcriptome analysis revealed that PFOS altered the expression of a cluster of genes associated with sperm motility and steroidogenesis. In mice exposed to PFOS, c-Fos immunostaining showed activation of the lateral septal nucleus (LS), paraventricular thalamus (PVT), locus coeruleus (LC), which are known to be related to anxiety-like behaviors. Metabolomic analyses of the hypothalamus revealed that exposure to PFOS perturbed the translation of proteins, as well as the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Altogether, the activation of brain nuclei, shift of hypothalamic metabolome, and reduction of LH/LHr circuit resulted from PFOS exposure suggested the toxicant's systematic effects on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Li
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ziyi Lin
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shuqin Ji
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Keng-Po Lai
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 530022, China
| | - Hin-Ting Wan
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Chris Kong Chu Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China.
| | - Lei Li
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518000, China.
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14
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Ambaye TG, Vaccari M, Prasad S, Rtimi S. Recent progress and challenges on the removal of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated soil and water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:58405-58428. [PMID: 35754080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21513-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, due to an increase in urbanization and industrialization around the world, a large volume of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) containing materials such as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), protective coatings, landfill leachates, and wastewater are produced. Most of the polluted wastewaters are left untreated and discharged into the environment, which causes high environmental risks, a threat to human beings, and hampered socioeconomic growth. Developing sustainable alternatives for removing PFAS from contaminated soil and water has attracted more attention from policymakers and scientists worldwide under various conditions. This paper reviews the recent emerging technologies for the degradation or sorption of PFAS to treat contaminated soil and water. It highlights the mechanisms involved in removing these persistent contaminants at a molecular level. Recent advances in developing nanostructured and advanced reduction remediation materials, challenges, and perspectives in the future are also discussed. Among the variety of nanomaterials, modified nano-sized iron oxides are the best sorbents materials due to their specific surface area and photogenerated holes and appear extremely promising in the remediation of PFAS from contaminated soil and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teklit Gebregiorgis Ambaye
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mentore Vaccari
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Shiv Prasad
- Division of Environment Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Sami Rtimi
- Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health, CH-1201, Geneva, Switzerland.
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15
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Chambers WS, Hopkins JG, Richards SM. A Review of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substance Impairment of Reproduction. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:732436. [PMID: 35295153 PMCID: PMC8915888 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.732436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we compiled peer-reviewed literature describing PFAS exposure and reproductive effects in animals and humans. The aim was to compare environmental occurrence and effects of the most prominent long-chain PFAS compounds and their short-chain replacements. Long-chain PFAS compounds are known to persist in the environment due to their chemical stability, and also known to bioaccumulate; hence, these compounds are being replaced globally. Indeed, PFOA and PFOS are considered long-chain "forever pollutants," and thus the potential reproductive risk may continue for decades. Much less is known about their short-chain replacements despite the fact that they becoming more widespread in the environment. Short-chain PFAS are generally less bioaccumulative than long-chain, but they are more mobile and persistent in aquatic ecosystems. The three most prominent of these are commonly referred to as GenX, ADONA and F53B. The short-chain PFAS have similar physical and chemical properties as their predecessors; however, because they are relatively new, much less is known about the potential to disrupt reproduction. Indeed, high-quality epidemiological studies are needed to determine associations between short-chain PFAS exposure and effects on reproductive health. However, epidemiological evidence is mounting that long-chain PFAS exposure is associated with reproductive effects (i.e., decrease in fertility, reduced fetal growth and birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, thyroid hormone disruption during pregnancy, and preterm birth). Evidence from animal models and human cell lines indicates that short-chain PFAS similarly affect reproductive endpoints; however, epidemiological studies are scarce and inconsistent. Although short-chain PFAS have been quantified in drinking water and sediment worldwide, most of these studies did not focus on quantitation of GenX, ADONA, and F53B. There are also many other short-chain PFAS byproducts of manufacturing that have yet to be identified and studied. When sum total concentration of long- and short-chain PFAS are considered, the concentration rises by an order or magnitude or greater, as will the risk of exposure and subsequent reproductive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weston S. Chambers
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Jaida G. Hopkins
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Sean M. Richards
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN, United States
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16
