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Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409386. [PMID: 39027909 PMCID: PMC11255590 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex A. Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | | | - Ji-Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - CheMyong J. Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Epivara, Inc, Champaign, IL, United States
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2
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Zilliacus J, Draskau MK, Johansson HKL, Svingen T, Beronius A. Building an adverse outcome pathway network for estrogen-, androgen- and steroidogenesis-mediated reproductive toxicity. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1357717. [PMID: 38601197 PMCID: PMC11005472 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1357717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) can support both testing and assessment of endocrine disruptors (EDs). There is, however, a need for further development of the AOP framework to improve its applicability in a regulatory context. Here we have inventoried the AOP-wiki to identify all existing AOPs related to mammalian reproductive toxicity arising from disruption to the estrogen, androgen, and steroidogenesis modalities. Core key events (KEs) shared between relevant AOPs were also identified to aid in further AOP network (AOPN) development. Methods: A systematic approach using two different methods was applied to screen and search the entire AOP-wiki library. An AOPN was visualized using Cytoscape. Manual refinement was performed to remove AOPS devoid of any KEs and/or KERs. Results: Fifty-eight AOPs relevant for mammalian reproductive toxicity were originally identified, with 42 AOPs included in the final AOPN. Several of the KEs and KE relationships (KERs) described similar events and were thus merged to optimize AOPN construction. Sixteen sub-networks related to effects on hormone levels or hormone activity, cancer outcomes, male and female reproductive systems, and overall effects on fertility and reproduction were identified within the AOPN. Twenty-six KEs and 11 KERs were identified as core blocks of knowledge in the AOPN, of which 19 core KEs are already included as parameters in current OECD and US EPA test guidelines. Discussion: The AOPN highlights knowledge gaps that can be targeted for further development of a more complete AOPN that can support the identification and assessment of EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Zilliacus
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monica K. Draskau
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Virtanen HE, Rodprasert W, Toppari J. Deteriorating Semen Quality: The Role of the Environment. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:226-240. [PMID: 38499038 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Since the end of the last century, several reports have suggested that semen quality is declining, especially in Western countries. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies using similar protocols have suggested regional differences in semen quality of young and fertile men. Reasons for these regional differences and local adverse trends in semen quality are unknown, but environmental factors are suspected to have a role. Besides adulthood environmental exposures, those occurring during testicular development may also affect semen quality. Longitudinal follow-up studies and mixture risk analyses are needed to study the effect of fetal, childhood, and adult life environment on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Muncke J, Andersson AM, Backhaus T, Belcher SM, Boucher JM, Carney Almroth B, Collins TJ, Geueke B, Groh KJ, Heindel JJ, von Hippel FA, Legler J, Maffini MV, Martin OV, Peterson Myers J, Nadal A, Nerin C, Soto AM, Trasande L, Vandenberg LN, Wagner M, Zimmermann L, Thomas Zoeller R, Scheringer M. A vision for safer food contact materials: Public health concerns as drivers for improved testing. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108161. [PMID: 37758599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108161] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Food contact materials (FCMs) and food contact articles are ubiquitous in today's globalized food system. Chemicals migrate from FCMs into foodstuffs, so called food contact chemicals (FCCs), but current regulatory requirements do not sufficiently protect public health from hazardous FCCs because only individual substances used to make FCMs are tested and mostly only for genotoxicity while endocrine disruption and other hazard properties are disregarded. Indeed, FCMs are a known source of a wide range of hazardous chemicals, and they likely contribute to highly prevalent non-communicable diseases. FCMs can also include non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which often are unknown and therefore not subject to risk assessment. To address these important shortcomings, we outline how the safety of FCMs may be improved by (1) testing the overall migrate, including (unknown) NIAS, of finished food contact articles, and (2) expanding toxicological testing beyond genotoxicity to multiple endpoints associated with non-communicable diseases relevant to human health. To identify mechanistic endpoints for testing, we group chronic health outcomes associated with chemical exposure into Six Clusters of Disease (SCOD) and we propose that finished food contact articles should be tested for their impacts on these SCOD. Research should focus on developing robust, relevant, and sensitive in-vitro assays based on mechanistic information linked to the SCOD, e.g., through Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) or Key Characteristics of Toxicants. Implementing this vision will improve prevention of chronic diseases that are associated with hazardous chemical exposures, including from FCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet and Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Juliette Legler
- Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Olwenn V Martin
- Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, Department of Arts and Science, University College London, UK
| | - John Peterson Myers
- Dept. of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Environmental Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Angel Nadal
- IDiBE and CIBERDEM, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Cristina Nerin
- Dept. of Analytical Chemistry, I3A, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana M Soto
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Centre Cavaillès, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- College of Global Public Health and Grossman School of Medicine and Wagner School of Public Service, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martin Wagner
- Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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5
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Payne-Sturges D, De Saram S, Cory-Slechta DA. Cumulative Risk Evaluation of Phthalates Under TSCA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6403-6414. [PMID: 37043345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently conducting separate Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluations for seven phthalates: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and diisononyl phthalate (DINP). Phthalates are highly abundant plastic additives used primarily to soften materials and make them flexible, and biomonitoring shows widespread human exposure to a mixture of phthalates. Evidence supports biological additivity of phthalate mixture exposures, including the enhancement of toxicity affecting common biological targets. Risk estimates based on individual phthalate exposure may not be protective of public health. Thus, a cumulative risk approach is warranted. While EPA initially did not signal that it would incorporate cumulative risk assessment (CRA) as part of its current risk evaluation for the seven phthalates, the agency recently announced that it is reconsidering if CRA for phthalates would be appropriate. Based on our review of existing chemical mixtures risk assessment guidance, current TSCA scoping documents for the seven phthalates, and pertinent peer-reviewed literature, we delineate a CRA approach that EPA can easily implement for phthalates. The strategy for using CRA to inform TSCA risk evaluation for existing chemicals is based upon integrative physiology and a common adverse health outcome algorithm for identifying and grouping relevant nonchemical and chemical stressors. We recommend adjustments for how hazard indices (HIs) or margins of exposure (MOEs) based on CRA are interpreted for determining "unreasonable risk" under TSCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 255 Valley Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Sulakkhana De Saram
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 255 Valley Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Deborah A Cory-Slechta
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Box EHSC, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
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6
