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Wang CS, Fang GZ, Li XP, Huang GY, Xie L, Ying GG. Combined effects of binary mixtures of 17β-estradiol and testosterone in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) after full life-cycle exposure. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 280:109887. [PMID: 38460577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens and androgens are typical steroid hormones and often occur together in contaminated aquatic environments, but their mixed effects in aquatic organisms have been less well reported. In this study, the endocrine disrupting effects of binary mixtures of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were assessed by analyzing the sex ratio, secondary sex characteristics, gonadal histology, and transcriptional expression of target genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in G. affinis (from embryos) continuously exposed to E2 (50 ng/L), T (T1: 50 ng/L; T2: 200 ng/L), and mixtures of both (E2 + T1: 50 + 50 ng/L; E2 + T2: 50 + 200 ng/L) for 119 d. The results showed that exposure to E2 + T1 and E2 + T2 reduced the length ratio of ray 4/6 ratio in male G. affinis, suggesting feminized phenomenon in male G. affinis. Furthermore, 16.7-38.5 % of female G. affinis showed masculinized anal fins and hemal spines when exposed to T alone and in combination with E2. Importantly, the transcriptional levels of certain target genes related to the HPG axis were significantly altered in G. affinis following exposure to E2 and T alone and in combinations. Moreover, exposure to E2 and T in combinations can lead to combined effects (such as synergistic and antagonistic effects) on the transcriptional levels of some genes. These results collectively suggest that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 and T alone and in mixtures can impact the endocrine system of G. affinis, and may pose potential risks in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Si Wang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gui-Zhen Fang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Pei Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guo-Yong Huang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Zhang S, Li X, Li X, Wang X, Ru S, Tian H. 17β-Trenbolone activates androgen receptor, upregulates transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt signaling pathways, and induces masculinization of caudal and anal fins in female guppies (Poecilia reticulata). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 263:106677. [PMID: 37677862 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106677] [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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexually mature female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (20, 200, and 2000 ng/L) of 17β-trenbolone for four weeks. As evidenced by the increased caudal fin index and anal fins developing into gonopodium-like structures, exposed females displayed masculinized secondary sexual characteristics. Differential gene expression and subsequent pathway analysis of mRNA sequencing data revealed that the transcription of transforming growth factor beta/bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway were upregulated following 17β-trenbolone exposure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that the bone morphogenetic protein 7 protein content was elevated after 17β-trenbolone exposure. Finally, real-time PCR revealed that 17β-trenbolone treatment significantly increased androgen receptor mRNA levels, and molecular docking showed potent interaction between 17β-trenbolone and guppy androgen receptor. Furthermore, 17β-trenbolone-induced masculinization of caudal and anal fins in female guppies, concomitant to the upregulated expression of differentially expressed genes involved in the above-mentioned two signaling pathways, was significantly inhibited by flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist). These findings demonstrated that 17β-trenbolone masculinized fins of female guppies by activating the androgen receptor. This study revealed that 17β-trenbolone could upregulate signaling pathways related to fin growth and differentiation, and eventually cause caudal and anal fin masculinization in female guppies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqiu Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Xuefu Li
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China; College of Life Science, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, Hebei province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Hua Tian
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong province, China.
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Vliet SM, Markey KJ, Lynn SG, Adetona A, Fallacara D, Ceger P, Choksi N, Karmaus AL, Watson A, Ewans A, Daniel AB, Hamm J, Vitense K, Wolf KA, Thomas A, LaLone CA. Weight of evidence for cross-species conservation of androgen receptor-based biological activity. Toxicol Sci 2023; 193:131-145. [PMID: 37071731 PMCID: PMC10796108 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad038] [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] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) is tasked with assessing chemicals for their potential to perturb endocrine pathways, including those controlled by androgen receptor (AR). To address challenges associated with traditional testing strategies, EDSP is considering in vitro high-throughput screening assays to screen and prioritize chemicals more efficiently. The ability of these assays to accurately reflect chemical interactions in nonmammalian species remains uncertain. Therefore, a goal of the EDSP is to evaluate how broadly results can be extrapolated across taxa. To assess the cross-species conservation of AR-modulated pathways, computational analyses and systematic literature review approaches were used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo data. First, molecular target conservation was assessed across 585 diverse species based on the structural similarity of ARs. These results indicate that ARs are conserved across vertebrates and are predicted to share similarly susceptibility to chemicals that interact with the human AR. Systematic analysis of over 5000 published manuscripts was used to compile in vitro and in vivo cross-species toxicity data. Assessment of in vitro data indicates conservation of responses occurs across vertebrate ARs, with potential differences in sensitivity. Similarly, in vivo data indicate strong conservation of the AR signaling pathways across vertebrate species, although sensitivity may vary. Overall, this study demonstrates a framework for utilizing bioinformatics and existing data to build weight of evidence for cross-species extrapolation and provides a technical basis for extrapolating hAR-based data to prioritize hazard in nonmammalian vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M.F. Vliet
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Scientific Computing and Data Curation Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Kristan J. Markey
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Endocrine Disrupter Screening Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Scott G. Lynn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Endocrine Disrupter Screening Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelsey Vitense
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Scientific Computing and Data Curation Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | | | - Amy Thomas
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carlie A. LaLone
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
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Tian H, Liu R, Zhang S, Wei S, Wang W, Ru S. 17β-Trenbolone binds to androgen receptor, decreases number of primordial germ cells, modulates expression of genes related to sexual differentiation, and affects sexual differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150959. [PMID: 34662611 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to 17β-trenbolone caused a skewed sex ratio in fish. However, the molecular initiating event and key molecular event(s) remain unknown. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to 17β-trenbolone at nominal concentrations of 2 ng/L, 20 ng/L, 200 ng/L, and 2000 ng/L from fertilization to 60 days post fertilization (dpf). First, the sex ratio at 60 dpf was calculated to evaluate adverse outcomes on sexual differentiation. 17β-Trenbolone caused a skewed sex ratio toward males, with intersex individuals observed in the 20 ng/L group and all-male populations found in the 200 ng/L and 2000 ng/L groups. Then, the distribution and number of primordial germ cells, the expression of sex differentiation-related genes, and plasma vitellogenin concentrations were detected in wild-type zebrafish and the EGFP-nanos-3'UTR transgenic line using whole-mount in situ hybridization, real-time PCR, EGFP fluorescence quantification, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicated that 17β-trenbolone exposure decreased the number of primordial germ cells at 1 dpf and 3 dpf, decreased expression of ovarian differentiation-related genes foxl2 and cyp19a1a at 60 dpf, increased expression of testis differentiation-related genes dmrt1, sox9a, and amh at 60 dpf, and decreased plasma vitellogenin levels at 60 dpf, revealing the key molecular events at different time points involved in affected sexual differentiation by 17β-trenbolone. Finally, molecular docking showed that 17β-trenbolone docked into ligand-binding domain of zebrafish androgen receptor with high binding energy (-3.72 kcal/mol), suggesting that binding to androgen receptor is the molecular initiating event affecting sexual differentiation by 17β-trenbolone. We found that 17β-trenbolone can bind to the zebrafish androgen receptor, decrease the number of primordial germ cells during the early embryonic stage, modulate the expression of genes related to sexual differentiation during gonadal differentiation, and eventually cause a skewed sex ratio toward males in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Tian
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Rui Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Suqiu Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuhui Wei
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China..
