Analytical tools monitoring endocrine disrupting chemicals

Deep eutectic solvents for the determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals

The harmful effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to humans and other organisms in the environment have been well established over the years, and more studies are ongoing to classify other chemicals that have the potential to alter or disrupt the regular function of the endocrine system. In addition to toxicological studies, analytical detection systems are progressively being improved to facilitate accurate determination of EDCs in biological, environmental and food samples. Recent microextraction methods have focused on the use of green chemicals that are safe for analytical applications, and present very low or no toxicity upon disposal. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as one of the viable alternatives to the conventional hazardous solvents, and their unique properties make them very useful in different applications. Notably, the use of renewable sources to prepare DESs leads to highly biodegradable products that mitigate negative ecological impacts. This review presents an overview of both organic and inorganic EDCs and their ramifications on human health. It also presents the fundamental principles of liquid phase and solid phase microextraction methods, and gives a comprehensive account of the use of DESs for the determination of EDCs in various samples.

Implementation of simple and effective fine droplet formation-based spray-assisted liquid phase microextraction for the simultaneous determination of twenty-nine endocrine disruptor compounds and pesticides in rock, soil, water, moss, and feces samples from antarctica using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

This study established the simultaneous determination of the selected endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pesticides in rock, soil, water, moss, and feces samples collected from the Antarctic region. The spray-assisted droplet formation-based liquid phase microextraction (SADF-LPME) coupled to GC-MS system was developed and validated for the screening and monitoring of 29 selected EDCs and pesticides. Binary solvent system, 1:1 (v/v) dichlormethane: 1,2-dichloroethane mixture was employed as an extraction solvent and sprayed onto sample or standard solutions using a straightforward and practical spray apparatus. The factors affecting the extraction process such as extraction solvent type and ratio, extraction solvent volume (spray repetition), vortexing period, and sample pH were properly optimized. Analytical figures of the merit of the method were recorded under the optimal extraction/chromatographic conditions. The LOD, LOQ, and enhancement factor were in the range of 1.0 to 6.6 ng/g, 3.2 to 22.1 ng/g, and 3.7 to 158.9, respectively. The method demonstrated a good linear working range for all the selected analytes with proper coefficients of determination. The usability and reliability of the microextraction strategy was confirmed using seawater, moss, and soil samples, and the %recoveries were within an acceptable range (> 70%) for all examined samples. The environmental samples collected from the Horseshoe and Faure Islands of the Antarctica region were analyzed to assess the potential pollution of EDCs and pesticides. This method has the potential to be employed for the analysis of EDCs in routine analytical laboratories and for controlling and screening the organic pollutant content of different environmental samples.

Risk assessment of bisphenol analogues towards mortality, heart rate and stress-mediated gene expression in cladocerans Moina micrura

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting compound that causes several toxic effects on human and aquatic organisms. The restriction of BPA in several applications has increased the substituted toxic chemicals such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS). A native tropical freshwater cladoceran, Moina micrura, was used as a bioindicator to assess the adverse effects of bisphenol analogues at molecular, organ, individual and population levels. Bisphenol analogues significantly upregulated the expressions of stress-related genes, which are the haemoglobin and glutathione S-transferase genes, but the sex determination genes such as doublesex and juvenile hormone analogue genes were not significantly different. The results show that bisphenol analogues affect the heart rate and mortality rate of M. micrura. The 48-h lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values based on acute toxicity for BPA, BPF and BPS were 611.6 µg L^-1, 632.0 µg L^-1 and 819.1 µg L^-1, respectively. The order of toxicity based on the LC₅₀ and predictive non-effect concentration values were as follows: BPA > BPF > BPS. Furthermore, the incorporated method combining the responses throughout the organisation levels can comprehensively interpret the toxic effects of bisphenol analogues, thus providing further understanding of the toxicity mechanisms. Moreover, the output of this study produces a comprehensive ecotoxicity assessment, which provides insights for the legislators regarding exposure management and mitigation of bisphenol analogues in riverine ecosystems.