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Apel P, Lamkarkach F, Lange R, Sissoko F, David M, Rousselle C, Schoeters G, Kolossa-Gehring M. Human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) for priority substances under the HBM4EU initiative - New values derivation for deltamethrin and cyfluthrin and overall results. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114097. [PMID: 36577283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The European Initiative HBM4EU aimed to further establish human biomonitoring across Europe as an important tool for determining population exposure to chemicals and as part of health-related risk assessments, thus making it applicable for policy advice. Not only should analytical methods and survey design be harmonized and quality assured, but also the evaluation of human biomonitoring data. For the health-related interpretation of the data within HBM4EU, a strategy for deriving health-based human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) for both the general population and workers was agreed on. On this basis, HBM-GVs for exposure biomarkers of 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), phthalates (diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), and bis-(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP)), bisphenols A and S, pyrethroids (deltamethrin and cyfluthrin), solvents (1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP), N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC)), the heavy metal cadmium and the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) were developed and assigned a level of confidence. The approach to HBM-GV derivations, results, and limitations in data interpretation with special focus on the pyrethroids are presented in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Apel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - F Lamkarkach
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, Cedex, France
| | - R Lange
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Sissoko
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, Cedex, France
| | - M David
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Rousselle
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, Cedex, France
| | - G Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Kolossa-Gehring
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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7
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Maffini MV, Rayasam SDG, Axelrad DA, Birnbaum LS, Cooper C, Franjevic S, MacRoy PM, Nachman KE, Patisaul HB, Rodgers KM, Rossi MS, Schettler T, Solomon GM, Woodruff TJ. Advancing the science on chemical classes. Environ Health 2023; 21:120. [PMID: 36635752 PMCID: PMC9835214 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00919-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hazard identification, risk assessment, regulatory, and policy activity are usually conducted on a chemical-by-chemical basis. Grouping chemicals into categories or classes is an underutilized approach that could make risk assessment and management of chemicals more efficient for regulators. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS While there are some available methods and regulatory frameworks that include the grouping of chemicals (e.g.,same molecular mechanism or similar chemical structure) there has not been a comprehensive evaluation of these different approaches nor a recommended course of action to better consider chemical classes in decision-making. This manuscript: 1) reviews current national and international approaches to grouping; 2) describes how groups could be defined based on the decision context (e.g., hazard/risk assessment, restrictions, prioritization, product development) and scientific considerations (e.g., intrinsic physical-chemical properties); 3) discusses advantages of developing a decision tree approach for grouping; 4) uses ortho-phthalates as a case study to identify and organize frameworks that could be used across agencies; and 5) discusses opportunities to advance the class concept within various regulatory decision-making scenarios. RESULTS Structural similarity was the most common grouping approach for risk assessment among regulatory agencies (national and state level) and non-regulatory organizations, albeit with some variations in its definition. Toxicity to the same target organ or to the same biological function was also used in a few cases. The phthalates case study showed that a decision tree approach for grouping should include questions about uses regulated by other agencies to encourage more efficient, coherent, and protective chemical risk management. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our evaluation of how classes of chemicals are defined and used identified commonalities and differences based on regulatory frameworks, risk assessments, and business strategies. We also identified that using a class-based approach could result in a more efficient process to reduce exposures to multiple hazardous chemicals and, ultimately, reduce health risks. We concluded that, in the absence of a prescribed method, a decision tree approach could facilitate the selection of chemicals belonging to a pre-defined class (e.g., chemicals with endocrine-disrupting activity; organohalogen flame retardants [OFR]) based on the decision-making context (e.g., regulatory risk management).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Swati D G Rayasam
- Department of Obstetrics, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Linda S Birnbaum
- Scientist Emeritus and Former Director, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Scholar in Residence, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Courtney Cooper
- Department of Obstetrics, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | | | - Keeve E Nachman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Ted Schettler
- Science and Environmental Health Network, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Gina M Solomon
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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8
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Gerofke A, David M, Schmidt P, Vicente JL, Buekers J, Gilles L, Colles A, Bessems J, Bastiaensen M, Covaci A, Den Hond E, Koppen G, Laeremans M, Verheyen VJ, Černá M, Klánová J, Krsková A, Zvonař M, Knudsen LE, Koch HM, Jensen TK, Rambaud L, Riou M, Vogel N, Gabriel C, Karakitsios S, Papaioannou N, Sarigiannis D, Kakucs R, Középesy S, Rudnai P, Szigeti T, Barbone F, Rosolen V, Guignard C, Gutleb AC, Sakhi AK, Haug LS, Janasik B, Ligocka D, Estokova M, Fabelova L, Kolena B, Murinova LP, Petrovicova I, Richterova D, Horvat M, Mazej D, Tratnik JS, Runkel AA, Castaño A, Esteban-López M, Pedraza-Díaz S, Åkesson A, Lignell S, Vlaanderen J, Zock JP, Schoeters G, Kolossa-Gehring M. From science to policy: How European HBM indicators help to answer policy questions related to phthalates and DINCH exposure. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114073. [PMID: 36434900 PMCID: PMC9758616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Within the European Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Initiative HBM4EU we derived HBM indicators that were designed to help answering key policy questions and support chemical policies. The result indicators convey information on chemicals exposure of different age groups, sexes, geographical regions and time points by comparing median exposure values. If differences are observed for one group or the other, policy measures or risk management options can be implemented. Impact indicators support health risk assessment by comparing exposure values with health-based guidance values, such as human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs). In general, the indicators should be designed to translate complex scientific information into short and clear messages and make it accessible to policy makers but also to a broader audience such as stakeholders (e.g. NGO's), other scientists and the general public. Based on harmonized data from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies (2014-2021), the usefulness of our indicators was demonstrated for the age group children (6-11 years), using two case examples: one phthalate (Diisobutyl phthalate: DiBP) and one non-phthalate substitute (Di-isononyl cyclohexane-1,2- dicarboxylate: DINCH). For the comparison of age groups, these were compared to data for teenagers (12-18 years), and time periods were compared using data from the DEMOCOPHES project (2011-2012). Our result indicators proved to be suitable for demonstrating the effectiveness of policy measures for DiBP and the need of continuous monitoring for DINCH. They showed similar exposure for boys and girls, indicating that there is no need for gender focused interventions and/or no indication of sex-specific exposure patterns. They created a basis for a targeted approach by highlighting relevant geographical differences in internal exposure. An adequate data basis is essential for revealing differences for all indicators. This was particularly evident in our studies on the indicators on age differences. The impact indicator revealed that health risks based on exposure to DiBP cannot be excluded. This is an indication or flag for risk managers and policy makers that exposure to DiBP still is a relevant health issue. HBM indicators derived within HBM4EU are a valuable and important complement to existing indicator lists in the context of environment and health. Their applicability, current shortcomings and solution strategies are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Gerofke
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany,Corresponding author.
