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Lu T, Zheng W, Hu F, Lin X, Tao R, Li M, Guo LH. Disruption of zebrafish sex differentiation by emerging contaminants hexafluoropropylene oxides at environmental concentrations via antagonizing androgen receptor pathways. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108868. [PMID: 38976939 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
As alternatives of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimeric acid (HFPO-DA) and trimeric acid (HFPO-TA) have been detected increasingly in environmental media and even humans. They have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity to model species, but their effects on human remain unclear due to the knowledge gap in their mode of action. Herein, (anti-)androgenic effects of the two HFPOs and PFOA were investigated and underlying toxicological mechanism was explored by combining zebrafish test, cell assay and molecular docking simulation. Exposure of juvenile zebrafish to the chemicals during sex differentiation promoted feminization, with HFPO-TA acting at an environmental concentration of 1 μg/L. The chemicals inhibited proliferation of human prostate cells and transcriptional activity of human and zebrafish androgen receptors (AR), with HFPO-TA displaying the strongest potency. Molecular docking revealed that the chemicals bind to AR in a conformation similar to a known AR antagonist. Combined in vivo, in vitro and in silico results demonstrated that the chemicals disrupted sex differentiation likely by antagonizing AR-mediated pathways, and provided more evidence that HFPO-TA is not a safe alternative to PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Lu
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Fanglin Hu
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Xicha Lin
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Ran Tao
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Minjie Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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Hari A, AbdulHameed MDM, Balik-Meisner MR, Mav D, Phadke DP, Scholl EH, Shah RR, Casey W, Auerbach SS, Wallqvist A, Pannala VR. Exposure to PFAS chemicals induces sex-dependent alterations in key rate-limiting steps of lipid metabolism in liver steatosis. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1390196. [PMID: 38903859 PMCID: PMC11188372 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1390196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxicants with the potential to bioaccumulate in humans and animals have long been a cause for concern, particularly due to their association with multiple diseases and organ injuries. Per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are two such classes of chemicals that bioaccumulate and have been associated with steatosis in the liver. Although PFAS and PAH are classified as chemicals of concern, their molecular mechanisms of toxicity remain to be explored in detail. In this study, we aimed to identify potential mechanisms by which an acute exposure to PFAS and PAH chemicals can induce lipid accumulation and whether the responses depend on chemical class, dose, and sex. To this end, we analyzed mechanisms beginning with the binding of the chemical to a molecular initiating event (MIE) and the consequent transcriptomic alterations. We collated potential MIEs using predictions from our previously developed ToxProfiler tool and from published steatosis adverse outcome pathways. Most of the MIEs are transcription factors, and we collected their target genes by mining the TRRUST database. To analyze the effects of PFAS and PAH on the steatosis mechanisms, we performed a computational MIE-target gene analysis on high-throughput transcriptomic measurements of liver tissue from male and female rats exposed to either a PFAS or PAH. The results showed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α targets to be the most dysregulated, with most of the genes being upregulated. Furthermore, PFAS exposure disrupted several lipid metabolism genes, including upregulation of fatty acid oxidation genes (Acadm, Acox1, Cpt2, Cyp4a1-3) and downregulation of lipid transport genes (Apoa1, Apoa5, Pltp). We also identified multiple genes with sex-specific behavior. Notably, the rate-limiting genes of gluconeogenesis (Pck1) and bile acid synthesis (Cyp7a1) were specifically downregulated in male rats compared to female rats, while the rate-limiting gene of lipid synthesis (Scd) showed a PFAS-specific upregulation. The results suggest that the PPAR signaling pathway plays a major role in PFAS-induced lipid accumulation in rats. Together, these results show that PFAS exposure induces a sex-specific multi-factorial mechanism involving rate-limiting genes of gluconeogenesis and bile acid synthesis that could lead to activation of an adverse outcome pathway for steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Hari
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mohamed Diwan M. AbdulHameed
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Deepak Mav
- Sciome LLC, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | - Warren Casey
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Scott S. Auerbach
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Anders Wallqvist
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
| | - Venkat R. Pannala
- Department of Defense Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
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Pacyga DC, Papandonatos GD, Rosas L, Whalen J, Smith S, Park JS, Gardiner JC, Braun JM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maternal early second trimester sex-steroid hormones. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114380. [PMID: 38657330 PMCID: PMC11127781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Pregnant women are exposed to persistent environmental contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that disrupt thyroid function. However, it is unclear if PFAS alter maternal sex-steroid hormone levels, which support pregnancy health and fetal development. METHODS In Illinois women with relatively high socioeconomic status (n = 460), we quantified perfluorononanoic (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonic (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide acetic acid, perfluorohexanesulphonic (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic (PFDeA), and perfluoroundecanoic (PFUdA) acid concentrations in fasting serum samples at median 17 weeks gestation, along with plasma progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol. We evaluated covariate-adjusted associations of ln-transformed hormones with each ln-transformed PFAS individually using linear regression and with the PFAS mixture using quantile-based g-computation (QGComp). RESULTS Interquartile range (IQR) increases in PFOS were associated with higher progesterone (%Δ 3.0; 95%CI: -0.6, 6.6) and estradiol (%Δ: 8.1; 95%CI: 2.2, 14.4) levels. Additionally, PFHxS was positively associated with testosterone (%Δ: 10.2; 95%CI: 4.0, 16.7), whereas both PFDeA and PFUdA were inversely associated with testosterone (%Δ: -5.7; 95%CI: -10.3, -0.8, and %Δ: -4.1; 95%CI: -7.6, -0.4, respectively). The IQR-standardized PFAS mixture was not associated with progesterone (%Δ: 1.6; 95%CI: -5.8, 9.2), due equal partial positive (%Δ: 9.2; driven by PFOA) and negative (%Δ: -7.4; driven by PFOS) mixture associations. Similarly, the mixture was not associated with testosterone (%Δ: 5.3; 95%CI: -9.0, 20.1), due to similar partial positive (%Δ: 23.6; driven by PFHxS) and negative (%Δ: -17.4; driven by PFDeA) mixture associations. However, we observed a slightly stronger partial positive (%Δ: 25.6; driven by PFOS and PFUdA) than negative (%Δ: -16.3; driven by PFOA) association resulting in an overall non-significant positive trend between the mixture and estradiol (%Δ: 8.5; 95%CI: -3.7, 20.9). CONCLUSION PFAS mixture modeled using QGComp was not associated with maternal sex-steroid hormones due to potential opposing effects of certain PFAS. Additional prospective studies could corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Libeth Rosas
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jason Whalen
- Michigan Diabetes Research Center Chemistry Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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4
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Yang SL, Ma BJ, Lu YS, Chen J, Yu J, Qiu J, Qian YZ, Xu YY. Multi-omics reveals the molecular mechanism of the combined toxic effects of PFOA and 4-HBP exposure in MCF-7 cells and the key player: mTORC1. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108778. [PMID: 38815467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
With the discovery of evidence that many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment influence human health, their toxic effects and mechanisms have become a hot topic of research. However, investigations into their endocrine-disrupting toxicity under combined binary exposure, especially the molecular mechanism of combined effects, have rarely been documented. In this study, two typical EDCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP), were selected to examine their combined effects and molecular mechanism on MCF-7 cell proliferation at environmentally relevant exposure concentrations. We have successfully established a model to evaluate the binary combined toxic effects of endocrine disruptors, presenting combined effects in a simple and direct way. Results indicated that the combined effect changed from additive to synergistic from 1.25 × 10-8 M to 4 × 10-7 M. Metabolomics analyses suggested that exposure to PFOA and 4-HBP caused significant alterations in purine metabolism, arginine, and proline metabolism and had superimposed influences on metabolism. Enhanced combined effects were observed in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolic pathways compared to exposure to PFOS and 4-HBP alone. Additionally, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are primarily involved in Biological Processes, especially protein targeting the endoplasmic reticulum, and significantly impact the oxidative phosphorylation and thermogenesis-related KEGG pathway. By integrating metabolome and transcriptome analyses, PFOA and 4-HBP regulate purine metabolism, the TCA cycle, and endoplasmic reticulum protein synthesis in MCF-7 cells via mTORC1, which provides genetic material, protein, and energy for cell proliferation. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the ability of PFOA and 4-HBP to stably bind the estrogen receptor, indicating that they have different binding pockets. Collectively, these findings will offer new insights into understanding the mechanisms by which EDCs produce combined toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bing-Jie Ma
- Faculty of Printing and Packaging and Digital Media, Xi' an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Yu-Shun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ju Chen
- Faculty of Printing and Packaging and Digital Media, Xi' an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Faculty of Printing and Packaging and Digital Media, Xi' an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yong-Zhong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yan-Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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5
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Säve-Söderbergh M, Gyllenhammar I, Schillemans T, Lindfeldt E, Vogs C, Donat-Vargas C, Halldin Ankarberg E, Glynn A, Ahrens L, Helte E, Åkesson A. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fetal growth: A nation-wide register-based study on PFAS in drinking water. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108727. [PMID: 38735074 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is inconclusive evidence for an association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fetal growth. OBJECTIVES We conducted a nation-wide register-based cohort study to assess the associations of the estimated maternal exposure to the sum (PFAS4) of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) with birthweight as well as risk of small- (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS We included all births in Sweden during 2012-2018 of mothers residing ≥ four years prior to partus in localities served by municipal drinking water where PFAS were measured in raw and drinking water. Using a one-compartment toxicokinetic model we estimated cumulative maternal blood levels of PFAS4 during pregnancy by linking residential history, municipal PFAS water concentration and year-specific background serum PFAS concentrations in Sweden. Individual birth outcomes and covariates were obtained via register linkage. Mean values and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of β coefficients and odds ratios (OR) were estimated by linear and logistic regressions, respectively. Quantile g-computation regression was conducted to assess the impact of PFAS4 mixture. RESULTS Among the 248,804 singleton newborns included, no overall association was observed for PFAS4 and birthweight or SGA. However, an association was seen for LGA, multivariable-adjusted OR 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01-1.16) when comparing the highest PFAS4 quartile to the lowest. These associations remained for mixture effect approach where all PFAS, except for PFOA, contributed with a positive weight. DISCUSSIONS We observed an association of the sum of PFAS4 - especially PFOS - with increased risk of LGA, but not with SGA or birthweight. The limitations linked to the exposure assessment still require caution in the interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melle Säve-Söderbergh
- Risk- and Benefit Assessment Department, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Irina Gyllenhammar
- Risk- and Benefit Assessment Department, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tessa Schillemans
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Lindfeldt
- Risk- and Benefit Assessment Department, Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carolina Vogs
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carolina Donat-Vargas
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Barcelona Intitute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Anders Glynn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emilie Helte
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Åkesson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Nguyen TV, Trang PN, Kumar A. Understanding PFAS toxicity through cell culture metabolomics: Current applications and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108620. [PMID: 38579451 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108620] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous environmental contaminants, pose significant challenges to ecosystems and human health. While cell cultures have emerged as new approach methodologies (NAMs) in ecotoxicity research, metabolomics is an emerging technique used to characterize the small-molecule metabolites present in cells and to understand their role in various biological processes. Integration of metabolomics with cell cultures, known as cell culture metabolomics, provides a novel and robust tool to unravel the complex molecular responses induced by PFAS exposure. In vitro testing also reduces reliance on animal testing, aligning with ethical and regulatory imperatives. The current review summarizes key findings from recent studies utilizing cell culture metabolomics to investigate PFAS toxicity, highlighting alterations in metabolic pathways, biomarker identification, and the potential linkages between metabolic perturbations. Additionally, the paper discusses different types of cell cultures and metabolomics methods used for studies of environmental contaminants and particularly PFAS. Future perspectives on the combination of metabolomics with other advanced technologies, such as single-cell metabolomics (SCM), imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), extracellular flux analysis (EFA), and multi-omics are also explored, which offers a holistic understanding of environmental contaminants. The synthesis of current knowledge and identification of research gaps provide a foundation for future investigations that aim to elucidate the complexities of PFAS-induced cellular responses and contribute to the development of effective strategies for mitigating their adverse effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao V Nguyen
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Waite Campus, South Australia 5064, Australia; NTT Institute of High Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Phan Nguyen Trang
- Department of Food Technology, Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Campus II, 3/2 Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Viet Nam.