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
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Fang GZ, Huang GY, Ying GG, Qiu SQ, Shi WJ, Xie L, Yang YY, Ma DD. Endocrine disrupting effects of binary mixtures of 17β-estradiol and testosterone in adult female western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111566. [PMID: 33396095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Androgens and estrogens often co-exist in aquatic environments and pose potential risks to fish populations. However, little is known about the endocrine disrupting effects of the mixture of androgens and estrogens in fish. In this study, transcriptional level of target genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis, sex hormone level, VTG protein concentration, histology and secondary sex characteristic were assessed in the ovaries and livers of adult female western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and mixtures of E2 and T for 91 days. The results showed that the transcriptional expression of cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1a (Cyp19a1a) was suppressed in the 200 ng/L T treatment and the 50 ng/L E2 + 200 ng/L T treatment in the ovaries. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) and Cyp11a1 showed a similar expression pattern in the T treatment to its corresponding T + E2 mixtures. In the ovaries, the concentrations of 17β-estradiol and testosterone were decreased in most treatments compared with the solvent control. VTG protein was induced in all steroid treatment. However, exposure to T or E2 + T mixture did not cause the abnormal cells of the ovaries and livers and an extension of the anal fins in female G. affinis. This study demonstrates that chronic exposure to E2, T and their mixtures affects the transcripts of genes in the HPGL axis, steroid hormone level and VTG protein concentration in the ovaries and livers, but fails to cause the histopathological effect of the ovaries and livers and alter the morphology of the anal fins in G. affinis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Zhen Fang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guo-Yong Huang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shu-Qing Qiu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Yazawa T, Inaba H, Imamichi Y, Sekiguchi T, Uwada J, Islam MS, Orisaka M, Mikami D, Ida T, Sato T, Miyashiro Y, Takahashi S, Khan MRI, Suzuki N, Umezawa A, Kitano T. Profiles of 5α-Reduced Androgens in Humans and Eels: 5α-Dihydrotestosterone and 11-Ketodihydrotestosterone Are Active Androgens Produced in Eel Gonads. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:657360. [PMID: 33833737 PMCID: PMC8021924 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.657360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) and testosterone (T) are major androgens in both teleosts and humans, their 5α-reduced derivatives produced by steroid 5α-reductase (SRD5A/srd5a), i.e., 11-ketodihydrotestosterone (11KDHT) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), remains poorly characterized, especially in teleosts. In this study, we compared the presence and production of DHT and 11KDHT in Japanese eels and humans. Plasma 11KT concentrations were similar in both male and female eels, whereas T levels were much higher in females. In accordance with the levels of their precursors, 11KDHT levels did not show sexual dimorphism, whereas DHT levels were much higher in females. It is noteworthy that plasma DHT levels in female eels were higher than those in men. In addition, plasma 11KDHT was undetectable in both sexes in humans, despite the presence of 11KT. Three srd5a genes (srd5a1, srd5a2a and srd5a2b) were cloned from eel gonads. All three srd5a genes were expressed in the ovary, whereas only both srd5a2 genes were expressed in the testis. Human SRD5A1 was expressed in testis, ovary and adrenal, whereas SRD5A2 was expressed only in testis. Human SRD5A1, SRD5A2 and both eel srd5a2 isoforms catalyzed the conversion of T and 11KT into DHT and 11KDHT, respectively, whereas only eel srd5a1 converted T into DHT. DHT and 11KDHT activated eel androgen receptor (ar)α-mediated transactivation as similar fashion to T and 11KT. In contrast, human AR and eel arβ were activated by DHT and11KDHT more strongly than T and 11KT. These results indicate that in teleosts, DHT and 11KDHT may be important 5α-reduced androgens produced in the gonads. In contrast, DHT is the only major 5α-reduced androgens in healthy humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takashi Yazawa,
| | - Hiroyuki Inaba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Freshwater Resources Research Center, Aichi Fisheries Research Institute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Imamichi
- Department of Pharmacology, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toshio Sekiguchi
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Junsuke Uwada
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Makoto Orisaka
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mikami
- Department of Nephrology, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Takanori Ida
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, Kurume University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Nobuo Suzuki
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproduction, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kitano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Abstract
Social hierarchies are ubiquitous in social species and profoundly influence physiology and behavior. Androgens like testosterone have been strongly linked to social status, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating social status are not known. The African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni is a powerful model species for elucidating the role of androgens in social status given their rich social hierarchy and genetic tractability. Dominant A. burtoni males possess large testes and bright coloration and perform aggressive and reproductive behaviors while nondominant males do not. Social status in A. burtoni is in flux, however, as males alter their status depending on the social environment. Due to a teleost-specific whole-genome duplication, A. burtoni possess two androgen receptor (AR) paralogs, ARα and ARβ, providing a unique opportunity to disentangle the role of gene duplication in the evolution of social systems. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate AR mutant A. burtoni and performed a suite of experiments to interrogate the mechanistic basis of social dominance. We find that ARβ, but not ARα, is required for testes growth and bright coloration, while ARα, but not ARβ, is required for the performance of reproductive behavior and aggressive displays. Both receptors are required to reduce flees from females and either AR is sufficient for attacking males. Thus, social status in A. burtoni is inordinately dissociable and under the modular control of two AR paralogs. This type of nonredundancy may be important in facilitating social plasticity in A. burtoni and other species whose social status relies on social experience.
