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de Schepper JKH, Slootweg T, Behnisch P, Felzel E, Houtman CJ. Beyond the Drinking Water Directive: The use of reporter gene assays as an added tool for effect-based monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in drinking water sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173366. [PMID: 38796005 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173366] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are legacy organic micropollutants (OMPs) that are sporadically detected in drinking water (DW) sources. The European Drinking Water Directive requires EU member states to monitor 5 PAHs in DW and its sources. The Dutch national regulations require 6 additional PAHs to be monitored and 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These indicator compounds act as representatives for large compound classes. PCBs alone comprise 209 congeners, it is evident that conventional chemical target analysis (GC-tQ-MS) alone is not sufficient to monitor these entire compound classes. This study investigated the application of reporter gene assays as effect-based methods (EBMs) to monitor PAHs and PCBs in DW sources. Herein, it was assessed what added value the bioassays can bring compared to the current approach of chemical target analysis for PCBs and PAHs. Regulated and non-regulated PAHs and PCBs were tested in four bioassays to determine the relative potency factors (RPFs) for these compounds. Non-regulated congeners were found to be active in the PAH-CALUX and anti-AR CALUX. An assessment of surface water (SW) spiked with standard mixtures containing PAHs and PCBs confirmed the predictable behavior of the PAH-CALUX. Moreover, the bioassay was able to detect AhR-mediated activity caused by non-regulated PAHs and PCBs, whereas this would have been missed by conventional chemical target analysis. Last, a field study was conducted in Dutch DW sources at six sampling moments. The PAH-CALUX detected AhR-mediated activity at all sampling moments and an ecological effect-based trigger (EBT) value was exceeded on multiple accounts. Combined application of GC-tQ-MS and the PAH-CALUX ensures compliancy with monitoring legislation and provides additional insights into potential hazards to humans and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K H de Schepper
- Het Waterlaboratorium N.V. (HWL), 2031 BE Haarlem, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - T Slootweg
- Het Waterlaboratorium N.V. (HWL), 2031 BE Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - P Behnisch
- BioDetection Systems B.V. (BDS), 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E Felzel
- BioDetection Systems B.V. (BDS), 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C J Houtman
- Het Waterlaboratorium N.V. (HWL), 2031 BE Haarlem, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Meyer D, Morlock GE. Concept of a six-fold multiplex planar bioassay to distinguish endocrine agonist, antagonist, cytotoxic and false-positive responses. Talanta 2024; 275:126174. [PMID: 38705021 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
To analyze a complex sample for endocrine activity, different tests must be performed to clarify androgen/estrogen agonism, antagonism, cytotoxicity, anti-cytotoxicity, and corresponding false-positive reactions. This means a large amount of work. Therefore, a six-fold planar multiplex bioassay concept was developed to evaluate up to the mentioned six endpoints or mechanisms simultaneously in the same sample analysis. Separation of active constituents from interfering matrix via high-performance thin-layer chromatography and effect differentiation via four vertical stripes (of agonists and end-products of the respective enzyme-substrate reaction) applied along each separated sample track were key to success. First, duplex endocrine bioassay versions were established. For the androgen/anti-androgen bioassay applied via piezoelectric spraying, the mean limit of biological detection of bisphenol A was 14 ng/band and its mean half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 was 116 ng/band. Applied to trace analysis of six migrate samples from food packaging materials, 19 compound zones with agonistic or antagonistic estrogen/androgen activities were detected, with up to seven active compound zones within one migrate. For the first time, the S9 metabolism of endocrine effective compounds was studied on the same surface and revealed partial deactivation. Coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry, molecular formulas were tentatively assigned to compounds, known to be present in packaging materials or endocrine active or previously unknown. Finally, the detection of cytotoxicity/anti-cytotoxicity and false-positives was integrated into the duplex androgen/anti-androgen bioassay. The resulting six-fold multiplex planar bioassay was evaluated with positive control standards and successfully applied to one migrate sample. The streamlined stripe concept for multiplex planar bioassays made it possible to assign different mechanisms to individual active compounds in a complex sample. The concept is generic and can be transferred to other assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Meyer
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Chair of Food Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gertrud E Morlock
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Chair of Food Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany; Center for Sustainable Food Systems, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Senckenbergstr. 3, 35390, Giessen, Germany.