Sensor technologies for the detection and monitoring of endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of man-made substances with potential to disrupt the standard function of the endocrine system. These EDCs include phthalates, perchlorates, phenols, some heavy metals, furans, dimethoate, aromatic hydrocarbons, some pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). EDCs are widespread in the environment given their frequent use in daily life. Their production, usage, and consumption have increased many-fold in recent years. Their ability to interact and mimic normal endocrine functions makes them a potential threat to human health, aquatics, and wild life. Detection of these toxins has predominantly been done by mass spectroscopy and/or chromatography-based methods and to a lesser extent by advanced sensing approaches such as electrochemical and/or colorimetric methods. Instrument-based analytical techniques are often not amenable for onsite detection due to the lab-based nature of these detecting systems. Alternatively, analytical approaches based on sensor/biosensor techniques are more attractive because they are rapid, portable, equally sensitive, and eco-friendly. Advanced sensing systems have been adopted to detect a range of EDCs in the environment and food production systems. This review will focus on advances and developments in portable sensing techniques for EDCs, encompassing electrochemical, colorimetric, optical, aptamer-based, and microbial sensing approaches. We have also delineated the advantages and limitations of some of these sensing techniques and discussed future developments in sensor technology for the environmental sensing of EDCs.

Thyroid-Friendly Soft Materials as 3D Cell Culture Tool for Stimulating Thyroid Cell Function

The disruption of thyroid hormones because of chemical exposure is a significant societal problem. Chemical evaluations of environmental and human health risks are conventionally based on animal experiments. However, owing to recent breakthroughs in biotechnology, the potential toxicity of chemicals can now be evaluated using 3D cell cultures. In this study, the interactive effects of thyroid-friendly soft (TS) microspheres on thyroid cell aggregates are elucidated and their potential as a reliable toxicity assessment tool is evaluated. Using state-of-the-art characterization methods coupled with cell-based analysis and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, it is shown that TS-microsphere-integrated thyroid cell aggregates exhibit improved thyroid function. Specifically, the responses of zebrafish embryos, which are used for thyroid toxicity analysis, and the TS-microsphere-integrated cell aggregates to methimazole (MMI), a known thyroid inhibitor, are compared. The results show that the thyroid hormone disruption response of the TS-microsphere-integrated thyroid cell aggregates to MMI is more sensitive compared with those of the zebrafish embryos and conventionally formed cell aggregates. This proof-of-concept approach can be used to control cellular function in the desired direction and hence evaluate thyroid function. Thus, the proposed TS-microsphere-integrated cell aggregates may yield new fundamental insights for advancing in vitro cell-based research.

Recent Trends in Multiclass Analysis of Emerging Endocrine Disrupting Contaminants (EDCs) in Drinking Water

Ingestion of water is a major route of human exposure to environmental contaminants. There have been numerous studies exploring the different compounds present in drinking water, with recent attention drawn to a new class of emerging contaminants: endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs encompass a broad range of physio-chemically diverse compounds; from naturally occurring to manmade. Environmentally, EDCs are found as mixtures containing multiple classes at trace amounts. Human exposure to EDCs, even at low concentrations, is known to lead to adverse health effects. Therefore, the ability to evaluate EDC contamination with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy is of the utmost importance. This review includes (i) discussion on the perceived and actual risks associated with EDC exposure (ii) regulatory actions that look to limit EDC contamination (iii) analytical methods, including sample preparation, instrumentation and bioassays that have been advanced and employed for multiclass EDC identification and quantitation.

Fetoplacental vasculature as a model to study human cardiovascular endocrine disruption

Increasing evidence has associated the exposure of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with the cardiovascular (CV) system. This exposure is particularly problematic in a sensitive window of development, pregnancy. Pregnancy exposome can affect the overall health of the pregnancy by dramatic changes in vascular physiology and endocrine activity, increasing maternal susceptibility. Moreover, fetoplacental vascular function is generally altered, increasing the risk of developing pregnancy complications (including cardiovascular diseases, CVD) and predisposing the foetus to adverse health risks later in life. Thus, our review summarizes the existing literature on exposures to EDCs during pregnancy and adverse maternal health outcomes, focusing on the human placenta, vein, and umbilical artery associated with pregnancy complications. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of fetoplacental vasculature as a model for the study of human cardiovascular endocrine disruption. Therefore, we emphasize that the placenta, together with the umbilical arteries and veins, allows a better characterization of the pregnant woman's exposome. Consequently, it contributes to the protection of the mother and foetus against CV disorders in life.