| | - Madlen David
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Phillipp Schmidt
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joana Lobo Vicente
- European Environment Agency, Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jurgen Buekers
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Liese Gilles
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jos Bessems
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Michelle Laeremans
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Veerle J. Verheyen
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Milena Černá
- National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Krsková
- National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Zvonař
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic,Faculty of Sport Studies, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lisbeth E. Knudsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen Øster Farimagsgade 5 DK Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Holger M. Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance − Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Loïc Rambaud
- Santé publique France, French Public Health Agency (SpFrance), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Margaux Riou
- Santé publique France, French Public Health Agency (SpFrance), Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catherine Gabriel
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Nafsika Papaioannou
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Denis Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece,Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Advanced Study, Palazzo del Broletto - Piazza Della Vittoria 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Réka Kakucs
- National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Középesy
- National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Rudnai
- National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Szigeti
- National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medicine—DAME, University of Udine, Via Colugna 50, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Valentina Rosolen
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cedric Guignard
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Arno C. Gutleb
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | | | | | - Beata Janasik
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, St. Teresy 8, Lodz, Poland
| | - Danuta Ligocka
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, St. Teresy 8, Lodz, Poland
| | - Milada Estokova
- Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic, Trnavska cesta 52, 826 45, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Fabelova
- Slovak Medical University, Faculty of Public Health, Limbova 12, 83303 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Kolena
- Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 1, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia
| | | | - Ida Petrovicova
- Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 1, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Denisa Richterova
- Slovak Medical University, Faculty of Public Health, Limbova 12, 83303 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Agneta Annika Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agneta Åkesson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sanna Lignell
- Swedish Food Agency, PO Box 622, SE-751 26, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jelle Vlaanderen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
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9
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Tan H, Wu J, Zhang R, Zhang C, Li W, Chen Q, Zhang X, Yu H, Shi W. Development, Validation, and Application of a Human Reproductive Toxicity Prediction Model Based on Adverse Outcome Pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12391-12403. [PMID: 35960020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02242] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of environmental contaminants have been proved to have reproductive toxicity to males and females. However, the unclear toxicological mechanism of reproductive toxicants limits the development of virtual screening methods. By consolidating androgen (AR)-/estrogen receptors (ERs)-mediated adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) with more than 8000 chemical substances, we uncovered relationships between chemical features, a series of pathway-related effects, and reproductive apical outcomes─changes in sex organ weights. An AOP-based computational model named RepTox was developed and evaluated to predict and characterize chemicals' reproductive toxicity for males and females. Results showed that RepTox has three outstanding advantages. (I) Compared with the traditional models (37 and 81% accuracy, respectively), AOP significantly improved the predictive robustness of RepTox (96.3% accuracy). (II) Compared with the application domain (AD) of models based on small in vivo datasets, AOP expanded the ADs of RepTox by 1.65-fold for male and 3.77-fold for female, respectively. (III) RepTox implied that hydrophobicity, cyclopentanol substructure, and several topological indices (e.g., hydrogen-bond acceptors) were important, unbiased features associated with reproductive toxicants. Finally, RepTox was applied to the inventory of existing chemical substances of China and identified 2100 and 7281 potential toxicants to the male and female reproductive systems, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinqiu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Lange R, Vogel N, Schmidt P, Gerofke A, Luijten M, Bil W, Santonen T, Schoeters G, Gilles L, Sakhi AK, Haug LS, Jensen TK, Frederiksen H, Koch HM, Szigeti T, Szabados M, Tratnik JS, Mazej D, Gabriel C, Sarigiannis D, Dzhedzheia V, Karakitsios S, Rambaud L, Riou M, Koppen G, Covaci A, Zvonař M, Piler P, Klánová J, Fábelová L, Richterová D, Kosjek T, Runkel A, Pedraza-Díaz S, Verheyen V, Bastiaensen M, Esteban-López M, Castaño A, Kolossa-Gehring M. Cumulative risk assessment of five phthalates in European children and adolescents. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 246:114052. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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11
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Elcombe CS, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Critical review and analysis of literature on low dose exposure to chemical mixtures in mammalian in vivo systems. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:221-238. [PMID: 35894754 PMCID: PMC9530410 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2091423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic chemicals are ubiquitous throughout the environment. Consequentially, humans are exposed to hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals daily. Current chemical risk assessments are primarily based on testing individual chemicals in rodents at doses that are orders of magnitude higher than that of human exposure. The potential risk from exposure to mixtures of chemicals is calculated using mathematical models of mixture toxicity based on these analyses. These calculations, however, do not account for synergistic or antagonistic interactions between co-exposed chemicals. While proven examples of chemical synergy in mixtures at low doses are rare, there is increasing evidence that, through non-conformance to current mixture toxicity models, suggests synergy. This review examined the published studies that have investigated exposure to mixtures of chemicals at low doses in mammalian in vivo systems. Only seven identified studies were sufficient in design to directly examine the appropriateness of current mixture toxicity models, of which three showed responses significantly greater than additivity model predictions. While the remaining identified studies were unable to provide evidence of synergistic toxicity, it became apparent that many results of such studies were not always explicable by current mixture toxicity models. Additionally, two data gaps were identified. Firstly, there is a lack of studies where individual chemical components of a complex mixture (>10 components) are tested in parallel to the chemical mixture. Secondly, there is a lack of dose-response data for mixtures of chemicals at low doses. Such data is essential to address the appropriateness and validity of future chemical mixture toxicity models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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12
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Ringbeck B, Bury D, Lee I, Lee G, Alakeel R, Alrashed M, Tosepu R, Jayadipraja EA, Tantrakarnapa K, Kliengchuay W, Brüning T, Choi K, Koch HM. Biomarker-Determined Nonylphenol Exposure and Associated Risks in Children of Thailand, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10229-10238. [PMID: 35801963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) is an endocrine disruptor and environmental contaminant. Yet, data on individual body burdens and potential health risks in humans, especially among children, are scarce. We analyzed two specific urinary NP metabolites, hydroxy-NP (OH-NP) and oxo-NP. In contrast to parent NP, OH-NP has a much higher urinary excretion fraction (Fue), and both are insusceptible to external contamination. We investigated spot urine samples from school children of Thailand (n = 104), Indonesia (n = 89), and Saudi Arabia (n = 108) and could quantify OH-NP in 100% of Indonesian and Saudi children (median concentrations: 8.12 and 8.57 μg/L) and in 76% of Thai children (1.07 μg/L). Median oxo-NP concentrations were 0.95, 1.10, and <0.25 μg/L, respectively, in line with its lower Fue. Median daily NP intakes (DIs), back-calculated from urinary OH-NP concentrations, were significantly higher in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia [0.47 and 0.36 μg/(kg bw·d), respectively] than in Thailand [0.06 μg/(kg bw·d)]. Maximum DIs were close to the preliminary tolerable DI of 5 μg/(kg bw·d) from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. Dominant sources of exposure or relevant exposure pathways could not be readily identified by questionnaire analyses and also potentially varied by region. The novel biomarkers provide long-needed support to the quantitative exposure and risk assessment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Ringbeck
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Bury
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Inae Lee
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Gowoon Lee
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Raid Alakeel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Alrashed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Molecular Genetics Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramadhan Tosepu
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Halu Oleo, Kendari 93232, Indonesia
| | | | - Kraichat Tantrakarnapa
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi 10400, Thailand
| | - Wissanupong Kliengchuay
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi 10400, Thailand
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
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13
