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Mattie DR, Wong BA, Mumy KL, McInturf SM, Shafer LM, Allen R, Edwards JT, Sibomana I, Sterner TR. Toxicity and human health assessment of an alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) synthetic kerosene developed under an international agreement with Sweden. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2023; 86:263-282. [PMID: 36883736 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2186295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) Synthetic Kerosene with Aromatics (SKA) fuels are produced by dehydration and refining of alcohol feed stocks. ATJ SKA fuel known as SB-8 was developed by Swedish Biofuels as a cooperative agreement between Sweden and AFRL/RQTF. SB-8 including standard additives was tested in a 90-day toxicity study with male and female Fischer 344 rats exposed to 0, 200, 700, or 2000 mg/m3 fuel in an aerosol/vapor mixture for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week. Aerosols represented 0.04 and 0.84% average fuel concentration in 700 or 2000 mg/m3 exposure groups. Examination of vaginal cytology and sperm parameters found no marked changes in reproductive health. Neurobehavioral effects were increased rearing activity (motor activity) and significantly decreased grooming (functional observational battery) in 2000 mg/m3 female rats. Hematological changes were limited to elevated platelet counts in 2000 mg/m3 exposed males. Minimal focal alveolar epithelial hyperplasia with increased number of alveolar macrophages was noted in some 2000 mg/m3 males and one female rat. Additional rats tested for genotoxicity by micronucleus (MN) formation did not detect bone marrow cell toxicity or alterations in number of MN; SB-8 was not clastogenic. Inhalation results were similar to effects reported for JP-8. Both JP-8 and SB fuels were moderately irritating under occlusive wrapped conditions but slightly irritating under semi-occlusion. Exposure to SB-8, alone or as 50:50 blend with petroleum-derived JP-8, is not likely to enhance adverse human health risks in the military workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Mattie
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - B A Wong
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - K L Mumy
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - S M McInturf
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - L M Shafer
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQTF), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
- University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - R Allen
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQTF), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - J T Edwards
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQTF), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - I Sibomana
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - T R Sterner
- Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
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2
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Ben Maamar M, Nilsson E, Thorson JLM, Beck D, Skinner MK. Epigenome-wide association study for transgenerational disease sperm epimutation biomarkers following ancestral exposure to jet fuel hydrocarbons. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 98:61-74. [PMID: 32905848 PMCID: PMC7736201 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Jet fuel hydrocarbons is the generic name for aviation fuels used in gas-turbine engine powered aircraft. The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion created the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history, and the second largest oil spill in human history with over 800 million liters of hydrocarbons released into the Gulf of Mexico over a period of 3 months. Due to the widespread use of jet fuel hydrocarbons, this compound mixture has been recognized as the single largest chemical exposure for military personnel. Previous animal studies have demonstrated the ability of jet fuel (JP-8) exposure to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease susceptibility in subsequent generations. The diseases observed include late puberty, kidney, obesity and multiple disease pathologies. The current study is distinct and was designed to identify potential sperm DNA methylation biomarkers for specific transgenerational diseases. Observations show disease specific differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) called epimutations in the transgenerational F3 generation great-grand-offspring male rats ancestrally exposed to jet fuel. The potential epigenetic DMR biomarkers were identified for late puberty, kidney, obesity, and multiple diseases, and found to be predominantly disease specific. These disease specific DMRs have associated genes that were previously shown to be linked with each of these specific diseases. Therefore, the germline (i.e. sperm) has environmentally induced ancestrally derived epimutations that have the potential to transgenerationally transmit disease susceptibilities to subsequent generations. Epigenetic biomarkers for specific diseases could be developed as medical diagnostics to facilitate clinical management of disease, and allow preventative medicine therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Jennifer L M Thorson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA.