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Medvedev AV, Medvedeva LA, Martsen E, Moeser M, Gorman KL, Lin B, Blackwell B, Villeneuve DL, Houck KA, Crofton KM, Makarov SS. Harmonized Cross-Species Assessment of Endocrine and Metabolic Disruptors by Ecotox FACTORIAL Assay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12142-12153. [PMID: 32901485 PMCID: PMC11285471 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a threat to humans and wildlife species. Of particular concern are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). An important target of EDCs is nuclear receptors (NRs) that control endocrine and metabolic responses through transcriptional regulation. Owing in part to structural differences of NRs, adverse effects of EDCs vary significantly among species. Here, we describe a multiplexed reporter assay (the Ecotox FACTORIAL) enabling parallel assessment of compounds' effects on estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and PPARγ receptors of representative mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The Ecotox FACTORIAL is a single-well assay comprising a set of species-specific, one-hybrid GAL4-NR reporter constructs transiently transfected into test cells. To harmonize cross-species assessments, we used a combination of two approaches. First, we used the same type of test cells for all reporters; second, we implemented a parallel detection of reporter RNAs. The assay demonstrated excellent quality, reproducibility, and insignificant intra-assay variability. Importantly, the EC50 values for NR ligands were consistent with those reported for conventional assays. Using the assay allowed ranking the hazard potential of environmental pollutants (e.g., bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and synthetic progestins) across species. Furthermore, the assay permitted detecting taxa-specific effects of surface water samples. Therefore, the Ecotox FACTORIAL enables harmonized assessment of the endocrine and metabolic disrupting activity of chemicals and surface water in humans as well as in wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brett Blackwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- US Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Keith A. Houck
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
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Zapater C, Molés G, Muñoz I, Pinto PIS, Canario AVM, Gómez A. Differential involvement of the three nuclear estrogen receptors during oogenesis in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)†. Biol Reprod 2018; 100:757-772. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cinta Zapater
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Torre la Sal, Castellón, Spain
| | - Gregorio Molés
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Torre la Sal, Castellón, Spain
| | - Iciar Muñoz
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Torre la Sal, Castellón, Spain
| | - Patricia I S Pinto
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Adelino V M Canario
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Gómez
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre la Sal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Torre la Sal, Castellón, Spain
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Ankley GT, Coady KK, Gross M, Holbech H, Levine SL, Maack G, Williams M. A critical review of the environmental occurrence and potential effects in aquatic vertebrates of the potent androgen receptor agonist 17β-trenbolone. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2064-2078. [PMID: 29701261 PMCID: PMC6129983 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Trenbolone acetate is widely used in some parts of the world for its desirable anabolic effects on livestock. Several metabolites of the acetate, including 17β-trenbolone, have been detected at low nanograms per liter concentrations in surface waters associated with animal feedlots. The 17β-trenbolone isomer can affect androgen receptor signaling pathways in various vertebrate species at comparatively low concentrations/doses. The present article provides a comprehensive review and synthesis of the existing literature concerning exposure to and biological effects of 17β-trenbolone, with an emphasis on potential risks to aquatic animals. In vitro studies indicate that, although 17β-trenbolone can activate several nuclear hormone receptors, its highest affinity is for the androgen receptor in all vertebrate taxa examined, including fish. Exposure of fish to nanograms per liter water concentrations of 17β-trenbolone can cause changes in endocrine function in the short term, and adverse apical effects in longer exposures during development and reproduction. Impacts on endocrine function typically are indicative of inappropriate androgen receptor signaling, such as changes in sex steroid metabolism, impacts on gonadal stage, and masculinization of females. Exposure of fish to 17β-trenbolone during sexual differentiation in early development can greatly skew sex ratios, whereas adult exposures can adversely impact fertility and fecundity. To fully assess ecosystem-level risks, additional research is warranted to address uncertainties as to the degree/breadth of environmental exposures and potential population-level effects of 17β-trenbolone in sensitive species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2064-2078. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T. Ankley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office or Research and Development, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Katherine K. Coady
- The Dow Chemical Company, Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, Midland, MI, USA
| | | | - Henrik Holbech
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | | | - Gerd Maack
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Dessau-Roβlau, Germany
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11
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Nishimiya O, Katsu Y, Inagawa H, Hiramatsu N, Todo T, Hara A. Molecular cloning and characterization of hagfish estrogen receptors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 165:190-201. [PMID: 27287934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
One or more distinct forms of the nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) have been isolated from many vertebrates to date. To better understand the molecular evolution of ERs, we cloned and characterized er cDNAs from the inshore hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, a modern representative of the most primitive vertebrates, the agnathans. Two er cDNAs, er1 and er2, were isolated from the liver of a reproductive female hagfish. A phylogenetic analysis placed hagfish ER1 into a position prior to the divergence of vertebrate ERs. Conversely, hagfish ER2 was placed at the base of the vertebrate ERβ clade. The tissue distribution patterns of both ER subtype mRNAs appeared to be different, suggesting that each subtype has different physiological roles associated with estrogen actions. An estrogen responsive-luciferase reporter assay using mammalian HEK293 cells was used to functionally characterize these hagfish ERs. Both ER proteins displayed estrogen-dependent activation of transcription. These results clearly demonstrate that the hagfish has two functional ER subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Nishimiya
- Laboratory of Fish Reproductive Physiology and Biochemistry, Division of Marine Life Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Katsu
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inagawa
- Department of Applied Aquabiology, National Fisheries University, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 759-6595, Japan
| | - Naoshi Hiramatsu
