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Sepp K, László A, Gálfi M, Radács M, Mózes M, Hausinger P, Pálföldi R, Veszelka M, Valkusz Z, Molnár Z. Study of endocrine disruptor effects in AVP and OT mediated behavioral and reproductive processes in female rat models. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114597. [PMID: 38830445 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114597] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposures may have endocrine disruptor (ED) effects, e.g., a role for halogenated hydrocarbon chlorobenzenes in increasing vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OT) secretion and, in association, anxiety and aggression in male rats has been shown. Our aim is to investigate whether 1,2,4-trichlorobenzenehexachlorobenzene= 1:1 (mClB) treatment of female rats also shows ED effects and reproductive biology differences, and whether AVP may have a mediator role in this? Female Wistar rats were treated (0.1; 1.0; 10.0 μg/bwkg/day) with mClB (by gastrictube) and then 30; 60; 90 days after treatment anxiety (open field test) and aggressive (resident intruder test) behaviors AVP, OT concentrations from blood plasma samples were detected by radioimmunoassay on 30; 60; 90 days. Treated female rats were mated with untreated males. Mating success, number of newborn and maternal aggression on the neonates were monitored. Results showed that AVP, OT levels; and anxiety, aggressive behaviors; and mothers' aggression towards their offspring increased significantly in relation to the duration and the dose of mClB treatment. But mating propensity and number of offspring decreased. Patterns of AVP, OT release and anxiety, aggression behaviors, and reproductive-related behaviors were correlated. Consistent with the literature, our studies confirmed the role of AVP and OT in different behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztián Sepp
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Anna László
- Department of Applied Statistics, Institute of Mathematics and Basic Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Gálfi
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Biology and Education, Juhász Gyula Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Marianna Radács
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Biology and Education, Juhász Gyula Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Miklós Mózes
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Biology and Education, Juhász Gyula Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Hausinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Regina Pálföldi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Deszk, Hungary
| | - Médea Veszelka
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Valkusz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Molnár
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Biology and Education, Juhász Gyula Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Ramirez-Duarte WF, Moran BM, Powell DL, Bank C, Sousa VC, Rosenthal GG, Schumer M, Rochman CM. Hybridization in the Anthropocene - how pollution and climate change disrupt mate selection in freshwater fish. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 39092475 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Chemical pollutants and/or climate change have the potential to break down reproductive barriers between species and facilitate hybridization. Hybrid zones may arise in response to environmental gradients and secondary contact between formerly allopatric populations, or due to the introduction of non-native species. In freshwater ecosystems, field observations indicate that changes in water quality and chemistry, due to pollution and climate change, are correlated with an increased frequency of hybridization. Physical and chemical disturbances of water quality can alter the sensory environment, thereby affecting chemical and visual communication among fish. Moreover, multiple chemical compounds (e.g. pharmaceuticals, metals, pesticides, and industrial contaminants) may impair fish physiology, potentially affecting phenotypic traits relevant for mate selection (e.g. pheromone production, courtship, and coloration). Although warming waters have led to documented range shifts, and chemical pollution is ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems, few studies have tested hypotheses about how these stressors may facilitate hybridization and what this means for biodiversity and species conservation. Through a systematic literature review across disciplines (i.e. ecotoxicology and evolutionary biology), we evaluate the biological interactions, toxic mechanisms, and roles of physical and chemical environmental stressors (i.e. chemical pollution and climate change) in disrupting mate preferences and inducing interspecific hybridization in freshwater fish. Our study indicates that climate change-driven changes in water quality and chemical pollution may impact visual and chemical communication crucial for mate choice and thus could facilitate hybridization among fishes in freshwater ecosystems. To inform future studies and conservation management, we emphasize the importance of further research to identify the chemical and physical stressors affecting mate choice, understand the mechanisms behind these interactions, determine the concentrations at which they occur, and assess their impact on individuals, populations, species, and biological diversity in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson F Ramirez-Duarte
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Benjamin M Moran
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 327 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Daniel L Powell
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 327 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Claudia Bank
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Universität Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Vitor C Sousa
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande 016, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Gil G Rosenthal
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas de las Huastecas 'Aguazarca', Calnali, Hgo, 43244, Mexico
| | - Molly Schumer
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 327 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
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Boughman JW, Brand JA, Brooks RC, Bonduriansky R, Wong BBM. Sexual selection and speciation in the Anthropocene. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:654-665. [PMID: 38503640 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.02.005] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic change threatens global biodiversity by causing severe ecological disturbance and extinction. Here, we consider the effects of anthropogenic change on one process that generates biodiversity. Sexual selection (a potent evolutionary force and driver of speciation) is highly sensitive to the environment and, thus, vulnerable to anthropogenic ecological change. Anthropogenic alterations to sexual display and mate preference can make it harder to distinguish between conspecific and heterospecific mates or can weaken divergence via sexual selection, leading to higher rates of hybridization and biodiversity loss. Occasionally, anthropogenically altered sexual selection can abet diversification, but this appears less likely than biodiversity loss. In our rapidly changing world, a full understanding of sexual selection and speciation requires a global change perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette W Boughman
- Department of Integrative Biology & Evolution, Ecology and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Jack A Brand
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Västerbotten, SE-907 36, Sweden
| | - Robert C Brooks
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Russell Bonduriansky
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Kolena B, Hlisníková H, Nagyová M, Orendáčová K, Vondráková M, Petrovičová I, Mlynček M, Weiss P, Pfaus JG. Endocrine effect of phthalate metabolites and a butterfly effect of prenatal exposure to androgens on qualitative aspects of female sexual response- an initial survey. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-024-00919-1. [PMID: 38806628 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-024-00919-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that endocrine disruptive chemicals have deleterious effects on sexual and reproductive function. To examine subjective sexual functions in human females and their relationship to postnatal phthalate exposure and perinatal androgenization, a Sexuality Score (SS) was established from a first-stage survey questionnaire of subjective sexual function filled out by female university students (n = 68; average age 25.23 ± 5.17 years; rural 25.51 ± 6.74 vs. urban 25.85 ± 1.43 years). Seventeen phthalate metabolites in urine samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Females were also assessed for the 2D:4D digit ratio as an index of perinatal androgenization. The mean age of menarche was 12.82 ± 1.35 years (rural 12.59 ± 1.39 vs. urban 13.18 ± 1.27; p = 0.01). The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 14.88 ± 6.89 years (rural 14.62 ± 7.20 vs. urban 15.24 ± 6.55), and as the age of first sexual intercourse increases, the SS score tends to increase as well, albeit moderately (r = 0.25, p = 0.037). Mono-iso-butyl phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono(hydroxy-n-butyl) phthalate, mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (p ≤ 0.05) and mono(2-carboxymethylhexyl) phthalate (p ≤ 0.01) were negatively associated with SS. A compounding butterfly effect of prenatal exposure to androgens was observed with disruptive effects of mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate on sexual function. Exposure to phthalates in adult females may lead to disruption of subjective sexual function, especially concerning sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, and perinatal androgenization could augment these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislav Kolena
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia.