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Ješeta M, Navrátilová J, Franzová K, Fialková S, Kempisty B, Ventruba P, Žáková J, Crha I. Overview of the Mechanisms of Action of Selected Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals on the Male Reproductive Axes. Front Genet 2021; 12:692897. [PMID: 34646297 PMCID: PMC8502804 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.692897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility has been deteriorating worldwide for considerable time, with the greatest deterioration recorded mainly in the United States, Europe countries, and Australia. That is, especially in countries where an abundance of chemicals called endocrine disruptors has repeatedly been reported, both in the environment and in human matrices. Human exposure to persistent and non-persistent chemicals is ubiquitous and associated with endocrine-disrupting effects. This group of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) can act as agonists or antagonists of hormone receptors and can thus significantly affect a number of physiological processes. It can even negatively affect human reproduction with an impact on the development of gonads and gametogenesis, fertilization, and the subsequent development of embryos. The negative effects of endocrine disruptors on sperm gametogenesis and male fertility in general have been investigated and repeatedly demonstrated in experimental and epidemiological studies. Male reproduction is affected by endocrine disruptors via their effect on testicular development, impact on estrogen and androgen receptors, potential epigenetic effect, production of reactive oxygen species or direct effect on spermatozoa and other cells of testicular tissue. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that the increasing incidence of male infertility is associated with the exposure to persistent and non-persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols and perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). These chemicals may impact men’s fertility through various mechanisms. This study provides an overview of the mechanisms of action common to persistent (PFAS) and nonpersistent (bisphenols) EDC on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ješeta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Navrátilová
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Kateřina Franzová
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Sandra Fialková
- RECETOX Centre, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Bartozs Kempisty
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.,Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Pavel Ventruba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jana Žáková
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Igor Crha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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17
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Lv G, Sun X. The molecular-level understanding of the uptake of PFOS and its alternatives (6:2 Cl-PFESA and OBS) into phospholipid bilayers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:125991. [PMID: 33975169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is an important indicator of their hazard. Partitioning to membrane phospholipids is one of the pathways for their bioaccumulation. However, the molecular mechanism on PFASs uptake into membrane phospholipids is not yet to be fully understood. In this work, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the uptake processes of PFOS and its alternatives (6:2 Cl-PFESA and OBS) into DPPC bilayers, and to evaluate their interaction with DPPC bilayers and their effect on properties of DPPC bilayers. The result of free energy changes shows that a barrier of 2-3 kcal mol-1 exists when these adsorbed PFASs on the surface are absorbed into DPPC bilayers. After incorporating into DPPC bilayers, three DPPC molecules interact with and thus stabilize a PFOS (or 6:2 Cl-PFESA or OBS) molecule. And another role of the three DPPC molecules is to shield these PFASs from exposure to water environment. These PFASs have the similar condensing effect on the model membrane. The molecular-level study is beneficial for understanding the bioaccumulation and toxicity of PFOS and its alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochun Lv
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaomin Sun
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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18
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Alam MN, Han X, Nan B, Liu L, Tian M, Shen H, Huang Q. Chronic low-level perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure promotes testicular steroidogenesis through enhanced histone acetylation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117518. [PMID: 34261222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), an artificial perfluorinated compound, has been associated with male reproductive disorders. Histone modifications are important epigenetic mediators; however, the impact of PFOS exposure on testicular steroidogenesis through histone modification regulations remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the roles of histone modifications in regulating steroid hormone production in male rats chronically exposed to low-level PFOS. The results indicate that PFOS exposure significantly up-regulated the expressions of StAR, CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD, while CYP17A1 and 17β-HSD were down-regulated, thus contributing to the elevated progesterone and testosterone levels. Furthermore, PFOS significantly increased the histones H3K9me2, H3K9ac and H3K18ac while reduced H3K9me3 in rat testis. It is known that histone modifications are closely involved in gene transcription. Therefore, to investigate the association between histone modifications and steroidogenic gene regulation, the levels of these histone marks were further measured in steroidogenic gene promoter regions by ChIP. It was found that H3K18ac was augmented in Cyp11a1 promoter, and H3K9ac was increased in Hsd3b after PFOS exposure, which is proposed to result in the activation of CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD, respectively. To sum up, chronic low-level PFOS exposure activated key steroidogenic gene expression through enhancing histone acetylation (H3K9ac and H3K18ac), ultimately stimulating steroid hormone biosynthesis in rat testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nur Alam
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuejingping Han
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Bingru Nan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Liangpo Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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19