| | - Anu Kumar
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Waite Campus, South Australia 5064, Australia.
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7
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Azhagiya Singam E, Durkin KA, La Merrill MA, Furlow JD, Wang JC, Smith MT. Prediction of the Interactions of a Large Number of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances with Ten Nuclear Receptors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4487-4499. [PMID: 38422483 PMCID: PMC10938639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent, toxic chemicals that pose significant hazards to human health and the environment. Screening large numbers of chemicals for their ability to act as endocrine disruptors by modulating the activity of nuclear receptors (NRs) is challenging because of the time and cost of in vitro and in vivo experiments. For this reason, we need computational approaches to screen these chemicals and quickly prioritize them for further testing. Here, we utilized molecular modeling and machine-learning predictions to identify potential interactions between 4545 PFASs with ten different NRs. The results show that some PFASs can bind strongly to several receptors. Further, PFASs that bind to different receptors can have very different structures spread throughout the chemical space. Biological validation of these in silico findings should be a high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen A. Durkin
- Molecular
Graphics and Computation Facility, College of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department
of Environmental Toxicology, University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - J. David Furlow
- Department
of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis California 95616, United States
| | - Jen-Chywan Wang
- Department
of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Martyn T. Smith
- Division
of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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8
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Lin RR, Lin DA, Maderal AD. Toxic Ingredients in Personal Care Products: A Dermatological Perspective. Dermatitis 2024; 35:121-131. [PMID: 38109205 DOI: 10.1089/derm.2023.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Environmental dermatology is the study of how environmental factors affect the integumentary system. The environment includes natural and built habitats, encompassing ambient exposure, occupational exposures, and lifestyle exposures secondary to dietary and personal care choices. This review explores common toxins found in personal care products and packaging, such as bisphenols, parabens, phthalates, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, p-phenylenediamine, and formaldehyde. Exposure to these toxins has been associated with carcinogenic, obesogenic, or proinflammatory effects that can potentiate disease. In addition, these compounds have been implicated as endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can worsen dermatological conditions such as acne vulgaris, or dermatitis. Certain pollutants found in personal care products are not biodegradable and have the potential to bioaccumulate in humans. Therefore, even short-term exposure can cause long-lasting issues for communities. The skin is often the first point of contact for environmental exposures and serves as the conduit between environmental toxins and the human body. Therefore, it is important for dermatologists to understand common pollutants and their acute, subacute, and chronic impact on dermatological conditions to better diagnose and manage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Lin
- From the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deborah A Lin
- Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea D Maderal
- Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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9
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Ye R, Li Z, Xian H, Zhong Y, Liang B, Huang Y, Chen D, Dai M, Tang S, Guo J, Bai R, Feng Y, Chen Z, Yang X, Huang Z. Combined Effects of Polystyrene Nanosphere and Homosolate Exposures on Estrogenic End Points in MCF-7 Cells and Zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:27011. [PMID: 38381479 PMCID: PMC10880820 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and homosalate (HMS) are ubiquitous emerging environmental contaminants detected in human samples. Despite the well-established endocrine-disrupting effects (EDEs) of HMS, the interaction between MNPs and HMS and its impact on HMS-induced EDEs remain unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the influence of MNPs on HMS-induced estrogenic effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We assessed the impact of polystyrene nanospheres (PNSs; 50 nm , 1.0 mg / L ) on HMS-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation (HMS: 0.01 - 1 μ M , equivalent to 2.62 - 262 μ g / L ) using the E-SCREEN assay and explored potential mechanisms through transcriptomics. Adult zebrafish were exposed to HMS (0.0262 - 262 μ g / L ) with or without PNSs (50 nm , 1.0 mg / L ) for 21 d. EDEs were evaluated through gonadal histopathology, fertility tests, steroid hormone synthesis, and gene expression changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis. RESULTS Coexposure of HMS and PNSs resulted in higher expression of estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and the mRNAs of target genes (pS2, AREG, and PGR), a greater estrogen-responsive element transactivation activity, and synergistic stimulation on MCF-7 cell proliferation. Knockdown of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) rescued the MCF-7 cell proliferation induced by PNSs alone or in combination with HMS. In zebrafish, coexposure showed higher expression of SGK1 and promoted ovary development but inhibited spermatogenesis. In addition, coexposure led to lower egg hatchability, higher embryonic mortality, and greater larval malformation. Coexposure also modulated steroid hormone synthesis genes (cyp17a2, hsd17[Formula: see text]1, esr2b, vtg1, and vtg2), and resulted in higher 17 β -estradiol (E 2 ) release in females. Conversely, males showed lower testosterone, E 2 , and gene expressions of cyp11a1, cyp11a2, cyp17a1, cyp17a2, and hsd17[Formula: see text]1. DISCUSSION PNS exposure exacerbated HMS-induced estrogenic effects via SGK1 up-regulation in MCF-7 cells and disrupting the HPGL axis in zebrafish, with gender-specific patterns. This offers new mechanistic insights and health implications of MNP and contaminant coexposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13696.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyi Ye
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyi Xian
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuji Huang
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da Chen
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Shuqin Tang
- College of Environment and Climate, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Hunter Biotechnology, Inc, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruobing Bai
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Feng
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenguo Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Sadrabadi F, Alarcan J, Sprenger H, Braeuning A, Buhrke T. Impact of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFAS mixtures on lipid metabolism in differentiated HepaRG cells as a model for human hepatocytes. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:507-524. [PMID: 38117326 PMCID: PMC10794458 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants with various adverse health effects in humans including disruption of lipid metabolism. Aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of PFAS-mediated effects on lipid metabolism in human cells. Here, we examined the impact of a number of PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxA, PFBA, PFHxS, PFBS, HFPO-DA, and PMPP) and of some exposure-relevant PFAS mixtures being composed of PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS on lipid metabolism in human HepaRG cells, an in vitro model for human hepatocytes. At near cytotoxic concentrations, the selected PFAS and PFAS mixtures induced triglyceride accumulation in HepaRG cells and consistently affected the expression of marker genes for steatosis, as well as PPARα target genes and genes related to lipid and cholesterol metabolism, pointing to common molecular mechanisms of PFAS in disrupting cellular lipid and cholesterol homeostasis. PPARα activation was examined by a transactivation assay in HEK293T cells, and synergistic effects were observed for the selected PFAS mixtures at sum concentrations higher than 25 µM, whereas additivity was observed at sum concentrations lower than 25 µM. Of note, any effect observed in the in vitro assays occurred at PFAS concentrations that were at least four to five magnitudes above real-life internal exposure levels of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Sadrabadi
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jimmy Alarcan
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Sprenger
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Buhrke
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
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11
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Phelps DW, Palekar AI, Conley HE, Ferrero G, Driggers JH, Linder KE, Kullman SW, Reif DM, Sheats MK, DeWitt JC, Yoder JA. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst. J Immunotoxicol 2023; 20:2176953. [PMID: 36788734 PMCID: PMC10361455 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2023.2176953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a multitude of processes and products, including nonstick coatings, food wrappers, and fire-fighting foams. These chemicals are environmentally-persistent, ubiquitous, and can be detected in the serum of 98% of Americans. Despite evidence that PFASs alter adaptive immunity, few studies have investigated their effects on innate immunity. The report here presents results of studies that investigated the impact of nine environmentally-relevant PFASs [e.g. perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid potassium salt (PFOS-K), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), ammonium perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (GenX), 7H-perfluoro-4-methyl-3,6-dioxa-octane sulfonic acid (Nafion byproduct 2), and perfluoromethoxyacetic acid sodium salt (PFMOAA-Na)] on one component of the innate immune response, the neutrophil respiratory burst. The respiratory burst is a key innate immune process by which microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) are rapidly induced by neutrophils in response to pathogens; defects in the respiratory burst can increase susceptibility to infection. The study here utilized larval zebrafish, a human neutrophil-like cell line, and primary human neutrophils to ascertain whether PFAS exposure inhibits ROS production in the respiratory burst. It was observed that exposure to PFHxA and GenX suppresses the respiratory burst in zebrafish larvae and a human neutrophil-like cell line. GenX also suppressed the respiratory burst in primary human neutrophils. This report is the first to demonstrate that these PFASs suppress neutrophil function and support the utility of employing zebrafish larvae and a human cell line as screening tools to identify chemicals that may suppress human immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W. Phelps
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Anika I. Palekar
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Haleigh E. Conley
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Giuliano Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jacob H. Driggers
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Keith E. Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Seth W. Kullman
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - David M. Reif
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - M. Katie Sheats
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Jeffrey A. Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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12
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Pavan A, Cendron L, Di Nisio A, Pedrucci F, Sabovic I, Scarso A, Ferlin A, Angelini A, Foresta C, De Toni L. In vitro binding analysis of legacy-linear and new generation-cyclic perfluoro-alkyl substances on sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, suggests low impact on serum hormone kinetics of testosterone. Toxicology 2023; 500:153664. [PMID: 37931871 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153664] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
In humans, serum testosterone (T) is largely bound to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and human serum albumin (hSA), resulting in a 2-3 % of unbound or "free" active quote (FT). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including perfluoro-alkyl substances (PFAS), are recognized to interfere with the hormonal axes, but the possible impact on the FT quote has not been addressed so far. Here we investigated the possible competition of two acknowledged PFAS molecules on T binding to SHBG and hSA. In particular, perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) and acetic acid, 2,2-difluoro-2-((2,2,4,5-tetrafluoro-5(trifluoromethoxy)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)oxy)-ammonium salt (1:1) (C6O4) were used as, respectively, legacy-linear and new-generation-cyclic PFASs. Human recombinant SHBG 30-234 domain (SHBG30-234), produced in HEK293-F cells, and delipidated recombinant hSA were used as in vitro protein models. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and tryptophan fluorescence quencing (TFQ) were used to evaluate the binding modes of T and PFAS to SHBG30-234 and hSA. ITC revealed the binding of T to SHBG30-234 with a Kd of 44 ± 2 nM whilst both PFOA and C6O4 showed no binding activity. Results were confirmed by TFQ, since only T modified the fluorescence profile of SHBG30-234. In hSA, TFQ confirmed the binding of T on FA6 site of the protein. A similar binding mode was observed for PFOA but not for C6O4, as further verified by displacement experiments with T. Although both PFASs were previously shown to bind hSA, only PFOA is predicted to possibly compete with T for the binding to hSA. However, on the base of the binding stoichiometry and affinity of PFOA for hSA, this appears unlikely at the blood concentrations of the chemical documented to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pavan
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Deparment of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Pedrucci
- Deparment of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Iva Sabovic
- Deparment of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scarso
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Deparment of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Angelini
