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Warger J, Lucas M, Lucas A. Assessing the contribution of plastic-associated obesogenic compounds to cardiometabolic diseases. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2024; 31:98-103. [PMID: 38054472 PMCID: PMC10911259 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To present recent evidence that strengthens the concept that exogenous pollutants contribute to adipose dysfunction and increased rates of disease and to highlight the ineffective regulation of this risk as industry switches to related but similarly toxic variants. RECENT FINDINGS Substitutes for common phthalates and the highly regulated bisphenol A (BPA) show similar deleterious effects on adipocytes. The well tolerated limit for BPA exposure has been reduced in Europe to below the level detected in recent population studies. Additionally, the role for BPA-induced inflammation mediated by interleukin 17a has been described in animal and human studies. SUMMARY Despite experimental and associative evidence that supports plastics and plastic associated chemicals deleteriously influencing adipose homeostatasis and contributing to metabolic diseases, structurally related alternate chemicals are being substituted by manufacturers to circumvent trailing regulatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Warger
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia
| | - Michaela Lucas
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia
- Department of Immunology PathWest
- Department of Immunology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital & Perth Childrens Hospital
| | - Andrew Lucas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Gao X, Yan D, Li G, Wei Y, He H, Zhai J. Polychlorinated biphenyls and risk of metabolic syndrome and comparison with the risk of diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165773. [PMID: 37506918 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165773] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) worldwide and no consistent results on PCBs and MetS. A meta-analysis to explore their relationship was conducted. Given the high correlation and overlap of MetS with diabetes, analysis of diabetes risk, was used as a supplement to compare with MetS. Seven studies included MetS, 15 studies for diabetes, and one study included both outcomes. It was found that PCBs may not be a risk factor for MetS, but their high heterogeneity indicates that they are under-represented. In addition, our results showed that total PCBs might be a protective factor against diabetes. In the whole blood subgroup, which can reflect the accumulation of more than one body load, heterogeneity was reduced, and its OR value suggested that PCBs increased the risk of MetS in the whole blood biomaterial. DL-PCBs were positively associated with MetS and diabetes, while NDL-PCBs were negatively associated with diabetes. In the subgroup analysis of PCBs homologs, DL-PCB-126 and DL-PCB-118 were risk factors for MetS and diabetes, respectively. In addition, PCB-153 and 180 showed a dose-response relationship between them and diabetes mellitus, respectively. The results of total analysis of MetS and diabetes mellitus and subgroup analysis of PCBs were mixed, and this reason might be attributed to the different mechanisms of action and effect sizes of different PCBs, so based on subgroup results and in vivo and in vitro experiments, we considered PCBs to be a risk factor for MetS and diabetes. Due to various reasons, there are still many shortcomings in the evaluation of PCBs impact on human health, and more high-quality research are needed to further explore the role of PCBs of different species and congeners in MetS and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, China
| | - Di Yan
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, China
| | - Guangying Li
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, China.