Endpoints as human biomarkers in exposure assessment of triazoles fungicides

Potential endpoint biomarkers were evaluated in the assessment of exposure to triazoles, in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Volunteers were divided into three groups: occupationally exposed and rural residents (n = 21), non-occupationally exposed and rural residents (n = 35) and non-occupationally exposed and urban residents (n = 30). Of all endpoints evaluated, plasma concentration of androstenedione (p < 0.001) and glycine-conjugated bile acids presented statistical differences in the three studied groups (p < 0.05). However, our findings concerning oxidative stress and testosterone levels, plus that related to unconjugated and taurine conjugated bile acids, suggested that more studies are necessary to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for triazole exposure, as statistical significance was not attained between the groups. Our human population data contributes to the development of triazole exposure risk assessment with respect to these potential effect biomarkers, in potentially vulnerable groups and individuals.

Evaluation of the Occurrence of Phthalates in Plastic Materials Used in Food Packaging

Phthalates are multifunctional synthetic chemicals found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products, mainly used to improve the mechanical properties of plastics, giving them flexibility and softness. In the European Union, phthalates are prohibited at levels greater than 0.1% by weight in most food packaging. In the current study, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was optimized, through the multivariate optimization process, and validated to evaluate the occurrence of four common phthalates, di-iso-butyl phthalate (DIBP), butyl-benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP), and 2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl (BDE), in different food packaging. The best extraction efficiency was achieved using the polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber at 80 °C for 30 min. The validated method showed good linearity, precision (RSD < 13%), and recoveries (90.2 to 111%). The limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.03 to 0.08 µg/L and from 0.10 to 0.24 µg/L, respectively. On average, the phthalates concentration varied largely among the assayed food packaging. DIBP was the most predominant phthalate in terms of occurrence (71.4% of analyzed simples) and concentration (from 3.61 to 10.7 μg/L). BBP was quantified in only one sample and BDE was detected in trace amounts (<LOQ) in only two samples.

Bioanalytical methodologies for clinical investigation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: a comprehensive update

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are xenobiotics that disrupt the endocrine system in humans at ecologically significant concentrations. Various substances are exposed to human health via routes including food, water, air and skin that result in disastrous maladies at low doses as well. Therefore EDCs need a meticulous strategy of analysis for dependable and consistent monitoring in humans. The management and risk assessment necessitate advancements in the detection methodologies of EDCs. Hyphenated MS-based chromatograph and other validated laboratory analysis methods are widely available and employed. Besides, in vitro bioassay techniques and biosensors are also used to conduct accurate toxicological tests. This article provides a revision of various bioanalytical detection methods and technologies for the clinical estimation of EDCs.

Non-targeted detection and differentiation of agonists versus antagonists, directly in bioprofiles of everyday products

Xenoestrogens exert antiandrogenic effects on the human androgen receptor. In the analytical field, such antagonists block the detection of testosterone and falsify results obtained by sum parameter assays. Currently, such agonistic versus antagonistic effects are not differentiated in complex mixtures. Oppositely acting hormonal effects present in products of everyday use can only be differentiated after tedious fractionation and isolation of the individual compounds along with subjection of each fraction/compound to the status quo bioassay testing. However, such long-lasting procedures are not suited for routine. Hence, we developed a fast bioanalytical tool that figures out agonists versus antagonists directly in complex mixtures. Exemplarily, 8 cosmetics and 15 thermal papers were analyzed. The determined antagonistic potentials of active compounds found were comparable to the ones of known antagonists (in reference shown for bisphenol A, 4-n-nonylphenol and four parabens). Relevant biological/chromatographic parameters such as cell viability, culture conditions, dose response curves, limits of biological detection/quantification and working range (shown for testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, nandrolone and trenbolone) were investigated to obtain the best sensitivity of the biological detection. The developed and validated method was newly termed reversed phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography planar yeast ant-/agonistic androgen screen (RP-HPTLC-pYAAS bioassay). Results were also compared with the RP-HPTLC-Aliivibrio fischeri bioassay (applied on RP plates for the first time). As proof-of-concept, the transfer to another bioassay (RP-HPTLC-pYES) was successfully demonstrated, analogously termed RP-HPTLC-pYAES bioassay detecting anti-/estrogens (exemplarily shown for evaluation of 4 pharmaceuticals used in breast cancer treatment). The new imaging concept provides (1) detection and differentiation of individual agonistic versus antagonistic effects in the bioprofiles, (2) bioanalytical quantification of their activity potential by scanning densitometry and (3) characterization of unknown bioactive compound zones by hyphenation to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Depending on the hormonal bioassay, 15 samples were analyzed in parallel within 5 h or 6 h (calculated as 20 or 24 min per sample). For the first time, piezoelectric spraying of the yeast cells was successfully demonstrated for the planar yeast-based bioassays.