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, Venezia, Italy; European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Ca' Bottacin, Venice, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Deparment of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Luca De Toni
- Deparment of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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13
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Barbagallo F, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. Bisphenols and perfluoroalkyls alter human stem cells integrity: A possible link with infertility. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116487. [PMID: 37419196 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls are chemical compounds widely used in industry known to be endocrine disruptors (EDs). Once ingested through contaminated aliments, they mimic the activity of endogenous hormones leading to a broad spectrum of diseases. Due to the extensive use of plastic in human life, particular attention should be paid to antenatal exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls since they cross the placental barrier and accumulates in developing embryo. Here we investigated the effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA), Bisphenol-S (BPS), perfluorooctane-sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic-acid (PFOA), alone or combined, on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that share several biological features with the stem cells of blastocysts. Our data show that these EDs affect hiPSC inducing a great mitotoxicity and dramatic changes in genes involved in the maintenance of pluripotency, germline specification, and epigenetic regulation. We also evidenced that these chemicals, when combined, may have additive, synergistic but also negative effects. All these data suggest that antenatal exposure to these EDs may affect the integrity of stem cells in the developing embryos, interfering with critical stages of early human development that might be determinant for fertility. The observation that the effects of exposure to a combination of these chemicals are not easily foreseeable further highlights the need for wider awareness of the complexity of the EDs effects on human health and of the social and economic burden attributable to these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
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14
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Di Credico A, Gaggi G, Bucci I, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15018. [PMID: 37834465 PMCID: PMC10573528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
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15
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Shu Y, Wang Q, Hong P, Ruan Y, Lin H, Xu J, Zhang H, Deng S, Wu H, Chen L, Leung KMY. Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Surveillance in Bufo gargarizans from Inlet Watersheds of Chaohu Lake, China: Tissue Distribution and Bioaccumulation Potential. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13148-13160. [PMID: 37565447 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02660] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians are sensitive biomonitors of environmental pollutants but reports regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic organofluorine substances, are limited. In this study, samples of water and Chinese toads (Bufo gargarizans) were collected in Chaohu Lake, China. Tissue-specific bioaccumulation characteristics of 39 PFAS, including 19 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), 8 emerging PFAS, and 12 PFAA precursors, were investigated, and the levels of some biochemical indicators were determined. The highest PFAS concentrations were found in the liver [215.97 ng/g dry weight (dw)] of Chinese toads, followed by gonads (135.42 ng/g dw) and intestine (114.08 ng/g dw). A similar tissue distribution profile was found between legacy and emerging PFAS in the toads, and the occurrence of two emerging PFAS, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-propanoate (HFPO-DA) and 6:2 hydrogen-substituted polyfluorooctane ether sulfonate (6:2 H-PFESA) in the amphibians were for the first time reported. Field-based bioaccumulation factors of HFPO-DA were higher than perfluorooctanoic acid, indicating the higher bioaccumulation potential of this emerging PFAS than the legacy C8 compound. Males had significantly higher gonad PFAS levels than females while estradiol levels in gonads increased with increasing concentrations of certain PFAS (e.g., 6:2 H-PFESA), implying that PFAS may trigger estrogenic effects in the toads, especially for male toads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Shu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety in Anhui, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Pei Hong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety in Anhui, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Huiju Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety in Anhui, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Shuaitao Deng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety in Anhui, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
- Shanghai Wildlife and Protected Natural Areas Research Center, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Recovery and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystem in Wanjiang Basin Co-founded by Anhui Province and Ministry of Education, Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotic Environment and Ecological Safety in Anhui, School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Lianguo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
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16
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Cathey AL, Nguyen VK, Colacino JA, Woodruff TJ, Reynolds P, Aung MT. Exploratory profiles of phenols, parabens, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances among NHANES study participants in association with previous cancer diagnoses. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:687-698. [PMID: 37718377 PMCID: PMC10541322 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some hormonally active cancers have low survival rates, but a large proportion of their incidence remains unexplained. Endocrine disrupting chemicals may affect hormone pathways in the pathology of these cancers. OBJECTIVE To evaluate cross-sectional associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols, and parabens and self-reported previous cancer diagnoses in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS We extracted concentrations of 7 PFAS and 12 phenols/parabens and self-reported diagnoses of melanoma and cancers of the thyroid, breast, ovary, uterus, and prostate in men and women (≥20 years). Associations between previous cancer diagnoses and an interquartile range increase in exposure biomarkers were evaluated using logistic regression models adjusted for key covariates. We conceptualized race as social construct proxy of structural social factors and examined associations in non-Hispanic Black, Mexican American, and other Hispanic participants separately compared to White participants. RESULTS Previous melanoma in women was associated with higher PFDE (OR:2.07, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.43), PFNA (OR:1.72, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.73), PFUA (OR:1.76, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.89), BP3 (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.96), DCP25 (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.76), and DCP24 (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.26). Previous ovarian cancer was associated with higher DCP25 (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.08, 7.27), BPA (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.35) and BP3 (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.09). Previous uterine cancer was associated with increased PFNA (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.34), while higher ethyl paraben was inversely associated (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.85). Various PFAS were associated with previous ovarian and uterine cancers in White women, while MPAH or BPF was associated with previous breast cancer among non-White women. IMPACT STATEMENT Biomarkers across all exposure categories (phenols, parabens, and per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances) were cross-sectionally associated with increased odds of previous melanoma diagnoses in women, and increased odds of previous ovarian cancer was associated with several phenols and parabens. Some associations differed by racial group, which is particularly impactful given the established racial disparities in distributions of exposure to these chemicals. This is the first epidemiological study to investigate exposure to phenols in relation to previous cancer diagnoses, and the first NHANES study to explore racial/ethnic disparities in associations between environmental phenol, paraben, and PFAS exposures and historical cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L Cathey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vy K Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peggy Reynolds
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Max T Aung
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Wielsøe M, Molina-Molina JM, Rodríguez-Carrillo A, Mustieles V, Olea N, Fernandez MF, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Xeno-estrogenic activity of real-life mixtures of perfluoroalkylated substances in human placenta homogenates. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108444. [PMID: 37473930 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108444] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Humans are simultaneously exposed to complex chemical mixtures, and its combined effect can affect human health. As part of the HBM4EU project, the actual mixture of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in 25 human placenta samples was extracted by chromatographic methods and assessed for xeno-estrogenic activity using two in-vitro bioassays: the estrogen receptor transactivity and the E-Screen assay. Most of the PFAS extracts displayed xeno-estrogenic activity, in one or both assays. The xeno-estrogenic activities in the two bioassays were not correlated, but both assays showed an overall negative correlation with placenta concentrations of single PFAS. Xeno-estrogenic activities were significantly related to maternal characteristics; being higher in young, smokers and primiparous women, but not with fetal growth (birth weight, birth length, head circumference, gestational age, placenta weight). The presented extraction method can be used to study the combined effect of real-life mixtures of PFAS in relation to health outcomes in large-scale human biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wielsøe
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jose-Manuel Molina-Molina
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Rodríguez-Carrillo
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029, Spain
| | - Nicolas Olea
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029, Spain
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Greenland Centre for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, GRL-3905 Nuussuaq, Greenland
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18
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Wu J, Chen J, Huang R, Zhu H, Che L, Lin Y, Chang Y, Shen G, Feng J. Metabolic characteristics and pathogenesis of precocious puberty in girls: the role of perfluorinated compounds. BMC Med 2023; 21:323. [PMID: 37626398 PMCID: PMC10463894 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03032-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precocious puberty (PP) in girls is traditionally defined as the onset of breast development before the age of 8 years. The specific biomarkers of premature thelarche (PT) and central precocious puberty (CPP) girls are uncertain, and little is known about their metabolic characteristics driven by perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and clinical phenotype. This study aimed to screen specific biomarkers of PT and CPP and elucidate their underlying pathogenesis. The relationships of clinical phenotype-serum PFCs-metabolic characteristics were also explored to reveal the relationship between PFCs and the occurrence and development of PT and CPP. METHODS Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based cross-metabolomics strategy was performed on serum from 146 PP (including 30 CPP, 40 PT, and 76 unspecified PP) girls and 64 healthy girls (including 36 prepubertal and 28 adolescent). Specific biomarkers were screened by the uni- and multivariate statistical analyses. The relationships between serum PFCs and clinical phenotype were performed by correlation analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis to explore the link of clinical phenotype-PFCs-metabolic characteristics in PT and CPP. RESULTS The disordered trend of pyruvate and butyrate metabolisms (metabolites mapped as formate, ethanol, and 3-hydroxybutyrate) were shared and kept almost consistent in PT and CPP. Eight and eleven specific biomarkers were screened for PT and CPP, respectively. The area under curve of specific biomarker combination was 0.721 in CPP vs. prepubertal, 0.972 in PT vs. prepubertal, 0.646 in CPP vs. prepubertal integrated adolescent, and 0.822 in PT vs. prepubertal integrated adolescent, respectively. Perfluoro-n-heptanoic acid and perfluoro-n-hexanoic acid were statistically different between PT and CPP. Estradiol and prolactin were significantly correlated with PFCs in CPP and PT. Clinical phenotypes and PFCs drive the metabolic characteristics and cause metabolic disturbances in CPP and PT. CONCLUSIONS The elevation of formate, ethanol, and 3-hydroxybutyrate may serve as the early diagnostic indicator for PP in girls. But the stratification of PP still needs to be further determined based on the specific biomarkers. Specific biomarkers of CPP and PT exhibited good sensitivity and can facilitate the classification diagnosis of CPP and PT. PFC exposure is associated with endocrine homeostasis imbalance. PFC exposure and/or endocrine disturbance directly or indirectly drive metabolic changes and form overall metabolic network perturbations in CPP and PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Wu
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Siming District, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Child Health, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Child Health, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, China
| | - Hongwei Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Lin Che
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanyan Lin
- Department of Child Health, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, Fujian, China
| | - Yajie Chang
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Siming District, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Guiping Shen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Siming District, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China.