| | - Henrieta Hlisníková
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Nagyová
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Orendáčová
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Mária Vondráková
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Ida Petrovičová
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miloš Mlynček
- Department of Nursing, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Petr Weiss
- Department of Psychology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Deaprtment of Psychology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Center for Sexual Health and Intervention, Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
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Mohanty B. Pesticides exposure and compromised fitness in wild birds: Focusing on the reproductive endocrine disruption. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 199:105800. [PMID: 38458691 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105800] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Exposure of pesticides to wildlife species, especially on the aspect of endocrine disruption is of great concern. Wildlife species are more at risk to harmful exposures to the pesticides in their natural habitat through diet and several other means. Species at a higher tropic level in the food chain are more susceptible to the deleterious effects due to sequential biomagnifications of the pesticides/metabolites. Pesticides directly affect fitness of the species in the wild causing reproductive endocrine disruption impairing the hormones of the gonads and thyroid glands as reproduction is under the influence of cross regulations of these hormones. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of important literatures on the impact of the current use pesticides in disruption of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes particularly in birds addressing impacts on the reproductive impairments and overall fitness. In addition to the epidemiological studies, laboratory investigations those provide supportive evidences of the probable mechanisms of disruption in the wild also have been incorporated in this review. To accurately predict the endocrine-disruption of the pesticides as well as to delineate the risk associated with potential cumulative effects, studies are to be more focused on the environmentally realistic exposure dose, mixture pesticide exposures and transgenerational effects. In addition, strategic screening/appropriate methodologies have to be developed to reveal the endocrine disruption potential of the contemporary use pesticides. Demand for adequate quantitative structure-activity relationships and insilico molecular docking studies for timely validation have been highlighted.
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Ferris Pasquini V, Hurtazo H, Quintanilla F, Cruz-Soto M. 2,4-Dichlorophenol Shows Estrogenic Endocrine Disruptor Activity by Altering Male Rat Sexual Behavior. TOXICS 2023; 11:843. [PMID: 37888694 PMCID: PMC10611086 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Chlorophenols (CPs) have been extensively used worldwide as a treatment to prevent the growth and proliferation of different microorganisms, mainly in the wood and farm industries. Chlorine has been used for water disinfection, and phenol groups are water contaminants; these two groups can react with each other to form species such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). 2,4-DCP is still used as an herbicide in many countries such as Mexico. CPs have been largely analyzed, like bisphenol A, for their probable endocrine-disrupting effects in humans and aquatic animals. We still do not understand whether these endocrine responses can be manifested as an impairment in sexual behavior in rodents. With the present toxicology study, the endocrine-disrupting effects of 2,4-DCP on male sexual behavior were investigated. Sexually naïve male Wistar rats were used to assess the endocrine-disrupting effects of 2,4-DCP. The rats were divided into two groups: one control group and one experimental group that was administered 1.25 mg/day of 2,4-DCP for 45 days. After completing treatment, the male sexual behavior of the rats was evaluated. The results of this investigation demonstrated that 2,4-DCP affected male sexual behavior. A decrease in mount latency, intromission latency, and post ejaculation period compared with the control animals was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ferris Pasquini
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Querétaro, Universidad del Valle de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (V.F.P.)
| | - Hector Hurtazo
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Querétaro, Universidad del Valle de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (V.F.P.)
| | - Francisco Quintanilla
- Programa de Gastronomía, Facultad de Filosofía, Campus Aeropuerto, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Martha Cruz-Soto
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Querétaro, Universidad del Valle de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; (V.F.P.)