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3
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Mouat JS, Li X, Neier K, Zhu Y, Mordaunt CE, La Merrill MA, Lehmler HJ, Jones MP, Lein PJ, Schmidt RJ, LaSalle JM. Networks of placental DNA methylation correlate with maternal serum PCB concentrations and child neurodevelopment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115227. [PMID: 36608759 PMCID: PMC10518186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been associated with elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Placental epigenetics may serve as a potential mechanism of risk or marker of altered placental function. Prior studies have associated differential placental DNA methylation with maternal PCB exposure or with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, sequencing-based placental methylomes have not previously been tested for simultaneous associations with maternal PCB levels and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify placental DNA methylation patterns associated with maternal PCB levels and child neurodevelopmental outcomes in the high-risk ASD MARBLES cohort. METHODS We measured 209 PCB congeners in 104 maternal serum samples collected at delivery. We identified networks of DNA methylation from 147 placenta samples using the Comethyl R package, which performs weighted gene correlation network analysis for whole genome bisulfite sequencing data. We tested placental DNA methylation modules for association with maternal serum PCB levels, child neurodevelopment, and other participant traits. RESULTS PCBs 153 + 168, 170, 180 + 193, and 187 were detected in over 50% of maternal serum samples and were highly correlated with one another. Consistent with previous findings, maternal age was the strongest predictor of serum PCB levels, alongside year of sample collection, pre-pregnancy BMI, and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. Twenty seven modules of placental DNA methylation were identified, including five which significantly correlated with one or more PCBs, and four which correlated with child neurodevelopment. Two modules associated with maternal PCB levels as well as child neurodevelopment, and mapped to CSMD1 and AUTS2, genes previously implicated in ASD and identified as differentially methylated regions in mouse brain and placenta following gestational PCB exposure. CONCLUSIONS Placental DNA co-methylation modules were associated with maternal PCBs and child neurodevelopment. Methylation of CSMD1 and AUTS2 could be markers of altered placental function and/or ASD risk following maternal PCB exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Mouat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Xueshu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kari Neier
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yihui Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charles E Mordaunt
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michele A La Merrill
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael P Jones
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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4
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Li S, Huo G, Jiang Y, Wu Y, Jiang H, Wang R, Hua C, Zhou F. Transcriptomics provides insights into toxicological effects and molecular mechanisms associated with the exposure of Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, to dioxin. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:104540. [PMID: 36089220 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104540] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Dioxins are stable, ubiquitous, persistent, and halogenated environmental pollutants that have recently garnered increasing attention. This study constructed a microcosmic system to simulate the real breeding conditions of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) to evaluate the impact of environmental dioxins on these aquaculture animals. Histological observation and detection of antioxidant enzyme activities revealed that dioxin exposure for different durations substantially damaged the hepatopancreas of Chinese mitten crabs, increasing the enzymatic activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) but decreasing that of malondialdehyde (MDA). We also obtained the gene expression profiles of the hepatopancreas corresponding to different periods of dioxin exposure using RNA-seq technology. Compared with the control group, 2999 and 941 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) corresponding to different periods of dioxin exposure were identified in the hepatopancreas. Enrichment analysis indicated that some pathways, such as those governing carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and immune disease, also responded to dioxin exposure. Subsequently, we selectively analyzed DEGs involved in oxidoreductase activity, carbohydrate metabolic processes, and other processes, identifying that increased expression of Hsp70, Ldh, and Trx1 and decreased expression of Lgbp, Bgal1, and Acsbg2 were potentially caused by sensitivity to environmental dioxin exposure. Therefore, we contend that, although crabs exposed to unfavorable environmental pollutants, such as dioxin, may adapt via antioxidant and immune response modulation. However, continued dioxin exposure would disrupt such homeostatic restorative capabilities. Thus, this study may provide new insights into the toxicological effects exerted by dioxin on aquatic organisms, such as E. sinensis, as well as the mechanisms underlying such toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Li
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China
| | - Guangming Huo
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China
| | - Ying Jiang
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China
| | - Yulong Wu
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China
| | - Haitao Jiang
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China
| | - Renlei Wang
- Biology Department, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing, 210013, PR China
| | - Chun Hua
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China
| | - Feng Zhou
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, PR China.