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Park SJ, Sim KH, Shrestha P, Yang JH, Lee YJ. Perfluorooctane sulfonate and bisphenol A induce a similar level of mast cell activation via a common signaling pathway, Fyn-Lyn-Syk activation. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 156:112478. [PMID: 34363875 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) as food contaminants are widely distributed persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and have been suggested to induce immune dysfunction. However, their effects on immune function are not conclusive. Mast cells play a central role in allergic and non-allergic inflammatory responses. Therefore, we have examined the effects of PFCs (PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS) on mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses using in vitro mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and human mast cells (HMC-1) and in vivo mice model. The effects of PFCs were compared with those of bisphenol A (BPA), a well-studied environmental pollutant. Among PFCs tested, PFOS had the highest effects. Both PFOS and BPA increased degranulation and production of inflammatory eicosanoids in mast cells at a similar level, which subsequently led to increased skin edema and serum LTC4 and PGD2 in mice. Both PFOS and BPA increased not only downstream signaling (PLCγ1, AKT, ERK), but also upstream signaling (Fyn, Lyn, Syk/LAT) in mast cells. Taken together, PFOS and BPA induce mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses via a common signaling pathways. Our results may help establish the scientific basis for understanding the etiology of mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses and improve the immune dysfunction risk assessment for emerging POPs such as PFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Joon Park
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwa Sim
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Prafulla Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Yang
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Ju Lee
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Qu J, Han Y, Zhao Z, Wu Y, Lu Y, Chen G, Jiang J, Qiu L, Gu A, Wang X. Perfluorooctane sulfonate interferes with non-genomic estrogen receptor signaling pathway, inhibits ERK1/2 activation and induces apoptosis in mouse spermatocyte-derived cells. Toxicology 2021; 460:152871. [PMID: 34303733 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widespread persistent organic pollutant. Both epidemiological survey and our previous in vivo study have revealed the associations between PFOS exposure and spermatogenesis disorder, while the underlying mechanisms are far from clear. In the present study, GC-2 cells, a mouse spermatocyte-derived cell line, was used to investigate the toxic effects of PFOS and its hypothetical mechanism of action. GC-2 cells were treated with PFOS (0, 50, 100 and 150 μM) for 24 h or 48 h. Results demonstrated that PFOS dose-dependently inhibited cell viability, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and triggered apoptosis, which might be partly explained by the decrease in cyclin D1, PCNA and Bcl-2 protein expression; increase in Bax protein expression; and activation of caspase-9, -3. In addition, PFOS did not directly transactivate or repress estrogen receptors (ERs) in gene reporter assays, whereas the protein levels of both ERα and ERβ were significantly altered and the downstream ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited by PFOS. Furthermore, pretreatment with specific ERα agonist PPT (1 μM) significantly attenuated the above PFOS-induced effects while specific ERβ agonist DPN (1 μM) accelerated them. These results suggest that PFOS may induce growth inhibition and apoptosis via non-genomic estrogen receptor/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in GC-2 cells, which provides a novel insight regarding the potential role of ERs in mediating PFOS-triggered spermatocyte toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Qu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China.
| | - Yu Han
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Ziyan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ying Lu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Junkang Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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21
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Ojo AF, Peng C, Ng JC. Assessing the human health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A need for greater focus on their interactions as mixtures. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124863. [PMID: 33373965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, human health risk assessment of PFAS currently relies on animal toxicity data derived from individual substance exposure, which may not adequately predict the risk from combined exposure due to possible interactions that can influence the overall risk. Long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are recognised as global emerging contaminants of concern due to their ubiquitous distribution in all environmental media, wildlife, and humans, persistency, bioaccumulative-, toxic-, and human health-risk potentials. This article reviews the current understanding of the human health risks associated with PFAS exposure focusing on more recent toxicological and epidemiological studies from 2010 to 2020. The existing information on PFAA mixtures was also reviewed in an attempt to highlight the need for greater focus on their potential interactions as mixtures within the class of these chemicals. A growing number of toxicological studies have indicated several adverse health outcomes of PFAA exposure, including developmental and reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid disruption, and carcinogenicity. Epidemiological findings further support some of these adverse human health outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying these adverse effects are not well defined. A few in vitro studies focusing on PFAA mixtures revealed that these compounds may act additively or interact synergistically/antagonistically depending on the species, dose level, dose ratio, and mixture components. Hence, the combined effects or potential interactions of PFAS mixtures should be considered and integrated into toxicity assessment to obtain a realistic and more refined human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atinuke F Ojo
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Cheng Peng
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jack C Ng
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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22
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Tarapore P, Ouyang B. Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health: Do PFOA and PFOS Increase Risk for Male Infertility? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073794. [PMID: 33916482 PMCID: PMC8038605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade synthetic chemicals which have been in existence for over 70 years. Though they are currently being phased out, their persistence in the environment is widespread. There is increasing evidence linking PFAS exposure to health effects, an issue of concern since PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) bioaccumulate in humans, with a half-life of years. Many epidemiological studies suggest that, worldwide, semen quality has decreased over the past several decades. One of the most worrying effects of PFOS and PFOA is their associations with lower testosterone levels, similar to clinical observations in infertile men. This review thus focuses on PFOS/PFOA-associated effects on male reproductive health. The sources of PFAS in drinking water are listed. The current epidemiological studies linking increased exposure to PFAS with lowered testosterone and semen quality, and evidence from rodent studies supporting their function as endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system, exhibiting non-monotonic dose responses, are noted. Finally, their mechanisms of action and possible toxic effects on the Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells are discussed. Future research efforts must consider utilizing better human model systems for exposure, using more accurate PFAS exposure susceptibility windows, and improvements in statistical modeling of data to account for the endocrine disruptor properties of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-513-558-5148