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Dai X, Pradhan A, Liu J, Liu R, Zhai G, Zhou L, Dai J, Shao F, Yuan Z, Wang Z, Yin Z. Zebrafish gonad mutant models reveal neuroendocrine mechanisms of brain sexual dimorphism and male mating behaviors of different brain regions. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:53. [PMID: 37605245 PMCID: PMC10440941 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00534-7] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually dimorphic mating behaviors differ between sexes and involve gonadal hormones and possibly sexually dimorphic gene expression in the brain. However, the associations among the brain, gonad, and sexual behavior in teleosts are still unclear. Here, we utilized germ cells-free tdrd12 knockout (KO) zebrafish, and steroid synthesis enzyme cyp17a1-deficient zebrafish to investigate the differences and interplays in the brain-gonad-behavior axis, and the molecular control of brain dimorphism and male mating behaviors. METHODS Tdrd12+/-; cyp17a1+/- double heterozygous parents were crossed to obtain tdrd12-/-; cyp17a1+/+ (tdrd12 KO), tdrd12+/+; cyp17a1-/- (cyp17a1 KO), and tdrd12-/-; cyp17a1-/- (double KO) homozygous progenies. Comparative analysis of mating behaviors were evaluated using Viewpoint zebrafish tracking software and sexual traits were thoroughly characterized based on anatomical and histological experiments in these KOs and wild types. The steroid hormone levels (testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone and 17β-estradiol) in the brains, gonads, and serum were measured using ELISA kits. To achieve a higher resolution view of the differences in region-specific expression patterns of the brain, the brains of these KOs, and control male and female fish were dissected into three regions: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain for transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS Qualitative analysis of mating behaviors demonstrated that tdrd12-/- fish behaved in the same manner as wild-type males to trigger oviposition behavior, while cyp17a1-/- and double knockout (KO) fish did not exhibit these behaviors. Based on the observation of sex characteristics, mating behaviors and hormone levels in these mutants, we found that the maintenance of secondary sex characteristics and male mating behavior did not depend on the presence of germ cells; rather, they depended mainly on the 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone levels secreted into the brain-gonad regulatory axis. RNA-seq analysis of different brain regions revealed that the brain transcript profile of tdrd12-/- fish was similar to that of wild-type males, especially in the forebrain and midbrain. However, the brain transcript profiles of cyp17a1-/- and double KO fish were distinct from those of wild-type males and were partially biased towards the expression pattern of the female brain. Our results revealed important candidate genes and signaling pathways, such as synaptic signaling/neurotransmission, MAPK signaling, and steroid hormone pathways, that shape brain dimorphism and modulate male mating behavior in zebrafish. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide comprehensive analyses and new insights regarding the endogenous interactions in the brain-gonad-behavior axis. Moreover, this study revealed the crucial candidate genes and neural signaling pathways of different brain regions that are involved in modulating brain dimorphism and male mating behavior in zebrafish, which would significantly light up the understanding the neuroendocrine and molecular mechanisms modulating brain dimorphism and male mating behavior in zebrafish and other teleost fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebrorebro University, 70182, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Linyan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiyan Dai
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Feng Shao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhijian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Prenatal Exposure to an EDC Mixture, NeuroMix: Effects on Brain, Behavior, and Stress Responsiveness in Rats. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10030122. [PMID: 35324748 PMCID: PMC8954446 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans and wildlife are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) throughout their lives. Environmental EDCs are implicated in a range of diseases/disorders with developmental origins, including neurodevelopment and behavior. EDCs are most often studied one by one; here, we assessed outcomes induced by a mixture designed to represent the real-world situation of multiple simultaneous exposures. The choice of EDCs, which we refer to as “NeuroMix,” was informed by evidence for neurobiological effects in single-compound studies and included bisphenols, phthalates, vinclozolin, and perfluorinated, polybrominated, and polychlorinated compounds. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed the NeuroMix or vehicle, and then offspring of both sexes were assessed for effects on postnatal development and behaviors and gene expression in the brain in adulthood. In order to determine whether early-life EDCs predisposed to subsequent vulnerability to postnatal life challenges, a subset of rats were also given a stress challenge in adolescence. Prenatal NeuroMix exposure decreased body weight and delayed puberty in males but not females. In adulthood, NeuroMix caused changes in anxiety-like, social, and mate preference behaviors only in females. Effects of stress were predominantly observed in males. Several interactions of NeuroMix and stress were found, especially for the mate preference behavior and gene expression in the brain. These findings provide novel insights into how two realistic environmental challenges lead to developmental and neurobehavioral deficits, both alone and in combination, in a sex-specific manner.
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Li X, Wang J, Ba W, Zhang S, Lin Z, Gao M, Tian H, Ru S. Mechanistic revealing of reproductive behavior impairment in male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) induced by environmentally realistic 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131839. [PMID: 34403901 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131839] [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: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although (PS)2, the primary degradation product of emerging antifouling biocides metal pyrithiones (MePTs), can disrupt the reproductive behavior of fish at an environmentally relevant ng/L level, the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. This study exposed sexually mature male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to 20, 200, and 2000 ng/L (PS)2 to explore the compromised effect of (PS)2 on reproductive behavior through a realistic competing scenario. The results showed that (PS)2 suppressed male guppies' sexual interest to stimulus females, reduced their competitive behavior frequencies toward rival males, and decreased their mating time and frequency. (PS)2 exposure did not affect male guppies' secondary sexual characteristics or induce estrogenic activity. Whole-brain transcriptome sequencing identified 1070 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 872 up-regulated genes, which were functionally enriched into Gene Ontology terms pertaining to extracellular matrix (ECM) and extracellular region. KEGG enrichment for the DEGs uncovered that the activations of ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways could be the underlying molecular mechanism implicated in the (PS)2 induced reproductive behavior impairment. This work would deliver a substantial contribution to the understanding of the ecological safety of MePTs biocides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefu Li
- Colleges of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Colleges of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Wanyu Ba
- Colleges of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Suqiu Zhang
- Colleges of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Zhenxian Lin
- School of Biology and Brewing Engineering, Taishan University, 525 Dongyue Street, Tai'an, 271000, Shandong province, China
| | - Ming Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Hua Tian
- Colleges of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China.