Ionic liquid-supported magnetite nanoparticles as electrode modifier materials for estrogens sensing

This paper reports the application of a carbon paste electrode modified with magnetite nanoparticles and the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in the electroanalytical determination of 17β-estradiol and estriol. These estrogens are potential endocrine disruptors and thus it is relevant the development of devices for their monitoring. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential techniques were applied to characterization of the modifier materials. In cyclic voltammetry experiments, irreversible oxidation peaks were observed for 17β-estradiol and estriol at +0.320 V and +0.400 V, respectively. The anodic currents obtained were approximately three times greater than those provided by the unmodified electrode due to the presence of magnetic nanoparticles and the ionic liquid, which improved the sensitivity of modified electrode. For the analysis, the parameters of the square-wave voltammetry (scan increment, amplitude and frequency) were optimized by Box-Behnken factorial design for each estrogen. For 17β-estradiol in B-R buffer pH 12.0, the calibration plot was linear from 0.10 to 1.0 μmol L^-1, with a detection limit of 50.0 nmol L^-1. For estriol in B-R buffer pH 11.0, the linear range was 1.0 to 10.0 μmol L^-1, with a detection limit of 300.0 nmol L^-1. The modified electrode was applied in the determination of 17β-estradiol and estriol in pharmaceutical formulations and the results were comparable to those obtained using UV/VIS spectrometry. Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the results and it was concluded that there was no significant difference regarding the precision and accuracy of the data provided by the two methods.

Triple functional small-molecule-protein conjugate mediated optical biosensor for quantification of estrogenic activities in water samples

Establishing biosensors to map a comprehensive picture of potential estrogen-active chemicals remains challenging and must be addressed. Herein, we describe an estrogen receptor (ER)-based evanescent wave fluorescent biosensor by using a triple functional small-molecule-protein conjugate as a signal probe for the determination of estrogenic activities in water samples. The signal probe, consisting of a Cy5.5-labelled streptavidin (STV) moiety and a 17β-estradiol (E₂) moiety, acts simultaneously as signal conversion, signal recognition and signal report elements. When xenoestrogens compete with the E₂ moiety of conjugate in binding to the ER, the unbound conjugates are released, and their STV moiety binds with desthiobiotin (DTB) modified on the optical fiber via the STV-DTB affinity interactions. Signal probe detection is accomplished by fluorescence emission induced by an evanescent field, which positively relates with the estrogenic activities in samples. Quantification of estrogenic activity expressed as E₂ equivalent concentration (EEQ) can be achieved with a detection limit of 1.05 μg/L EEQ by using three times standard deviation of the mean blank values and a linear calibration range from 20.8 to 476.7 μg/L EEQ. The optical fiber system is robust enough for hundreds of sensing cycles. The biosensor-based determination of estrogenic activities in wastewater samples obtained from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant is consistent with that measured by the two-hybrid recombinant yeast bioassay.

Efficient extraction of estrogen receptor-active compounds from environmental surface water via a receptor-mimic adsorbent, a hydrophilic PEG-based molecularly imprinted polymer