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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23
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Calvert L, Green MP, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Turner BD, Clarke BO, Eamens AL, Roman SD, Nixon B. Assessment of the Emerging Threat Posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Male Reproduction in Humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:799043. [PMID: 35356147 PMCID: PMC8959433 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.799043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per-fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals used widely in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use and chemical stability, PFAS are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and as such, form an emerging risk factor for male reproductive health. The long half-lives of PFAS is of particular concern as the propensity to accumulate in biological systems prolong the time taken for excretion, taking years in many cases. Accordingly, there is mounting evidence supporting a negative association between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions. However, inconsistencies among epidemiological and experimental findings have hindered the ability to definitively link negative reproductive outcomes to specific PFAS exposure. This situation highlights the requirement for further investigation and the identification of reliable biological models that can inform health risks, allowing sensitive assessment of the spectrum of effects of PFAS exposure on humans. Here, we review the literature on the biological effects of PFAS exposure, with a specific focus on male reproduction, owing to its utility as a sentinel marker of general health. Indeed, male infertility has increasingly been shown to serve as an early indicator of a range of co-morbidities such as coronary, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. It follows that adverse associations have been established between PFAS exposure and the incidence of testicular dysfunction, including pathologies such as testicular cancer and a reduction in semen quality. We also give consideration to the mechanisms that render the male reproductive tract vulnerable to PFAS mediated damage, and discuss novel remediation strategies to mitigate the negative impact of PFAS contamination and/or to ameliorate the PFAS load of exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Calvert
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Mark P. Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett D. Turner
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Bradley O. Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
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Gao S, Wu X, Wang L, Bu T, Perrotta A, Guaglianone G, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. Signaling Proteins That Regulate Spermatogenesis Are the Emerging Target of Toxicant-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:800327. [PMID: 35002976 PMCID: PMC8739942 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.800327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that environmental toxicants, in particular endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as cadmium and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), induce Sertoli cell and testis injury, thereby perturbing spermatogenesis in humans, rodents and also widelife. Recent studies have shown that cadmium (e.g., cadmium chloride, CdCl2) and PFOS exert their disruptive effects through putative signaling proteins and signaling cascade similar to other pharmaceuticals, such as the non-hormonal male contraceptive drug adjudin. More important, these signaling proteins were also shown to be involved in modulating testis function based on studies in rodents. Collectively, these findings suggest that toxicants are using similar mechanisms that used to support spermatogenesis under physiological conditions to perturb Sertoli and testis function. These observations are physiologically significant, since a manipulation on the expression of these signaling proteins can possibly be used to manage the toxicant-induced male reproductive dysfunction. In this review, we highlight some of these findings and critically evaluate the possibility of using this approach to manage toxicant-induced defects in spermatrogenesis based on recent studies in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Gao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Adolfo Perrotta
- Department of Translational & Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guaglianone
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, “Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 4”, Civitavecchia, Italy
| | - Bruno Silvestrini
- Institute of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, ; Fei Sun,
| | - C. Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, ; Fei Sun,
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25
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Cui Q, Pan Y, Wang J, Liu H, Yao B, Dai J. Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in serum versus semen and their association with male reproductive hormones. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115330. [PMID: 32781340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Given that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exhibit different distribution in the serum and semen of adult men, improving our understanding of the predictors of PFAS concentrations in paired serum and semen samples from an individual is essential. Here, we investigated and compared the effects of emerging and legacy PFAS concentrations in serum and semen on reproductive hormone levels in serum within a Chinese adult male population. We explored the relationships among perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) in serum and semen with reproductive hormones in serum among 651 adult men from Nanjing, China. Significant relationships among all analyzed serum and semen PFASs and decreased total testosterone (total T) were found. Serum and semen PFOA levels were associated with significant decreases in free T. Furthermore, the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were significantly decreased in association with PFNA, PFOS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA exposure. Negative relationships between the total T/luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio and semen concentrations of selected PFASs were also observed. After adjustment of PFAS concentrations (in both semen and serum), stronger associations of PFASs with total T, free T, estradiol (E2), SHBG, and total T/LH were observed in semen than in serum. We found that 84.8% of the associations between serum PFOA with total T were mediated by semen PFOA. Thus, elevated PFAS exposure may have negative effects on male reproductive health, and semen PFAS may be a better exposure indicator for the male reproductive system than serum PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jinghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hongxiu Liu