- Laboratory of Fish Reproductive Physiology and Biochemistry, Division of Marine Life Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan
| | - Takashi Todo
- Laboratory of Fish Reproductive Physiology and Biochemistry, Division of Marine Life Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Hara
- Laboratory of Fish Reproductive Physiology and Biochemistry, Division of Marine Life Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan
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An LH, Zheng BH, Liu RZ, Fan Q, Wang QK, Luo YF. Transcriptomic response to estrogen exposure in the male Zhikong scallop, Chlamys farreri. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 89:59-66. [PMID: 25455372 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptomes of Zhikong scallop exposed to 17β-estradiol were determined using the Roche/454. A total of 51,997 unigenes, representing 45,030 contigs and 6967 singlets were obtained. And 14,028, 19,798 and 14,981 of these unigenes were annotated from the non-redundant nucleic acid database, non-redundant protein database and Swiss protein database, respectively. A total of 10,699 unigenes were further annotated to biological processes (9080), molecular functions (8692) and cellular components (7829) using the GO, and 8945 unigenes were mapped to biological pathways including the metabolism (2862) and genetic information processing (2263). Most importantly, 16,692 unigenes and 18,686 unigenes in testis, and 10,492 unigenes and 13,186 unigenes in digestive gland were up-regulated significantly after exposure to 50 and 500 ng E2/L; while 10,212 unigenes and 9409 unigenes in testis and 10,629 unigenes and 9463 unigenes in digestive gland were down-regulated. These valuable information provides insights into the mechanisms in invertebrate exposure to EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hui An
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Bing-Hui Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Rui-Zhi Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qiang Fan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Tianjin Agricultural College, Tianjin 300384, China
| | | | - Ying-Feng Luo
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
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13
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Cotter KA, Yershov A, Novillo A, Callard GV. Multiple structurally distinct ERα mRNA variants in zebrafish are differentially expressed by tissue type, stage of development and estrogen exposure. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 194:217-29. [PMID: 24090614 PMCID: PMC3862120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that estrogen-like environmental chemicals interact with the ligand-binding site of estrogen receptors (ERs) to disrupt transcriptional control of estrogen responsive targets. Here we investigate the possibility that estrogens also impact splicing decisions on estrogen responsive genes, such as that encoding ERα itself. Targeted PCR cloning was applied to identify six ERα mRNA variants in zebrafish. Sequencing revealed alternate use of transcription and translation start sites, multiple exon deletions, intron retention and alternate polyadenylation. As determined by quantitative (q)PCR, N-terminal mRNA variants predicting long (ERαA(L)) and short (ERα(S)) isoforms were differentially expressed by tissue-type, sex, stage of development and estrogen exposure. Whereas ERα(L) mRNA was diffusely distributed in liver, brain, heart, eye, and gonads, ERα(S) mRNA was preferentially expressed in liver (female>male) and ovary. Neither ERα(L) nor ERα(S) transcripts varied significantly during development, but 17β-estradiol selectively increased accumulation of ERα(S) mRNA (∼170-fold by 120 hpf), an effect mimicked by bisphenol-A and diethylstilbestrol. Significantly, a C-truncated variant (ERα(S)-Cx) lacking most of the ligand binding and AF-2 domains was transcribed exclusively from the short isoform promoter and was similar to ERα(S) in its tissue-, stage- and estrogen inducible expression. These results support the idea that promoter choice and alternative splicing of the esr1 gene of zebrafish are part of the autoregulatory mechanism by which estrogen modulates subsequent ERα expression, and further suggest that environmental estrogens could exert some of their toxic effects by altering the relative abundance of structurally and functionally distinct ERα isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A. Cotter
- Boston University Department of Biology, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anya Yershov
- Boston University Department of Biology, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Apolonia Novillo
- Boston University Department of Biology, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Gloria V. Callard
- Boston University Department of Biology, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Corresponding author: (617-353-8980)
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Brockmeier EK, Yu F, Amador DM, Bargar TA, Denslow ND. Custom microarray construction and analysis for determining potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure in the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). BMC Genomics 2013; 14:660. [PMID: 24074126 PMCID: PMC3852779 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) has the potential to become a bioindicator organism of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to its androgen-driven secondary sexual characteristics. However, the lack of molecular information on G. holbrooki hinders its use as a bioindicator coupled with biomarker data. While traditional gene-by-gene approaches provide insight for biomarker development, a holistic analysis would provide more rapid and expansive determination of potential biomarkers. The objective of this study was to develop and utilize a mosquitofish microarray to determine potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure. To achieve this objective, two specific aims were developed: 1) Sequence a G. holbrooki cDNA library, and 2) Use microarray analysis to determine genes that are differentially regulated by subchronic androgen exposure in hepatic tissues of 17β-trenbolone (TB) exposed adult female G. holbrooki. RESULTS A normalized library of multiple organs of male and female G. holbrooki was prepared and sequenced by the Illumina GA IIx and Roche 454 XLR70. Over 30,000 genes with e-value ≤ 10⁻⁴ were annotated and 14,758 of these genes were selected for inclusion on the microarray. Hepatic microarray analysis of adult female G. holbrooki exposed to the vehicle control or 1 μg/L of TB (a potent anabolic androgen) revealed 229 genes upregulated and 279 downregulated by TB (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05, FDR α = 0.05, fold change > 1.5 and < -1.5). Fifteen gene ontology biological processes were enriched by TB exposure (Fisher's Exact Test, p < 0.05). The expression levels of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 and zona pellucida glycoprotein 2 were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (Student's t-test, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Coupling microarray data with phenotypic changes driven by androgen exposure in mosquitofish is key for developing this organism into a bioindicator for EDCs. Future studies using this array will enhance knowledge of the biology and toxicological response of this species. This work provides a foundation of molecular knowledge and tools that can be used to delve further into understanding the biology of G. holbrooki and how this organism can be used as a bioindicator organism for endocrine disrupting pollutants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica K Brockmeier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, 2187 Mowry Road, P,O, Box 110885, 32611 Gainesville, FL, USA.