| | - Jianghua Feng
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Siming District, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005, Fujian, China
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Barbagallo F, Ballerini P, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. Antenatal Exposure to Plastic Pollutants: Study of the Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls Effects on Human Stem Cell Models. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12403-023-00586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractEndocrine disruptors (EDs), such as Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), are a class of plastic pollutants widely used in industrial applications. Human exposure to these molecules usually occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water. Once entered the human body they can interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, leading to a wide spectrum of diseases. It has been reported that BPs and PFs can cross the placental barrier accumulating in the fetal serum, but the detrimental consequences for human development remain to be clarified. Here we analyze the effects of different doses of bisphenol A and S (BPA, BPS) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on proliferation and mitochondrial health on different types of stem cells: through an integrated approach that combines data from pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with that from the “environment” in which the embryo develops (fetal annexes-derived perinatal stem cells) we verified the potential developmental toxicity of the in utero EDs exposure. Data obtained showed that overall, BPs, and PFs tended to increase the proliferation rate of perinatal stem cells; a similar response was observed in hiPSCs exposed to very low doses of BPs and PFs, while at higher concentrations these chemicals were toxic; in addition, both the BPs and the PFs exerted a mitotoxic effects hiPSCs at all the concentration studied. All these data suggest that antenatal exposure to BPs and PFs, also at very low concentrations, may modify the biological characteristics of stem cells present in both the developing fetus and the fetal annexes, thus perturbing normal human development.
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20
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Dangudubiyyam SV, Mishra JS, Kumar S. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid modulates expression of placental steroidogenesis-associated genes and hormone levels in pregnant rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 118:108390. [PMID: 37148813 PMCID: PMC10198953 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widespread and persistent chemical in the environment. Reports show that PFOS is a potential endocrine disruptor; however, the possible effects of PFOS on placental endocrine function are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the endocrine-disrupting effects of PFOS on the placenta in pregnant rats and its potential mechanism. Pregnant rats from gestational days 4-20 were exposed to 0, 10, and 50 μg/mL PFOS through drinking water followed by analysis of various biochemical parameters. PFOS dose-dependently decreased fetal and placental weight in both sexes, with a specific decrease in weight of labyrinth but not junctional layer. Plasma progesterone (↑166%), aldosterone (↑201%), corticosterone (↑205%), testosterone (↑45%), luteinizing hormone (↑49%) levels were significantly increased, while estradiol (↓27%), prolactin (↓28%) and hCG (↓62%) levels were reduced in groups exposed to higher doses of PFOS. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a significant increase in mRNA levels of placental steroid biosynthesis enzymes, including Cyp11A1 and 3β-HSD1 in male placenta and StAR, Cyp11A1, 17β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD3 in female placenta of PFOS dams. Cyp19A1 expression in ovaries was significantly decreased in PFOS dams. mRNA levels for placental steroid metabolism enzyme UGT1A1 increased in male but not in female placenta of PFOS dams. These results suggest that the placenta is a target tissue of PFOS and PFOS-induced dysregulation in steroid hormone production might be related to the altered expression of hormone biosynthesis and metabolism enzyme genes in the placenta. This hormone disruption might affect maternal health and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Vidya Dangudubiyyam
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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21
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Chen L, Xie Y, Li M, Mortimer M, Li F, Guo LH. Toxicological Mechanisms of Emerging Per-/poly-fluoroalkyl Substances: Focusing on Transcriptional Activity and Gene Expression Disruption. Toxicology 2023:153566. [PMID: 37263573 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and human monitoring studies have witnessed increasing occurrence of emerging per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances (ePFASs) worldwide. Three classes of ePFASs, namely chlorinated polyfluoroalkylether sulfonic acids, hexafluoropropylene oxide homologues and short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids attracted the most attention. It is, therefore, the goal of this review to systematically and critically analyse the toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of these ePFASs based on the papers published between 2017 and 2022. The review summarized the main findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies, covering the hepatotoxicity of ePFASs and their interference with the endocrine system, including reproductive, developmental and thyroid toxicity. It also summarized the changes in gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis of the model organisms after ePFASs exposure. The changes in gene expression in vitro and in vivo provide a clearer understanding of the toxicological mechanisms of ePFASs interference on hormonal levels (i.e., estradiol, testosterone, and thyroid hormones), developmental disturbance (e.g., swim bladder dysfunction) and lipid metabolism disruption (e.g., lipid droplet accumulation and hepatomegaly). In the end, future research directions on the toxicological mechanisms of ePFASs are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Yue Xie
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
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22
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Liu Q, Liu Y, Li X, Wang D, Zhang A, Pang J, He J, Chen X, Tang NJ. Perfluoroalkyl substances promote breast cancer progression via ERα and GPER mediated PI3K/Akt and MAPK/Erk signaling pathways. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 258:114980. [PMID: 37148752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a classic environmental endocrine disruptor with carcinogenic risk. Epidemiological studies have shown that PFASs contamination is associated with breast cancer development, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. This study first obtained complex biological information about PFASs-induced breast cancer through the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD). The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were utilized to investigate molecular pathways. The ESR1 and GPER expression levels at different pathological stages and the prognosis of Breast Cancer patients were confirmed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Furthermore, we verified this by cellular experiments and the results showed breast cancer cell migration and invasion were promoted by PFOA. Two estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), mediated the promoting effects of PFOA by activating MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. These pathways were regulated by ERα and GPER in MCF-7 cells or independently by GPER in MDA-MB-231 cells. Overall, our study provides a better overview of the mechanisms associated with PFASs-induced breast cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianfeng Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yongzhe Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ai Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing Pang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Hohhot Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot 010070, China
| | - Jiayu He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Nai-Jun Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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23
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Zhan W, Qiu W, Ao Y, Zhou W, Sun Y, Zhao H, Zhang J. Environmental Exposure to Emerging Alternatives of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women Diagnosed with Infertility: A Mixture Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:57001. [PMID: 37134253 PMCID: PMC10156134 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been previously linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but only a few legacy PFAS were examined. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore this association with a variety of PFAS, including legacy, branched-chain isomers, and emerging alternatives, as well as a PFAS mixture. METHODS From 2014 to 2016, we conducted a multicenter, hospital-based case-control study on environmental endocrine disruptors and infertility in China. Three hundred sixty-six women with PCOS-related infertility and 577 control participants without PCOS were included in the current analysis. Twenty-three PFAS, including 3 emerging PFAS alternatives, 6 linear and branched PFAS isomers, 6 short-chain PFAS, and 8 legacy PFAS, were quantified in the plasma. Logistic regression and two multipollutant models [quantile-based g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) methods] were used to assess the association of individual PFAS and PFAS mixture with PCOS, as well as the potential interactions among the congeners. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, Each 1-standard deviation higher difference in ln-transformed 6:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) level was significantly associated with a 29% (95% CI: 1.11, 1.52) and 39% (95% CI:1.16, 1.68) higher odds of PCOS, respectively. Meanwhile, branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) (i.e., br-PFHxS, n-PFOS, 1m-PFOS, Σ3,4,5m-PFOS), short-chain PFAS (i.e., PFPeS and PFHxA) and other legacy PFAS [i.e., total concentrations of PFOS (T-PFOS), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)] were significantly associated with increased odds of PCOS. The PFAS mixture was positively related to PCOS in the BKMR model. A similar trend was observed in QGC model, a ln-unit increase in the PFAS mixture was associated with a 20% increased risk of PCOS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.20 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.37)]. After controlling for other PFAS homologs, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, HFPO-DA, Σ3,4,5m-PFOS, and PFDoA were the major contributors based on the QGC and BKMR models. The associations were more pronounced in overweight/obese women. CONCLUSIONS In this group of women, environmental exposure to a PFAS mixture was associated with an elevated odds of PCOS, with 6:2 Cl-PFESA, HFPO-DA, Σ3,4,5m-PFOS, and PFDoA being the major contributors, especially in overweight/obese women. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11814.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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Solan ME, Koperski CP, Senthilkumar S, Lavado R. Short-chain per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) effects on oxidative stress biomarkers in human liver, kidney, muscle, and microglia cell lines. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 223:115424. [PMID: 36740157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115424] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous contaminants implicated in the induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), compromising antioxidant defense mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. While a handful of studies have assessed oxidative stress effects by PFAS, few specifically address short-chain PFAS. We conducted an evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers in vitro following exposures to low (1 nM) and high (1 μM) concentrations of five short-chain PFAS compounds: perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), [undecafluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (HFPO-DA)], 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS). We conducted experiments in human kidney (HEK293-hTLR2), liver (HepaRG), microglia (HMC-3), and muscle (RMS-13) cell lines. Fluorescence microscopy measurements in HepaRG cells indicated ROS generation in cells exposed to PFBS and PFHxA for 24 h. Antioxidant enzyme activities were determined following 24 h short-chain PFAS exposures in HepaRG, HEK293-hTLR2, HMC-3, and RMS-13. Notably, exposure to PFBS for 24 h increased the activity of GPX in all four cell types at 1 μM and 1 nM in HepaRG and RMS-13 cells. Every short-chain PFAS evaluated, except for PFHxS, increased the activity of at least one antioxidant enzyme. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to explore antioxidant defense alterations to microglia and muscle cell lines by PFAS. The findings of this study hold great potential to contribute to the limited understanding of short-chain PFAS mechanisms of toxicity and provide data necessary to inform the human health risk assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Solan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Camryn P Koperski
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | | | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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25
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Tomei Torres FA, Masten SJ. Endocrine-disrupting substances: I. Relative risks of PFAS in drinking water. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:451-462. [PMID: 37119147 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water are significantly lower than in vivo levels of the native target hormone. These concentrations are orders of magnitude lower than the hormone in question, particularly when corrected for transactivation. A pregnant woman can excrete about 7,000 μg/day of total estrogens. A low-dose oral contraceptive pill contains 20 μg estradiol. Soy-based baby formula contains phytoestrogens equivalent to a low-dose oral contraceptive pill. A woman on a low-dose oral hormone replacement therapy consumes about 0.5-2 mg/day of one or more estrogens. The levels of endocrine-disrupting substances (EDSs) exposure by oral, respiratory, or dermal routes have the potential to make removing PFAS from drinking water due to its estrogenic activity divert valuable resources. These levels become even less of a threat when their estrogenic potencies are compared with those of the target hormones present as contaminants in water and even more so when compared with levels commonly present in human tissues. The fact that PFAS constitute a tiny fraction compared to exposure to phytoestrogens makes the effort even more insignificant. If PFAS are to be removed from drinking water, it is not due to their estrogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Alberto Tomei Torres
- Ibero-American Society of Environmental Health (SIBSA), Zabala 3555, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Rep. Argentina, CP 1427 E-mail:
| | - Susan J Masten
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