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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26
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Sheng N, Wang J, Guo Y, Wang J, Dai J. Interactions of Perfluorooctanesulfonate and 6:2 Chlorinated Polyfluorinated Ether Sulfonate with Human Serum Albumin: A Comparative Study. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1478-1486. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Jinghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jianshe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P.R. China
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27
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Perfluoroalkyl chemicals in neurological health and disease: Human concerns and animal models. Neurotoxicology 2020; 77:155-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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28
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Qiu Z, Qu K, Luan F, Liu Y, Zhu Y, Yuan Y, Li H, Zhang H, Hai Y, Zhao C. Binding specificities of estrogen receptor with perfluorinated compounds: A cross species comparison. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105284. [PMID: 31707300 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were reported to result in the endocrine disruption by activating the estrogen receptor (ER) and inducing ER-mediated transcriptions. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present work was to perform cross-species comparisons on the characteristics of eight PFCs binding to humans ERα and to rats ERα. METHODS In the present work, in vivo tests, including serum estradiol level assay and immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence assay and molecular models were applied. RESULTS Based on the in vivo experiments, the exposure of PFOA and PFOS to female rats was proved to increase the ERα expression in the terus, suggesting that PFCs may act as estrogenic compounds to activate ERα in vivo. The further fluorescence assay presented that these eight PFCs have stronger binding abilities to human ERα than to rat ERα. In addition, the differences in binding specificities between human ERα and rat ERα were identified in the process of molecular dynamics modeling with the term of helix position and the ability of coregulator recruitment. It can be found that more and stronger charge clamps could form between PFCs with human ERα than with rat ERα. Also, the eight PFCs presented lower binding energies in human ERα systems, which proved that eight PFCs presented much stronger binding abilities with human ERα. DISCUSSION In all, it can be concluded that PFCs might be more sensitive to human ERα than to that of rats, which also suggested the greater susceptibility to adverse effects on humans. The present work was a beginning assessment of a cross-species comparison, providing important information on health impacts of PFCs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kaili Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Feng Luan
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yaquan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Ecology and Environment of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongna Yuan
- School of Information Science & Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ying Hai
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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29
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Tian J, Xu H, Zhang Y, Shi X, Wang W, Gao H, Bi Y. SAM targeting methylation by the methyl donor, a novel therapeutic strategy for antagonize PFOS transgenerational fertilitty toxicity. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 184:109579. [PMID: 31505405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation have been suggested as possible mediators of long-term health effects of environmental stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the potential therapy of methylation of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) on PFOS induced trangeneral reproductive toxicity. In this study, postnatal 5d Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, PFOS, PFOS + SAM, and PFOS + Decitabine (DAC). The F0 rats were exposed to 5 mg/kg PFOS and SAM or DAC until PND60. The development of the offsprings were monitored without PFOS exposure. The fertility in F0, F1 rats, and change in F1 testes were observed. The results were as follows. The significant increase in F0 pregnancy rate, and survival rate in F1 offspring in PFOS + SAM relative to PFOS group were observed. Changes of birth weights and physical development in F1 offspring with SAM were approached as a corresponding variation of the control after the deparation period. No pregnant in F1 maternal rats in the PFOS and DAC groups were found, but pregnant in the SAM group. Significantly decrease in the percentage of abnormal seminiferous tubules and increase in expression of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF+) spermatogonial stem cells in F1 testis compared with the PFOS group. Taken together, Methyl donor SAM improve PLZF + spermatogonia stem cell proliferation, attenuate damage in testicular tissue structure, which subsequently improve the transgenerational growth retard and infertility induced by PFOS chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Tian
- Department of Health, Labor Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430068, Hubei, China; Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Haiming Xu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yawen Zhang
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Xinchen Shi
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Wencheng Wang
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Ningxia, Yinchuan, 750002, Ningxia, China
| | - Huanmin Gao
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Ningxia, Yinchuan, 750002, Ningxia, China
| | - Yongyi Bi
- Department of Health, Labor Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430068, Hubei, China.