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Nilén G, Larsson M, Hyötyläinen T, Keiter SH. A complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic compounds causes embryotoxic, behavioral, and molecular effects in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio), and in vitro bioassays. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167307. [PMID: 37804991 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are prevalent in the environment, typically found in complex mixtures and high concentrations. Our understanding of the effects of PACs, excluding the 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs), remains limited. Zebrafish embryos and in vitro bioassays were utilized to investigate the embryotoxic, behavioral, and molecular effects of a soil sample from a former gasworks site in Sweden. Additionally, targeted chemical analysis was conducted to analyze 87 PACs in the soil, fish, water, and plate material. CALUX® assays were used to assess the activation of aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptors, as well as the inhibition of the androgen receptor. Larval behavior was measured by analyzing activity during light and darkness and in response to mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, qPCR analyses were performed on a subset of 36 genes associated with specific adverse outcomes, and the total lipid content in the larvae was measured. Exposure to the sample resulted in embryotoxic effects (LC50 = 0.480 mg dry matter soil/mL water). The mixture also induced hyperactivity in darkness and hypoactivity in light and in response to the mechanical stimulus. qPCR analysis revealed differential regulation of 15 genes, including downregulation of opn1sw1 (eye pigmentation) and upregulation of fpgs (heart failure). The sample caused significant responses in three bioassays (ERα-, DR-, and PAH-CALUX), and the exposed larvae exhibited elevated lipid levels. Chemical analysis identified benzo[a]pyrene as the predominant compound in the soil and approximately half of the total PAC concentration was attributed to the 16 PAHs. This study highlights the value of combining in vitro and in vivo methods with chemical analysis to assess toxic mechanisms at specific targets and to elucidate the possible interactions between various pathways in an organism. It also enhances our understanding of the risks associated with environmental mixtures of PACs and their distribution during toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Nilén
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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Marin-Kuan M, Pagnotti V, Patin A, Moulin J, Latado H, Varela J, Hammel YA, Gude T, Moor H, Billinton N, Tate M, Behnisch PA, Besselink H, Burleigh-Flayer H, Koster S, Szabo DT. Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate a Testing Protocol for the Safety of Food Packaging Coatings. TOXICS 2023; 11:156. [PMID: 36851031 PMCID: PMC9962921 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
According to European regulations, migration from food packaging must be safe. However, currently, there is no consensus on how to evaluate its safety, especially for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). The intensive and laborious approach, involving identification and then quantification of all migrating substances followed by a toxicological evaluation, is not practical or feasible. In alignment with the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) and the European Union (EU) guidelines on packaging materials, efforts are focused on combining data from analytics, bioassays and in silico toxicology approaches for the risk assessment of packaging materials. Advancement of non-targeted screening approaches using both analytical methods and in vitro bioassays is key. A protocol was developed for the chemical and biological screening of migrants from coated metal packaging materials. This protocol includes guidance on sample preparation, migrant simulation, chemical analysis using liquid chromatography (LC-MS) and validated bioassays covering endocrine activity, genotoxicity and metabolism-related targets. An inter-laboratory study was set-up to evaluate the consistency in biological activity and analytical results generated between three independent laboratories applying the developed protocol and guidance. Coated packaging metal panels were used in this case study. In general, the inter-laboratory chemical analysis and bioassay results displayed acceptable consistency between laboratories, but technical differences led to different data interpretations (e.g., cytotoxicity, cell passages, chemical analysis). The study observations with the greatest impact on the quality of the data and ultimately resulting in discrepancies in the results are given and suggestions for improvement of the protocol are made (e.g., sample preparation, chemical analysis approaches). Finally, there was agreement on the need for an aligned protocol to be utilized by qualified laboratories for chemical and biological analyses, following best practices and guidance for packaging safety assessment of intentionally added substances (IAS) and NIAS to avoid inconsistency in data and the final interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricel Marin-Kuan