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Kortenkamp A, Scholze M, Ermler S, Priskorn L, Jørgensen N, Andersson AM, Frederiksen H. Combined exposures to bisphenols, polychlorinated dioxins, paracetamol, and phthalates as drivers of deteriorating semen quality. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107322. [PMID: 35691715 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semen quality in men continues to decline in Western countries, but the contours of the issue remain obscure, in relation to contributing chemicals. OBJECTIVES To obtain more clarity about the chemicals that drive the deterioration of semen quality, we conducted a mixture risk assessment based on European exposures. METHODS We included chemicals capable of affecting semen quality after prenatal exposures, among them androgen receptor antagonists, substances that disrupt prostaglandin signalling, suppress testosterone synthesis, inhibit steroidogenic enzymes or activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. We employed the Hazard Index approach (HI), based on risk quotients of exposures in Europe and reference doses for reductions in semen quality. By summing up the risk quotients of the 29 chemicals included in the assessment we examined fold-exceedances of "acceptable" mixture exposures relative to an index value of 1. For bisphenols A, F, S, phthalates DEHP, DnBP, BBzP, DiNP, n-butyl paraben and paracetamol we relied on biomonitoring studies in which these 9 chemicals were measured together in the same subjects. This allowed us to construct personalised Hazard Indices. RESULTS Highly exposed subjects experienced combined exposures to the 9 chemicals that exceeded the index value of 1 by more than 100-fold; the median was a 17-fold exceedance. Accounting for median background exposures to the remaining 20 chemicals added a Hazard Index of 1.39. Bisphenol A made the largest contribution to the HI, followed by polychlorinated dioxins, bisphenols S and F and DEHP. Eliminating bisphenol A alone would still leave unacceptably high mixture risks. Paracetamol is also a driver of mixture risks among subjects using the drug. CONCLUSIONS Tolerable exposures to substances associated with deteriorations of semen quality are exceeded by a large margin. Bisphenols, polychlorinated dioxins, phthalates and analgesics drive these risks. Dedicated efforts towards lowering exposures to these substances are necessary to mitigate risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kortenkamp
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| | - Martin Scholze
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Sibylle Ermler
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark; International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark; International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark; International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark; International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Gray LE, Conley JM, Lambright CS, Furr JR. In utero exposure to a mixture of the perfluoroalkyl-isopropyl pesticide pyrifluquinazon with dibutyl phthalate cumulatively disrupts male rat reproductive development via different mechanisms of action. Toxicol Sci 2022; 188:234-247. [PMID: 35642937 PMCID: PMC10269475 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of individual chemicals and mixtures during sexual differentiation that disrupt the androgen signaling pathway can induce reproductive abnormalities in male rats. In the current study, we co-administered the heptafluoroisopropyl pesticide pyrifluquinazon (PFQ), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) to pregnant rats during sexual differentiation of the reproductive tract. Both chemicals have been shown to disrupt reproductive tract differentiation in a dose-related manner reducing male anogenital distance (AGD), permanently reducing androgen-dependent tissue weights and sperm counts, and inducing reproductive malformations in male offspring, albeit by different mechanisms of action that converge downstream in the androgen signaling pathway on a common key event. Rats were orally dosed from gestation days 14-18 with dilutions of PFQ and DBP at 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the top dose (100 mg/kg PFQ and 750 mg/kg DBP). The mixture ratio was selected such that each chemical would contribute equally to multiple effects on the male offspring reproductive tract and the dose range was designed to determine if the mixture produced additive effects predicted by dose addition or response addition models, or whether significant interactions occurred. Observed data were compared to dose and response addition model predictions. As hypothesized, the mixture reduced F1 male AGD, reproductive organ weights and sperm counts and induced hypospadias with dose addition consistently providing a better prediction of the observed effects than response addition. These results support our hypothesis that chemicals that disrupt the androgen signaling pathway induce dose-additive male reproductive abnormalities regardless of the specific mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Earl Gray
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, ORD, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, 27711 North Carolina
| | - Justin M Conley
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, ORD, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, 27711 North Carolina
| | - Christy S Lambright
- Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology Branch, PHITD, CPHEA, ORD, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, 27711 North Carolina
| | - Johnathan R Furr
- Inotiv, 13 Firstfield Road, Suite 110, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
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15
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Kortenkamp A. Invited Perspective: How Relevant Are Mode-of-Action Considerations for the Assessment and Prediction of Mixture Effects? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:41302. [PMID: 35394810 PMCID: PMC8992965 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kortenkamp
- Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
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16
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Kortenkamp A, Martin O, Ermler S, Baig A, Scholze M. Bisphenol A and declining semen quality: A systematic review to support the derivation of a reference dose for mixture risk assessments. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 241:113942. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Ermler S, Kortenkamp A. Declining semen quality and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Review of the literature to support the derivation of a reference dose for a mixture risk assessment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113953. [PMID: 35334436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To support a mixture risk assessment for chemicals that interfere with male reproductive health, we reviewed the literature to identify studies of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and poor semen quality. Several epidemiological studies have shown associations of PBDE exposures with declining semen quality, non-descending testes and penile malformations. In rodent studies, poor semen quality, changes in testosterone levels and reproductive tissues have been observed. In vitro studies with reporter gene constructs show PBDE congeners as androgen receptor antagonists, and mixture studies in these systems have demonstrated that PBDE congeners act together with other androgen receptor antagonists. These observations led us to attempt the estimation of reference doses for specific PBDE congeners that can be used in a future mixture risk assessment for deteriorations of semen quality. While epidemiological studies provide support for such associations, they were uninformative for derivations of reference doses, due to the incompatibility of dose metrics used in exposure assessments. We therefore based our estimates on animal studies. Using a rigorous confidence rating approach, we found robust evidence that BDE-47 produced reductions in semen quality. We identified only one high confidence study of BDE-99 and accordingly evaluated the strength of evidence as moderate. One high confidence, and several medium confidence experimental studies observed declines in semen quality after BDE-209 exposure. Using established risk assessment procedures, we estimated that BDE-47 exposures below 0.15 μg/kg/d are unlikely to lead to reductions in semen quality. The corresponding exposures for BDE-99 and BDE-209 are 0.003 μg/kg/d and 1000 μg/kg/d. It is planned to use these estimates as reference doses in a mixture risk assessment of deteriorations in semen quality, involving multiple other chemicals also contributing to poor semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Ermler
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
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18
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Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Messerlian C, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Wang Y, Mustieles V. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: time to focus on preconception workplace reproductive health. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:1-4. [PMID: 34986220 PMCID: PMC8730312 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Messerlian
- Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence address. Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building 1, 1310C, Boston, MA 02115, USA. E-mail:
| | - Yu Zhang
- Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Granada, Spain,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Granada, Spain,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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20
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Merrill AK, Anderson T, Conrad K, Marvin E, James-Todd T, Cory-Slechta DA, Sobolewski M. Protracted Impairment of Maternal Metabolic Health in Mouse Dams Following Pregnancy Exposure to a Mixture of Low Dose Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, a Pilot Study. TOXICS 2021; 9:346. [PMID: 34941779 PMCID: PMC8706199 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy, a period of increased metabolic demands coordinated by fluctuating steroid hormones, is an understudied critical window of disease susceptibility for later-life maternal metabolic health. Epidemiological studies have identified associations between exposures to various endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. Whether such adverse outcomes would be heightened by concurrent exposures to multiple EDCs during pregnancy, consistent with the reality that human exposures are to EDC mixtures, was examined in the current pilot study. Mouse dams were orally exposed to relatively low doses of four EDCs: (atrazine (10 mg/kg), bisphenol-A (50 µg/kg), perfluorooctanoic acid (0.1 mg/kg), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (0.036 µg/kg)), or the combination (MIX), from gestational day 7 until birth or for an equivalent 12 days in non-pregnant females. Glucose intolerance, serum lipids, weight, and visceral adiposity were assessed six months later. MIX-exposed dams exhibited hyperglycemia with a persistent elevation in blood glucose two hours after glucose administration in a glucose tolerance test, whereas no such effects were observed in MIX-exposed non-pregnant females. Correspondingly, MIX dams showed elevated serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL). There were no statistically significant differences in weight or visceral adipose; MIX dams showed an average visceral adipose volume to body volume ratio of 0.09, while the vehicle dams had an average ratio of 0.07. Collectively, these findings provide biological plausibility for the epidemiological associations observed between EDC exposures during pregnancy and subsequent maternal metabolic dyshomeostasis, and proof of concept data that highlight the importance of considering complex EDC mixtures based of off common health outcomes, e.g., for increased risk for later-life maternal metabolic effects following pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa K. Merrill
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.K.M.); (T.A.); (K.C.); (E.M.); (D.A.C.-S.)
| | - Timothy Anderson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.K.M.); (T.A.); (K.C.); (E.M.); (D.A.C.-S.)
| | - Katherine Conrad
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.K.M.); (T.A.); (K.C.); (E.M.); (D.A.C.-S.)
| | - Elena Marvin
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.K.M.); (T.A.); (K.C.); (E.M.); (D.A.C.-S.)