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- Colleges of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
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Tan H, Bertram MG, Martin JM, Ecker TE, Hannington SL, Saaristo M, O'Bryan MK, Wong BBM. The endocrine disruptor 17β-trenbolone alters the relationship between pre- and post-copulatory sexual traits in male mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:148028. [PMID: 34087738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It is now well-established that reproduction in wildlife can be disrupted by anthropogenic environmental changes, such as chemical pollution. However, very little is known about how these pollutants might affect the interplay between pre- and post-copulatory mechanisms of sexual selection. Here, we investigated the impacts of 21-day exposure of male eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) to a field-realistic level (average measured concentration: 11 ng/L) of the endocrine-disrupting chemical 17β-trenbolone (17β-TB) on pre- and post-copulatory reproductive traits. We examined male reproductive behaviour by testing the time spent near a female behind a partition, as well as the number of copulation attempts made, and the time spent chasing a female in a free-swimming context. Sperm traits were also assayed for all males. We found that exposure of male fish to 17β-TB altered the relationship between key pre- and post-copulatory reproductive traits. Furthermore, 17β-TB-exposed males had, on average, a higher percentage of motile sperm, and performed fewer copulation attempts than unexposed males. However, there was no overall effect of 17β-TB exposure on either the time males spent associating with or chasing females. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the potential for chemical pollutants to affect both pre- and post-copulatory sexual traits, and the interplay between these mechanisms of sexual selection in contaminated wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael G Bertram
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiarne E Ecker
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Minna Saaristo
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; EPA Victoria, Water Sciences, Victoria, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Vandenberg LN, Pelch KE. Systematic Review Methodologies and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Improving Evaluations of the Plastic Monomer Bisphenol A. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:748-764. [PMID: 34610783 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666211005163614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in plastics, personal care products, household items, and other consumer goods. Risk assessments are intended to characterize a chemical's hazards, identify the doses at which adverse outcomes are observed, quantify exposure levels, and then compare these doses to determine the likelihood of risk in a given population. There are many problems with risk assessments for EDCs, allowing people to be exposed to levels that are later associated with serious health outcomes in epidemiology studies. OBJECTIVE In this review, we examine issues that affect the evaluation of EDCs in risk assessments (e.g., use of insensitive rodent strains and absence of disease-oriented outcomes in hazard assessments; inadequate exposure assessments). We then review one well-studied chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA; CAS #80-05-7) an EDC found in plastics, food packaging, and other consumer products. More than one hundred epidemiology studies suggest associations between BPA exposures and adverse health outcomes in environmentally exposed human populations. FINDINGS We present support for the use of systematic review methodologies in the evaluation of BPA and other EDCs. Systematic reviews would allow studies to be evaluated for their reliability and risk of bias. They would also allow all data to be used in risk assessments, which is a requirement for some regulatory agencies. CONCLUSION Systematic review methodologies can be used to improve evaluations of BPA and other EDCs. Their use could help to restore faith in risk assessments and ensure that all data are utilized in decision-making. Regulatory agencies are urged to conduct transparent, well-documented and proper systematic reviews for BPA and other EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, United States
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12
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Lawton E, Antczak P, Walker S, Germain-Cripps E, Falciani F, Routledge EJ. An investigation into the biological effects of indirect potable reuse water using zebrafish embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147981. [PMID: 34323829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Advanced treatment technologies are being assessed as a proactive measure to assist with the transformation of treated wastewater into a source of water for potable water production. We investigated the biological effects along an advanced water treatment pilot plant, using zebrafish embryos throughout early development. The study compared phenotypic observations with global transcriptome responses, enabling us to keep an open mind about the chemicals that might influence the biological activity. There was no evidence of acute toxicity at any treatment stage, but skeletal, cardiovascular and pigmentation changes occurred in a small proportion of embryos along the treatment process, and in a tap water; not detected in the aquarium water control. Reverse osmosis (RO) reduced the concentration of measured chemical contaminants in the water the most, while eliminating the occurrence of abnormalities detected in fish embryos. Conversely, advanced oxidation reversed the benefits of RO treatment by increasing the frequency of teratogenic and sub-lethal abnormalities seen. Using the molecular responses of zebrafish embryos to different IPR water, we report the bioactivity within the water at different stages of advanced treatment and associate these to perturbed biological functions. Transcriptomic analysis revealed alterations to the retinoid system, which was consistent with the observed teratogenic effects. Changes to tryptophan metabolism (associated with the production of melatonin required for the control of normal circadian rhythms) and somatolactin-beta (associated with normal pigmentation in fish) were also found. We show that underexplored forms of biological activity occur in treated wastewater effluent, and/or may be created depending on the type of advanced treatment process used. By integrating the available analytical chemistry we highlight chemical groups associated to this response. Our study shows that more detailed and in-depth characterisation of chemicals and biological pathways associated with advanced treatment water systems are needed to mitigate possible risks to downstream organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lawton
- Brunel University London, Institute for Environment Health and Societies, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - P Antczak
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, L69 7ZB, UK; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - S Walker
- Brunel University London, Institute for Environment Health and Societies, UB8 3PH, UK
| | | | - F Falciani
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - E J Routledge
- Brunel University London, Institute for Environment Health and Societies, UB8 3PH, UK.