We report an efficient screening procedure for the selective detection of compounds that are actively bound to estrogen receptor (ER) from environmental water samples using a receptor-mimic adsorbent prepared by a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). To mimic the recognition ability of ER, we improved the typical MIP preparation procedure using a hydrophilic matrix with a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based crosslinker and a hydrophobic monomer to imitate the hydrophobic pocket of ER. An optimized MIP prepared with methacrylic acid as an additional functional monomer and estriol (E3), an analogue of 17β-estradiol (E2), exhibited highly selective adsorption for ER-active compounds such as E2 and E3, with significant suppression of non-specific hydrophobic adsorption. The prepared MIP was then applied to the screening of ER-active compounds in sewage samples. The fraction concentrated by the MIP was evaluated by in vitro bioassay using the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) method and liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOFMS). Compared to an authentic adsorbent, styrene-divinylbenzene (SDB)-based resin, the fraction concentrated by the MIP had 120% ER activity in the Y2H assay, and only 25% peak volume was detected in LC-Q-TOFMS. Furthermore, a few ER-active compounds were identified only from the fraction concentrated by the MIP, although they could not be determined in the fraction concentrated by the SDB-based resin due to ion suppression along with high levels of hydrophobic compounds. These results indicated that the newly developed MIP effectively captured ER-active compounds and while allowing most non-ER-active compounds to pass through.

Sediment pollution in an urban water supply lake in southern Brazil

Urbanization and anthropogenic activities create many environmental issues in urban water supply reservoirs, especially in metropolitan regions. Thus, this study was carried out aiming to evaluate the variance in the physical-chemical characteristics of bottom sediment along the Lake Guaíba, Brazil. Lake Guaíba is a freshwater lake situated in a metropolitan region in southern Brazil, being the main water supply to the region. Surface sediment was evaluated to pH, electrical conductivity, particle-size, total organic carbon and nitrogen, metals and inorganic elements (Fe, Al, Ca, Ba, Sr, Co, Tl, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg), and organic compounds. The sediments in the Lake Guaíba show a wide range in the physical-chemical characteristics. Metals Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni appear in higher concentrations near to the margin of southern Porto Alegre, where there was also more clay plus silt. Sediments of Lake Guaíba have physical-chemical variability by the settle tendency and water flow from the riverine to lacustrine areas. The sediment in Lake Guaíba had a median of: Zn, 132; Cu, 78; Cr, 42; Ni, 28; Pb, 33; Cd, 0.3; and Hg, 0.07 μg/g. Bed sediments of Lake Guaíba are polluted with Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni, major in the east margin (near to Porto Alegre). The potential toxic metals and organic compounds found in Lake Guaíba are commonly reported in urban regions around the world. Those elements and compounds derive from many anthropic activities, as industries, sewage, and vehicles. With diffuse sources in the region, the pollution control in Lake Guaíba is very complex.

Genome Analysis of Rhodococcus Sp. DSSKP-R-001: A Highly Effective β-Estradiol-Degrading Bacterium

We screened bacteria that use E2 as its sole source of carbon and energy for growth and identified them as Rhodococcus, and we named them DSSKP-R-001. For a better understanding of the metabolic potential of the strain, whole genome sequencing of Rhodococcus DSSKP-R-001 and annotation of the functional genes were performed. The genomic sketches included a predicted protein-coding gene of approximately 5.4 Mbp with G + C content of 68.72% and 5180. The genome of Rhodococcus strain DSSKP-R-001 consists of three replicons: one chromosome and two plasmids of 5.2, 0.09, and 0.09, respectively. The results showed that there were ten steroid-degrading enzymes distributed in the whole genome of the strain. The existence and expression of estradiol-degrading enzymes were verified by PCR and RTPCR. Finally, comparative genomics was used to compare multiple strains of Rhodococcus. It was found that Rhodococcus DSSKP-R-001 had the highest similarity to Rhodococcus sp. P14 and there were 2070 core genes shared with Rhodococcus sp. P14, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1, Rhodococcus opacus B4, and Rhodococcus equi 103S, showing evolutionary homology. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of Rhodococcus DSSKP-R-001 in estradiol-efficient degradation of these assays for Rhodococcus. DSSKP-R-001 in bioremediation and evolution within Rhodococcus has important meaning.