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Deborah A. Cory-Slechta
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.K.M.); (T.A.); (K.C.); (E.M.); (D.A.C.-S.)
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (A.K.M.); (T.A.); (K.C.); (E.M.); (D.A.C.-S.)
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21
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Cardon M, Medlock-Kakaley E, Wilson VS, Gray LE. A mixture of 15 phthalates and pesticides below individual chemical no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) produces reproductive tract malformations in the male rat. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106615. [PMID: 34000504 PMCID: PMC8380680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Humans carry residues of multiple synthetic chemicals at any given point in time. Research has demonstrated that compounds with varying molecular initiating events (MIE) that disrupt common key events can act in concert to produce cumulative adverse effects. Congenital defects of the male reproductive tract are some of the most frequently diagnosed malformations in humans and chemical exposures in utero can produce these effects in laboratory animals and humans. Here, we hypothesized that in utero exposure to a mixture of pesticides and phthalates, each of which produce male reproductive tract defects individually, would produce cumulative effects even when each chemical is present at a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) specific for male reproductive effects. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed via oral gavage to a fixed-ratio dilution mixture of 5 pesticides (vinclozolin, linuron, procymidone, prochloraz, pyrifluquinazon), 1 pesticide metabolite (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)), and 9 phthalates (dipentyl, dicyclohexyl, di-2-ethylhexyl, dibutyl, benzyl butyl, diisobutyl, diisoheptyl, dihexyl, and diheptyl) during the critical window of rat fetal masculinization (gestation day 14-18). The top dose (100% dose) contained each compound at a concentration 2-fold greater than the individual chemical NOAEL followed by a dilution series that represented each chemical at NOAEL, NOAEL/2, NOAEL/4, NOAEL/8, NOAEL/15, NOAEL/100, NOAEL/1000. Reduced fetal testis gene expression occurred at NOAEL/15, reduced fetal testis testosterone production occurred at NOAEL/8, reduced anogenital distance, increased nipple retention, and delayed puberty occurred at NOAEL/4, and severe effects including genital malformations and weight reductions in numerous reproductive tissues occurred at NOAEL/2. This study demonstrates that these phthalates and pesticides acted cumulatively to produce adverse effects at doses below which any individual chemical had been shown to produce an effect alone and even though they have different MIEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Mary Cardon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Vickie S Wilson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
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22
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The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU): Human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs) for the aprotic solvents N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 238:113856. [PMID: 34619432 PMCID: PMC8573589 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxicologically and/or epidemiologically derived guidance values referring to the internal exposure of humans are a prerequisite for an easy to use health-based interpretation of human biomonitoring (HBM) results. The European Joint Programme HBM4EU derives such values, named human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs), for priority substances which could be of regulatory relevance for policy makers and have been identified by experts of the participating countries, ministries, agencies and stakeholders at EU and national level. NMP and NEP are such substances for which unresolved policy relevant issues should be clarified by targeted research. Since widespread exposure of the general population in Germany to NMP and NEP was shown for the age groups 3–17 years and 20–29 years, further investigations on exposure to NMP and NEP in other European countries are warranted. The HBM-GVs derived for both solvents focus on developmental toxicity as decisive endpoint. They amount for the sum of the two specific urinary NMP metabolites 5-HNMP and 2-HMSI and likewise of the two specific urinary NEP metabolites 5-HNEP and 2-HESI to 10 mg/L for children and 15 mg/L for adolescents/adults. The values were determined following a consultation process on the value proposals within HBM4EU. A health-based risk assessment was performed using the newly derived HBM-GVGenPop and exposure data from two recent studies from Germany. The risk assessment revealed that even when considering the combined exposure to both substances by applying the Hazard Index approach, the measured concentrations are below the HBM-GVGenPop in all cases investigated (i.e., children, adolescents and young adults). HBM-GVs are a prerequisite for an easy to use health-based risk assessment of human biomonitoring results. For NMP and NEP metabolites in urine, respectively, HBM-GVs were set for children and adolescents/adults. First HBM exposure data indicate widespread exposure of German children, adolescents and young adults to NMP and NEP. The Hazard Index approach revealed that even when combined exposure to both solvents is assessed, HBM-GVs are not exceeded.
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23
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Jorgensen A, Svingen T, Miles H, Chetty T, Stukenborg JB, Mitchell RT. Environmental Impacts on Male Reproductive Development: Lessons from Experimental Models. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 96:190-206. [PMID: 34607330 DOI: 10.1159/000519964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive development in mammals can be divided into a gonadal formation phase followed by a hormone-driven differentiation phase. Failure of these processes may result in Differences in Sex Development (DSD), which may include abnormalities of the male reproductive tract, including cryptorchidism, hypospadias, infertility, and testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). These disorders are also considered to be part of a testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) in males. Whilst DSDs are considered to result primarily from genetic abnormalities, the development of TDS disorders is frequently associated with environmental factors. SUMMARY In this review, we will discuss the development of the male reproductive system in relation to DSD and TDS. We will also describe the experimental systems, including studies involving animals and human tissues or cells that can be used to investigate the role of environmental factors in inducing male reproductive disorders. We will discuss recent studies investigating the impact of environmental chemicals (e.g., phthalates and bisphenols), lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking) and pharmaceuticals (e.g., analgesics) on foetal testis development. Finally, we will describe the evidence, involving experimental and epidemiologic approaches, for a role of environmental factors in the development of specific male reproductive disorders, including cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and TGCC. Key Messages: Environmental exposures can impact the development and function of the male reproductive system in humans. Epidemiology studies and experimental approaches using human tissues are important to translate findings from animal studies and account for species differences in response to environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jorgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Harriet Miles
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tarini Chetty
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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24
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Repouskou A, Stamatakis A, Kitraki E. In utero exposure to phthalates and reproductive toxicity in rodents. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101512. [PMID: 34266749 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, are contained in many everyday products. Human biomonitoring studies detect their presence in biological fluids of a large part of the population worldwide. Maternal exposure during pregnancy has been related with aberrations in the reproductive growth of male infants. Rodent studies show that gestational exposure to single phthalates elicits reproductive toxicity in both sexes. Early aberrations include inhibition of gonadal sex determining gene expression and steroidogenesis, histopathology, and disturbed gametogenesis, leading later in life to dysfunctions in sperm production and oocyte reserves. Animal studies of in utero exposure to mixtures of phthalates, better mimicking human exposures, revealed analogous reproductive dysfunctions with the single compounds, but also indicated the combined actions and cumulative effects exerted by these chemicals. Further understanding the underlying mechanisms and the species differences in phthalate-induced reproductive toxicity will help to improve the risk assessment for human exposure to these toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Repouskou
- Basic Sciences Lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Antonios Stamatakis
- Biology- Biochemistry Lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Efthymia Kitraki
- Basic Sciences Lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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25
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Development of a putative adverse outcome pathway network for male rat reproductive tract abnormalities with specific considerations for the androgen sensitive window of development. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:254-271. [PMID: 34401750 PMCID: PMC8350458 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Structured approaches like the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework offer great potential for depicting complex toxicological processes in a manner that can facilitate informed integration of mechanistic information in regulatory decisions. While this concept provides a structure for organizing evidence and facilitates consistency in evidence integration; the process, inputs, and manner in which AOPs and AOP networks are developed is still evolving. Following the OECD guiding principles of AOP development, we propose three AOPs for male reproductive tract abnormalities and derive a putative AOP network. The AOPs were developed using a fundamental understanding of the developmental biology of the organs of interest, paying close attention to the gestational timing of key events (KEs) to very specifically inform the domain of life stage applicability for the key event relationships (KERs). Chemical stressor data primarily from studies on low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) served to 'bound' the pathways of focus in this dynamic period of development and were integrated with the developmental biology data through an iterative process to define KEs and conclude on the extent of evidence in support of the KERs. The AOPs developed describe the linkage between 1) a decrease in Insl3 gene expression and cryptorchidism, 2) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and hypospadias and 3) the sustained expression of Coup-tfII and altered Wolffian duct development/ epididymal agenesis. A putative AOP network linking AOP2 and AOP3 through decreased steroidogenic biosynthetic protein expression and converging of all AOPS at the population level impaired fertility adverse outcome is proposed. The network depiction specifies and displays the KEs aligned with their occurrence in gestational time. The pathways and network described herein are intended to catalyze collaborative initiatives for expansion into a larger network to enable effective data collection and inform alternative approaches for identifying stressors impacting this sensitive period of male reproductive tract development.