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Tapper MA, Denny JS, Sheedy BR, Johnson B, Kolanczyk RC. Estrogenic Activity of Perfluoro Carboxylic and Sulfonic Acids in Rainbow Trout Estrogen Receptor Binding and Liver Slice Vtg mRNA Expression Assays. APPLIED IN VITRO TOXICOLOGY 2023; 9:13-22. [PMID: 38840692 PMCID: PMC11151740 DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2022.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) such as carboxylic acids, and sulfonic acids were manufactured in high quantities and are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. These chemicals persist in the environment and tend to bioaccumulate. In the current study, the estrogenic potential of a series of perfluoro carboxylic acids and select perfluoro sulfonic acids were assessed in an in vitro rainbow trout estrogen receptor (rtER) binding assay and an ex vivo rtER dependent vitellogenin (Vtg) expression rainbow trout liver slice assay. Perfluoro carboxylic acids with perfluoroalkyl chain lengths of four to six did not significantly bind to the rtER or induce Vtg expression in liver slices. Perfluoro carboxylic acids with chain lengths of seven to ten, and sulfonic acids with seven and eight carbon chains bound to the rtER, but with low relative binding affinities. While affinity for the rtER increased with increasing chain length the highest affinity measured was only 0.0025% relative to the endogenous hormone 17ß-estradiol at 100%. Both the eight-carbon carboxylic acid and eight-carbon sulfonic acid induced Vtg expression in ex vivo liver slices. However, toxicity did not allow expression to achieve maximum efficacy relative to estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Tapper
- USEPA, ORD, CCTE, GLTED, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Jeffrey S Denny
- USEPA, ORD, CCTE, GLTED, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Barbara R Sheedy
- USEPA, ORD, CCTE, GLTED, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Ben Johnson
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 445 Easterday Ln. Madison, WI 53706
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Rivera-Núñez Z, Kinkade CW, Khoury L, Brunner J, Murphy H, Wang C, Kannan K, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Barrett ES. Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and maternal sex steroid hormones across pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115233. [PMID: 36621543 PMCID: PMC9977559 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants that may act as endocrine disruptors in utero, but the specific endocrine pathways are unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between maternal serum PFAS and sex steroid hormones at three time points during pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant women participating in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) study contributed biospecimens, questionnaire, and medical record data in each trimester (n = 285). PFAS (including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)) were analyzed in second-trimester serum samples by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Total testosterone [TT], free testosterone [fT], estrone [E1], estradiol [E2], and estriol [E3]) were measured by LC-MS/MS in serum samples from each trimester. Linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to examine associations between log-transformed PFAS concentrations and hormone levels, adjusting for covariates, and stratifying by fetal sex. Results are presented as the mean percentage difference (Δ%) in hormone levels per ln-unit increase in PFAS concentration. RESULTS In adjusted models, PFHxS was associated with higher TT (%Δ = 20.0, 95%CI: 1.7, 41.6), particularly among women carrying male fetuses (%Δ = 15.3, 95%CI: 1.2, 30.7); this association strengthened as the pregnancy progressed. PFNA (%Δ = 7.9, 95%CI: 3.4, 12.5) and PFDA (%Δ = 7.2, 95%CI: 4.9, 9.7) were associated with higher fT, with associations again observed only in women carrying male fetuses. PFHxS was associated with higher levels of E2 and E3 in women carrying female fetuses (%Δ = 13.2, 95%CI: 0.5, 29.1; %Δ = 17.9, 95%CI: 3.2, 34.8, respectively). No associations were observed for PFOS and PFOA. CONCLUSION PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA may disrupt androgenic and estrogenic pathways in pregnancy in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Carolyn W Kinkade
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Leena Khoury
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor -UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, And Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, NY, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Zhang B, Wang Z, Zhang J, Dai Y, Feng C, Lin Y, Zhang L, Guo J, Qi X, Chang X, Lu D, Wu C, Zhou Z. Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and neurodevelopment in toddlers: Findings from SMBCS. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137587. [PMID: 36535498 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has been reported to affect offspring neurodevelopment, while epidemiological evidences were limited and inconsistent. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the associations between cord serum PFAS concentrations and neurodevelopment in toddlers from 1 to 3 years of age. METHODS A total of 716 children from Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) were included in this study. 12 PFAS concentrations were quantified in cord serum. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Developmental Screen Test for Children Aged 0-6 Years at 1 year and the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) at 2 and 3 years, respectively. Development quotient (DQ) z-score was standardized from DQ to eliminate the difference caused by two methods. We used generalized linear model (GLM) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to explore the associations of single or mixture PFAS exposure with neurodevelopment measurements at each time point. Associations between PFAS exposure and longitudinal changes in DQ z-score were investigated through generalized estimating equation (GEE) and trajectory analysis. RESULTS In general, prenatal PFAS concentrations showed negative associations with neurodevelopment measurements at specific age. When accounting for longitudinal changes from 1 to 3 years of age, PFOA was negatively associated with DQ z-score (β = -0.212, 95% CI: -0.422, -0.003), the association was only found significant in boys after stratified by gender (β = -0.327, 95% CI: -0.616, -0.038). Meanwhile, increased PFBS (OR = 2.159, 95% CI: 1.177, 3.959) and PFHpA (OR = 1.700, 95% CI: 1.016, 2.846) exposure was associated with elevated odds for the low-score trajectory group. The results of mixture of PFAS further confirmed above findings. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that prenatal PFAS exposure may be associated with adverse neurodevelopment effects in the first 3 years of life. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Zhang
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yiming Dai
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, No. 1380 West Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Yuanjie Lin
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, No. 1380 West Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianqiu Guo
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qi
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China; Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Xiuli Chang
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dasheng Lu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention/State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, No. 1380 West Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Chunhua Wu
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health/MOE Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety/ NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, No.130 Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhao X, Lin JY, Dong WW, Tang ML, Yan SG. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and bone mineral density in the U.S. population from NHANES 2005-2014. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:69-75. [PMID: 35750749 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00452-7] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were considered potential risks for bone mineral density (BMD). OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between PFASs and BMD among the U.S. population. METHODS This study included a total of 6416 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2005-2014). Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between serum PFASs and BMD and the coefficient β with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was calculated as the effect estimate. Covariates such as age, race, BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, milk intake, and physical activity were adjusted in these models. Additionally, gender and menopausal period were considered in further subgroup analyses. RESULTS Based on the combined data of NHANES 2005-2014, the effects from exposure to PFASs on BMD were found with gender and menopausal status differences. Positive associations were found in PFOA (β = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.016), PFHxS (β = 0.007; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.012), and PFNA (β = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.017) in total population. Negative associations for PFOA (β = -0.020; 95% CI: -0.029, -0.012), PFOS (β = -0.011; 95% CI: -0.028, -0.011), PFHxS (β = -0.019; 95% CI: -0.025, -0.013), PFDE (β = -0.010; 95% CI: -0.016, -0.005), and PFNA (β = -0.011; 95% CI: -0.021, -0.002) were found in women, while no significant association was found in men. In further subgroup analyses, women in pre-menopause status showed consistent negative associations. SIGNIFICANCE PFASs exposure may be associated with BMD and gender and menopausal status confound the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Yan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Wen-Wei Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Meng-Ling Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at School of Public Health and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Shi-Gui Yan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Bloom MS, Varde M, Newman RB. Environmental toxicants and placental function. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:105-120. [PMID: 36274037 PMCID: PMC11184919 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The placenta is a temporary endocrine organ that facilitates gas, nutrient, and waste exchange between maternal and fetal compartments, partially shielding the fetus from potentially hazardous environmental toxicants. However, rather than being "opaque", the placenta is translucent or even transparent to some potential fetal developmental hazards, including toxic trace elements (TEs), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and environmental phenols (EPs) to which women with pregnancy are frequently exposed. These agents are both passively and actively transferred to the fetal compartment, where endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes may occur. These pathologies may directly impact the fetus or deposit and accumulate in the placenta to indirectly impact fetal development. Thus, it is critical for clinicians to understand the potential placental toxicity and transfer of widely distributed environmental agents ubiquitous during pregnancy. With such knowledge, targeted interventions and clinical recommendations can be developed to limit those risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bloom
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., MS 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Meghana Varde
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., MS 5B7, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Roger B Newman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Rm 634, Clinical Science Bldg., 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Yang Z, Roth K, Ding J, Kassotis CD, Mor G, Petriello MC. Exposure to a mixture of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances modulates pulmonary expression of ACE2 and circulating hormones and cytokines. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 456:116284. [PMID: 36270329 PMCID: PMC10325118 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors impact on the interindividual variability of susceptibility to communicable and non-communicable diseases. A class of ubiquitous chemicals, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked in epidemiological studies to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to viral infections, but possible mechanisms are not well elucidated. To begin to gain insight into the role of PFAS in susceptibility to one such viral infection, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), male and female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to control water or a mixture of 5 PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, Genx) for 12 weeks and lungs were isolated for examination of expression of SARS-CoV-2-related receptors Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and others. Secondary analyses included circulating hormones and cytokines which have been shown to directly or indirectly impact on ACE2 expression and severity of viral infections. Changes in mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting and circulating hormones and cytokines were determined by ELISA and MESO QuickPlex. The PFAS mixture decreased Ace2 mRNA 2.5-fold in male mice (p < 0.0001), with no significant change observed in females. In addition, TMPRSS2, ANPEP, ENPEP and DPP4 (other genes implicated in COVID-19 infection) were modulated due to PFAS. Plasma testosterone, but not estrogen were strikingly decreased due to PFAS which corresponded to PFAS-mediated repression of 4 representative pulmonary AR target genes; hemoglobin, beta adult major chain (Hbb-b1), Ferrochelatase (Fech), Collagen Type XIV Alpha 1 Chain (Col14a1), 5'-Aminolevulinate Synthase 2 (Alas2). Finally, PFAS modulated circulating pro and anti-inflammatory mediators including IFN-γ (downregulated 3.0-fold in females; p = 0.0301, 2.1-fold in males; p = 0.0418) and IL-6 (upregulated 5.6-fold in males; p = 0.030, no change in females). In conclusion, our data indicate long term exposure to a PFAS mixture impacts mechanisms related to expression of ACE2 in the lung. This work provides a mechanistic rationale for important future studies of PFAS exposure and subsequent viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Michael C Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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Gundacker C, Audouze K, Widhalm R, Granitzer S, Forsthuber M, Jornod F, Wielsøe M, Long M, Halldórsson TI, Uhl M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Reduced Birth Weight and Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Review of Possible Underlying Mechanisms Using the AOP-HelpFinder. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10110684. [PMID: 36422892 PMCID: PMC9699222 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) may impair fetal growth. Our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is incomplete. We used the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP)-helpFinder tool to search PubMed for studies published until March 2021 that examined PFAS exposure in relation to birth weight, oxidative stress, hormones/hormone receptors, or growth signaling pathways. Of these 1880 articles, 106 experimental studies remained after abstract screening. One clear finding is that PFAS are associated with oxidative stress in in vivo animal studies and in vitro studies. It appears that PFAS-induced reactive-oxygen species (ROS) generation triggers increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ expression and activation of growth signaling pathways, leading to hyperdifferentiation of pre-adipocytes. Fewer proliferating pre-adipocytes result in lower adipose tissue weight and in this way may reduce birth weight. PFAS may also impair fetal growth through endocrine effects. Estrogenic effects have been noted in in vivo and in vitro studies. Overall, data suggest thyroid-damaging effects of PFAS affecting thyroid hormones, thyroid hormone gene expression, and histology that are associated in animal studies with decreased body and organ weight. The effects of PFAS on the complex relationships between oxidative stress, endocrine system function, adipogenesis, and fetal growth should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40160-56503