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13
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Hernandez Scudder ME, Young RL, Thompson LM, Kore P, Crews D, Hofmann HA, Gore AC. EDCs Reorganize Brain-Behavior Phenotypic Relationships in Rats. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab021. [PMID: 33928200 PMCID: PMC8055178 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All species, including humans, are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Previous experiments have shown behavioral deficits caused by EDCs that have implications for social competence and sexual selection. The neuromolecular mechanisms for these behavioral changes induced by EDCs have not been thoroughly explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that EDCs administered to rats during a critical period of embryonic brain development would lead to the disruption of normal social preference behavior, and that this involves a network of underlying gene pathways in brain regions that regulate these behaviors. Rats were exposed prenatally to human-relevant concentrations of EDCs (polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], vinclozolin [VIN]), or vehicle. In adulthood, a sociosexual preference test was administered. We profiled gene expression of in preoptic area, medial amygdala, and ventromedial nucleus. Prenatal PCBs impaired sociosexual preference in both sexes, and VIN disrupted this behavior in males. Each brain region had unique sets of genes altered in a sex- and EDC-specific manner. The effects of EDCs on individual traits were typically small, but robust; EDC exposure changed the relationships between gene expression and behavior, a pattern we refer to as dis-integration and reconstitution. These findings underscore the effects that developmental exposure to EDCs can have on adult social behavior, highlight sex-specific and individual variation in responses, and provide a foundation for further work on the disruption of genes and behavior after prenatal exposure to EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca L Young
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Lindsay M Thompson
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Pragati Kore
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - David Crews
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Hans A Hofmann
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.,Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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14
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Wang W, Ru S, Wang L, Wei S, Zhang J, Qin J, Liu R, Zhang X. Bisphenol S exposure alters behavioral parameters in adult zebrafish and offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 741:140448. [PMID: 32610242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The environmental emission of bisphenol S (BPS), which is globally utilized in the manufacturing of polycarbonates, epoxy resin and thermal paper, has affected the aquatic ecosystem. Thus, effects of BPS exposure on the fitness of aquatic animals have been noted. Here, adult male and female zebrafish were used as aquatic model organisms and separately exposed to environmentally relevant doses of BPS (0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/L) for 14 days. The results showed that BPS changed the body pigment of zebrafish and slowed the maturation of oocytes in the ovary, resulting in a significant decrease in the shoaling behavior of adult zebrafish and the attraction of BPS-treated females during the mating process. Furthermore, in the subgeneration of adult zebrafish exposed to BPS for 7 days, survival behaviors, such as locomotor, phototaxis and feeding behaviors, deviated from normal behaviors. After exposing the adult zebrafish to BPS for an additional 7 days, the above described survival behaviors and light adaptation were disrupted in offspring. Our data, based on intergenerational behavioral studies, demonstrate that BPS affects the behaviors of aquatic animals and the ability of offspring to feed and avoid predators, possibly jeopardizing the survival of aquatic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Research (YC), Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Shuhui Wei
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jingyu Qin
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Rui Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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15
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Abstract
Technology is giving rise to artificial erotic agents, which we call erobots (erôs + bot). Erobots, such as virtual or augmented partners, erotic chatbots, and sex robots, increasingly expose humans to the possibility of intimacy and sexuality with artificial agents. Their advent has sparked academic and public debates: some denounce their risks (e.g., promotion of harmful sociosexual norms), while others defend their potential benefits (e.g., health, education, and research applications). Yet, the scientific study of human-machine erotic interaction is limited; no comprehensive theoretical models have been proposed and the empirical literature remains scarce. The current research programs investigating erotic technologies tend to focus on the risks and benefits of erobots, rather than providing solutions to resolve the former and enhance the latter. Moreover, we feel that these programs underestimate how humans and machines unpredictably interact and co-evolve, as well as the influence of sociocultural processes on technological development and meaning attribution. To comprehensively explore human-machine erotic interaction and co-evolution, we argue that we need a new unified transdisciplinary field of research-grounded in sexuality and technology positive frameworks-focusing on human-erobot interaction and co-evolution as well as guiding the development of beneficial erotic machines. We call this field Erobotics. As a first contribution to this new discipline, this article defines Erobotics and its related concepts; proposes a model of human-erobot interaction and co-evolution; and suggests a path to design beneficial erotic machines that could mitigate risks and enhance human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dubé
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Dave Anctil
- Department of Philosophy, Jean-de-Brebeuf College, Montreal, QC Canada
- Observatoire sur les Impacts Sociétaux de l’Intelligence Artificielle et du Numérique, Laval University, Québec, QC Canada
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16
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Spickler JL, Swaddle JP, Gilson RL, Varian-Ramos CW, Cristol DA. Sexually selected traits as bioindicators: exposure to mercury affects carotenoid-based male bill color in zebra finches. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1138-1147. [PMID: 32862260 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To examine whether sexually selected traits are particularly sensitive bioindicators of environmental toxicants, we assessed the effects of exposure to environmentally relevant dietary concentrations of the pollutant methylmercury on pigment coloration in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). First, we tested whether effects of methylmercury on coloration were influenced by timing of exposure. Birds were either exposed developmentally (up to 114 days after hatching), as adults (after reaching sexual maturity), or for their entire life. Bill coloration, which is a carotenoid-based, sexually selected trait, was less red in males with lifetime exposure to methylmercury, compared to controls. Neither adult, nor developmental exposure influenced bill color in adult males, with the possible exception of early exposure of nestlings. Among females, where bill color is not under strong sexual selection, neither lifetime nor adult exposure to methylmercury affected bill color. For males and females, there was no effect of either lifetime or adult methylmercury exposure on coloration of back feathers, which is a non-sexually-dimorphic, melanin-based trait that is not likely the result of sexual selection. This study is a comprehensive experimental test of the proposal that sexually selected traits may be particularly useful bioindicators of the stress imposed by environmental toxins such as methylmercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Spickler
- Department of Biology, Institute for Bird Behavior Studies, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA
| | - John P Swaddle
- Institute for Integrative Conservation, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA
| | - Rebecca L Gilson
- Department of Biology, Institute for Bird Behavior Studies, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA
| | | | - Daniel A Cristol
- Department of Biology, Institute for Bird Behavior Studies, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA.