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Key Words
- AGD, Anogenital distance
- AO, Adverse Outcome
- AOP, Adverse Outcome Pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway
- Adverse outcome pathway network
- DBP, Dibutyl phthalate
- DEHP, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
- DHT, 5α-dihydrotestosterone
- DPP, Dipentyl phthalate
- E, Embryonic day (ED1=GD1 gestational day 1)
- GD, Gestational day (GD1=ED1 embryonic day 1)
- KE, Key event
- KER, Key event relationship
- LMWP, low molecular weight phthalate straight chain length of the esterified alcohols between 3 and 6 carbon atoms
- MPW, male programming window
- Male programming window
- Phthalate
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26
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Boberg J, Bredsdorff L, Petersen A, Löbl N, Jensen BH, Vinggaard AM, Nielsen E. Chemical Mixture Calculator - A novel tool for mixture risk assessment. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 152:112167. [PMID: 33823229 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Humans are continuously exposed to complex chemical mixtures from foods and the environment. Experimental models in vivo and in vitro have increased our knowledge on how we can predict mixture effects. To accommodate a need for tools for efficient mixture risk assessment across different chemical classes and exposure sources, we have developed fit-for-purpose criteria for grouping of chemicals and a web-based tool for mixture risk assessment. The Chemical Mixture Calculator (available at www.chemicalmixturecalculator.dk) can be used for mixture risk assessment or identification of main drivers of risk. The underlying database includes hazard and exposure estimates for more than 200 chemicals in foods and environment. We present a range of cumulative assessment groups for effects on haematological system, kidney, liver, nervous system, developmental and reproductive system, and thyroid. These cumulative assessment groups are useful for grouping of chemicals at several levels of refinement depending on the question addressed. We present a mixture risk assessment case for phthalates, evaluated with and without contributions from other chemicals with similar effects. This case study shows the usefulness of the tool as a starting point for mixture risk assessment by the risk assessor, and emphasizes that solid scientific insight regarding underlying assumptions and uncertainties is crucial for result interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Lea Bredsdorff
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Annette Petersen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Nathalie Löbl
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hamborg Jensen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Elsa Nielsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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27
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David A, Chaker J, Léger T, Al-Salhi R, Dalgaard MD, Styrishave B, Bury D, Koch HM, Jégou B, Kristensen DM. Acetaminophen metabolism revisited using non-targeted analyses: Implications for human biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 149:106388. [PMID: 33524668 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The analgesic paracetamol/acetaminophen (N-acetyl-4-aminophenol, APAP) is commonly used to relieve pain, fever and malaise. While sales have increased worldwide, a growing body of experimental and epidemiological evidence has suggested APAP as a possible risk factor for various health disorders in humans. To perform internal exposure-based risk assessment, the use of accurate and optimized biomonitoring methods is critical. However, retrospectively assessing pharmaceutical use of APAP in humans is challenging because of its short half-life. The objective of this study was to address the key issue of potential underestimation of APAP use using current standard analytical methods based on urinary analyses of free APAP and its phase II conjugates. The question we address is whether investigating additional metabolites than direct phase II conjugates could improve the monitoring of APAP. Using non-targeted analyses based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identified, in a controlled longitudinal exposure study with male volunteers, overlooked APAP metabolites with delayed formation and excretion rates. We postulate that these metabolites are formed via the thiomethyl shunt after the enterohepatic circulation as already observed in rodents. Importantly, these conjugated thiomethyl metabolites were (i) of comparable diagnostic sensitivity as the free APAP and its phase II conjugates detected by current methods; (ii) had delayed peak levels in blood and urine compared to other APAP metabolites and therefore potentially extend the window of exposure assessment; and (iii) provide relevant information regarding metabolic pathways of interest from a toxicological point of view. Including these metabolites in future APAP biomonitoring methods therefore provides an option to decrease potential underestimation of APAP use. Moreover, our data challenge the notion that the standard methods in biomonitoring based exclusively on the parent compound and its phase II metabolites are adequate for human biomonitoring of a non-persistent chemical such as APAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur David
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Jade Chaker
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Thibaut Léger
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Raghad Al-Salhi
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Marlene D Dalgaard
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Bury
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance - Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance - Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - David M Kristensen
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France; Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Denmark
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28
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Oskarsson A, Rosenmai AK, Mandava G, Johannisson A, Holmes A, Tröger R, Lundqvist J. Assessment of source and treated water quality in seven drinking water treatment plants by in vitro bioassays - Oxidative stress and antiandrogenic effects after artificial infiltration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:144001. [PMID: 33338789 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144001] [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: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water quality and treatment efficacy was investigated in seven drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), using water from the river Göta Älv, which also is a recipient of treated sewage water. A panel of cell-based bioassays was used, including measurements of receptor activity of aryl hydrocarbon (AhR), estrogen (ER), androgen (AR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) as well as induction of oxidative stress (Nrf2) and micronuclei formation. Grab water samples were concentrated by solid phase extraction (SPE) and water samples were analyzed at a relative enrichment factor of 50. High activities of AhR, ER and AR antagonism were present in WWTP outlets along the river. Inlet water from the river exhibited AhR and AR antagonistic activities. AhR activity was removed by DWTPs using granulated activated carbon (GAC) and artificial infiltration. AR antagonistic activity was removed by the treatment plants, except the artificial infiltration plant, which actually increased the activity. Furthermore, treated drinking water from the DWTP using artificial infiltration exhibited high Nrf2 activity, which was not found in any of the other water samples. Nrf2 activity was found in water from eight of the 13 abstraction wells, collecting water from the artificial infiltration. No genotoxic activity was detected at non-cytotoxic concentrations. No Nrf2 or AR antagonistic activities were detected in the inlet or outlet water after the DWTP had been replaced by a new plant, using membrane ultrafiltration and GAC. Neither target chemical analysis, nor chemical analysis according to the drinking water regulation, detected any presence of chemicals, which could be responsible of the prominent effects on oxidative stress and AR antagonistic activity in the drinking water samples. Thus, bioanalysis is a useful tool for detection of unknown hazards in drinking water and for assessment of drinking water treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Oskarsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Anna Kjerstine Rosenmai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Geeta Mandava
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Kungälv Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Filaregatan 15, SE-442 81 Kungälv, Sweden
| | - Rikard Tröger
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lundqvist