| | - Karine Audouze
- Unit T3S, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Raimund Widhalm
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Granitzer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Forsthuber
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florence Jornod
- Unit T3S, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Maria Wielsøe
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Manhai Long
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thórhallur Ingi Halldórsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Greenland Center for Health Research, Greenland University, Nuuk 3905, Greenland
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Li J, Yang L, He G, Wang B, Miao M, Ji H, Wen S, Cao W, Yuan W, Liang H. Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and anogenital distance in female neonates. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 245:114130. [PMID: 36182800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been reported to exert reproductive toxicity. Anogenital distance (AGD) is a biomarker of intrauterine androgen exposure and an indicator of genital development. An animal study reported that female neonatal rats exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) during postnatal days 1-5 exhibited a longer AGD, while epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent results. This study aimed to examine the effects of prenatal exposure to PFASs on the AGD in female neonates. METHODS PFAS levels were measured in plasma samples obtained from pregnant women at 12-16 gestational weeks using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The AGD of each female neonate was measured within 3 days after delivery. The anogenital index (AGI), calculated as AGD divided by weight, was also determined. A total of 362 motherinfant pairs were included in this study. A multivariate linear regression model was used to examine the association between prenatal ln-transformed concentrations of PFASs and AGD/AGI. In addition, weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to assess the overall effects of a mixture of PFASs on the AGD/AGI and to identify important contributors to the overall effect. RESULTS There was a consistent pattern of association between maternal PFAS concentrations and increased AGDanus to posterior fourchette (AF), AGDanus to clitoris (AC), and AGIAF lengths at birth. Statistical significance was found between maternal ln-transformed concentrations of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorododecanoic acid, and perfluorotridecanoic acid and AGDAF, with β values (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.83 (0.16, 1.51), 0.32 (0.05, 0.59), and 0.25 (0.00, 0.51) mm, respectively; between PFOS and AGDAC, with a β value (95% CI) of 0.63 (0.04, 1.21) mm; and between PFHxS and AGIAF, with a β value (95% CI) of 0.22 (0.02, 0.43) mm/kg. Similarly, the WQSR and BKMR models showed that an increase in the AGDAF/AGIAF at birth was associated with co-exposure to a mixture of PFASs. CONCLUSION High maternal concentrations of PFASs were associated with increased AGD in female neonates, indicating that PFASs may impair reproductive development in female offspring in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincan Li
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Limei Yang
- The First People's Hospital of Jiashan, Jiaxing Zhejiang Province 314199, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Sheng Wen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Wencheng Cao
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hong Liang
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China.
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Evans N, Conley JM, Cardon M, Hartig P, Medlock-Kakaley E, Gray LE. In vitro activity of a panel of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), fatty acids, and pharmaceuticals in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, PPAR gamma, and estrogen receptor assays. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 449:116136. [PMID: 35752307 PMCID: PMC9341220 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Data demonstrate numerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), however, additional work is needed to characterize PFAS activity on PPAR gamma (PPARγ) and other nuclear receptors. We utilized in vitro assays with either human or rat PPARα or PPARγ ligand binding domains to evaluate 16 PFAS (HFPO-DA, HFPO-DA-AS, NBP2, PFMOAA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFOS, PFBS, PFHxS, PFOSA, EtPFOSA, and 4:2, 6:2 and 8:2 FTOH), 3 endogenous fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, and octanoic), and 3 pharmaceuticals (WY14643, clofibrate, and the metabolite clofibric acid). We also tested chemicals for human estrogen receptor (hER) transcriptional activation. Nearly all compounds activated both PPARα and PPARγ in both human and rat ligand binding domain assays, except for the FTOH compounds and PFOSA. Receptor activation and relative potencies were evaluated based on effect concentration 20% (EC20), top percent of max fold induction (pmaxtop), and area under the curve (AUC). HFPO-DA and HFPO-DA-AS were the most potent (lowest EC20, highest pmaxtop and AUC) of all PFAS in rat and human PPARα assays, being slightly less potent than oleic and linoleic acid, while NBP2 was the most potent in rat and human PPARγ assays. Only PFHxS, 8:2 and 6:2 FTOH exhibited hER agonism >20% pmax. In vitro measures of human and rat PPARα and PPARγ activity did not correlate with oral doses or serum concentrations of PFAS that induced increases in male rat liver weight from the National Toxicology Program 28-d toxicity studies. Data indicate that both PPARα and PPARγ activation may be molecular initiating events that contribute to the in vivo effects observed for many PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Mary Cardon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Phillip Hartig
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
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Chen Y, Ma H, Zhu J, Gu Y, Liu T. New insights into ferric iron-facilitated UV 254 photolytic defluorination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Combined experimental and theoretical study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 434:128865. [PMID: 35405606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
UV/Fe3+-facilitated PFOA defluorination was often reported and recognized to proceed through a "ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT)" mechanism in the literatures. Sufficient Fe3+ supply is important for sustaining the LMCT reaction pathway. In this study, an interesting "excessive defluorination" was observed, even the continuous Fe3+ supply was cut off, implying a parallel mechanism strengthening PFOA defluorination. Based the results of intermediate products detection, 19F NMR analysis, and exploration of electron density alternation, transition energy evolution, and bonds characteristics, remarkable electron density perturbation in [PFOA-Fe]2+ was revealed. This effect was triggered by the complexation between PFOA anion and Fe3+, diminishing electron shielding on the perfluorinated carbon chain. Hence, the dissociation energy of C-C bonds was reduced by maximally 53% (C4-C5). Once attacked by high-flux UV254 photons, the perfluorinated carbon chain underwent scission, and subsequent defluorination was achieved via hydrolysis reactions. This parallel mechanism cooperated with the LMCT mechanism, leading to the observed "excessive defluorination." The degree of UV/Fe3+-synergized PFOA defluorination depended on UV254 photon flux and Fe3+ dosage. High UV254 intensity guaranteed fast defluorination kinetics. A [Fe3+]/[PFOA] molar ratio near 1 showed the best UV/Fe3+ synergic effect on PFOA defluorination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Chen
- Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Hang Ma
- Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Zhu
- Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Yurong Gu
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Tongzhou Liu
- Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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Solan ME, Senthilkumar S, Aquino GV, Bruce ED, Lavado R. Comparative cytotoxicity of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in six human cell lines. Toxicology 2022; 477:153281. [PMID: 35933025 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Human exposures to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to several diseases associated with adverse health outcomes. Animal studies have been conducted, though these may not be sufficient due to the inherent differences in metabolic processes between humans and rodents. Acquiring relevant data on the health effects of short-chain PFAS can be achieved through methods supported by in vitro human cell-based models. Specifically, cytotoxicity assays are the crucial first step to providing meaningful information used for determining safety and providing baseline information for further testing. To this end, we exposed human cell lines representative of six different tissue types, including colon (CaCo-2), liver (HepaRG), kidney (HEK293), brain (HMC-3), lung (MRC-5), and muscle (RMS-13) to five short-chain PFAS and two legacy PFAS. The exposure of the individual PFAS was assessed using a range of concentrations starting from a low concentration (10-11 M) to a high concentration of (10-4 M). Our results indicated that CaCo-2 and HEK293 cells were the least sensitive to PFAS exposure, while HMC-3, HepaRG, MRC-5, and RMS-13 demonstrated significant decreases in viability in a relatively narrow range (EC50 ranging from 1 to 70 µM). The most sensitive cell line was the neural HMC-3 for all short- and long-chain PFAS (with EC50 ranging from 1.34 to 2.73 µM). Our data suggest that PFAS do not exert toxicity on all cell types equally, and the cytotoxicity estimates we obtained varied from previously reported values. Overall, this study is novel because it uses human cell lines that have not been widely used to understand human health outcomes associated with PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Solan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | | | - Grace V Aquino
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Erica D Bruce
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
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Running L, Atilla-Gokcumen GE, Aga DS. Development of a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based In Vitro Assay to Assess Changes in Steroid Hormones Due to Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1277-1288. [PMID: 35696490 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluorinated substances (PFASs) are organic pollutants that have been linked to numerous health effects, including diabetes, cancers, and dysregulation of the endocrine system. This study aims to develop a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay to measure changes in 17 hormones in H295R cell line (a steroid producing adrenocortical cells) upon exposure to PFASs. Due to the challenges in the analysis of steroid hormones using electrospray ionization MS, a chemical derivatization method was employed to achieve 0.07-2 μg/L detection limits in LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, a 10-fold concentration factor through solid-phase extraction (SPE) allows for consistent sub-parts per billion detections. Optimization of the derivatization conditions showed doubly-derivatized products in some hormone analytes, including progesterone, corticosterone, and cortisol, and gave improved ionization efficiency up to 20-fold higher signal than the singly-derivatized product. The use of SPE for sample cleanup to analyze hormones from cellular media using weak anion exchange sorbent yielded 80-100% recovery for the 17 targeted hormones. The method was validated by exposing H295R cells to two known endocrine disruptors, forskolin and prochloraz, which showed expected changes in hormones. An initial exposure of H295R cells with various PFAS standards and their mixtures at 1 μM showed significant increases in progestogens with some PFAS treatments, which include PFBS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFDA, and PFDS. In addition, modest changes in hormone levels were observed in cells treated with other sulfonated or carboxylated headgroup PFASs. This sensitive LC-MS/MS method for hormone analysis in H295R cells will allow for the investigations of the alterations in the hormone production caused by exposure to various environmental insults in cell-based assays and other in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Running
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - G Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Diana S Aga
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
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Tachachartvanich P, Singam ERA, Durkin KA, Furlow JD, Smith MT, La Merrill MA. In Vitro characterization of the endocrine disrupting effects of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on the human androgen receptor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128243. [PMID: 35093747 PMCID: PMC9705075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used extensively in a broad range of industrial applications and consumer products. While a few legacy PFASs have been voluntarily phased out, over 5000 PFASs have been produced as replacements for their predecessors. The potential endocrine disrupting hazards of most emerging PFASs have not been comprehensively investigated. In silico molecular docking to the human androgen receptor (hAR) combined with machine learning techniques were previously applied to 5206 PFASs and predicted 23 PFASs bind the hAR. Herein, the in silico results were validated in vitro for the five candidate AR ligands that were commercially available. Three manufactured PFASs namely (9-(nonafluorobutyl)- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H,5 H,11 H-pyrano[2,3-f]pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-11-one (NON), 2-(heptafluoropropyl)- 3-phenylquinoxaline (HEP), and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-N-(4-nitrophenyl)pentanamide (NNN) elicited significant antiandrogenic effects at relatively low concentrations. We further investigated the mechanism of AR inhibition and found that all three PFASs inhibited AR transactivation induced by testosterone through a competitive binding mechanism. We then examined the antiandrogenic effects of these PFASs on AR expression and its responsive genes. Consistently, these PFASs significantly decreased the expression of PSA and FKBP5 and increased the expression of AR, similar to the effects elicited by a known competitive AR inhibitor, hydroxyflutamide. This suggests they are competitive antagonists of AR activity and western blot analysis revealed these PFASs decreased intracellular AR protein in androgen sensitive human prostate cancer cells. Hence, the findings presented here corroborate our published in silico approach and indicate these emerging PFASs may adversely affect the human endocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phum Tachachartvanich
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis 95616, CA, USA; Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | | | - Kathleen A Durkin
- Molecular Graphics and Computation Facility, College of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley 94720, CA, USA
| | - J David Furlow
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis 95616, CA, USA
| | - Martyn T Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720, CA, USA
| | - Michele A La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis 95616, CA, USA.