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17
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Hernandez Scudder ME, Weinberg A, Thompson L, Crews D, Gore AC. Prenatal EDCs Impair Mate and Odor Preference and Activation of the VMN in Male and Female Rats. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5874569. [PMID: 32692847 PMCID: PMC7448938 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) disrupt hormone-dependent biological processes. We examined how prenatal exposure to EDCs act in a sex-specific manner to disrupt social and olfactory behaviors in adulthood and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Pregnant rat dams were injected daily from embryonic day 8 to 18 with 1 mg/kg Aroclor 1221 (A1221), 1 mg/kg vinclozolin, or the vehicle (6% DMSO in sesame oil). A1221 is a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (weakly estrogenic) while vinclozolin is a fungicide (anti-androgenic). Adult male offspring exposed to A1221 or vinclozolin, and females exposed to A1221, had impaired mate preference behavior when given a choice between 2 opposite-sex rats that differed by hormone status. A similar pattern of impairment was observed in an odor preference test for urine-soaked filter paper from the same rat groups. A habituation/dishabituation test revealed that all rats had normal odor discrimination ability. Because of the importance of the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus (VMNvl) in mate choice, expression of the immediate early gene product Fos was measured, along with its co-expression in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) cells. A1221 females with impaired mate and odor preference behavior also had increased neuronal activation in the VMNvl, although not specific to ERα-expressing neurons. Interestingly, males exposed to EDCs had normal Fos expression in this region, suggesting that other neurons and/or brain regions mediate these effects. The high conservation of hormonal, olfactory, and behavioral traits necessary for reproductive success means that EDC contamination and its ability to alter these traits has widespread effects on wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Weinberg
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Lindsay Thompson
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - David Crews
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
- Correspondence: Andrea C. Gore, PhD, University of Texas at Austin, 107 W. Dean Keeton St., Box C0875, Austin, TX, 78712. E-mail:
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18
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Hernandez Scudder ME, Kunkel MN, Gore AC. Exposure to prenatal PCBs shifts the timing of neurogenesis in the hypothalamus of developing rats. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:550-560. [PMID: 32798281 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The developing brain is highly sensitive to the hormonal milieu, with gonadal steroid hormones involved in neurogenesis, neural survival, and brain organization. Limited available evidence suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may perturb these developmental processes. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Aroclor 1221, would disrupt the normal timing of neurogenesis in two hypothalamic regions: the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) and the preoptic area (POA). These regions were selected because of their important roles in the control of sociosexual behaviors that are perturbed in adulthood by prenatal EDC exposure. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to PCBs from Embryonic Day 8 (E8) to E18, encompassing the period of neurogenesis of all hypothalamic neurons. To determine the birth dates of neurons, bromo-2-deoxy-5-uridine (BrdU) was administered to dams on E12, E14, or E16. On the day after birth, male and female pups were perfused, brains immunolabeled for BrdU, and numbers of cells counted. In the VMN, exposure to PCBs significantly advanced the timing of neurogenesis compared to vehicle-treated pups, without changing the total number of BrdU+ cells. In the POA, PCBs did not change the timing of neurogenesis nor the total number of cells born. This is the first study to show that PCBs can shift the timing of neurogenesis in the hypothalamus, specifically in the VMN but not the POA. This result has implications for functions controlled by the VMN, especially sociosexual behaviors, as well as for sexual selection more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea C Gore
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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19
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Frankfurt M, Luine V, Bowman RE. A potential role for dendritic spines in bisphenol-A induced memory impairments during adolescence and adulthood. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2020; 114:307-329. [PMID: 32723549 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical, alters many behaviors and neural parameters in rodents and non-human-primates. The effects of BPA are mediated via gonadal hormone, primarily, estrogen receptors, and are not limited to the perinatal period since recent studies show impairments further into development. The studies described in this chapter address the effects of BPA administration during early adolescence on memory and dendritic spine density in intact male and female rats as well as ovariectomized (OVX) rats in late adolescence and show that some of these adolescent induced changes endure into adulthood. In general, BPA impairs spatial memory and induces decreases in dendritic spine density in the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex, two areas important for memory. The effects of adolescent BPA in intact females are compared to OVX females in an attempt to address the importance of estrogens in the mechanism(s) underlying the profound neuronal alterations occurring during adolescent development. In addition, potential mechanisms by which acute and chronic BPA induce structural alterations are discussed. These studies suggest a complex interaction between low doses of BPA, gonadal state and neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Frankfurt
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States.