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5
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Xu LL, Zhang QY, Chen YK, Chen LJ, Zhang KK, Wang Q, Xie XL. Gestational PCB52 exposure induces hepatotoxicity and intestinal injury by activating inflammation in dam and offspring mice: A maternal and progeny study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120186. [PMID: 36115491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels are decreased in the environment, the adverse effects of gestational exposure on the mother and offspring cannot be ignored due to the vulnerability of the fetus. In the present study, pregnant Balb/c mice were administered PCB52 (1 mg/kg BW/day) or corn oil vehicle by gavage until parturition. In the dams, PCB52 caused histopathological changes in the liver, higher serum levels of aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and activated apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting hepatotoxicity. Overexpressed indicators of TLR4 pathway were observed in the liver of PCB52-exposed dams, indicated hepatic inflammation. Moreover, PCB52 exposure weakened the intestinal barrier and triggered inflammatory response, which might contribute to the hepatic inflammation by gut-liver axis. In the pups, prenatal PCB52 exposure affected the sex ratio at birth and reduced birth length and weights. Similar to the dams, prenatal PCB52 exposure induced hepatotoxicity in the pups without gender difference. Consistent with the alteration of gut microbiota, intestinal inflammation was confirmed, accompanying the disruption in the intestinal barrier and the activation of apoptosis and autophagy in the PCB52-exposed pups. Intestinal injury might be responsible for hepatotoxicity at least in part. Taken together, these findings suggested that gestational PCB52 exposure induced hepatic and intestinal injury in both maternal and offspring mice by arousing inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qin-Yao Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yu-Kui Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Li-Jian Chen
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Kai-Kai Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xie
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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6
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Zhang H, Zhang H, Zhao L, Zhou B, Li P, Liu B, Wang Y, Yang C, Huang K, Zhang C. Ecosystem impact and dietary exposure of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals in Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) and their farming areas in Jiangsu, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 227:112936. [PMID: 34755631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the presence of 18 dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl- and ndl-PCBs), heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, and As) in Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) and their distribution in Jiangsu, China. Risk assessment and source apportionment were employed for evaluating the eco-toxicological impact and human exposure. It was found that the compositions of PCBs varied spatially, suggesting different sources of pollutants, whilst PCB 28, 105, 114, and 126 were consistently found in all sample types, suggesting a common pollution source remained, and the bio-accumulation process was in effect. The total PCBs in sediment were found much higher than in water, and brown meat had the highest and most diverse PCB congeners among all tissues. The presence of heavy metals was found in all samples in descending order of As>Cd>Pb>Hg and in the order of shell>brown meat>white meat>gill for crabs. The results of risk assessment indicated that the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were within the acceptable range for long-term consumption of the crabs overall. However, the highest toxic equivalent (TEQ), carcinogenic, and non-carcinogenic risks were all recorded in Location C, where dl-PCB 126, 169, and As contributed to the majority of the risks. The ecological risk posed by all HMs was low, but cases of serious point source pollution have been found in the investigated regions, and risks caused by Cd individually should raise concerns. Source apportionment study revealed that the contaminants mostly originated from anthropogenic activities. Natural deposition and transportation played an important role as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiaoya Zhang
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; College of Plant protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; College of Plant protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Beilei Zhou
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Pan Li
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yulong Wang
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Cuifeng Yang
- Taiyuan University, 030032 Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Kang Huang
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Cunzheng Zhang
- Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Key Laboratory of Control Technology and Standard for Agri-product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 210014 Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; College of Plant protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, PR China.
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7
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Pollack AZ, Krall JR, Kannan K, Buck Louis GM. Adipose to serum ratio and mixtures of persistent organic pollutants in relation to endometriosis: Findings from the ENDO Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110732. [PMID: 33484721 PMCID: PMC8432300 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their mixtures may play an etiologic role. OBJECTIVES We evaluated an adipose-to-serum ratio (ASR) of lipophilic EDCs and their mixtures associated with incident endometriosis. METHODS We quantified 13 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, 6 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, and 11 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in serum and omental fat among women from the ENDO Study (2007-2009) aged 18-44 years diagnosed with (n=190) or without (n=283) surgically-visualized incident endometriosis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between ASR and endometriosis were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for age (years), body mass index (kg/m2), serum cotinine (ng/ml), and breastfeeding conditional on parity. Bayesian hierarchical models (BHM) compared estimated associations for adipose and ASR to serum. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) estimated change in latent health and 95% posterior intervals (PI) between chemical mixtures and endometriosis. RESULTS Select ASR for estrogenic PCBs and OCPs were associated with an increased odds of an endometriosis diagnosis, but not for anti-estrogenic PCBs or PBDEs. Across all chemicals, BHMs generated ORs that were on average 14% (95% PI: 6%, 22%) higher for adipose and 20% (95% PI: 12%, 29%) higher for ASR in comparison to serum. ORs from BHMs were greater for estrogenic PCBs and OCPs, with no differences for PBDEs. BKMR models comparing the 75th to 25th percentile were moderately associated with endometriosis for estrogenic PCBs [adipose 0.27 (95% PI: 0.18, 0.72) and ASR 0.37 (95% PI: 0.06, 0.80)] and OCPs [adipose 0.17 (95% PI: 0.21, 0.56) and ASR 0.26 (95% PI: 0.05, 0.57)], but not for antiestrogenic PCBs and PBDEs. DISCUSSION ASR added little insight beyond adipose for lipophilic chemicals. BKMR results supported associations between ASR and adipose estrogenic PCB and OCP mixtures and incident endometriosis. These findings underscore the importance of choice of biospecimen and considering mixtures when assessing exposure-disease relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