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Fife TD, Robb MJA, Steenerson KK, Saha KC. Bilateral Vestibular Dysfunction Associated With Chronic Exposure to Military Jet Propellant Type-Eight Jet Fuel. Front Neurol 2018; 9:351. [PMID: 29867750 PMCID: PMC5964212 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe three patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibular dysfunction associated with the jet propellant type-eight (JP-8) fuel exposure. Chronic exposure to aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, which are the main constituents of JP-8 military aircraft jet fuel, occurred over 3–5 years’ duration while working on or near the flight line. Exposure to toxic hydrocarbons was substantiated by the presence of JP-8 metabolite n-hexane in the blood of one of the cases. The presenting symptoms were dizziness, headache, fatigue, and imbalance. Rotational chair testing confirmed bilateral vestibular dysfunction in all the three patients. Vestibular function improved over time once the exposure was removed. Bilateral vestibular dysfunction has been associated with hydrocarbon exposure in humans, but only recently has emphasis been placed specifically on the detrimental effects of JP-8 jet fuel and its numerous hydrocarbon constituents. Data are limited on the mechanism of JP-8-induced vestibular dysfunction or ototoxicity. Early recognition of JP-8 toxicity risk, cessation of exposure, and customized vestibular therapy offer the best chance for improved balance. Bilateral vestibular impairment is under-recognized in those chronically exposed to all forms of jet fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry D Fife
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | | | - Kamala C Saha
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Tracey R, Manikkam M, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Skinner MK. Hydrocarbons (jet fuel JP-8) induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity, reproductive disease and sperm epimutations. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 36:104-16. [PMID: 23453003 PMCID: PMC3587983 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental compounds have been shown to promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. The current study was designed to determine if a hydrocarbon mixture involving jet fuel (JP-8) promotes epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. Gestating F0 generation female rats were transiently exposed during the fetal gonadal development period. The direct exposure F1 generation had an increased incidence of kidney abnormalities in both females and males, prostate and pubertal abnormalities in males, and primordial follicle loss and polycystic ovarian disease in females. The first transgenerational generation is the F3 generation, and the jet fuel lineage had an increased incidence of primordial follicle loss and polycystic ovarian disease in females, and obesity in both females and males. Analysis of the jet fuel lineage F3 generation sperm epigenome identified 33 differential DNA methylation regions, termed epimutations. Observations demonstrate hydrocarbons can promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease and sperm epimutations, potential biomarkers for ancestral exposures.
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MESH Headings
- Abnormalities, Drug-Induced/metabolism
- Abnormalities, Drug-Induced/pathology
- Abnormalities, Multiple/chemically induced
- Abnormalities, Multiple/metabolism
- Abnormalities, Multiple/pathology
- Animals
- DNA Methylation/drug effects
- Epigenesis, Genetic/drug effects
- Female
- Genitalia, Male/abnormalities
- Genitalia, Male/drug effects
- Genitalia, Male/metabolism
- Genitalia, Male/pathology
- Hydrocarbons/toxicity
- Infertility, Female/chemically induced
- Infertility, Female/genetics
- Infertility, Female/metabolism
- Infertility, Female/pathology
- Infertility, Male/chemically induced
- Infertility, Male/genetics
- Infertility, Male/metabolism
- Infertility, Male/pathology
- Male
- Maternal Exposure/adverse effects
- Mutagens/toxicity
- Mutation/drug effects
- Obesity/chemically induced
- Obesity/genetics
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Ovary/abnormalities
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/metabolism
- Ovary/pathology
- Paternal Exposure/adverse effects
- Pregnancy
- Random Allocation
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Spermatozoa/drug effects
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Spermatozoa/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tracey
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, United States
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Nilsson E, Larsen G, Manikkam M, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Savenkova MI, Skinner MK. Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36129. [PMID: 22570695 PMCID: PMC3343040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of environmental toxicants and relevant mixtures in promoting the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease was investigated with the use of a fungicide, a pesticide mixture, a plastic mixture, dioxin and a hydrocarbon mixture. After transient exposure of an F0 gestating female rat during embryonic gonadal sex determination, the F1 and F3 generation progeny adult onset ovarian disease was assessed. Transgenerational disease phenotypes observed included an increase in cysts resembling human polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) and a decrease in the ovarian primordial follicle pool size resembling primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). The F3 generation granulosa cells were isolated and found to have a transgenerational effect on the transcriptome and epigenome (differential DNA methylation). Epigenetic biomarkers for environmental exposure and associated gene networks were identified. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of ovarian disease states was induced by all the different classes of environmental compounds, suggesting a role of environmental epigenetics in ovarian disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael K. Skinner