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15
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Higaki S, Koyama Y, Shimada M, Ono Y, Tooyama I, Fujioka Y, Sakai N, Ikeuchi T, Takada T. Response to fish specific reproductive hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals of a Sertoli cell line expressing endogenous receptors from an endemic cyprinid Gnathopogon caerulescens. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:65-73. [PMID: 23770217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fish Sertoli cells play a critical role in spermatogenesis by mediating androgen and progestogen signaling. Their hormonal response, however, considerably differ among species. Therefore it would be ideal to use Sertoli cells originated from the fish of interest to investigate the effects of hormones as well as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the responses to reproductive hormones and EDCs of a Sertoli cell line that we established from an endemic cyprinid Gnathopogon caerulescens. As the Sertoli cell line expressed endogenous androgen and progestogen receptors, we were able to detect hormone responses by transfecting only a reporter vector (pGL4.36) expressing luciferase under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR) promoter into the cell line. Unlike previous reporter gene assays using fish steroid hormone receptors expressed in mammalian cell lines, luciferase activities were induced by the fish specific androgen (11-ketotestosterone) and progestogen (17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one), but not by testosterone and progesterone, at physiologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, we found 4-nonylphenol (NP) but not bisphenol A showed strong anti-androgenic effects, implying that NP may have direct anti-androgenic effects on fish Sertoli cells in vivo. This is the first evidence, to the best of our knowledge, of anti-androgenic effects of NP in a fish Sertoli cell line. In addition, neither NP nor BPA showed anti-progestogenic effects. These results suggest that the Sertoli cell line established from the fish of interest can be a useful in vitro tool for investigating the mechanisms of reproductive hormones and EDCs in the specific fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Higaki
- Ritsumeikan Global Innovation Research Organization, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
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16
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Margiotta-Casaluci L, Courant F, Antignac JP, Le Bizec B, Sumpter JP. Identification and quantification of 5α-dihydrotestosterone in the teleost fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:202-9. [PMID: 23831110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the most physiologically important androgens in male vertebrates, with the exception of teleost fish, in which it is generally assumed that DHT does not play any major physiological role. However, this assumption is challenged by the fact that all the components involved in DHT biosynthesis and action are present and evolutionary conserved in teleost fish. In fact, testosterone (T) is converted into DHT by two isoforms of the enzyme steroid-5-alpha-reductase (5αR), and both 5αRs gene expression and enzymatic activity have been detected in several tissues of different teleost species, which also have an androgen receptor with high binding affinity to DHT. This body of evidence strongly suggest that DHT is synthesised by teleost fish. We investigated this hypothesis using the cyprinid fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) as the experimental model. The study of the evolutionary and functional conservation of 5αRs in teleost fish was used to support the experimental approach, based on an ultrasensitive gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method to identify and measure simultaneously T and DHT in fathead minnow biological fluids and tissues. The analyses were performed using plasma samples collected from both male and female adult fish and samples of testicular tissue collected from sexually mature males. Both T and DHT were identified and quantified in all the samples analysed, and in particular, the high concentrations of DHT quantified in the testes suggested that these organs are a likely site of synthesis of DHT in the teleost fathead minnow, as they are in mammals. These results may represent the basis for future studies aimed at elucidating the physiological role, if any, of DHT in teleost fish.
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17
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Huang GY, Ying GG, Liang YQ, Zhao JL, Yang B, Liu S, Liu YS. Hormonal effects of tetrabromobisphenol A using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 157:344-51. [PMID: 23501287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the hormonal effects of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in vitro on recombinant yeasts and in vivo on mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). The in vitro bioassays for (anti-)androgenic activities showed that TBBPA had a weak androgenic activity in vitro with recombinant yeast systems carrying human androgen receptor (hAR). In the in vivo bioassays, the gene expression patterns of vitellogenin (Vtg), estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), and androgen receptors (ARα and ARβ) in adult males and juveniles after exposure to TBBPA for 60 days were evaluated. Significant up-regulation of Vtg, ERα, and ERβ mRNAs was observed in the liver after exposure to 500 nM of TBBPA. In the testis, the lowest concentration of TBBPA (50 nM) markedly induced Vtg, ERβ, and ARβ mRNA expression, but the same concentration significantly inhibited ARα mRNA expression. In addition, in juveniles, 100 nM of TBBPA significantly up-regulated the expression of Vtg, ERβ, and ARα mRNAs. However, TBPPA did not cause histological alterations in the liver and testis of adult male mosquitofish. The results from this present study suggest that TBBPA could display low but multiple hormonal activities despite its low toxicity to mosquitofish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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18
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Brockmeier EK, Ogino Y, Iguchi T, Barber DS, Denslow ND. Effects of 17β-trenbolone on Eastern and Western mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki and G. affinis) anal fin growth and gene expression patterns. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 128-129:163-170. [PMID: 23314276 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Eastern and Western mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki and G. affinis) are potential bioindicator organisms for endocrine disruptors. Male mosquitofish have an elongated anal fin (gonopodium) used for internal fertilization whose formation is driven by androgens. Normal female mosquitofish have a normal, rounded anal fin which undergoes elongation into a gonopodium structure when female mosquitofish are exposed to androgenic chemicals. Significant issues with using mosquitofish as a bioindicator include the lack of knowledge on how anal fin growth in females corresponds to endpoints relevant to biological integrity and the lack of information on the molecular pathways that regulate anal fin growth. The objectives of this study were to understand how androgen-induced anal fin elongation relates to changes in endpoints related to the female reproductive system and to understand how anal fin elongation occurs in androgen-exposed female mosquitofish. To achieve these objectives, adult female G. holbrooki were exposed to a vehicle control or one of three doses of the androgen 17β-trenbolone (TB) at nominal concentrations of 0.1, 1 or 10 μg TB/L. Anal fin measurements were taken and livers were used for quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of vitellogenin (vtg) mRNA expression at multiple time points. 10 μg TB/L induced anal fin elongation after 7 days of treatment (one-way ANOVA, p<0.05) as did 0.1 and 1 μg TB/L at later time points (one-way ANOVA, p<0.05). 10 μg TB/L significantly reduced hepatic vtg gene expression at all time points assessed (one-way ANOVA, p<0.05). There was no correlation between anal fin elongation levels and vtg gene expression (Spearman's ρ, p>0.05). In a separate experiment, female G. holbrooki and G. affinis were exposed to the vehicle control or 1 μg TB/L. Anal fins were used for qualitative gene expression analysis of the genes sonic hedgehog (shh), muscle segment homeobox C (msxC), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (fgfr1) by in situ hybridization. Shh was expressed in the distal tip of the gonopodium while msxC and fgfr1 were more widely expressed along the same anal fin rays during androgen exposure. These data provide insight into the molecular pathways involved in anal fin elongation and pave the way for future work toward developing the mosquitofish into a bioindicator organism for endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica K Brockmeier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Fernandino JI, Hattori RS, Kishii A, Strüssmann CA, Somoza GM. The cortisol and androgen pathways cross talk in high temperature-induced masculinization: the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as a key enzyme. Endocrinology 2012; 153:6003-11. [PMID: 23041673 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In many ectotherm species the gonadal fate is modulated by temperature early in life [temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD)] but the transducer mechanism between temperature and gonadal differentiation is still elusive. We have recently shown that cortisol, the glucocorticoid stress-related