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20
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DeLeon S, Webster MS, DeVoogd TJ, Dhondt AA. Developmental polychlorinated biphenyl exposure influences adult zebra finch reproductive behaviour. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230283. [PMID: 32191759 PMCID: PMC7082000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are worldwide chemical pollutants that have been linked to disrupted reproduction and altered sexual behaviour in many organisms. However, the effect of developmental PCB-exposure on adult passerine reproductive behaviour remains unknown. A commercial PCB mixture (Aroclor 1242) or an estrogenic congener (PCB 52) were administered in sublethal amounts to nestling zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in the laboratory to identify effects of developmental PCB-exposure on adult zebra finch reproductive parameters. Results indicate that although traditional measures of reproductive success are not altered by this PCB dosage, PCBs do alter sexual behaviours such as male song and nesting behaviour. Males treated with PCB 52 in the nest sang significantly fewer syllables than control males, while females treated with Aroclor 1242 in the nest showed the strongest song preferences. PCB treatment also caused an increase in the number of nesting attempts and abandoned nests in the Aroclor 1242 treatment relative to the PCB 52 treatment, and offspring with control fathers fledged significantly earlier than those with fathers treated with Aroclor 1242. Behavioural differences between males seem to best explain these reproductive effects, most notably aggression. These findings suggest that sublethal PCB-exposure during development can significantly alter key reproductive characteristics of adult zebra finches, likely reducing fitness in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara DeLeon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael S. Webster
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. DeVoogd
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - André A. Dhondt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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21
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Bertram MG, Tomkins P, Saaristo M, Martin JM, Michelangeli M, Tomkins RB, Wong BBM. Disruption of male mating strategies in a chemically compromised environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 703:134991. [PMID: 31757546 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A leading source of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment is run-off of veterinary pharmaceuticals used in agriculture, including hormonal growth promotants (HGPs). Despite being banned in various countries, HGP use is still common in beef production around the world. The androgenic steroid 17β-trenbolone (17β-TB) is a HGP that commonly enters surface waters via livestock effluent run-off. Here, we used a flow-through system to expose wild-caught adult male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to an environmentally realistic level of 17β-TB (average measured concentration = 2 ng/L) for 21 days. We then compared the response of exposed and unexposed males to sequentially presented large and small stimulus (unexposed) females. Due to a positive size-fecundity relationship, larger females are generally expected to be preferred by males. While we found no evidence that the size of a previously encountered female affected the amount of courtship or coercive 'sneak' mating behaviour performed by males during the second presentation, males from both exposure treatments conducted more frequent courting events towards larger females during both presentations, suggesting an absolute preference for greater female size. Further, across both presentations, 17β-TB exposure caused a shift in male mating strategy towards increased coercive sneaking behaviour, although male sequential investment into mating effort was not impacted at the tested dosage. In combination, our findings demonstrate that exposure to a field-realistic level of a widespread agricultural pollutant alters male mating strategies in fish, and contribute to a growing understanding of sub-lethal impacts of chemical contaminants on complex behaviours in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Bertram
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Patrick Tomkins
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Minna Saaristo
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jake M Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Michelangeli
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Raymond B Tomkins
- Centre for AgriBioscience, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Victoria, Australia
| | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Mhaouty-Kodja S. Courtship vocalizations: A potential biomarker of adult exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 501:110664. [PMID: 31765692 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In rodents, male courtship is stimulated by pheromones emitted by the sexually receptive female. In response, the male produces ultrasonic vocalizations, which appear to play a role in female attraction and facilitate copulation. The present review summarizes the main findings on courtship vocalizations and their tight regulation by sex steroid hormones. It describes studies that address the effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) on ultrasound production, as changes in hormone levels or their signaling pathways may interfere with the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations. It also discusses the potential use of this behavior as a noninvasive biomarker of adult exposure to EDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 7 quai St Bernard, Bât A 3ème étage, 75005, Paris, France.
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Goymann
- Abteilung für Verhaltensneurobiologie Max‐Planck‐Institut für Ornithologie Seewiesen Germany
| | - Martin Küblbeck
- Abteilung für Verhaltensneurobiologie Max‐Planck‐Institut für Ornithologie Seewiesen Germany
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24
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Gore AC, Krishnan K, Reilly MP. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Effects on neuroendocrine systems and the neurobiology of social behavior. Horm Behav 2019; 111:7-22. [PMID: 30476496 PMCID: PMC6527472 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A contribution to SBN/ICN special issue. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are pervasive in the environment. They are found in plastics and plasticizers (bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates), in industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and include some pesticides and fungicides such as vinclozolin. These chemicals act on hormone receptors and their downstream signaling pathways, and can interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, and actions. Because the developing brain is particularly sensitive to endogenous hormones, disruptions by EDCs can change neural circuits that form during periods of brain organization. Here, we review the evidence that EDCs affect developing hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems, and change behavioral outcomes in juvenile, adolescent, and adult life in exposed individuals, and even in their descendants. Our focus is on social, communicative and sociosexual behaviors, as how an individual behaves with a same- or opposite-sex conspecific determines that individual's ability to exist in a community, be selected as a mate, and reproduce successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Krittika Krishnan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael P Reilly