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Søderstrøm S, Lille-Langøy R, Yadetie F, Rauch M, Milinski A, Dejaegere A, Stote RH, Goksøyr A, Karlsen OA. Agonistic and potentiating effects of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (Ppars). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107203. [PMID: 35364415 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity mediated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and especially perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), has been linked to activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (Ppar) in many vertebrates. Here, we present the primary structures, phylogeny, and tissue-specific distributions of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) gmPpara1, gmPpara2, gmPparb, and gmPparg, and demonstrate that the carboxylic acids PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA, as well as the sulfonic acid PFHxS, activate gmPpara1 in vitro, which was also supported by in silico analyses. Intriguingly, a binary mixture of PFOA and the non-activating PFOS produced a higher activation of gmPpara1 compared to PFOA alone, suggesting that PFOS has a potentiating effect on receptor activation. Supporting the experimental data, docking and molecular dynamics simulations of single and double-ligand complexes led to the identification of a putative allosteric binding site, which upon binding of PFOS stabilizes an active conformation of gmPpara1. Notably, binary exposures of gmPpara1, gmPpara2, and gmPparb to model-agonists and PFAAs produced similar potentiating effects. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into how PFAAs may modulate the Ppar signaling pathway by either binding the canonical ligand-binding pocket or by interacting with an allosteric binding site. Thus, individual PFAAs, or mixtures, could potentially modulate the Ppar-signaling pathway in Atlantic cod by interfering with at least one gmPpar subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Søderstrøm
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B, NO-5006 Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Nordnesgaten 50, NO-5005 Bergen, Norway(1)
| | - Roger Lille-Langøy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B, NO-5006 Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Nordnesgaten 50, NO-5005 Bergen, Norway(1)
| | - Fekadu Yadetie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B, NO-5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Mateusz Rauch
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de La Santé et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Ana Milinski
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de La Santé et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Annick Dejaegere
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de La Santé et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Roland H Stote
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de La Santé et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1258/Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7104/Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B, NO-5006 Bergen, Norway
| | - Odd André Karlsen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B, NO-5006 Bergen, Norway.
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Gui SY, Chen YN, Wu KJ, Liu W, Wang WJ, Liang HR, Jiang ZX, Li ZL, Hu CY. Association Between Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:855348. [PMID: 35400049 PMCID: PMC8988915 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.855348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large body of emerging evidence suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affect birth outcomes in various pathways, but the evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the epidemiological evidence on PFAS exposure and birth outcomes. Methods Three electronic databases were searched for epidemiological studies through February 13, 2021. We used random-effects meta-analysis for eight birth outcome indicators to calculate summary effect estimates for various exposure types. The risk of bias and the overall quality and level of evidence for each exposure-outcome pair were assessed. Results The initial search identified 58 potentially eligible studies, of which 46 were ultimately included. Many PFAS were found to have previously unrecognized statistically significant associations with birth outcomes. Specifically, birth weight (BW) was associated with PFAS, with effect sizes ranging from −181.209 g (95% confidence interval (CI) = −360.620 to −1.798) per 1 ng/ml increase in perfluoroheptanesulfonate (PFHpS) to −24.252 g (95% CI = −38.574 to −9.930) per 1 ln (ng/ml) increase in perfluorodecaoic acid (PFDA). Similar patterns were observed between other PFAS and birth outcomes: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with birth length (BL) and ponderal index (PI), PFOS and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) with head circumference (HC), PFHpS with gestational age (GA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and PFHpS with preterm birth (PTB). Additionally, PFDA showed a statistically significant association with small for gestational age (SGA). The level of the combined evidence for each exposure-outcome pair was considered to be “moderate”. Conclusion This study showed that PFAS exposure was significantly associated with increased risks of various adverse birth outcomes and that different birth outcome indicators had different degrees of sensitivity to PFAS. Further studies are needed to confirm our results by expanding the sample size, clarifying the effects of different types or doses of PFAS and the time of blood collection on birth outcomes, and fully considering the possible confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue-Nan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ke-Jia Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huan-Ru Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zheng-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ze-Lian Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ze-Lian Li
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Cheng-Yang Hu
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Association of exposure to prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances and estrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms with the second to fourth digit ratio in school-aged children: The Hokkaido study. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 109:10-18. [PMID: 35217143 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have endocrine-disrupting effects. The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a noninvasive retrospective index of prenatal exposure to sex hormones, and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) polymorphisms may contribute to 2D:4D determination. We investigated whether ESR1 polymorphisms modify the effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on 2D:4D. Participants (n = 1024) with complete data in a prospective birth cohort study (the Hokkaido Study) were included, and maternal plasma in the third trimester was used to examine PFAS concentrations. 2D:4D was determined from photocopies of palms of children using Vernier calipers. ESR1 polymorphisms (rs2234693, rs9340799, and rs2077647) were genotyped by TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. PFAS and 2D:4D association with ESR1 polymorphisms was assessed by multiple linear regression adjusted for potential confounding factors. A 10-fold increase in maternal perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentration was associated with a 1.54% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40, 2.68] increase in mean 2D:4D in children with an AA genotype at rs9340799 and a 2.24% (95% CI: 0.57, 3.92) increase in children with an AA genotype at rs2077647. A 10-fold increase in perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) was associated with a significant increase in 2D:4D in children with the AA genotype [rs9340799, 1.18% (95% CI: 0.02, 2.34); and rs2077647, 1.67% (95% CI: 0.05, 3.28)]. These associations were apparent among males. A significant gene-environment interaction between PFOA or PFDoDA and ESR1 polymorphism was detected. These findings suggest that ESR1 polymorphisms modify the effects of prenatal exposure to PFAS on sex differentiation.
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Yang J, Wang H, Du H, Fang H, Han M, Wang Y, Xu L, Liu S, Yi J, Chen Y, Jiang Q, He G. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances was associated with estrogen homeostasis in pregnant women. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150360. [PMID: 34818773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can act as endocrine disruptors, but few studies have investigated the effects of serum PFASs on estrogen homeostasis during pregnancy. The present study included 557 pregnant women in Tangshan City, North China, and determined 11 serum PFASs in the early term of pregnancy and three typical estrogens (estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3)) in the early (n = 557), middle (n = 339), and late (n = 286) terms of pregnancy. Sociodemographic factors and diet information were obtained by structured questionnaires. After adjusting for potential confounders, multiple linear regression model demonstrated negative associations of natural logarithmic transformed serum perfluoroundecanoic acid (Ln PFUdA) with Ln E1and Ln E3 in the early term of pregnancy with β coefficients of -0.060 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.101 to -0.019) and -0.041 (95% CI: -0.070 to -0.011), respectively. Ln perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was negatively associated with averaged E1 in the early and middle (EM) terms of pregnancy with a β coefficient of -0.205 (95% CI: -0.357 to -0.053). Ln perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) tended to be negatively associated with E2 in the late term of pregnancy with a β coefficient of -0.134 (95% CI: -0.253 to -0.016) although p-value was slightly greater than 0.05 after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Mixed effect model found that serum PFDA was negatively associated with E1 (β = -0.123, 95% CI: -0.235 to -0.012) during the entire pregnancy. These findings suggested that exposure to PFASs disturbed estrogen homeostasis in pregnant women and the effects varied with the terms of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hexing Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyi Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hongji Fang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghui Han
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanping Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linji Xu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan Municipality, Hebei province, China
| | - Shuping Liu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan Municipality, Hebei province, China
| | - Jianping Yi
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Tangshan Municipality, Hebei province, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qingwu Jiang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020044. [PMID: 35202231 PMCID: PMC8878656 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their wide applicability over a vast range of industrial, professional and non-professional uses. However, increasing evidence indicate that these compounds represent also a serious concern for both wildlife and human health as a result of their ubiquitous distribution, their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulative potential. In light of the adverse effects that have been already documented in biota and human populations or that might occur in absence of prompt interventions, the competent authorities in matter of health and environment protection, the industries as well as scientists are cooperating to identify the most appropriate regulatory measures, substitution plans and remediation technologies to mitigate PFAS impacts. In this review, starting from PFAS chemistry, uses and environmental fate, we summarize the current knowledge on PFAS occurrence in different environmental media and their effects on living organisms, with a particular emphasis on humans. Also, we describe present and provisional legislative measures in the European Union framework strategy to regulate PFAS manufacture, import and use as well as some of the most promising treatment technologies designed to remediate PFAS contamination in different environmental compartments.