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Manikkam M, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Tracey R, Haque MM, Skinner MK. Transgenerational actions of environmental compounds on reproductive disease and identification of epigenetic biomarkers of ancestral exposures. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31901. [PMID: 22389676 PMCID: PMC3289630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors during fetal development can induce a permanent epigenetic change in the germ line (sperm) that then transmits epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of adult-onset disease in the absence of any subsequent exposure. The epigenetic transgenerational actions of various environmental compounds and relevant mixtures were investigated with the use of a pesticide mixture (permethrin and insect repellant DEET), a plastic mixture (bisphenol A and phthalates), dioxin (TCDD) and a hydrocarbon mixture (jet fuel, JP8). After transient exposure of F0 gestating female rats during the period of embryonic gonadal sex determination, the subsequent F1-F3 generations were obtained in the absence of any environmental exposure. The effects on the F1, F2 and F3 generations pubertal onset and gonadal function were assessed. The plastics, dioxin and jet fuel were found to promote early-onset female puberty transgenerationally (F3 generation). Spermatogenic cell apoptosis was affected transgenerationally. Ovarian primordial follicle pool size was significantly decreased with all treatments transgenerationally. Differential DNA methylation of the F3 generation sperm promoter epigenome was examined. Differential DNA methylation regions (DMR) were identified in the sperm of all exposure lineage males and found to be consistent within a specific exposure lineage, but different between the exposures. Several genomic features of the DMR, such as low density CpG content, were identified. Exposure-specific epigenetic biomarkers were identified that may allow for the assessment of ancestral environmental exposures associated with adult onset disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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Martin SA, Campbell JL, Tremblay RT, Fisher JW. Development of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for inhalation of jet fuels in the rat. Inhal Toxicol 2011; 24:1-26. [DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2011.631297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Hilgaertner JW, He X, Camacho D, Badowski M, Witten M, Harris DT. The influence of hydrocarbon composition and exposure conditions on jet fuel-induced immunotoxicity. Toxicol Ind Health 2011; 27:887-98. [PMID: 21402657 DOI: 10.1177/0748233711399319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic jet fuel exposure could be detrimental to the health and well-being of exposed personnel, adversely affect their work performance and predispose these individuals to increased incidences of infectious disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Short-term (7 day) JP-8 jet fuel exposure has been shown to cause lung injury and immune dysfunction. Physiological alterations can be influenced not only by jet fuel exposure concentration (absolute amount), but also are dependent on the type of exposure (aerosol versus vapor) and the composition of the jet fuel (hydrocarbon composition). In the current study, these variables were examined with relation to effects of jet fuel exposure on immune function. It was discovered that real-time, in-line monitoring of jet fuel exposure resulted in aerosol exposure concentrations that were approximately one-eighth the concentration of previously reported exposure systems. Further, the effects of a synthetic jet fuel designed to eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also examined. Both of these changes in exposure reduced but did not eliminate the deleterious effects on the immune system of exposed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua W Hilgaertner
- Department of Immunobiology, Medical Research Building, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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9
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Robb TM, Rogers MJ, Woodward SS, Wong SS, Witten ML. In vitro time- and dose-effect response of JP-8 and S-8 jet fuel on alveolar type II epithelial cells of rats. Toxicol Ind Health 2010; 26:367-74. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233710370033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to characterize and compare the effects of jet propellant-8 (JP-8) fuel and synthetic-8 (S-8) on cell viability and nitric oxide synthesis in cultured alveolar type II epithelial cells of rats. Exposure times varied from 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 6 hours at the following concentrations of jet fuel: 0.0, 0.1, 0.4, and 2.0 µg/mL. Data indicate that JP-8 presents a gradual decline in cell viability and steady elevation in nitric oxide release as exposure concentrations increase. At a 2.0 µg/mL concentration of JP-8, nearly all of the cells are not viable. Moreover, S-8 exposure to rat type II lung cells demonstrated an abrupt fall in percentage cell viability and increases in nitric oxide measurement, particularly after the 2.0 µg/mL was reached at 1 and 6 hours. At 0.0, 0.2, and 0.4 µg/mL concentrations of S-8, percentage viability was sustained at steady concentrations. The results suggest different epithelial toxicity and mechanistic effects of S-8 and JP-8, providing further insight concerning the impairment imposed at specific levels of lung function and pathology induced by the different fuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M Robb
- Department of Pediatrics and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael J Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Suann S Woodward
- Department of Pediatrics and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Simon S Wong
- Department of Pediatrics and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA,
| | - Mark L Witten
- Department of Pediatrics and Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Wong SS, Thomas A, Barbaris B, Lantz RC, Witten ML. Pulmonary evaluation of permissible exposure limit of syntroleum S-8 synthetic jet fuel in mice. Toxicol Sci 2009; 109:312-20. [PMID: 19357071 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfp072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No current studies have systematically examined pulmonary health effects associated with Syntroleum S-8 synthetic jet fuel (S-8). In order to gain an understanding about the threshold concentration in which lung injury is observed, C57BL/6 male mice were nose-only exposed to S-8 for 1 h/day for 7 days at average concentrations of 0 (control), 93, 352, and 616 mg/m(3). Evaluation of pulmonary function, airway epithelial barrier integrity, and pathohistology was performed 24 h after the final exposures. Significant decreases were detected in expiratory lung resistance and total lung compliance of the 352 mg/m(3) group, for which no clear concentration-dependent alterations could be determined. No significant changes in respiratory permeability were exhibited, indicating that there was no loss of epithelial barrier integrity following S-8 exposure. However, morphological examination and morphometric analysis of distal lung tissue, by using transmission electron microscopy, revealed cellular damage in alveolar type II epithelial cells, with significant increases in volume density of lamellar bodies/vacuoles at 352 and 616 S-8 mg/m(3). Moreover, terminal bronchiolar Clara injury, as evidenced by apical membrane blebs, was observed at relatively low concentrations, suggesting if this synthetic jet fuel is utilized, the current permissible exposure limit of 350 mg/m(3) for hydrocarbon fuels should cautiously be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon S Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
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