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Curi TZ, Passoni MT, Lima Tolouei SE, de Araújo Ramos AT, França de Almeira SC, Scinskas ABAF, Romano RM, de Oliveira JM, Spercoski KM, Carvalho Dos Santos A, Dalsenter PR, Koch HM, Martino-Andrade AJ. Reproductive toxicity following in utero and lactational exposure to a human-relevant phthalate mixture in rats. Toxicol Sci 2023; 197:1-15. [PMID: 37788136 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This rodent (Wistar rats) study examined reproductive effects of in utero/lactational exposure to a mixture of 6 antiandrogenic phthalates (PMix): diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, diisopentyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and diisononyl phthalate. The PMix was defined based on exposure data from pregnant women in Brazil. Experimental groups were established by extrapolating the estimated human dose to rats (0.1 mg/kg/day), followed by up to 3 additional doses corresponding to 5, 1000, and 5000 times the starting rat dose: 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day. The fetal experiment assessed gestational exposure effects on fetal gonads, whereas the postnatal experiment evaluated reproductive parameters in males and females after in utero and lactational exposure. Prenatal exposure decreased fetal testicular testosterone production at 0.5 and 500 mg/kg/day. PMix 500 also reduced mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-related genes, upregulated transcript expression of the retinoic acid-degrading enzyme Cyp26b1, and increased multinucleated gonocytes incidence in fetal testes. Postnatal assessment revealed antiandrogenic effects at the highest dose, including reduced anogenital distance, nipple retention, and decreased weight of reproductive organs. Early puberty onset (preputial separation) was observed at the lowest dose in males. In contrast, females did not show significant changes in fetal and adult endpoints. Overall, the PMix recapitulated early and late male rat phthalate syndrome phenotypes at the highest dose, but also induced some subtle changes at lower doses, which warrant confirmation and mechanistic assessments. Our data support the use of epidemiologically defined mixtures for exposure risk assessments over traditional toxicological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Zauer Curi
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Marcella Tapias Passoni
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Sara Emilia Lima Tolouei
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Anderson Tadeu de Araújo Ramos
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Samara Christina França de Almeira
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Anna Beatriz Abreu Ferraz Scinskas
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Guarapuava, PR 85040-167, Brazil
| | - Jeane Maria de Oliveira
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Guarapuava, PR 85040-167, Brazil
| | | | - Ariany Carvalho Dos Santos
- Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, MS 9804-970, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Dalsenter
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
| | - Holger Martin Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-University-Bochum (IPA), Bochum 44789, Germany
| | - Anderson Joel Martino-Andrade
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-990, Brazil
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Mustieles V, Lascouts A, Pozo OJ, Haro N, Lyon-Caen S, Jedynak P, Bayat S, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Sabaredzovic A, Slama R, Ouellet-Morin I, Philippat C. Longitudinal Associations between Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates and Steroid Hormones in Maternal Hair Samples from the SEPAGES Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19202-19213. [PMID: 37931007 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
We assessed phthalate-hormone associations in 382 pregnant women of the new-generation SEPAGES cohort (2014-2017, France) using improved exposure and outcome assessments. Metabolites from seven phthalate compounds and the replacement di(isononyl)cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) were measured in within-subject pools of repeated urine samples collected at the second and third pregnancy trimesters (≈21 samples/trimester). Metabolites from five steroid hormones were measured in maternal hair samples collected at delivery, reflecting cumulative levels over the previous weeks to months. Adjusted linear regression and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) mixture models were performed. Each doubling in third-trimester urinary mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations was associated with an average increase of 13.3% (95% CI: 2.65, 24.9) for ∑cortisol, 10.0% (95% CI: 0.26, 20.7) for ∑cortisone, 17.3% (95% CI: 1.67, 35.4) for 11-dehydrocorticosterone, and 16.2% (95% CI: 2.20, 32.1) for testosterone, together with a suggestive 10.5% (95% CI: -1.57, 24.1) increase in progesterone levels. Each doubling in second-trimester urinary di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) concentrations was inversely associated with testosterone levels (-11.6%; 95% CI: -21.6, -0.31). For most hormones, a nonsignificant trend toward a positive phthalate mixture effect was observed in the third but not in the second trimester. Our study showed that exposure to some phthalate metabolites, especially MBzP, may affect adrenal and reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Mustieles