| | - Jenna R Krall
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- College of Health and Human Services George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
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8
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Humphries MS, Myburgh JG, Campbell R, Buah-Kwofie A, Combrink X. Organochlorine pesticide bioaccumulation in wild Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) fat tissues: Environmental influences on changing residue levels and contaminant profiles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:142068. [PMID: 32911174 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Biologically significant concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) continue to be reported in wildlife populations and are of particular concern in species that occupy the highest trophic levels. Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are important apex predators occurring throughout much of tropical and subtropical sub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit estuarine and freshwater habitats often impacted by contamination. In this study we examined pesticide residue accumulation in fat tissue from Nile crocodiles at Lake St Lucia, South Africa, where historically large quantities of OCPs have been used for agriculture and disease control. During 2019, we collected tail fat samples from wild (n = 21) and captive (n = 3) individuals to examine the influence of habitat, body size and sex on variations in bioaccumulation. The principal contaminant found was p,p'-DDE, a major persistent metabolite of DDT, which continues to be used in the region for combating malaria. Tissue p,p'-DDE concentrations in wild crocodiles (95-1200 ng g-1 ww) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to captive individuals (23-68 ng g-1 ww) and strongly correlated (R2 > 0.70) to body length. Male (n = 14) and female (n = 7) wild crocodiles exhibited similar contaminant body burdens, however, total concentrations were substantially lower than those measured in the same population during 2016/2017. Marked differences in residue levels and profiles appear to reflect changes in food availability and dietary exposure associated with a shift in environmental conditions. These findings suggest that periods of environmental stress may be associated with enhanced toxicological risk in crocodiles. Additional work is needed to better understand contaminant accumulation and elimination mechanisms in crocodiles, and their potential effects on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Humphries
- School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Jan G Myburgh
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert Campbell
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Xander Combrink
- Nature Conservation Department, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
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9
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Debier C, Pirard L, Verhaegen M, Rzucidlo C, Tinant G, Dewulf C, Larondelle Y, Smith DR, Rees JF, Crocker DE. In vitro Lipolysis and Leptin Production of Elephant Seal Blubber Using Precision-Cut Adipose Tissue Slices. Front Physiol 2020; 11:615784. [PMID: 33362587 PMCID: PMC7758477 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.615784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue plays key roles in energy homeostasis. Understanding its metabolism and regulation is essential to predict the impact of environmental changes on wildlife health, especially in fasting-adapted species. However, in vivo experimental work in wild vertebrates can be challenging. We have developed a novel in vitro approach of precision-cut adipose tissue slices from northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) as a complementary approach to whole animal models. Blubber biopsies were collected from 14 pups during early and late post-weaning fast (Año Nuevo, CA, United States), precision-cut into 1 mm thick slices and maintained in culture at 37°C for at least 63 h. The slices exhibited an efficient response to ß-adrenergic stimulation, even after 2 days of culture, revealing good in vitro tissue function. The response to lipolytic stimulus did not vary between regions of outer and inner blubber, but was higher at early than at late fast for inner blubber slices. At early fast, lipolysis significantly reduced leptin production. At this stage, inner blubber slices were also more efficient at producing leptin than outer blubber slices, especially in the non-lipolytic condition. This model will aid the study of adipose tissue metabolism and its response to environmental stressors in marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Debier
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laura Pirard
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie Verhaegen
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Caroline Rzucidlo
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, United States
| | - Gilles Tinant
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Clément Dewulf
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yvan Larondelle
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Jean-François Rees
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, United States
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10
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Min L, Chi Y, Dong S. Gut microbiota health closely associates with PCB153-derived risk of host diseases. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 203:111041. [PMID: 32888612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the production and use of PCB153 have been banned globally, PCB153 pollution remains because of its persistence and long half-life in the environment. There is ongoing evidence that exposure to PCB153 may influence gut microbiota health and increase the risk of host health. It is needed to illuminate whether there are associations between gut microbiota dysregulation and PCB153-induced host diseases. Importantly, it is urgently needed to find specific strains as biomarkers to monitor PCB153 pollution and associated disorders. The work aims to investigate the change of gut microbiota composition, structure and diversity and various host physiological indexes, to ravel the chain causality of PCB153, gut microbiota health and host health, and to find potential gut microbiota markers for PCB153 pollution. Here, adult female mice were administrated with PCB153. Obtained results indicated that PCB153 led to gut microbiota health deterioration. PCB153 exposure also induced obesity, hepatic lipid accumulation, abdominal adipose tissue depots and dyslipidemia in mice. Furthermore, specific gut microbiota significantly correlated with the host health indexes. This work provides support for the relationship between gut microbiota aberrance derived from PCB153 and risk of host health, and offers some indications of possible indicative functions of gut microbiota on PCB153 pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Min
- School of Resources and Environmental Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, China.