Editor's Highlight: Structure-Based Investigation on the Binding and Activation of Typical Pesticides With Thyroid Receptor

A broad range of pesticides have been reported to interfere with the normal function of the thyroid endocrine system. However, the precise mechanism(s) of action has not yet been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, 21 pesticides were assessed for their binding interactions and the potential to disrupt thyroid homeostasis. In the GH3 luciferase reporter gene assays, 5 of the pesticides tested had agonistic effects in the order of procymidone > imidacloprid > mancozeb > fluroxypyr > atrazine. 11 pesticides inhibited luciferase activity of T3 to varying degrees, demonstrating their antagonistic activity. And there are 4 pesticides showed mixed effects when treated with different concentrations. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor technique was used to directly measure the binding interactions of these pesticides to the human thyroid hormone receptor (hTR). 13 pesticides were observed to bind directly with TR, with a KD ranging from 4.80E-08 M to 9.44E-07 M. The association and disassociation of the hTR/pesticide complex revealed 2 distinctive binding modes between the agonists and antagonists. At the same time, a different binding mode was displayed by the pesticides showed mix agonist and antagonist activity. In addition, the molecular docking simulation analyses indicated that the interaction energy calculated by CDOCKER for the agonists and antagonists correlated well with the KD values measured by the surface plasmon resonance assay. These results help to explain the differences of the TR activities of these tested pesticides.

Advanced data mining approaches in the assessment of urinary concentrations of bisphenols, chlorophenols, parabens and benzophenones in Brazilian children and their association to DNA damage

Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has received considerable attention over the last three decades. However, little is known about the influence of co-exposure to multiple EDCs on effect-biomarkers such as oxidative stress in Brazilian children. In this study, concentrations of 40 EDCs were determined in urine samples collected from 300 Brazilian children of ages 6-14 years and data were analyzed by advanced data mining techniques. Oxidative DNA damage was evaluated from the urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHDG). Fourteen EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP), propyl paraben (PrP), 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid (3,4-DHB), methyl-protocatechuic acid (OH-MeP), ethyl-protocatechuic acid (OH-EtP), triclosan (TCS), triclocarban (TCC), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP3), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP1), bisphenol A bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·2H₂O), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), and 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) were found in >50% of the urine samples analyzed. The highest geometric mean concentrations were found for MeP (43.1 ng/mL), PrP (3.12 ng/mL), 3,4-DHB (42.2 ng/mL), TCS (8.26 ng/mL), BP3 (3.71 ng/mL), and BP1 (4.85 ng/mL), and exposures to most of which were associated with personal care product (PCP) use. Statistically significant associations were found between urinary concentrations of 8OHDG and BPA, MeP, 3,4-DHB, OH-MeP, OH-EtP, TCS, BP3, 2,4-DCP, and 2,5-DCP. After clustering the data on the basis of i) 14 EDCs (exposure levels), ii) demography (age, gender and geographic location), and iii) 8OHDG (effect), two distinct clusters of samples were identified. 8OHDG concentration was the most critical parameter that differentiated the two clusters, followed by OH-EtP. When 8OHDG was removed from the dataset, predictability of exposure variables increased in the order of: OH-EtP > OH-MeP > 3,4-DHB > BPA > 2,4-DCP > MeP > TCS > EtP > BP1 > 2,5-DCP. Our results showed that co-exposure to OH-EtP, OH-MeP, 3,4-DHB, BPA, 2,4-DCP, MeP, TCS, EtP, BP1, and 2,5-DCP was associated with DNA damage in children. This is the first study to report exposure of Brazilian children to a wide range of EDCs and the data mining approach further strengthened our findings of chemical co-exposures and biomarkers of effect.

Biosensing estrogenic endocrine disruptors in human blood and urine: A RAPID cell-free protein synthesis approach

Many diseases and disorders are linked to exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that mimic the function of natural estrogen hormones. Here we present a Rapid Adaptable Portable In-vitro Detection biosensor platform (RAPID) for detecting chemicals that interact with the human estrogen receptor β (hERβ). This biosensor consists of an allosteric fusion protein, which is expressed using cell-free protein synthesis technology and is directly assayed by a colorimetric response. The resultant biosensor successfully detected known EDCs of hERβ (BPA, E2, and DPN) at similar or better detection range than an analogous cell-based biosensor, but in a fraction of time. We also engineered cell-free protein synthesis reactions with RNAse inhibitors to increase production yields in the presence of human blood and urine. The RAPID biosensor successfully detects EDCs in these human samples in the presence of RNAse inhibitors. Engineered cell-free protein synthesis facilitates the use of protein biosensors in complex sample matrices without cumbersome protein purification.