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Amaury Patin
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julie Moulin
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helia Latado
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jesús Varela
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yves-Alexis Hammel
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Gude
- SQTS Swiss Quality Testing Services, 8953 Dietikon, Switzerland
| | - Heidi Moor
- SQTS Swiss Quality Testing Services, 8953 Dietikon, Switzerland
| | | | - Matthew Tate
- Gentronix Limited, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TG, UK
| | | | - Harrie Besselink
- BioDetection Systems B.V. (BDS), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sander Koster
- Société des Produits Nestlé SA-Nestlé Research, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Debon E, Gentili B, Latado H, Serrant P, Badoud F, Ernest M, Christinat N, Bessaire T, Schilter B, Marin-Kuan M. Deciphering the origin of total estrogenic activity of complex mixtures. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1155800. [PMID: 37032768 PMCID: PMC10077491 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1155800] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Identifying compounds with endocrine properties in food is getting increasingly important. Current chemical analysis methodology is mainly focused on the identification of known substances without bringing insight for biological activity. Recently, the application of bioassays has been promoted for their potential to detect unknown bioactive substances and to provide information on possible interactions between molecules. From the toxicological perspective, measuring endocrine activity cannot inform on endocrine disruption and/or health risks without sufficient knowledge on the nature of the responsible factors. Methods The present study addresses a promising approach using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) coupled to bioassays were analyzed using the Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (LC-MS). The estrogen receptor activation was assessed using the transcription activation Estrogen Receptor Alpha Chemical Activated LUciferase gene eXpression assay (ERα- CALUX) and the HPTLC coupled to the Estrogen Screen Yeast assay (p-YES). Results Seven isoflavones were identified in the soy isolates. Estrogen receptor activation was assessed for both, the identified isoflavones and the soy isolates with ERα-CALUX test. Correlation between the soy isolates extracts and the identified isoflavones was shown. Moreover, p-YES revealed the presence of an estrogenic bioactive zone. Analysis of the bioactive zone through LCHRMS highlighted signals corresponding to several isoflavones already detected in the isolates as well as two additional ones. For all detected isoflavones, an estrogenic activity dose-response was established in both bioassays. Conclusion Finally, genistein, daidzein, and naringenin were found as the most active substances. A concordance analysis integrating the analytical and bioassay data indicated that genistein and daidzein were the drivers of the estrogenic activity of these soy protein isolates. Altogether, these data suggest that the integration of HPTLC-bioassay together with chemical analysis is a powerful approach to characterize the endocrine activity of complex mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Debon
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bouc Bel Air, France
| | - Bastien Gentili
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hélia Latado
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Serrant
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Badoud
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marion Ernest
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Bessaire
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Schilter
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maricel Marin-Kuan
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Maricel Marin-Kuan,
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Misaki K, Tue NM, Takamura-Enya T, Takigami H, Suzuki G, Tuyen LH, Takahashi S, Tanabe S. Antiandrogenic and Estrogenic Activity Evaluation of Oxygenated and Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Chemically Activated Luciferase Expression Assays. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:80. [PMID: 36612408 PMCID: PMC9819389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