| | - Yulang Chi
- College of Oceanology and Food Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, China.
| | - Sijun Dong
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China.
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11
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Winfield ZC, Mansouri F, Potter CW, Sabin R, Trumble SJ, Usenko S. Eighty years of chemical exposure profiles of persistent organic pollutants reconstructed through baleen whale earplugs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 737:139564. [PMID: 32512296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139564] [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: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of effort, significant knowledge gaps still exist regarding the global transport and distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine ecosystems, especially for periods prior to the 1970s. Furthermore, for long-lived marine mammals such as baleen whales, POPs impacts on early developmental (first years of life), as well as lifetime exposure profiles for periods of use and phase-out, are not well characterized. Recently, analytical techniques capable of reconstructing lifetime (i.e., birth to death; ~6 mos. resolution) chemical exposure profiles in baleen whale earplugs have been developed. Earplugs represent a unique opportunity to examine the spatiotemporal trends of POPs in the marine ecosystem. Baleen whale earplugs were collected from six whales (one blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and five fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)), including four from archived collections and two from recent strandings. Lifespans for some of these individuals date back to the 1930s and provide insight into early periods of POP use. POP concentrations (reported in ng g-1 dry wt.) were determined in laminae (n = 35) and were combined with age estimates and calendar year to reconstruct lifetime POP exposure profiles and lifetime bioaccumulation rates. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found to be the most dominant POPs (spanning the past 80 y), were detected as early as the 1930s and were ubiquitous in the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Lifetime bioaccumulation rates determined using baleen whale earplugs were 56 times higher in the North Pacific as compared to the North Atlantic. This suggest baleen whales from the North Pacific may be to be exposed to increased levels of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach C Winfield
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Farzaneh Mansouri
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Charles W Potter
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Wash, DC 20013, USA
| | - Richard Sabin
- Division of Vertebrates, Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | | | - Sascha Usenko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA; Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, Wash, DC 20013, USA.
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12
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Remediation potential of bacterial mixed cultures for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) biodegradation. ACTA CHIMICA SLOVACA 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acs-2019-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in minimal mineral water media in the presence of bacterial mixed cultures consisting of several individual strains is proposed. Starting from the fact that the properties and features of bacterial strains in mixed cultures can be supplemented and compensated, two-, three- and seven-membered mixed cultures (MC) were performed. The strains used for the construction of the MC were isolated from the waste canal of a former PCB producer. The highest biodegradation of 70 % of the sum of seven defined PCB congeners was achieved by two-membered MC containing the strains Rhodococcus sp. and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia added in the biomass ratio of 1 : 3 and 3 : 1. PCB biodegradation by a seven-membered MC was lower (58 %) but provided several benefits over the less-membered mixed cultures or the individual strains: similarity to naturally occurring microflora, easier preparation of the inocula, certain and repeatable results. Periodical reinoculation of the water media resulted to PCB biodegradation increase to 65 %. Seven-membered MC was applied to the historically PCB contaminated sediment as well, where a 59 % degradation of the sum of seven PCB congeners was determined.