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Aurélien Lascouts
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Haro
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Pulmonology and Physiology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
- Grenoble Alpes University - Inserm UA07, 38400 Grenoble, France
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit K Sakhi
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Azemira Sabaredzovic
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- Research Center, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, H1N 3M5 Québec, Canada; School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, H3C 3J7 Québec, Canada
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Development and Respiratory Health (EDES), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Özel F, Stratmann M, Lindh C, Gennings C, Bornehag CG, Rüegg J. Prenatal exposure to phthalates and gender-specific play behavior at seven years of age in the SELMA study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108029. [PMID: 37331180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence shows that prenatal exposure to phthalates affects child development. Since many phthalates have been shown to alter endocrine signaling, they may influence reproductive development, neurodevelopment, and child behavior. Indeed, a few studies reported associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and gender-specific play behavior. However, evidence for this relationship is limited, and previous findings are based on single phthalates, while human exposure entails mixtures of chemicals. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the associations between prenatal exposure to single phthalates, as well as a phthalate mixture, and gender-specific play behavior. METHODS A total of 715 mother-child pairs from the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal, Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) study were included. In the median week 10 of pregnancy, phthalate metabolites were measured in urine. Gender-specific play behavior was measured with Preschool Activities Inventory at the age of seven years. Linear and weighted quantile sum regressions were used; data was stratified by sex. Models were adjusted for child and maternal age, maternal education, parental attitudes toward play behavior, and urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS For boys, single compound analyses revealed negative associations of prenatal exposure to di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) concentrations with masculine (β = -1.44; 95% CI = -2.72, -0.16) and composite (β = -1.43; 95% CI = -2.72, -0.13) scores. Suggestive associations were also observed with a mixture approach identifying DINP as the main contributor of the association of decreased masculine play. Among girls, higher urinary concentrations of 2,4-methyl-7-oxyooctyl-oxycarbonyl-cyclohexane carboxylic acid (MOiNCH) was associated with decreased feminine (β = -1.59; 95% CI = -2.62, -0.57) and masculine scores (β = -1.22; 95% CI = -2.14, -0.29), whereas the mixture analyses did not yield conclusive results for girls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest associations of prenatal exposure to DINP with decreased masculine play behavior in boys while the results for girls were not fully conclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Özel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan - Womher, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden.
| | - Marlene Stratmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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Ding N, Zheutlin E, Harlow SD, Randolph JF, Mukherjee B, Park SK. Associations Between Repeated Measures of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites With Hormones and Timing of Natural Menopause. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad024. [PMID: 36846211 PMCID: PMC9945847 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phthalates, ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may affect ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. We examined the associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with hormones including estradiol, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and timing of natural menopause in midlife women. Data were from 1189 multiracial/multiethnic women aged 45 to 56 years without hormone therapy from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Urinary concentrations of 12 phthalate metabolites and hormones were repeatedly measured in 1999 to 2000 and 2002 to 2003, resulting in a total of 2111 observations. Linear mixed-effect models were used to calculate percentage differences (%D) and 95% CIs in serum concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, FSH, SHBG, and AMH. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of natural menopause. We observed statistically significant associations of phthalate metabolites with lower testosterone concentrations: MCOP with testosterone (%D: -2.08%; 95% CI, -3.66 to -0.47) and MnBP with testosterone (%D: -1.99%; 95% CI, -3.82 to -0.13), after adjusting for multiple comparisons with false discovery rates less than 5%. Lower AMH concentrations were also found with higher MECPP (%D: -14.26%; 95% CI, -24.10 to -3.14), MEHHP (%D: -15.58%; 95% CI, -24.59 to -5.50), and MEOHP (%D: -13.50%; 95% CI, -22.93 to -2.90). No associations were observed for other hormones or timing of natural menopause. These results suggest that exposure to phthalates may affect circulating levels of testosterone and diminish the ovarian reserve in midlife women. Given the widespread exposure, reduced exposure to phthalates may be a key step to prevent reproductive effects of phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Emily Zheutlin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - John F Randolph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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Astuto MC, Benford D, Bodin L, Cattaneo I, Halldorsson T, Schlatter J, Sharpe RM, Tarazona J, Younes M. Applying the adverse outcome pathway concept for assessing non-monotonic dose responses: biphasic effect of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on testosterone levels. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:313-327. [PMID: 36336711 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Male reproduction is one of the primary health endpoints identified in rodent studies for some phthalates, such as DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), and BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate). The reduction in testosterone level was used as an intermediate key event for grouping some phthalates and to establish a reference point for risk assessment. Phthalates, and specifically DEHP, are one of the chemicals for which the greatest number of non-monotonic dose responses (NMDRs) are observed. These NMDRs cover different endpoints and situations, often including testosterone levels. The presence of NMDR has been the subject of some debate within the area of chemical risk assessment, which is traditionally anchored around driving health-based guidance values for apical endpoints that typically follow a clear monotonic dose-response. The consequence of NMDR for chemical risk assessment has recently received considerable attention amongst regulatory agencies, which confirmed its relevance particularly for receptor-mediated effects. The present review explores the relationship between DEHP exposure and testosterone levels, investigating the biological plausibility of the observed NMDRs. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept is applied to integrate NMDRs into Key Event Relationships (KERs) for exploring a mechanistic understanding of initial key events and possibly associated reproductive and non-reproductive adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Astuto
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy.
| | - D Benford
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - L Bodin
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - I Cattaneo
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - T Halldorsson
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy.,Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - J Schlatter
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - R M Sharpe
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - J Tarazona
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - M Younes
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
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Ovarian Reserve Disorders, Can We Prevent Them? A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315426. [PMID: 36499748 PMCID: PMC9737352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ovarian reserve is finite and begins declining from its peak at mid-gestation until only residual follicles remain as women approach menopause. Reduced ovarian reserve, or its extreme form, premature ovarian insufficiency, stems from multiple factors, including developmental, genetic, environmental exposures, autoimmune disease, or medical/surgical treatment. In many cases, the cause remains unknown and resulting infertility is not ultimately addressed by assisted reproductive technologies. Deciphering the mechanisms that underlie disorders of ovarian reserve could improve the outcomes for patients struggling with infertility, but these disorders are diverse and can be categorized in multiple ways. In this review, we will explore the topic from a perspective that emphasizes the prevention or mitigation of ovarian damage. The most desirable mode of fertoprotection is primary prevention (intervening before ablative influence occurs), as identifying toxic influences and deciphering the mechanisms by which they exert their effect can reduce or eliminate exposure and damage. Secondary prevention in the form of screening is not recommended broadly. Nevertheless, in some instances where a known genetic background exists in discrete families, screening is advised. As part of prenatal care, screening panels include some genetic diseases that can lead to infertility or subfertility. In these patients, early diagnosis could enable fertility preservation or changes in family-building plans. Finally, Tertiary Prevention (managing disease post-diagnosis) is critical. Reduced ovarian reserve has a major influence on physiology beyond fertility, including delayed/absent puberty or premature menopause. In these instances, proper diagnosis and medical therapy can reduce adverse effects. Here, we elaborate on these modes of prevention as well as proposed mechanisms that underlie ovarian reserve disorders.