hormone in vertebrates, is involved in the TSD process of pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis. Particularly, all larvae exposed to a male-producing temperature (MPT, 29 C) after hatching showed increased whole-body cortisol and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT; the main bioactive androgen in fish) levels and developed as males. Moreover, cortisol administration at an intermediate, mixed sex-producing temperature (MixPT, 24 C) caused increases in 11-KT and in the frequency of males, suggesting a relation between this glucocorticoid and androgens during the masculinization process. In order to clarify the link between stress and masculinization, the expression of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd)11b2, glucocorticoid receptors gr1 and gr2, and androgen receptors ar1 and ar2 was analyzed by quantitative real time PCR and in situ hybridization in larvae reared at MPT, MixPT, and female-producing temperature (FPT, 17 C) during the sex determination period. We also analyzed the effects of cortisol treatment in larvae reared at MixPT and in adult testicular explants incubated in vitro. MPT and cortisol treatment produced significant increases in hsd11b2 mRNA expression. Also, gonadal explants incubated in the presence of cortisol showed increases of 11-KT levels in the medium. Taken together these results suggest that cortisol promotes 11-KT production during high temperature-induced masculinization by modulation of hsd11b2 expression and thus drives the morphogenesis of the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio Fernandino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Chascomús, B7130IWA Argentina
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20
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Scholz S, Renner P, Belanger SE, Busquet F, Davi R, Demeneix BA, Denny JS, Léonard M, McMaster ME, Villeneuve DL, Embry MR. Alternatives to in vivo tests to detect endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in fish and amphibians--screening for estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormone disruption. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012. [PMID: 23190036 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.737762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disruption is considered a highly relevant hazard for environmental risk assessment of chemicals, plant protection products, biocides and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, screening tests with a focus on interference with estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormone pathways in fish and amphibians have been developed. However, they use a large number of animals and short-term alternatives to animal tests would be advantageous. Therefore, the status of alternative assays for endocrine disruption in fish and frogs was assessed by a detailed literature analysis. The aim was to (i) determine the strengths and limitations of alternative assays and (ii) present conclusions regarding chemical specificity, sensitivity, and correlation with in vivo data. Data from 1995 to present were collected related to the detection/testing of estrogen-, androgen-, and thyroid-active chemicals in the following test systems: cell lines, primary cells, fish/frog embryos, yeast and cell-free systems. The review shows that the majority of alternative assays measure effects directly mediated by receptor binding or resulting from interference with hormone synthesis. Other mechanisms were rarely analysed. A database was established and used for a quantitative and comparative analysis. For example, a high correlation was observed between cell-free ligand binding and cell-based reporter cell assays, between fish and frog estrogenic data and between fish embryo tests and in vivo reproductive effects. It was concluded that there is a need for a more systematic study of the predictive capacity of alternative tests and ways to reduce inter- and intra-assay variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.
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21
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Oka T, Mitsui-Watanabe N, Tatarazako N, Onishi Y, Katsu Y, Miyagawa S, Ogino Y, Yatsu R, Kohno S, Takase M, Kawashima Y, Ohta Y, Aoki Y, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. Establishment of transactivation assay systems using fish, amphibian, reptilian and human thyroid hormone receptors. J Appl Toxicol 2012; 33:991-1000. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Oka
- Integrated Environmental Risk Research Section, Research Center for Environmental Risk; National Institute for Environmental Studies; 16-2 Onogawa; Tsukuba; Ibaraki; 305-8506; Japan
| | - Naoko Mitsui-Watanabe
- Environmental Risk Research Center, Institute of Environmental Ecology; IDEA Consultants, Inc.; 1334-5 Riemon; Yaizu; Shizuoka; 421-0212; Japan
| | - Norihisa Tatarazako
- Integrated Environmental Risk Research Section, Research Center for Environmental Risk; National Institute for Environmental Studies; 16-2 Onogawa; Tsukuba; Ibaraki; 305-8506; Japan
| | - Yuta Onishi
- Environmental Risk Research Center, Institute of Environmental Ecology; IDEA Consultants, Inc.; 1334-5 Riemon; Yaizu; Shizuoka; 421-0212; Japan
| | | | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji; Okazaki; Aichi; 444-8787; Japan
| | - Yukiko Ogino
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji; Okazaki; Aichi; 444-8787; Japan
| | - Ryohei Yatsu
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji; Okazaki; Aichi; 444-8787; Japan
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center; Medical University of South Carolina and Hollings Marine Laboratory; 221 Ft. Johnson Rd.; Charleston; SC; 29412; USA
| | - Minoru Takase
- Institute for Amphibian Biology, Graduate School of Science; Hiroshima University; 1-3-1 Higashi-Hiroshima; Hiroshima; 739-8526; Japan
| | - Yukio Kawashima
- Japan NUS Co. Ltd.; 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku; Tokyo; 160-0023; Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ohta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture; Tottori University; Koyama, Tottori; Tottori; 680-8553; Japan
| | - Yasunobu Aoki
- Integrated Environmental Risk Research Section, Research Center for Environmental Risk; National Institute for Environmental Studies; 16-2 Onogawa; Tsukuba; Ibaraki; 305-8506; Japan
| | - Louis J. Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center; Medical University of South Carolina and Hollings Marine Laboratory; 221 Ft. Johnson Rd.; Charleston; SC; 29412; USA
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences; The Graduate University for Advanced Studies; 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji; Okazaki; Aichi; 444-8787; Japan
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22
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Huang GY, Ying GG, Liu S, Fang YX. Regulation of reproduction- and biomarker-related gene expression by sex steroids in the livers and ovaries of adult female western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 162:36-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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23
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Katsu Y, Lange A, Miyagawa S, Urushitani H, Tatarazako N, Kawashima Y, Tyler CR, Iguchi T. Cloning, expression and functional characterization of carp,Cyprinus carpio, estrogen receptors and their differential activations by estrogens. J Appl Toxicol 2011; 33:41-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anke Lange
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Exeter; EX4 4PS; UK
| | | | | | - Norishisa Tatarazako
- National Institute for Environmental Studies; 16-2 Onogawa; Tsukuba; Ibaraki; 305-8506; Japan
| | - Yukio Kawashima
- Japan NUS Co. Ltd, 7-5-25 Nishi-Shinjyuku; Shinjyuku-ku; Tokyo; 160-0023; Japan
| | - Charles R. Tyler
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Exeter; Exeter; EX4 4PS; UK
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24
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Margiotta-Casaluci L, Sumpter JP. 5α-Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 171:309-18. [PMID: 21354156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the most physiologically important androgens in many male vertebrates, with the exception of teleost fish, in which 11-ketotestosterone (KT) is generally considered the major circulating male androgen. In the present study, we investigated the effects of KT and DHT on fathead minnow juveniles (Pimephales promelas), with the aim to compare the effects of the two androgens on critical physiological processes, such as somatic growth, male secondary sexual characteristics expression, and gonad maturation. Juvenile fish (60 days post-hatch) were exposed to 20 and 200 ng/L of KT and DHT for 45 days. Exposure to both androgens significantly stimulated somatic growth in both males (20 and 200 ng/L) and females (200 ng/L). Nuptial tubercle formation was induced by both KT and DHT, but only the latter, at 200 ng/L, caused the appearance of dorsal fin spot in 92% of males and 75% of females. Circulating plasma T concentrations showed a sex-specific response; a significant increase was recorded in exposed males and a decrease in females. Both androgens induced a significant advancement of the spermatogenic processes in males at 200 ng/L. In contrast, only DHT caused a severe disruption of ovarian physiology and morphology in females, inducing the development of spermatogenic tissue (intersex). These results show that in fathead minnow juveniles, DHT had in vivo androgenic potency comparable to KT in males, and higher than KT in females, suggesting a potential involvement of DHT in the mediation of fathead minnow androgenic responses.