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Rider CV, McHale CM, Webster TF, Lowe L, Goodson WH, La Merrill MA, Rice G, Zeise L, Zhang L, Smith MT. Using the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens to Develop Research on Chemical Mixtures and Cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:35003. [PMID: 33784186 PMCID: PMC8009606 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People are exposed to numerous chemicals throughout their lifetimes. Many of these chemicals display one or more of the key characteristics of carcinogens or interact with processes described in the hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, evaluating the effects of chemical mixtures on cancer development is an important pursuit. Challenges involved in designing research studies to evaluate the joint action of chemicals on cancer risk include the time taken to perform the experiments because of the long latency and choosing an appropriate experimental design. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this work are to present the case for developing a research program on mixtures of environmental chemicals and cancer risk and describe recommended approaches. METHODS A working group comprising the coauthors focused attention on the design of mixtures studies to inform cancer risk assessment as part of a larger effort to refine the key characteristics of carcinogens and explore their application. Working group members reviewed the key characteristics of carcinogens, hallmarks of cancer, and mixtures research for other disease end points. The group discussed options for developing tractable projects to evaluate the joint effects of environmental chemicals on cancer development. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Three approaches for developing a research program to evaluate the effects of mixtures on cancer development were proposed: a chemical screening approach, a transgenic model-based approach, and a disease-centered approach. Advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8525.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia V. Rider
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cliona M. McHale
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Thomas F. Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leroy Lowe
- Getting to Know Cancer (NGO), Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - William H. Goodson
- Department of Surgery, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Glenn Rice
- Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of the Director, Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Luoping Zhang
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Martyn T. Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
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30
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Garcia MS, Cavalcante DNDC, Araújo Santiago MDS, de Medeiros PDC, do Nascimento CC, Fonseca GFC, Le Sueur-Maluf L, Perobelli JE. Reproductive toxicity in male juvenile rats: Antagonistic effects between isolated agrochemicals and in binary or ternary combinations. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111766. [PMID: 33348257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The management of agrochemicals in Brazilian agriculture impacts global environmental sustainability and food security, since this country is one of the major agro-food exporters in the world. Acephate, carbendazim, and dithiocarbamates (DTCs) such as mancozeb, are among the most detected agrochemicals in Brazilian agro-food products, occurring in combination in several crops, especially in fruit cultures. The present study evaluated the impact of the exposure to isolated agrochemicals and all the combined possible mixtures (binary and ternary forms) on the reproductive parameters of male juvenile rats, known to be a vulnerable biological system and developmental window. Data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models (GzLM), considering each agrochemical as an independent factor. The study revealed higher reproductive toxicity exerted by isolated agrochemicals when compared to the combined treatments, which exhibited mostly an antagonistic effect. Results suggest endocrine disruptive effects of each one separately on the weight of reproductive organs and testicular histomorphometry, besides changes in testicular SOD activity. The full factorial experimental design employed here allowed us to conclude that it is not possible to scale-up the effects of the isolated treatments to the mixtures, showing how difficult it is to know beforehand the response and cross-talk among the multiple physiological mechanisms disturbed by complex mixtures. Considering that food products are shared on a global scale and that some of these three agrochemicals have already been prohibited in EU countries, the consumption of some Brazilian products puts global human health at risk, that of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Simões Garcia
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Instituto do Mar, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paloma Da Cunha de Medeiros
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Instituto do Mar, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luciana Le Sueur-Maluf
- Departamento de Biociências, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Elaine Perobelli
- Experimental Toxicology Laboratory, Instituto do Mar, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
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Goodrum PE, Anderson JK, Luz AL, Ansell GK. Application of a Framework for Grouping and Mixtures Toxicity Assessment of PFAS: A Closer Examination of Dose-Additivity Approaches. Toxicol Sci 2021; 179:262-278. [PMID: 32735321 PMCID: PMC7846094 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental occurrence and biomonitoring data for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) demonstrate that humans are exposed to mixtures of PFAS. This article presents a new and systematic analysis of available PFAS toxicity study data using a tiered mixtures risk assessment framework consistent with United States and international mixtures guidance. The lines of evidence presented herein include a critique of whole mixture toxicity studies and analysis of dose-response models based on data from subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats. Based on available data to-date, concentration addition and relative potency factor methods are found to be inappropriate due to differences among sensitive effects and target organ potencies and noncongruent dose-response curves for the same effect endpoints from studies using the same species and protocols. Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid lack a single mode of action or molecular initiating event and our evaluation herein shows they also have noncongruent dose-response curves. Dose-response curves for long-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) also significantly differ in shapes of the curves from short-chain PFSAs and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids evaluated, and additional differences are apparent when curves are evaluated based on internal or administered dose. Following well-established guidance, the hazard index method applied to perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and PFSAs grouped separately is the most appropriate approach for conducting a screening level risk assessment for nonpolymeric PFAS mixtures, given the current state-of-the science. A clear presentation of assumptions, uncertainties, and data gaps is needed before dose-additivity methods, including hazard index , are used to support risk management decisions. Adverse outcome pathway(s) and mode(s) of action information for perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and for other nonpolymer PFAS are key data gaps precluding more robust mixtures methods. These findings can guide the prioritization of future studies on single chemical and whole mixture toxicity studies.
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Eustache F, Bennani Smires B, Moison D, Bergès R, Canivenc-Lavier MC, Vaiman D, Auger J. Different exposure windows to low doses of genistein and/or vinclozolin result in contrasted disorders of testis function and gene expression of exposed rats and their unexposed progeny. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:109975. [PMID: 32827888 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Living species including humans are continuously exposed to low levels of a myriad of endocrine active compounds that may affect their reproductive function. In contrast, experimental designs scrutinizing this question mostly consider the gestational/lactational period, select high unrealistic doses and, have rarely investigated the possible reproductive consequences in the progeny. The present study aimed at assessing comparatively a set of male reproductive endpoints according to exposure windows, gestational/lactational versus pre-pubertal to adulthood, using low doses of endocrine active substances in male rats as well as their unexposed male progeny. Animals were orally exposed to 1 mg/kg bw/d of genistein and/or vinclozolin, from conception to weaning or from prepuberty to young adulthood. A number of reproductive endpoints were assessed as well as testicular mRNA expression profiles, in the exposed rats and their unexposed progeny. Overall, the low dosage used only affected weakly most of classical reproductive endpoints. However, the gestational/lactational exposure to vinclozolin alone or combined to genistein significantly delayed the puberty onset. Contrasting with the gestational/lactational exposure, a decreased sperm production was found in the animals exposed to genistein and vinclozolin from the pre-pubertal period but also in their progeny for vinclozolin and the mixture. The expression level of several genes involved in meiosis, apoptosis and steroidogenesis was also affected differentially as a function of the exposure window in both exposed rats and unexposed offspring. We also provide further evidence that doses of endocrine active substances relevant with human exposure may affect the male reproductive phenotype and testicular transcriptome in the exposed generation as well as in the indirectly exposed offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Eustache
- Service D'Histologie-Embryologie, Cytogénétique, Biologie de La Reproduction / CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Site Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France.