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Zhang C, Wu J, Chen Q, Tan H, Huang F, Guo J, Zhang X, Yu H, Shi W. Allosteric binding on nuclear receptors: Insights on screening of non-competitive endocrine-disrupting chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 159:107009. [PMID: 34883459 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107009] [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: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can compete with endogenous hormones and bind to the orthosteric site of nuclear receptors (NRs), affecting normal endocrine system function and causing severe symptoms. Recently, a series of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been discovered to bind to the allosteric sites of NRs and induce similar effects. However, it remains unclear how diverse EDCs work in this new way. Therefore, we have systematically summarized the allosteric sites and underlying mechanisms based on existing studies, mainly regarding drugs belonging to the PPCP class. Advanced methods, classified as structural biology, biochemistry and computational simulation, together with their advantages and hurdles for allosteric site recognition and mechanism insight have also been described. Furthermore, we have highlighted two available strategies for virtual screening of numerous EDCs, relying on the structural features of allosteric sites and lead compounds, respectively. We aim to provide reliable theoretical and technical support for a broader view of various allosteric interactions between EDCs and NRs, and to drive high-throughput and accurate screening of potential EDCs with non-competitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinqiu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoyue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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Rickard BP, Rizvi I, Fenton SE. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and female reproductive outcomes: PFAS elimination, endocrine-mediated effects, and disease. Toxicology 2022; 465:153031. [PMID: 34774661 PMCID: PMC8743032 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants frequently detected in drinking water supplies worldwide that have been linked to a variety of adverse reproductive health outcomes in women. Compared to men, reproductive health effects in women are generally understudied while global trends in female reproduction rates are declining. Many factors may contribute to the observed decline in female reproduction, one of which is environmental contaminant exposure. PFAS have been used in home, food storage, personal care and industrial products for decades. Despite the phase-out of some legacy PFAS due to their environmental persistence and adverse health effects, alternative, short-chain and legacy PFAS mixtures will continue to pollute water and air and adversely influence women's health. Studies have shown that both long- and short-chain PFAS disrupt normal reproductive function in women through altering hormone secretion, menstrual cyclicity, and fertility. Here, we summarize the role of a variety of PFAS and PFAS mixtures in female reproductive tract dysfunction and disease. Since these chemicals may affect reproductive tissues directly or indirectly through endocrine disruption, the role of PFAS in breast, thyroid, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function are also discussed as the interplay between these tissues may be critical in understanding the long-term reproductive health effects of PFAS in women. A major research gap is the need for mechanism of action data - the targets for PFAS in the female reproductive and endocrine systems are not evident, but the effects are many. Given the global decline in female fecundity and the ability of PFAS to negatively impact female reproductive health, further studies are needed to examine effects on endocrine target tissues involved in the onset of reproductive disorders of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Rm E121A, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Solan ME, Lavado R. The use of in vitro methods in assessing human health risks associated with short-chain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:1298-1309. [PMID: 34873727 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of industrial chemicals with a ubiquitous and persistent presence in the environment. Of the thousands of PFAS used by consumers and industry, very few have been thoroughly characterized for potential adverse effects. This is especially true for the novel short-chain (C < 8) alternatives that replaced legacy PFAS. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances have revealed inconsistencies in the toxicokinetics predicted by animal models and empirical findings in humans. To adequately assess the possible health effects of short-chain PFAS, there is a need for robust aggregated data sets on the mechanistic underpinnings and physiochemical properties of these alternatives. Acquiring relevant data on the health effects of short-chain PFAS can be achieved through high-throughput methods supported by in vitro human cell-based models. This review briefly summarizes some of the toxicity data obtained using human cells in vitro, discusses the advantages and limitations of cell-based models, and provides insights on potential solutions to challenges presented with the use of these methods for use in safety assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Solan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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Chambers WS, Hopkins JG, Richards SM. A Review of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substance Impairment of Reproduction. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:732436. [PMID: 35295153 PMCID: PMC8915888 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.732436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we compiled peer-reviewed literature describing PFAS exposure and reproductive effects in animals and humans. The aim was to compare environmental occurrence and effects of the most prominent long-chain PFAS compounds and their short-chain replacements. Long-chain PFAS compounds are known to persist in the environment due to their chemical stability, and also known to bioaccumulate; hence, these compounds are being replaced globally. Indeed, PFOA and PFOS are considered long-chain "forever pollutants," and thus the potential reproductive risk may continue for decades. Much less is known about their short-chain replacements despite the fact that they becoming more widespread in the environment. Short-chain PFAS are generally less bioaccumulative than long-chain, but they are more mobile and persistent in aquatic ecosystems. The three most prominent of these are commonly referred to as GenX, ADONA and F53B. The short-chain PFAS have similar physical and chemical properties as their predecessors; however, because they are relatively new, much less is known about the potential to disrupt reproduction. Indeed, high-quality epidemiological studies are needed to determine associations between short-chain PFAS exposure and effects on reproductive health. However, epidemiological evidence is mounting that long-chain PFAS exposure is associated with reproductive effects (i.e., decrease in fertility, reduced fetal growth and birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, thyroid hormone disruption during pregnancy, and preterm birth). Evidence from animal models and human cell lines indicates that short-chain PFAS similarly affect reproductive endpoints; however, epidemiological studies are scarce and inconsistent. Although short-chain PFAS have been quantified in drinking water and sediment worldwide, most of these studies did not focus on quantitation of GenX, ADONA, and F53B. There are also many other short-chain PFAS byproducts of manufacturing that have yet to be identified and studied. When sum total concentration of long- and short-chain PFAS are considered, the concentration rises by an order or magnitude or greater, as will the risk of exposure and subsequent reproductive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weston S. Chambers
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Jaida G. Hopkins
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Sean M. Richards
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN, United States
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Deng Y, Liang Z, Lu X, Chen D, Li Z, Wang F. The degradation mechanisms of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) by different chemical methods: A critical review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131168. [PMID: 34182635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of artificial compounds comprised of a perfluoroalkyl main chain and a terminal functional group. With them being applied in a wide range of applications, PFASs have drawn increasing regulatory attention and research interests on their reductions and treatments due to their harmful effects on environment and human beings. Among numerous studies, chemical treatments (e.g., photochemical, electrochemical, and thermal technologies) have been proved to be important methods to degradation PFASs. However, the pathways and mechanisms for the degradation of PFASs through these chemical methods still have not been well documented. This article therefore provides a comprehensive review on the degradation mechanisms of two important PFASs (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)) with photochemical, electrochemical and thermal methods. Different decomposition mechanisms of PFOA and PFOS are reviewed and discussed. Overall, the degradation pathways of PFASs are associated closely with their head groups and chain lengths, and H/F exchange and chain shortening were found to be predominant degradation mechanisms. The clear study on the degradation mechanisms of PFOA and PFOS should be very useful for the complete degradation or mineralization of PFASs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Deng
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhihong Liang
- The Pearl River Water Resources Research Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510611, China
| | - Xingwen Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Harlow SD, Hood MM, Ding N, Mukherjee B, Calafat AM, Randolph JF, Gold EB, Park SK. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Hormone Levels During the Menopausal Transition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e4427-e4437. [PMID: 34181018 PMCID: PMC8677593 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread chemicals that may affect sex hormones and accelerate reproductive aging in midlife women. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between serum PFAS concentrations at baseline (1999-2000) and longitudinal serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) at baseline and through 2015-2016. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING General community. PARTICIPANTS 1371 midlife women 45 to 56 years of age at baseline in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) FSH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG. RESULTS In linear mixed models fitted with log-transformed hormones and log-transformed PFAS adjusting for age, site, race/ethnicity, smoking status, menopausal status, parity, and body mass index, FSH was positively associated with linear perfluorooctanoate [n-PFOA; 3.12% (95% CI 0.37%, 5.95%) increase for a doubling in serum concentration), linear perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS; 2.88% (0.21%, 5.63%)], branched perfluorooctane sulfonate [2.25% (0.02%, 4.54%)], total PFOS (3.03% (0.37%, 5.76%)), and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate [EtFOSAA; 1.70% (0.01%, 3.42%)]. Estradiol was inversely associated with perfluorononanoate [PFNA; -2.47% (-4.82%, -0.05%)) and n-PFOA (-2.43% (-4.97%, 0.18%)]. Significant linear trends were observed in the associations between PFOS and EtFOSAA with SHBG across parity (Ps trend ≤ 0.01), with generally inverse associations among nulliparous women but positive associations among women with 3+ births. No significant associations were observed between PFAS and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS This study observed positive associations of PFOA and PFOS with FSH and inverse associations of PFNA and PFOA with estradiol in midlife women during the menopausal transition, consistent with findings that PFAS affect reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michelle M Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John F Randolph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ellen B Gold
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Correspondence: Sung Kyun Park, ScD, MPH, Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029.
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Du Y, Cai Z, Zhang H, Liang W, Wang H, Man Q, Wang W. Nitric oxide mediates disruption of human placental trophoblast invasion induced by perfluorobutane sulfonate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117137. [PMID: 33866218 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), an emerging pollutant, is associated with disruption of placental functions and adverse birth outcomes. However, the precise mechanism of this disruption remains unclear. Extravillous trophoblasts make up the majority of cells in the placenta, and have invasive abilities, which plays a critical role in a successful pregnancy. It has been reported that inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) signaling is associated with trophoblast migration and invasion. In this study, PFBS exposure was found to enhance trophoblast invasion and increase matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) levels. Additionally, PFBS upregulated iNOS levels and stimulated NO generation. iNOS inhibitor treatment attenuated the increased invasion of trophoblasts and MMP-9 expression induced by PFBS. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was also enhanced by PFBS exposure. In the presence of an ERK pathway inhibitor, however, the increases in trophoblast invasion, the induction of NO production, iNOS expression and MMP-9 expression induced by PFBS were attenuated. Taken together, these results suggest that iNOS/NO signaling is triggered by activation of the ERK signaling pathway, and that iNOS/NO signaling mediates PFBS-induced stimulation of trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatao Du
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200292, China
| | - Zhenzhen Cai
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200292, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200292, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200292, China
| | - Qiuhong Man
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, 200434, China
| | - Weiye Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200292, China.
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