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25
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Comparison of chemical-induced transcriptional activation of fish and human estrogen receptors: Regulatory implications. Toxicol Lett 2011; 201:152-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2010.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Chakraborty T, Katsu Y, Zhou LY, Miyagawa S, Nagahama Y, Iguchi T. Estrogen receptors in medaka (Oryzias latipes) and estrogenic environmental contaminants: an in vitro-in vivo correlation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 123:115-21. [PMID: 21145966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 11/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In many vertebrates, estrogens are necessary to promote the growth and differentiation of the female reproductive system during development, and have important reproductive roles in both males and females. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) has three estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes, ERα, ERβ1 and ERβ2. To evaluate the three medaka ER (mER)-ligand interactions, we applied the ERE-luciferase reporter assay system to characterize each ER subtype. In this transient transfection assay system using mammalian cells, the mER proteins displayed estrogen-dependent activation. 17β-Estradiol (E(2)) and op'-DDT showed high activation irrespective of ERs. Endosulfan also exhibited activation; with less/no transactivity measured using other pesticides, i.e., heptachlor, carbendazim, deltamethrin, acephate, dimethoate and amitraz. It was generally observed that ERβ2 had higher activation potential than ERα and ERβ1. To understand the molecular mechanism of estrogen action via ER, we also conducted E(2) treatment where we observed a trigger in ERβ2 expression upon E(2) exposure. The present data suggest that ERβ2 is essential for female gonad maintenance. The data were supported by induction of vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA in the liver and reduced VTG receptor mRNA expression in the gonad of both sexes. The present work will provide a basic tool allowing future studies to examine the receptor-ligand interactions and endocrine disrupting mechanisms, and also expands our knowledge of estrogen action on reproductive development in medaka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
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27
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Katsu Y, Kohno S, Narita H, Urushitani H, Yamane K, Hara A, Clauss TM, Walsh MT, Miyagawa S, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. Cloning and functional characterization of Chondrichthyes, cloudy catshark, Scyliorhinus torazame and whale shark, Rhincodon typus estrogen receptors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 168:496-504. [PMID: 20600039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex-steroid hormones are essential for normal reproductive activity in both sexes in all vertebrates. Estrogens are required for ovarian differentiation during a critical developmental stage and promote the growth and differentiation of the female reproductive system following puberty. Recent studies have shown that environmental estrogens influence the developing reproductive system as well as gametogenesis, especially in males. To understand the molecular mechanisms of estrogen actions and to evaluate estrogen receptor-ligand interactions in Elasmobranchii, we cloned a single estrogen receptor (ESR) from two shark species, the cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame) and whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and used an ERE-luciferase reporter assay system to characterize the interaction of these receptors with steroidal and other environmental estrogens. In the transient transfection ERE-luciferase reporter assay system, both shark ESR proteins displayed estrogen-dependent activation of transcription, and shark ESRs were more sensitive to 17beta-estradiol compared with other natural and synthetic estrogens. Further, the environmental chemicals, bisphenol A, nonylphenol, octylphenol and DDT could activate both shark ESRs. The assay system provides a tool for future studies examining the receptor-ligand interactions and estrogen disrupting mechanisms in Elasmobranchii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinao Katsu
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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28
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Katsu Y, Taniguchi E, Urushitani H, Miyagawa S, Takase M, Kubokawa K, Tooi O, Oka T, Santo N, Myburgh J, Matsuno A, Iguchi T. Molecular cloning and characterization of ligand- and species-specificity of amphibian estrogen receptors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 168:220-30. [PMID: 20064516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Revised: 12/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are essential for normal reproductive activity in both males and females as well as for ovarian differentiation during a critical developmental stage in most vertebrates. To understand the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action and to evaluate estrogen receptor ligand interactions in amphibians, we isolated cDNAs encoding the estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta) from the Japanese firebelly newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster), Tokyo salamander (Hynobius tokyoensis), axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), and Raucous toad (Bufo rangeri). Full-length amphibian ER cDNAs were obtained using 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The predicted amino acid sequences of these amphibian ERs showed a high degree of amino acid sequence identity (over 70%) to each other. We analyzed the relationships of these amphibian ER sequences to other vertebrate ER sequences by constructing a phylogenetic tree. We verified that these were bona fide estrogen receptors using receptor dependent reporter gene assays. We analyzed the effects of natural estrogens, ethinylestradiol, and DDT and its metabolites on the transactivation of the four amphibian species listed above, and Xenopus tropicalis ERs and found that there were species-specific differences in the sensitivity of these ERs to hormones and environmental chemicals. These findings will expand our knowledge of endocrine-disrupting events in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinao Katsu
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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29