To establish the risk of the endocrine disrupting activity of polycyclic aromatic compounds, especially oxygenated and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs and nitro-PAHs, respectively), antiandrogenic and estrogenic activities were determined using chemically activated luciferase expression (CALUX) assays with human osteoblast sarcoma cells. A total of 27 compounds including 9 oxy-PAHs (polycyclic aromatic ketones and quinones) and 8 nitro-PAHs was studied. The oxy-PAHs of 7H-benz[de]anthracen-7-one (BAO), 11H-benzo[a]fluoren-11-one (B[a]FO), 11H-benzo[b]fluoren-11-one (B[b]FO), and phenanthrenequinone (PhQ) exhibited significantly the potent inhibition of AR activation. All nitro-PAHs exhibited high antiandrogenic activities (especially high for 3-nitrofluoranthene (3-NFA) and 3-nitro-7H-benz[de]anthracen-7-one (3-NBAO)), and the AR inhibition was confirmed as noncompetitive for 3-NFA, 3-NBAO, and 1,3-dinitropyrene (1,3-DNPy). Antiandrogenic activity of 3-NFA demonstrated characteristically a U-shaped dose-response curve; however, the absence of fluorescence effect on the activity was confirmed. The prominent estrogenic activity dependent on dose-response curve was confirmed for 2 oxy-PAHs (i.e., B[a]FO and B[b]FO). Elucidating the role of AR and ER on the effects of polycyclic aromatic compounds (e.g., oxy- and nitro-PAHs) to endocrine dysfunctions in mammals and aquatic organisms remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Misaki
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 2-5, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
- School of Nursing, University of Shizuoka, Yada 52-1, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Nguyen Minh Tue
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 2-5, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, 334 Nguyen Trai, Hanoi 11400, Vietnam
| | - Takeji Takamura-Enya
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kanagawa Institute of Technology, 1030 Shimo-Ogino, Atsugi 243-0292, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Takigami
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Go Suzuki
- Center for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Le Huu Tuyen
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 2-5, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, 334 Nguyen Trai, Hanoi 11400, Vietnam
| | - Shin Takahashi
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 2-5, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment, Agricultural Faculty, Ehime University, Tarumi 3-5-7, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Tanabe
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho 2-5, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Eriksson U, Titaley IA, Engwall M, Larsson M. Examination of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities, and levels of polyaromatic compounds (PACs) in tire granulates using in vitro bioassays and chemical analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 298:134362. [PMID: 35307388 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134362] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tire granulates recovered from end-of-life tires contain a complex mixture of chemicals, amongst them polyaromatic compounds (PACs), of which many are recognized to be toxic and persistent in the environment. Only a few of these PACs are regularly monitored. In this study a combined approach of chemical analysis and a battery of CALUX® in vitro bioassays was used to determine PAC concentrations and estrogenic, (anti)-androgenic and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activities in tire granulates. Tire granulates from a recycling company was analyzed for PAHs, alkyl-PAHs, oxy-PAHs and heterocyclic PACs (NSO-PACs), in total 85 PACs. The concentrations of PACs were between 42 and 144 mg/kg, with major contribution from PAHs (74-88%) followed by alkyl-PAHs (6.6-20%) and NSO-PACs (1.8-7.0%). The sum of eight priority PAHs were between 2.3 and 8.6 mg/kg, contributing with 4.7-8.2% of ∑PACs. Bioassay analysis showed presence of AhR agonists, estrogen receptor (ERα) agonists, and androgen receptor (AR) antagonists in the tire granulate samples. Only 0.8-2.4% of AhR-mediated activities could be explained by the chemical analysis. Benzo[k+j]fluoranthenes, benzo[b]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, 2-methylchrysene, and 3-methylchrysene were the major contributors to the AhR-mediated activities. The high contribution (98-99%) of unknown bioactive compounds to the bioassay effects in this study raises concerns and urges for further investigations of toxicants identification and source apportionment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Eriksson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, 701 82, Sweden.
| | - Ivan A Titaley
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, 701 82, Sweden; Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States.
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, 701 82, Sweden.
| | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, 701 82, Sweden.