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Topper VY, Reilly MP, Wagner LM, Thompson LM, Gillette R, Crews D, Gore AC. Social and neuromolecular phenotypes are programmed by prenatal exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 479:133-146. [PMID: 30287398 PMCID: PMC6263824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect the development of hormone-sensitive neural circuits, the proper organization of which are necessary for the manifestation of appropriate adult social and sexual behaviors. We examined whether prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a family of ubiquitous industrial contaminants detectable in virtually all humans and wildlife, caused changes in sexually-dimorphic social interactions and communications, and profiled the underlying neuromolecular phenotype. Rats were treated with a PCB commercial mixture, Aroclor 1221 (A1221), estradiol benzoate (EB) as a positive control for estrogenic effects of A1221, or the vehicle (4% DMSO), on embryonic day (E) 16 and 18. In adult F1 offspring, we first conducted tests of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) calls in a sociosexual context as a measure of motivated communications. Numbers of certain USV call types were significantly increased by prenatal treatment with A1221 in males, and decreased by EB in females. In a test of sociosexual preference for a hormone-vs. a non-hormone-primed opposite sex conspecific, male (but not female) nose-touching with opposite-sex rats was significantly diminished by EDCs. Gene expression profiling was conducted in two brain regions that are part of the social decision-making network in the brain: the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) and the ventromedial nucleus (VMN). In both regions, many more genes were affected by A1221 or EB in females than males. In female MPN, A1221 changed expression of steroid hormone receptor and neuropeptide genes (e.g., Ar, Esr1, Esr2, and Kiss1). In male MPN, only Per2 was affected by A1221. The VMN had a number of genes affected by EB compared to vehicle (females: Kiss1, Kiss1r, Pgr; males: Crh) but not A1221. These differences between EB and A1221 indicate that the mechanism of action of A1221 goes beyond estrogenic pathways. These data show sex-specific effects of prenatal PCBs on adult behaviors and the neuromolecular phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Y Topper
- The Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael P Reilly
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lauren M Wagner
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lindsay M Thompson
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ross Gillette
- The Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - David Crews
- The Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- The Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Krishnan K, Rahman S, Hasbum A, Morales D, Thompson LM, Crews D, Gore AC. Maternal care modulates transgenerational effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on offspring pup vocalizations and adult behaviors. Horm Behav 2019; 107:96-109. [PMID: 30576639 PMCID: PMC6366859 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can act upon a developing organism to change its endocrine health and behavior in adulthood. Beyond actions on the exposed individuals, transgenerational effects of several EDCs have been reported. This study assessed the combinatorial impact of EDC-altered maternal care and transgenerational inheritance on F3 male and female offspring. Pregnant rats were exposed to EDCs with different modes of action: the weakly estrogenic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture Aroclor 1221, the anti-androgenic fungicide vinclozolin (VIN), or the vehicle (6% dimethylsulfoxide in sesame oil; VEH) during embryonic development. The F1 male and female offspring were bred through the paternal- or maternal-lineage with untreated partners to generate F2 offspring. This process was repeated through both maternal and paternal lineages to create the F3 generation. Maternal care of F2 dams towards their F3 offspring was altered in a lineage-dependent manner, particularly in PCB paternal-lineage animals. When F3 pups were recorded for ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) following separation from the mother, the rate of neonatal USVs in F3 offspring were decreased in PCB paternal-lineage pups. In adulthood, anxiety-like behaviors of the F3 rats were tested, with only small effects of EDCs detected. These interactions of maternal behaviors and EDC effects across generations, especially via the paternal lineage, has implications for health and environmental responses in wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krittika Krishnan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Shafaqat Rahman
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Asbiel Hasbum
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Daniel Morales
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lindsay M Thompson
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - David Crews
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Integrative Biology, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Saaristo M, Brodin T, Balshine S, Bertram MG, Brooks BW, Ehlman SM, McCallum ES, Sih A, Sundin J, Wong BBM, Arnold KE. Direct and indirect effects of chemical contaminants on the behaviour, ecology and evolution of wildlife. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1297. [PMID: 30135169 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical contaminants (e.g. metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals) are changing ecosystems via effects on wildlife. Indeed, recent work explicitly performed under environmentally realistic conditions reveals that chemical contaminants can have both direct and indirect effects at multiple levels of organization by influencing animal behaviour. Altered behaviour reflects multiple physiological changes and links individual- to population-level processes, thereby representing a sensitive tool for holistically assessing impacts of environmentally relevant contaminant concentrations. Here, we show that even if direct effects of contaminants on behavioural responses are reasonably well documented, there are significant knowledge gaps in understanding both the plasticity (i.e. individual variation) and evolution of contaminant-induced behavioural changes. We explore implications of multi-level processes by developing a conceptual framework that integrates direct and indirect effects on behaviour under environmentally realistic contexts. Our framework illustrates how sublethal behavioural effects of contaminants can be both negative and positive, varying dynamically within the same individuals and populations. This is because linkages within communities will act indirectly to alter and even magnify contaminant-induced effects. Given the increasing pressure on wildlife and ecosystems from chemical pollution, we argue there is a need to incorporate existing knowledge in ecology and evolution to improve ecological hazard and risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Saaristo
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tomas Brodin
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Sweden.,Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, SLU, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sigal Balshine
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael G Bertram
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, TX, USA
| | - Sean M Ehlman
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Erin S McCallum
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Andrew Sih
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Bob B M Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Mhaouty-Kodja S, Naulé L, Capela D. Sexual Behavior: From Hormonal Regulation to Endocrine Disruption. Neuroendocrinology 2018; 107:400-416. [PMID: 30326485 DOI: 10.1159/000494558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual behavior constitutes a chain of behavioral responses beginning with courtship and leading to copulation. These responses, which are exhibited in a sexually dimorphic manner by the two partners, are tightly regulated by sex steroid hormones as early as the perinatal period. Hormonal changes or exposure to exogenous factors exhibiting hormone-mimetic activities, such as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC), can therefore interfere with their expression. Here we review the experimental studies in rodents performed to address the potential effects of exposure to EDC on sexual behavior and underlying mechanisms, with particular attention to molecules with estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic activities.
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