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Yao Q, Shi R, Wang C, Han W, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Ding G, Tian Y. Cord blood Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, placental steroidogenic enzyme, and cord blood reproductive hormone. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 129:573-582. [PMID: 31174145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in China, but little is known about the association between prenatal PFASs exposure and fetal reproductive development as well as its potential mechanism. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of cord blood PFASs on fetal reproductive hormones and its potential mechanism in relation to steroidogenic enzymes. METHODS Ten selected PFASs (n = 351) including PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFDA, PFDoA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOSA, and PFUA, and two reproductive hormones estradiol (E2) (n = 351) and testosterone (T) (n = 349) were measured in 351 cord blood serum samples from a Chinese birth cohort between 2010 and 2013. Three steroidogenic enzymes including P450arom (n = 125), 3β-HSD1 (n = 123), and 17β-HSD1 (n = 116) were measured in 125 placental tissue samples. Linear regression tested the associations between cord blood PFASs and reproductive hormones in cord blood. Mediation analysis assessed the role of placental steroidogenic enzymes between cord blood PFASs and reproductive hormones. RESULTS The positive associations between PFOA, PFHxS and E2 levels, PFOS, PFUA, PFNA and T levels, and PFOS, PFUA and T/E2 ratio were significant. PFUA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, and ∑PFASs were associated with higher P450arom levels. PFHxS was also associated with increased 3β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD1 levels. These associations were more pronounced in females than males when stratified by gender. Furthermore, 17β-HSD1 demonstrated mediating effects in the positive association between cord blood PFHxS and E2 levels in females. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested the potential impacts of cord blood PFASs on fetal reproductive hormones, in which steroidogenic enzymes may play important roles. These associations were more pronounced in females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caifeng Wang
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchao Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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31
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Liu X, Liu T, Song J, Hai Y, Luan F, Zhang H, Yuan Y, Li H, Zhao C. Understanding the interaction of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) on estrogen receptor: A combined molecular dynamics and experimental study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 172:373-379. [PMID: 30731268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Considering the large-scale production of diversified nanomaterials, it is paramount importance to unravel the structural details of interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems, and thus to explore the potential adverse impacts of nanoparticles. Estrogen receptors (ER) is one of the most important receptor of human reproductive system and the binding of carbon nanotubes to estrogen receptors was the possible trigger leading to the reproductive toxicity of carbon nanotubes. Thus, with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) treated as model nanomaterials, a combination of in vivo experiments, spectroscopy assay and molecular dynamic modeling was applied to help us unravel some important issues on the binding characterization between SWCNT and the ligand binding domain (LBD) of ER alpha (ERα). The fluorescence assay and molecular dynamics simulations together validated the binding of SWCNT to ERα, suggesting the possible molecular initiating event. As a consequence, SWCNT binding led to a conformational change on tertiary structure levels and hydrophobic interaction was recognized as the driving force governing the binding behavior between SWCNT and LBD of ERα. A in vivo process presented that the exposure of SWCNT increased ERα expression from 26.43 pg/ml to 259.01 pg/ml, suggesting a potential estrogen interference effects of SWCNT. Our study offers insight on the binding of SWCNT and ERα LBD at atomic level, helpful to accurately evaluate the potential health risks of SWCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhe Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juanjuan Song
- Pulmonary Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ying Hai
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Feng Luan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yongna Yuan
- School of Information Science & Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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32
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Zeng Z, Song B, Xiao R, Zeng G, Gong J, Chen M, Xu P, Zhang P, Shen M, Yi H. Assessing the human health risks of perfluorooctane sulfonate by in vivo and in vitro studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:598-610. [PMID: 30856447 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The wide use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has led to increasing concern about its human health risks over the past decade. In vivo and in vitro studies are important and effective means to ascertain the toxic effects of PFOS on humans and its toxic mechanisms. This article systematically reviews the human health risks of PFOS based on the currently known facts found by in vivo and in vitro studies from 2008 to 2018. Exposure to PFOS has caused hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid disruption, cardiovascular toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and renal toxicity in laboratory animals and many in vitro human systems. These results and related epidemiological studies confirmed the human health risks of PFOS, especially for exposure via food and drinking water. Oxidative stress and physiological process disruption based on fatty acid similarity were widely studied mechanisms of PFOS toxicity. Future research for assessing the human health risks of PFOS is recommended in the chronic toxicity and molecular mechanisms, the application of various omics, and the integration of toxicological and epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, PR China.