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Fussell KC, Marin-Kuan M, Debon E, Gentili B, Morin-Rivron D, Poquet L, Serrant P, Badoud F, Bessaire T, Christinat N, Ernest M, Félix A, Latado H, Montoya Parra G, Scholz G, Stroheker T, Schilter B. Limitations of currently available in vitro oestrogenicity bioassays for effect-based testing of whole foods as the basis for decision making. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2021; 38:1817-1839. [PMID: 34229581 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2021.1923823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The idea that previously unknown hazards can be readily revealed in complex mixtures such as foods is a seductive one, giving rise to the hope that data from effect-based assays of food products collected in market surveys is of suitable quality to be the basis for data-driven decision-making. To study this, we undertook a comparative study of the oestrogenicity of blinded cereal samples, both in a number of external testing laboratories and in our own facility. The results clearly showed little variance in the activities of 9 samples when using a single method, but great differences between the activities from each method. Further exploration of these findings suggest that the oestrogenic activity is likely an inherent part of the natural food matrix which the varying sample preparation methods are able to release and extract to differing degrees. These issues indicate the current poor suitability of these types of datasets to be used as the basis for consumer advice or food decision-making. Data quality must be improved before such testing is used in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma C Fussell
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Emma Debon
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bastien Gentili
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Laure Poquet
- Analytical Sciences, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Serrant
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Badoud
- Analytical Sciences, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Marion Ernest
- Analytical Sciences, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Félix
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hélia Latado
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Gabriele Scholz
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Benoit Schilter
- Food Safety Research, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
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9
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Klingelhöfer I, Hockamp N, Morlock GE. Non-targeted detection and differentiation of agonists versus antagonists, directly in bioprofiles of everyday products. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1125:288-298. [PMID: 32674775 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Xenoestrogens exert antiandrogenic effects on the human androgen receptor. In the analytical field, such antagonists block the detection of testosterone and falsify results obtained by sum parameter assays. Currently, such agonistic versus antagonistic effects are not differentiated in complex mixtures. Oppositely acting hormonal effects present in products of everyday use can only be differentiated after tedious fractionation and isolation of the individual compounds along with subjection of each fraction/compound to the status quo bioassay testing. However, such long-lasting procedures are not suited for routine. Hence, we developed a fast bioanalytical tool that figures out agonists versus antagonists directly in complex mixtures. Exemplarily, 8 cosmetics and 15 thermal papers were analyzed. The determined antagonistic potentials of active compounds found were comparable to the ones of known antagonists (in reference shown for bisphenol A, 4-n-nonylphenol and four parabens). Relevant biological/chromatographic parameters such as cell viability, culture conditions, dose response curves, limits of biological detection/quantification and working range (shown for testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, nandrolone and trenbolone) were investigated to obtain the best sensitivity of the biological detection. The developed and validated method was newly termed reversed phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography planar yeast ant-/agonistic androgen screen (RP-HPTLC-pYAAS bioassay). Results were also compared with the RP-HPTLC-Aliivibrio fischeri bioassay (applied on RP plates for the first time). As proof-of-concept, the transfer to another bioassay (RP-HPTLC-pYES) was successfully demonstrated, analogously termed RP-HPTLC-pYAES bioassay detecting anti-/estrogens (exemplarily shown for evaluation of 4 pharmaceuticals used in breast cancer treatment). The new imaging concept provides (1) detection and differentiation of individual agonistic versus antagonistic effects in the bioprofiles, (2) bioanalytical quantification of their activity potential by scanning densitometry and (3) characterization of unknown bioactive compound zones by hyphenation to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Depending on the hormonal bioassay, 15 samples were analyzed in parallel within 5 h or 6 h (calculated as 20 or 24 min per sample). For the first time, piezoelectric spraying of the yeast cells was successfully demonstrated for the planar yeast-based bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Klingelhöfer
- Chair of Food Science, Institute of Nutritional Science, and TransMIT Center for Effect-Directed Analysis, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nele Hockamp
- Chair of Food Science, Institute of Nutritional Science, and TransMIT Center for Effect-Directed Analysis, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gertrud E Morlock