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13
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Hitchcock DJ, Andersen T, Varpe Ø, Loonen MJJE, Warner NA, Herzke D, Tombre IM, Griffin LR, Shimmings P, Borgå K. Potential Effect of Migration Strategy on Pollutant Occurrence in Eggs of Arctic Breeding Barnacle Geese ( Branta leucopsis). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:5427-5435. [PMID: 30938990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Arctic-breeding geese acquire resources for egg production from overwintering grounds, spring stopover sites and breeding grounds, where pollutant exposure may differ. We investigated the effect of migration strategy on pollutant occurrence of lipophilic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and protein-associated poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and mercury (Hg) in eggs of herbivorous barnacle geese ( Branta leucopsis) from an island colony on Svalbard. Stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in eggs and vegetation collected along the migration route were similar. Pollutant concentrations in eggs were low, reflecting their terrestrial diet (∑PCB = 1.23 ± 0.80 ng/g ww; ∑PFAS = 1.21 ± 2.97 ng/g ww; Hg = 20.17 ± 7.52 ng/g dw). PCB concentrations in eggs increased with later hatch date, independent of lipid content which also increased over time. Some females may remobilize and transfer more PCBs to their eggs, by delaying migration several weeks, relying on more polluted and stored resources, or being in poor body condition when arriving at the breeding grounds. PFAS and Hg occurrence in eggs did not change throughout the breeding season, suggesting migration has a greater effect on lipophilic pollutants. Pollutant exposure during offspring production in arctic-breeding migrants may result in different profiles, with effects becoming more apparent with increasing trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tom Andersen
- Department of Biosciences , University of Oslo , 0316 Oslo , Norway
| | - Øystein Varpe
- Department of Arctic Biology , University Centre in Svalbard , 9171 Longyearbyen , Norway
- Akvaplan-niva , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø , Norway
| | | | - Nicholas A Warner
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø , Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø , Norway
| | - Ingunn M Tombre
- Department of Arctic Ecology , Norwegian Institute for Nature Research , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø , Norway
| | - Larry R Griffin
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust , Caerlaverock Wetland Centre , Dumfriesshire DG1 4RS , United Kingdom
| | | | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences , University of Oslo , 0316 Oslo , Norway
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14
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Robinson KJ, Hall AJ, Debier C, Eppe G, Thomé JP, Bennett KA. Persistent Organic Pollutant Burden, Experimental POP Exposure, and Tissue Properties Affect Metabolic Profiles of Blubber from Gray Seal Pups. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13523-13534. [PMID: 30339760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic, ubiquitous, resist breakdown, bioaccumulate in living tissue, and biomagnify in food webs. POPs can also alter energy balance in humans and wildlife. Marine mammals experience high POP concentrations, but consequences for their tissue metabolic characteristics are unknown. We used blubber explants from wild, gray seal ( Halichoerus grypus) pups to examine impacts of intrinsic tissue POP burden and acute experimental POP exposure on adipose metabolic characteristics. Glucose use, lactate production, and lipolytic rate differed between matched inner and outer blubber explants from the same individuals and between feeding and natural fasting. Glucose use decreased with blubber dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCB) and increased with acute experimental POP exposure. Lactate production increased with DL-PCBs during feeding, but decreased with DL-PCBs during fasting. Lipolytic rate increased with blubber dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDX) in fasting animals, but declined with DDX when animals were feeding. Our data show that POP burdens are high enough in seal pups to alter adipose function early in life, when fat deposition and mobilization are vital. Such POP-induced alterations to adipose metabolic properties may significantly alter energy balance regulation in marine top predators, with the potential for long-term impacts on fitness and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Robinson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute , University of St Andrews , St Andrews , Fife KY16 8LB , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute , University of St Andrews , St Andrews , Fife KY16 8LB , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Cathy Debier
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology , Université Catholique de Louvain , Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Louvain-la-Neuve 1348 , Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- Center for Analytical Research and Technology (CART), B6c, Department of Chemistry , Université de Liège , Liege 4000 , Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Thomé
- Center for Analytical Research and Technology (CART), Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE) , Université de Liège , Liege 4000 , Belgium
| | - Kimberley A Bennett
- Division of Science, School of Science Engineering and Technology , Abertay University , Dundee DD1 1HG , United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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15