| | - Badria Bennani Smires
- Service D'Histologie-Embryologie, Cytogénétique, Biologie de La Reproduction / CECOS, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Site Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- INSERM UMR967, Laboratoire de Développement des Gonades, Equipe "Stabilité Génomique, Cellules Souches et Radiations", Université Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité and CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Raymond Bergès
- INRA UMR1324, Centre des Sciences Du Goût et de L'Alimentation, Dijon, France
| | | | - Daniel Vaiman
- INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Auger
- INSERM U1016, Equipe "Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de La Reproduction", Institut Cochin, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
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Christiansen S, Axelstad M, Scholze M, Johansson HKL, Hass U, Mandrup K, Frandsen HL, Frederiksen H, Isling LK, Boberg J. Grouping of endocrine disrupting chemicals for mixture risk assessment - Evidence from a rat study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105870. [PMID: 32593051 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals may contribute to the rising incidence of hormone-related diseases in humans. Real-life mixtures are complex, comprised of chemicals with mixed modes of action, and essential knowledge is often lacking on how to group such chemicals into cumulative assessment groups, which is an essential prerequisite to conduct a chemical mixture risk assessment. We investigated if mixtures of chemicals with diverse endocrine modes of action can cause mixture effects on hormone sensitive endpoints in developing and adult rat offspring after perinatal exposure. Wistar rats were exposed during pregnancy and lactation simultaneously to either bisphenol A and butylparaben (Emix), diethylhexyl phthalate and procymidone (Amix), or a mixture of all four substances (Totalmix). In male offspring, the anogenital distance was significantly reduced and nipple retention increased in animals exposed to Amix and Totalmix, and the mixture effects were well approximated by the dose addition model. The combination of Amix and Emix responded with more marked changes on these and other endocrine-sensitive endpoints than each binary mixture on its own. Sperm counts were reduced by all exposures. These experimental outcomes suggest that the grouping of chemicals for mixture risk assessment should be based on common health outcomes rather than only similar modes or mechanisms of action. Mechanistic-based approaches such as the concept of Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) can provide important guidance if both the information on shared target tissues and the information on shared mode/mechanism of action are taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Martin Scholze
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Quad North, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Ulla Hass
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Karen Mandrup
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Henrik Lauritz Frandsen
- Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Krag Isling
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
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Low Dose of Genistein Alleviates Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Fetal Testis Disorder Based on Organ Culture Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:4569268. [PMID: 32566080 PMCID: PMC7275205 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4569268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and genistein have been classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which interfere with the differentiation and development of the male reproductive system. However, how these two EDCs would affect fetal rat testis development at a low dose was rarely studied. In this study, we established the organ culture system and applied it to evaluate testicular effects following multiple EDC exposure at a low dose. 15.5 days postcoitum fetal rat testes were dissected, cultured, and exposed to vehicle (control), GEN (1 μmol/L, G), MEHP (1 μmol/L, M), or GEN (1 μmol/L)+MEHP (1 μmol/L, G+M). Testicular cell markers, testosterone concentration, redox state, testicular histology, and testicular ultrastructure were evaluated. Our results showed that a low dose of MEHP suppressed the development of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and gonocytes by triggering oxidative injuries, which was consistent with the ultrastructural findings. However, coadministration of genistein at a low dose could partially attenuate MEHP-induced fetal testis damage through antioxidative action. Cotreatment of genistein at a low dose may have a promising future on its protecting role for attenuating other EDC-induced reproductive disorders during early life. Based on the results, it can be speculated that dietary intake of isoflavones may make the fetal testis less susceptible to phthalate-induced injury.
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Apel P, Kortenkamp A, Koch HM, Vogel N, Rüther M, Kasper-Sonnenberg M, Conrad A, Brüning T, Kolossa-Gehring M. Time course of phthalate cumulative risks to male developmental health over a 27-year period: Biomonitoring samples of the German Environmental Specimen Bank. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105467. [PMID: 32036120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In several human biomonitoring surveys, changes in the usage patterns of phthalates have come to light, but their influence on the risks associated with combined exposures is insufficiently understood. Based on the largest study to date, the 27-year survey of urinary phthalate metabolite levels in 24-hour urine samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank, we present a deep analysis of changing phthalate exposures on mixture risks. This analysis adopts the Hazard Index (HI) approach based on the five phthalates DBP, DIBP, BBP, DEHP and DINP. Calculations of the hazard index for each study participant included updated phthalate reference doses for anti-androgenicity (RfDAAs) that take account of new evidence of phthalates' developmental toxicity. The Maximum Cumulative Ratio (MCR) approach was used to establish whether a subject's combined exposure was dominated by one phthalate or was influenced by several phthalates simultaneously. Generally, over the years there was a shift towards lower HIs and higher MCRs, reflecting an increased complexity of the combined exposures. The decade from 1988 to about 1999 was characterised by rather high HIs of between 3 and 7 (95th percentile) which were driven by exposure to DBP and DEHP, often exceeding their single acceptable exposures. Traditional single phthalate risk assessments would have underestimated these risks by up to 50%. From 2006 onwards, no study participant experienced exposures above acceptable levels for a single phthalate, but combined exposures were still in excess of HI = 1. From 2011 onwards most individuals stayed below HI = 1. In interpreting these results, we caution against the use of HI = 1 as an acceptable limit and develop proposals for improved and more realistic mixture risk assessments that take account of co-exposures to other anti-androgenic substances also capable of disrupting the male reproductive system. From this perspective, we regard HIs between 0.1 and 0.2 as more appropriate for evaluating combined phthalate exposures. Assessed against lowered HIs of 0.1 - 0.2, the combined phthalate exposures of most study participants exceeded acceptable levels in all study years, including 2015. Continued monitoring efforts for phthalate combinations are required to provide the basis for appropriate risk management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Apel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Brunel University London, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
| | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Rüther
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Kasper-Sonnenberg
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Andre Conrad
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany
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Mechanisms of Testicular Disruption from Exposure to Bisphenol A and Phtalates. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020471. [PMID: 32046352 PMCID: PMC7074154 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Great attention has been paid in recent years to the harmful effects of various chemicals that interfere with our natural hormone balance, collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or endocrine disruptors. The effects on the reproductive system of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have received particular attention: while they have a short half-life, they are so widespread that human exposure can be considered as continuous. Evidence is often limited to the animal model, disregarding the likelihood of human exposure to a mixture of contaminants. Data from animal models show that maternal exposure probably has harmful effects on the male fetus, with an increased risk of urogenital developmental abnormalities. After birth, exposure is associated with changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, hindering the development and function of the male genital pathways through the mediation of inflammatory mechanisms and oxidative stress. The epidemiological and clinical evidence, while generally confirming the association between reproductive abnormalities and some phthalate esters and BPA, is more contradictory, with wildly different findings. The aim of this review is therefore to provide an update of the potential mechanisms of the damage caused by BPA and phthalates to reproductive function and a review of the clinical evidence currently available in the literature.
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