- Chair of Food Science, Institute of Nutritional Science, and TransMIT Center for Effect-Directed Analysis, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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10
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Coulet M, Latado H, Moser M, Besselink H, Tate M, Minetto F, Cottet Fontannaz C, Serrant P, Mollergues J, Piguet D, Schilter B, Marin-Kuan M. Use of in vitro bioassays to facilitate read-across assessment of nitrogen substituted heterocycle analogues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 59:281-291. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Combarnous Y, Nguyen TMD. Comparative Overview of the Mechanisms of Action of Hormones and Endocrine Disruptor Compounds. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7010005. [PMID: 30682876 PMCID: PMC6468742 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine Disruptor Compounds (EDCs) are synthetic or natural molecules in the environment that promote adverse modifications of endogenous hormone regulation in humans and/or in wildlife animals. In the present paper, we review the potential mechanisms of EDCs and point out the similarities and differences between EDCs and hormones. There was only one mechanism, out of nine identified, in which EDCs acted like hormones (i.e. binding and stimulated hormone receptor activity). In the other eight identified mechanisms of action, EDCs exerted their effects either by affecting endogenous hormone concentration, or its availability, or by modifying hormone receptor turn over. This overview is intended to classify the various EDC mechanisms of action in order to better appreciate when in vitro tests would be valid to assess their risks towards humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Combarnous
- CNRS, INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Thi Mong Diep Nguyen
- CNRS, INRA, Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
- Faculty of Biology-Agricultural Engineering, Quy Nhon University, Binh Dinh 820000, Vietnam.
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Levy W, Schramm KW, Mertes F, Henkelmann B, Maywald M, Uciechowski P, Loa A, Haedrich J, Thiem I, Hollert H, Goerlich R, Bernsmann T, Rink L. Development and validation of a ready to use cryo-EROD assay for the standardized screening of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in foodstuffs. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 122:206-214. [PMID: 30300728 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent European regulations have indicated the need for new bioanalytical screening methods capable of monitoring dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in foodstuffs and environmental samples, cost-effectively and with a quicker turnaround. Cryo-cells of the hepatic H4IIE line preserved in 96-well plates were exposed to sample extracts prepared from various foodstuffs and analysed for their content of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds by means of the 7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-Deethylase (EROD)-assay in two laboratories. Assay data were compared between both laboratories and results from instrumental analysis used as a confirmatory method. Additionally, cut-off values for the different studied matrices were derived. The current European regulation regarding methods of analysis for the control of foodstuffs was applied with the aim of determining the feasibility of the cryo-methodology. Results obtained in both laboratories were in congruence with the required validation parameters of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 2017/644. Cut-off values should be established matrix-dependent to reduce the rate of false compliant results and to keep the rate of false non-compliant results under control. In summary, the ready-to-use cryo-assay method for the bioanalytical screening of foodstuffs in control laboratories without cell-culture facilities has successfully proven to be accurate, far quicker and more cost effective than current methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walkiria Levy
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Department für Biowissenschaftliche Grundlagen, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350, Freising, Germany
| | - Florian Mertes
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Henkelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martina Maywald
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Uciechowski
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Loa
- AcCELLerate GmbH, Osterfeldstraße 12-14, 22529, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Haedrich
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Freiburg, Bissierstrasse 5, 79114, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ines Thiem
- Lower Saxony State Institute for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover Dresdenstrasse 2, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Institut für Umweltforschung, RWTH Aachen University, Worringer Weg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roland Goerlich
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany; Institut für wirkungsbezogene Analytik e.v., Kerpen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Bernsmann
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe, Postfach 1980, 48007, Münster, Germany