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jilai Gong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Piao Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Peng Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Huan Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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Singh S, Singh SK. Prepubertal exposure to perfluorononanoic acid interferes with spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in male mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 170:590-599. [PMID: 30576894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in industrial and commercial products and possess endocrine disrupting properties. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), one of PFAAs, has been mainly reported to produce testicular toxicity in adult animals. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of acute exposure of PFNA to prepubertal male Parkes (P) mice on spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis, and to study the possible mechanism(s) of its action. PFNA (2 and 5 mg/kg) was orally administered to male P mice for 14 days from postnatal day 25-38. Histologically, testis in PFNA-treated mice showed non-uniform diverse degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules; both normal and affected tubules were seen in the same testicular sections. The treatment caused a reduction in intra-testicular and serum testosterone levels accompanied by a decrease in testicular expression of SF1, StAR, CYP11A1, and 3β- and17β-HSD. Further, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the testis were markedly decreased, while the level of lipid peroxidation and expression of IKKβ, NF-κB and caspase-3 were significantly increased in testis of PFNA-treated mice. There was also a decrease in PCNA expression and in PCNA-index and an increase in TUNEL-positive germ cells in testes of PFNA-treated mice. In conclusion, the results suggest that PFNA exposure to prepubertal male mice altered antioxidant enzymes activity and Nrf2-HO-1 signaling, leading to oxidative stress and a decrease in testosterone biosynthesis in the testis; these changes, in turn, caused increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of germ cells, thereby suppression of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Zhou X, Wang J, Sheng N, Cui R, Deng Y, Dai J. Subchronic reproductive effects of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES), an alternative to PFOS, on adult male mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 358:256-264. [PMID: 29990813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
With a similar structure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES) has been widely used as a mist suppressant in the chromium plating industry in China since the 1970s. After being disregarded for the past 30 years, 6:2 Cl-PFAES has now been detected in environmental matrices and human sera, suggesting potential health concerns. We carried out a subchronic exposure study to investigate the reproductive toxicity of 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure (0, 0.04, 0.2, and 1.0 mg/kg/d body weight, 56 d) in adult male BALB/c mice. Results showed that relative epididymis and testis weights decreased in the 1.0 mg/kg/d group compared with the control. However, no changes were observed in the serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or luteinizing hormone (LH), nor in the histopathological structure of the epididymis and testis and sperm count. In addition, 56 d of consecutive gavage of 1.0 mg/kg/d of 6:2 Cl-PFAES did not affect male mouse fertility. RNA sequencing showed that no genes were significantly altered in the testes after 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure. Several testicular genes, which are sensitive to PFOS exposure, were also detected using Western blotting, and included steroidogenic proteins, STAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and 3β-HSD and cell junction proteins, occludin, β-catenin, and connexin 43; however, none were changed after 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure. Except for a decrease in the relative epididymis and testis weights in the 1.0 mg/kg/d group, 6:2 Cl-PFAES exposure for 56 d exerted no significant effect on the serum levels of reproductive hormones or the testicular mRNA profilesin adult male mice, implying a relative weak reproductive injury potential compared with that of PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Jianshe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China.
| | - Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Ruina Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yiqun Deng
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
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35
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Huang S, Cao S, Zhou T, Kong L, Liang G. 4-tert-octylphenol injures motility and viability of human sperm by affecting cAMP-PKA/PKC-tyrosine phosphorylation signals. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 62:234-243. [PMID: 30098580 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
4-tert-octylphenol (4t-OP) is a well-known xenoestrogen. Our objective was to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of 4t-OP on human sperm. Sperm samples were exposed to 0, 0.1, or 0.3 mM 4t-OP for two hours. Results showed that both sperm viability and motility were significantly injured by 0.3 mM 4t-OP. We applied comparative proteomics to explore the molecular targets affected by 4t-OP. 81 differentially expressed (DE) proteins were identified. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these proteins were highly associated with motility and apoptosis, and were mostly enriched in cAMP-PKA/PKC-phosphorylation-associated pathway. We further verified that 0.1 mM and 0.3 mM 4t-OP significantly decreased cAMP activity of sperm. Expression of RACK1 and PRDX6 were detected by western blot (WB) to verify their tendencies in gels; antiapoptotic factor BCL2 was also detected by WB. The data indicated that 4-tert-octylphenol injures the motility and viability of human sperm probably by affecting cAMP-PKA/PKC-tyrosine phosphorylation signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Senyang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, Yancheng Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Yancheng 224002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Kong
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
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36
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Guo J, Pan R, Shi R, Tian Y, Zhou Y, Gao Y. Fenvalerate decreases semen quality in puberty rat through germ cell apoptosis. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13079. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Jingyi Guo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Rui Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Yijun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai China
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37
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Steves AN, Turry A, Gill B, Clarkson-Townsend D, Bradner JM, Bachli I, Caudle WM, Miller GW, Chan AWS, Easley CA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances impact human spermatogenesis in a stem-cell-derived model. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:225-239. [PMID: 29911897 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1481465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) represent a highly ubiquitous group of synthetic chemicals used in products ranging from water and oil repellents and lubricants to firefighting foam. These substances can enter and accumulate in multiple tissue matrices in up to 100% of people assessed. Though animal models strongly identify these compounds as male reproductive toxicants, with exposed rodents experiencing declines in sperm count, alterations in hormones, and DNA damage in spermatids, among other adverse outcomes, human studies report conflicting conclusions as to the reproductive toxicity of these chemicals. Using an innovative, human stem-cell-based model of spermatogenesis, we assessed the effects of the PFASs perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and a mixture of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA for their impacts on human spermatogenesis in vitro under conditions relevant to the general and occupationally exposed populations. Here, we show that PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and a mixture of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA do not decrease in vitro germ cell viability, consistent with reports from human studies. These compounds do not affect mitochondrial membrane potential or increase reactive oxygen species generation, and they do not decrease cell viability of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, or spermatids in vitro under the conditions examined. However, exposure to PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA reduces expression of markers for spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes. While not having direct effects on germ cell viability, these effects suggest the potential for long-term impacts on male fertility through the exhaustion of the spermatogonial stem cell pool and abnormalities in primary spermatocytes. ABBREVIATIONS CDC: Centers for Disease Control; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; GHR: growth hormone receptor; hESCs: human embryonic stem cells; PFASs: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; PFCs: perfluorinated compounds; PFNA: perfluorononanoic acid; PFOS: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid; PFOA: perfluorooctanoic acid; PLZF: promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger; ROS: reactive oxygen species; HILI: RNA-mediated gene silencing 2; SSC: spermatogonial stem cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyse N Steves
- a Genetics and Molecular Biology Program , Laney Graduate School, Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Adam Turry
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | - Brittany Gill
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | | | - Joshua M Bradner
- d Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Ian Bachli
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA
| | - W Michael Caudle
- d Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Gary W Miller
- d Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- e Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases , Yerkes National Primate Research Center , Atlanta , GA , USA.,f Department of Human Genetics , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- b College of Public Health , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,c Regenerative Bioscience Center , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA.,e Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases , Yerkes National Primate Research Center , Atlanta , GA , USA
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Khezri A, Lindeman B, Krogenæs AK, Berntsen HF, Zimmer KE, Ropstad E. Maternal exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affects testis histology, epididymal sperm count and induces sperm DNA fragmentation in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28645691 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are widespread throughout the environment and some are suspected to induce reproductive toxicity. As animals and humans are exposed to complex mixtures of POPs, it is reasonable to assess how such mixtures could interact with the reproductive system. Our aim is to investigate how maternal exposure to a mixture of 29 different persistent organic pollutants, formulated to mimic the relative POP levels in the food basket of the Scandinavian population, could alter reproductive endpoints. Female mice were exposed via feed from weaning, during pregnancy and lactation in 3 exposure groups (control (C), low (L) and high (H)). Testicular morphometric endpoints, epididymal sperm concentration and sperm DNA integrity were assessed in adult male offspring. We found that the number of tubules, proportion of tubule compartments and epididymal sperm concentration significantly decreased in both POP exposed groups. Epididymal sperm from both POP exposed groups showed increased DNA fragmentation. It is concluded that maternal exposure to a defined POP mixture relevant to human exposure can affect testicular development, sperm production and sperm chromatin integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Basic Science and Aquatic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Science, Pb. 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Birgitte Lindeman
- Department of Toxicology and Risk, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Pb 4404, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anette K Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Science, Pb. 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hanne F Berntsen
- Norwegian National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb. 8149 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karin E Zimmer
- Department of Basic Science and Aquatic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Science, Pb. 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Science, Pb. 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
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