Label-Free Biosensor Detection of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds Using Engineered Estrogen Receptors

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) are chemical substances shown to interfere with endogenous hormones affecting the endocrine, immune and nervous systems of mammals. EDCs are the causative agents of diseases including reproductive disorders and cancers. This highlights the urgency to develop fast and sensitive methods to detect EDCs, which are detrimental even at very low concentrations. In this work, we propose a label-free surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor method to detect specific EDCs (17 β-estradiol (E2), ethinyl-estradiol, 4-nonylphenol, tamoxifen) through their binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). We show that the use of rationally designed ERα (as bio-recognition element) in combination with conformation-sensitive peptides (as amplification agent, resulting in increased responses) enables the detection of low parts per billion (ppb) levels of E2. As a proof of concept, this bioassay was used to detect E2 in (spiked) real water samples from fish farms, rivers and the sea at low ppb levels after concentration by solid phase extraction. In addition, the present SPR assay that combines a conformation-sensitive peptide with an array of ERα mutants is very promising for the assessment of the risk of potential estrogenic activity for chemical substances.

Multi-class of endocrine disrupting compounds in aquaculture ecosystems and health impacts in exposed biota

Fishes are a major protein food source for humans, with a high economic value in the aquaculture industry. Because endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) have been introduced into aquatic ecosystems, the exposure of humans and animals that depend on aquatic foods, especially fishes, should be seriously considered. EDCs are emerging pollutants causing global concern because they can disrupt the endocrine system in aquatic organisms, mammals, and humans. These pollutants have been released into the environment through many sources, e.g., wastewater treatment plants, terrestrial run-off (industrial activities, pharmaceuticals, and household waste), and precipitation. The use of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and fertilizers for maintaining and increasing fish health and growth also contributes to EDC pollution in the water body. Human and animal exposure to EDCs occurs via ingestion of contaminated matrices, especially aquatic foodstuffs. This paper aims to review human EDC exposure via fish consumption. In respect to the trace concentration of EDCs in fish, types of instrument and clean-up method are of great concerns.

Effect of methomyl on sex steroid hormone and vitellogenin levels in serum of male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and recovery pattern

Tilapia were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of 0, 0.2, 2, 20 or 200 μg/L for 30 days, then transferred to methomyl-free water for 18 days. E₂ , T, 11-KTand VTG in serum were examined. There were no significant changes in all the parameters in serum of tilapia exposed to 0.2 μg/L and 2 μg/L methomyl compared to the control. However, 20 μg/L and 200 μg/L have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system of male tilapia, as shown by its ability to increase VTG and E₂ and decrease T and 11-KT in serum. Thus it would appear the no observed adverse effect level for sexual steroid hormones of methomyl is lower than 2 μg/L. Recovery data showed that the effects produced by 20μg/L were reversible but not at 200μg/L. Furthermore, the sensitivity of above parameters to methomyl followed the order of VTG>E₂ >11-KT>T>GSI, suggesting VTG being the better biomarkers.

An ultrahigh-performance chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry quantitative method for trace analysis of potential endocrine disrupting steroid hormones in estuarine sediments

RATIONALE

Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems, providing vital habitat for unique organisms of great ecological and commercial importance. The influx of natural and synthetic steroid hormones into estuaries poses risks to these organisms and to broader ecosystem health. However, detecting these trace level pollutants in estuarine water and sediment requires improved analytical techniques.

METHODS

We describe an optimized ultrahigh-performance chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantitation of four classes of steroid hormones (estrogens, glucocorticoids, androgens and progestins) in sediment samples collected from an Alabama estuary. Sediment samples were homogenized using Hydromatrix (HM) sorbent and extracted with methanol and water (70%, v/v). Centrifuged extracts were purified using an Agilent Bond Elut QuEChERS dispersive-SPE kit to eliminate interfering substances that could negatively influence the ionization process. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Poroshell 120 Phenyl-Hexyl column using an Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC pump. Quantitation was carried out using an Agilent triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a JetStream/ESI source in dual mode.