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Huang W, Zhang Y, Jia X, Ma X, Li S, Liu Y, Zhu P, Lu D, Zhao H, Luo W, Yi S, Liu X, Lin H. Distinct expression of three estrogen receptors in response to bisphenol A and nonylphenol in male Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2010; 36:237-249. [PMID: 19009365 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-008-9280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Environmental estrogens, such as bisphenol A (BisA) and nonylphenol (NP), have been shown to affect the estrogen receptor (ER) expression and induce male reproductive abnormalities. To elucidate molecular mechanisms of action of xenoestrogenic chemicals on the expression of estrogen receptors in the testes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), three full-length cDNAs respectively encoding ntERalpha, ntERbeta1 and ntERbeta2 were cloned from testes. The amino acid sequences of ntERalpha, ntERbeta1 and ntERbeta2 showed a high degree of similarity to the relevant fish species. Tissue-specific expression study showed that three receptors were highly expressed in pituitary, liver, testis, kidney and intestine tissues. The ntERalpha, ntERbeta1 and ntERbeta2 mRNA expressions were significantly higher at the sexual early recrudescing stage than at other recrudesced stages. After being exposed to xenoestrogens from weeks 2 to 4, the ntERalpha mRNA levels were increased significantly in testes after NP treatment at all sampling times or after 4 weeks of exposure to BPA. The ntERbeta1 mRNA levels remained unchanged, while a significant decrease of the ntERbeta2 mRNA level was observed in testes after exposure to NP and BPA. The present study demonstrates that the regulation of all three ntER subtypes in testes may act via different molecular mechanisms of exposure to NP and BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiren Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals, and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Miyagawa S, Katsu Y, Ohta Y, Sudo T, Lubahn DB, Iguchi T. Estrogen Receptor ESR1 Is Indispensable for the Induction of Persistent Vaginal Change by Neonatal 5alpha-Dihydrotestosterone Exposure in Mice1. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:497-503. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.081315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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31
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Christen V, Hickmann S, Rechenberg B, Fent K. Highly active human pharmaceuticals in aquatic systems: A concept for their identification based on their mode of action. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2010; 96:167-81. [PMID: 20053463 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2009] [Revised: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Widespread occurrence of traces of pharmaceuticals (ng/L to microg/L) has been reported in aquatic systems. However, their effects on the environment and their environmental risks remain elusive. Generally, the acute toxicity towards non-target organisms has been assessed in laboratory experiments, but chronic toxicity studies have been performed only rarely. The guideline issued by the European Medicines Agency in 2006 is aimed at estimating the potential environmental risks of human pharmaceuticals by a tiered approach. The predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of a compound is estimated in phase I, and pharmaceuticals having a PEC above or equal 10ng/L undergo phase II testing. Otherwise they are not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Because some highly active compounds (HC) such as 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol, equine estrogens, trenbolone and the progestin levonorgestrel display adverse effects at concentrations below 10ng/L the question arises, whether additional HC compounds exist, and how they can be identified for undergoing environmental risk assessment. We addressed this question by searching for HC in the literature, and by developing a concept for identification of HC. The suggested mode of action concept is based on (i) the mode of action of the pharmaceutical taking the available toxicological information into account, (ii) the degree of sequence homology between the human drug target and the potential target in aquatic organisms and (iii) the importance of pathways affected by the pharmaceutical. We evaluated the mode of action concept by comparison to existing approaches, the fish plasma model (Huggett et al., 2003) and a QSAR model, called VirtualTox Lab (www.biograf.ch). All concepts result in similar classifications of the selected pharmaceuticals. However, there are some differences not only in the model assumptions, but also in its results. Our study leads to the conclusion that the mode of action concept is most suitable for the identification of HC. A refinement can be achieved by complementing this concept by the QSAR model (VirtualTox Lab), whereas the fish plasma model seemed to be less suitable due to the necessity of environmental concentration above 10ng/L for the identification of a risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Christen
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland
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32
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Iguchi T, Katsu Y. Commonality in Signaling of Endocrine Disruption from Snail to Human. Bioscience 2008. [DOI: 10.1641/b581109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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33
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Katsu Y, Kohno S, Hyodo S, Ijiri S, Adachi S, Hara A, Guillette LJ, Iguchi T. Molecular cloning, characterization, and evolutionary analysis of estrogen receptors from phylogenetically ancient fish. Endocrinology 2008; 149:6300-10. [PMID: 18635653 PMCID: PMC2734497 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens are necessary for ovarian differentiation during a critical developmental stage in many vertebrates, and they promote the growth and differentiation of the adult female reproductive system. To understand the evolution of vertebrate estrogen receptors (ESRs) and to evaluate estrogen receptor-ligand interactions in phylogenetically ancient fish, we used PCR techniques to isolate the cDNA encoding ESRs from lungfish, sturgeon, and gar. Sequence analyses indicate that these fishes have two ESRs, ESR1 (ERalpha) and ESR2 (ERbeta), as previously reported for other vertebrate species, but a second type of ESR2 (ERbeta2) was not found as has been reported in a number of teleost fishes. Phylogenetic analysis of the ESR sequences indicated that the lungfish ESRs are classified to the tetrapod ESR group, not with the teleost fish ESRs as are the ESRs from gar and sturgeon. Using transient transfection assays of mammalian cells, ESR proteins from these three ancient fishes displayed estrogen-dependent activation of transcription from an estrogen-responsive-element containing promoter. We also examined the estrogenic potential of o,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) and p,p'-DDT as well as one of its common metabolites, p,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-ethylene (p,p'-DDE) on the ESRs from these fishes. Lungfish ESR1 was less sensitive to DDT/DDE than the ESR1 from the other two fishes. The response of lungfish ESR1 to these pesticides is similar to the pattern obtained from salamander ESR1. These data provide a basic tool allowing future studies examining the receptor-ligand interactions and endocrine-disrupting mechanisms in three species of phylogenetically ancient fish and also expands our knowledge of ESR evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinao Katsu
- Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
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34
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Kohno S, Katsu Y, Iguchi T, Guillette LJ. Novel approaches for the study of vertebrate steroid hormone receptors. Integr Comp Biol 2008; 48:527-34. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icn080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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35
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Recent Papers on Zebrafish and Other Aquarium Fish Models. Zebrafish 2007. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2007.9977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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