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Jackson E, Shoemaker R, Larian N, Cassis L. Adipose Tissue as a Site of Toxin Accumulation. Compr Physiol 2017; 7:1085-1135. [PMID: 28915320 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c160038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We examine the role of adipose tissue, typically considered an energy storage site, as a potential site of toxicant accumulation. Although the production of most persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was banned years ago, these toxicants persist in the environment due to their resistance to biodegradation and widespread distribution in various environmental forms (e.g., vapor, sediment, and water). As a result, human exposure to these toxicants is inevitable. Largely due to their lipophilicity, POPs bioaccumulate in adipose tissue, resulting in greater body burdens of these environmental toxicants with obesity. POPs of major concern include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDDs/PCDFs), and polybrominated biphenyls and diphenyl ethers (PBBs/PBDEs), among other organic compounds. In this review, we (i) highlight the physical characteristics of toxicants that enable them to partition into and remain stored in adipose tissue, (ii) discuss the specific mechanisms of action by which these toxicants act to influence adipocyte function, and (iii) review associations between POP exposures and the development of obesity and diabetes. An area of controversy relates to the relative potential beneficial versus hazardous health effects of toxicant sequestration in adipose tissue. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:1085-1135, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Robin Shoemaker
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nika Larian
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lisa Cassis
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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16
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Hitchcock DJ, Varpe Ø, Andersen T, Borgå K. Effects of reproductive strategies on pollutant concentrations in pinnipeds: a meta-analysis. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.03955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Øystein Varpe
- The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS); Longyearbyen Norway
- Akvaplan-niva, Fram Centre; Tromsø Norway
| | - Tom Andersen
- Dept of Biosciences; Univ. of Oslo; NO-0316 Oslo Norway
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Dept of Biosciences; Univ. of Oslo; NO-0316 Oslo Norway
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17
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Peterson MG, Peterson SH, Debier C, Covaci A, Dirtu AC, Malarvannan G, Crocker DE, Costa DP. Serum POP concentrations are highly predictive of inner blubber concentrations at two extremes of body condition in northern elephant seals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:651-663. [PMID: 27503056 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-lived, upper trophic level marine mammals are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Internal tissues may accumulate and mobilize POP compounds at different rates related to the body condition of the animal and the chemical characteristics of individual POP compounds; however, collection of samples from multiple tissues is a major challenge to ecotoxicology studies of free-ranging marine mammals and the ability to predict POP concentrations in one tissue from another tissue remains rare. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) forage on mesopelagic fish and squid for months at a time in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, interspersed with two periods of fasting on land, which results in dramatic seasonal fluctuations in body condition. Using northern elephant seals, we examined commonly studied tissues in mammalian toxicology to describe relationships and determine predictive equations among tissues for a suite of POP compounds, including ΣDDTs, ΣPCBs, Σchlordanes, and ΣPBDEs. We collected paired blubber (inner and outer) and blood serum samples from adult female and male seals in 2012 and 2013 at Año Nuevo State Reserve (California, USA). For females (N = 24), we sampled the same seals before (late in molting fast) and after (early in breeding fast) their approximately seven month foraging trip. For males, we sampled different seals before (N = 14) and after (N = 15) their approximately four month foraging trip. We observed strong relationships among tissues for many, but not all compounds. Serum POP concentrations were strong predictors of inner blubber POP concentrations for both females and males, while serum was a more consistent predictor of outer blubber for males than females. The ability to estimate POP blubber concentrations from serum, or vice versa, has the potential to enhance toxicological assessment and physiological modeling. Furthermore, predictive equations may illuminate commonalities or distinctions in bioaccumulation across marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Peterson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, USA.
| | - Sarah H Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Cathy Debier
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.08, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alin C Dirtu
- Toxicological Center, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Chemistry, "Al. I. Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bvd, No. 11, 700506, Iasi, Romania
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Center, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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