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Pěnčíková K, Svržková L, Strapáčová S, Neča J, Bartoňková I, Dvořák Z, Hýžďalová M, Pivnička J, Pálková L, Lehmler HJ, Li X, Vondráček J, Machala M. In vitro profiling of toxic effects of prominent environmental lower-chlorinated PCB congeners linked with endocrine disruption and tumor promotion. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:473-486. [PMID: 29518658 PMCID: PMC5908724 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms contributing to toxic effects of airborne lower-chlorinated PCB congeners (LC-PCBs) remain poorly characterized. We evaluated in vitro toxicities of environmental LC-PCBs found in both indoor and outdoor air (PCB 4, 8, 11, 18, 28 and 31), and selected hydroxylated metabolites of PCB 8, 11 and 18, using reporter gene assays, as well as other functional cellular bioassays. We focused on processes linked with endocrine disruption, tumor promotion and/or regulation of transcription factors controlling metabolism of both endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. The tested LC-PCBs were found to be mostly efficient anti-androgenic (within nanomolar - micromolar range) and estrogenic (at micromolar concentrations) compounds, as well as inhibitors of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) at micromolar concentrations. PCB 8, 28 and 31 were found to partially inhibit the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activity. The tested LC-PCBs were also partial constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) agonists, with PCB 4, 8 and 18 being the most active compounds. They were inactive towards other nuclear receptors, such as vitamin D receptor, thyroid receptor α, glucocorticoid receptor or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. We found that only PCB 8 contributed to generation of oxidative stress, while all tested LC-PCBs induced arachidonic acid release (albeit without further modulations of arachidonic acid metabolism) in human lung epithelial cells. Importantly, estrogenic effects of hydroxylated (OH-PCB) metabolites of LC-PCBs (4-OH-PCB 8, 4-OH-PCB 11 and 4'-OH-PCB 18) were higher than those of the parent PCBs, while their other toxic effects were only slightly altered or suppressed. This suggested that metabolism may alter toxicity profiles of LC-PCBs in a receptor-specific manner. In summary, anti-androgenic and estrogenic activities, acute inhibition of GJIC and suppression of the AhR-mediated activity were found to be the most relevant modes of action of airborne LC-PCBs, although they partially affected also additional cellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Pěnčíková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Svržková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Strapáčová
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Neča
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Bartoňková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Šlechtitelů 11, Palacký University, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Šlechtitelů 11, Palacký University, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hýžďalová
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Pivnička
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Pálková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA
| | - Xueshu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Veyrand J, Marin-Kuan M, Bezencon C, Frank N, Guérin V, Koster S, Latado H, Mollergues J, Patin A, Piguet D, Serrant P, Varela J, Schilter B. Integrating bioassays and analytical chemistry as an improved approach to support safety assessment of food contact materials. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2017; 34:1807-1816. [PMID: 28730944 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2017.1358466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Food contact materials (FCM) contain chemicals which can migrate into food and result in human exposure. Although it is mandatory to ensure that migration does not endanger human health, there is still no consensus on how to pragmatically assess the safety of FCM since traditional approaches would require extensive toxicological and analytical testing which are expensive and time consuming. Recently, the combination of bioassays, analytical chemistry and risk assessment has been promoted as a new paradigm to identify toxicologically relevant molecules and address safety issues. However, there has been debate on the actual value of bioassays in that framework. In the present work, a FCM anticipated to release the endocrine active chemical 4-nonyphenol (4NP) was used as a model. In a migration study, the leaching of 4NP was confirmed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. This was correlated with an increase in both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities as measured with bioassays. A standard risk assessment indicated that according to the food intake scenario applied, the level of 4NP measured was lower, close or slightly above the acceptable daily intake. Altogether these results show that bioassays could reveal the presence of an endocrine active chemical in a real-case FCM migration study. The levels reported were relevant for safety assessment. In addition, this work also highlighted that bioactivity measured in migrate does not necessarily represent a safety issue. In conclusion, together with analytics, bioassays contribute to identify toxicologically relevant molecules leaching from FCM and enable improved safety assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Veyrand
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Maricel Marin-Kuan
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Claudine Bezencon
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Nancy Frank
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Violaine Guérin
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Sander Koster
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Hélia Latado
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Julie Mollergues
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Amaury Patin
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Dominique Piguet
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Patrick Serrant
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Jesus Varela
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Benoît Schilter
- a Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science , Nestlé Research Center , Lausanne , Switzerland
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