RESULTS

Chromatographic separation and better peak resolution were accomplished on an Agilent Poroshell 120 Phenyl-Hexyl column using a binary gradient method with a mobile phase consisting of 1 mM ammonium fluoride in water and a mixture of methanol/acetonitrile. A dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was developed by optimizing various MS parameters. The method was used to analyze target steroid hormones in estuarine sediments. A total of ten steroid hormones were detected at trace amounts in estuarine sediments.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimized analytical method described here involves reasonably simple sample preparation and simultaneous trace level quantitation of four classes (estrogens, glucocorticoids, androgens and progestins) of steroid hormones in a single experimental run. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quantifying Hormone Disruptors with an Engineered Bacterial Biosensor

Endocrine disrupting compounds are found in increasing amounts in our environment, originating from pesticides, plasticizers, and pharmaceuticals, among other sources. Although the full impact of these compounds is still under study, they have already been implicated in diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The list of chemicals that disrupt normal hormone function is growing at an alarming rate, making it crucially important to find sources of contamination and identify new compounds that display this ability. However, there is currently no broad-spectrum, rapid test for these compounds, as they are difficult to monitor because of their high potency and chemical dissimilarity. To address this, we have developed a new detection strategy for endocrine disrupting compounds that is both fast and portable, and it requires no specialized skills to perform. This system is based on a native estrogen receptor construct expressed on the surface of Escherichia coli, which enables both the detection of many detrimental compounds and signal amplification from impedance measurements due to the binding of bacteria to a modified electrode. With this approach, sub-ppb levels of estradiol and ppm levels of bisphenol A are detected in complex solutions. Rather than responding to individual components, this system reports the total estrogenic activity of a sample using the most relevant biological receptor. As an applied example, estrogenic chemicals released from a plastic baby bottle following microwave heating were detectable with this technique. This approach should be broadly applicable to the detection of chemically diverse classes of compounds that bind to a single receptor.

Effects of methomyl on steroidogenic gene transcription of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad-liver axis in male tilapia

Male tilapia were exposed to sub-lethal methomyl concentrations of 0, 0.2, 2, 20 or 200 μg/L for 30 d, and were subsequently cultured in methomyl-free water for 18 d. Relative transcript abundance of steroidogenic genes involved in the HPGL axis of male tilapia was examined at 30 d in the exposure test and at 18 d in the recovery test. The results revealed that low concentrations of methomyl (0.2 and 2 μg/L) did not cause significant changes in gene mRNA levels in the HPGL axis of male tilapia; thus, we considered 2 μg/L concentrations as the level that showed no apparent adverse endocrine disruption effects. However, higher concentrations of methomyl (20 and 200 μg/L) disrupted the endocrine system and caused significant increase in the levels of GnRH2, GnRH3, ERα, and ERβ genes in the hypothalamus, GnRHR and FSHβ genes in the pituitary, CYP19a, FSHR, and ERα genes in the testis, and VTG and ERα genes in the liver, and significantly decreased the levels of LHR, StAR, 3β-HSD, and ARα genes in the testis and LHβ gene in the pituitary, leading to changes in sex steroid hormone and vitellogenin levels in the serum and ultimately resulting in reproductive dysfunction in male tilapia. The recovery tests showed that the toxicity effect caused by 20 μg/L methomyl was reversible; however, the toxicity effect at 200 μg/L of methomyl was irreversible after 18 d. Therefore, we concluded that 200 μg/L was the threshold concentration for methomyl-induced irreversible endocrine disruption in male tilapia.

Responses and recovery pattern of sex steroid hormones in testis of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sublethal concentration of methomyl

Tilapia were exposed to sublethal methomyl concentrations of 0, 0.2, 2, 20 or 200 μg/L for 30 days, and then transferred to methomyl-free water for 18 days. The sexual steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in tilapia testes were examined at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days after methomyl exposure, and at 18 days after fish were transferred to methomyl-free water. There were no significant changes in the hormone parameters in testes of tilapia exposed to low concentration 0.2 and 2 μg/L methomyl compared with the controls. However, high concentration 20 and 200 μg/L methomyl had the potential to disrupt the endocrine system of male tilapia, as shown by an increase in E₂ and a decrease in T and 11-KT in the testes. Thus, it would appear that the 2 μg/L methomyl might be considered the no-observed-adverse-effect level. Recovery data showed that the effects produced by the lower concentration of 20 μg/L were reversible but the effects were not reversible at the higher concentration of 200 μg/L.