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New evidence for deleterious effects of environmental contaminants on the male gamete. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106886. [PMID: 34774338 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The decreasing trend in human and domestic animal fertility in recent decades has resulted in the question of whether reduced sperm quality is associated with changes in global climate and the environment. Proposed causes for reduced sperm quality include environmental contaminants, which enter into the body of animals through the food chain and are transported to the reproductive tract, where contaminating agents can have effects on fertilization capacities of gametes. In this review, there is a focus on various environmental contaminants and potential effects on male fertility. Human-derived contaminants, particularly endocrine-disrupting phthalates and the pesticide atrazine, are discussed. Naturally occurring toxins are also addressed, in particular mycotoxins such as aflatoxin which can be components in food consumed by humans and animals. Mechanisms by which environmental contaminants reduce male fertility are not clearly defined; however, are apparently multifactorial (i.e., direct and indirect effects) with there being diverse modes of action. Results from studies with humans, rodents and domestic animals indicate there are deleterious effects of contaminants on male gametes at various stages of spermatogenesis (i.e., in the testis) during passage through the epididymis, and in mature spermatozoa, after ejaculation and during capacitation. Considering there is never detection of a single contaminant, this review addresses synergistic or additive effects of combinations of contaminants. There is new evidence highlighted for the long-lasting effects of environmental contaminants on spermatozoa and developing embryos. Understanding the risk associated with environmental contaminants for animal reproduction may lead to new management strategies, thereby improving reproductive processes.
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Aimuzi R, Wang Y, Luo K, Jiang Y. Exposure to phthalates, phenols, and parabens mixture and alterations in sex steroid hormones among adolescents. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134834. [PMID: 35533932 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to phthalates (PAEs), phenols, and parabens has been linked with sex hormone imbalance; however, previous studies were predominantly limited to adults and failed to examine the combined effects of these chemicals mixture among adolescents. Thus, we used the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2016) to explore the associations of urinary PAEs, phenols, and parabens biomarkers with sex hormones among participants aged 12-19 years old (n = 613). Latent class analysis (LCA) and quantile-based g-computation (QGC) were applied to assess the associations of the latent exposure profiles and chemicals mixture with sex hormone indicators, including steroid hormones and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), in adolescents and by sex. Using LCA, four latent classes were identified among all participants. Compared with the class characterized by "Low exposure", the class represented by "High PAEs" [mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and monobenzyl phthalate (MBZP)] had lower level of estradiol (E2) [β = -0.249, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.419, -0.08], free androgen index (FAI) (β = -0.258, 95%CI: -0.512, -0.005) and free testosterone (FT) (β = -0.248, 95%CI: -0.496, -0.001) among male adolescents. These results were echoed by the results in QGC analyses, where PAEs mixture was negatively associated with E2 (β = -0.137, 95% CI: -0.263, -0.011), FAI (β = -0.198, 95%CI: -0.387, -0.008) and FT (β = -0.189, 95%CI: -0.375, -0.002) among male adolescents. By contrast, the associations of the identified latent classes or chemicals mixture with sex hormone indicators were generally nonsignificant among female counterparts, except for a positive association between PAEs mixture and SHBG (β = 0.121, 95%CI: 0.012, 0.23). Our study demonstrated that exposure to PAEs, particularly MECPP, MEHHP, and MBZP, would be a threat to the sex hormone homeostasis of male adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxianguli Aimuzi
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China; School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kai Luo
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China; School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Yu Jiang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Fletcher EJ, Santacruz-Márquez R, Mourikes VE, Neff AM, Laws MJ, Flaws JA. Effects of Phthalate Mixtures on Ovarian Folliculogenesis and Steroidogenesis. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050251. [PMID: 35622664 PMCID: PMC9143992 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The female reproductive system is dependent upon the health of the ovaries. The ovaries are responsible for regulating reproduction and endocrine function. Throughout a female’s reproductive lifespan, the ovaries undergo continual structural changes that are crucial for the maturation of ovarian follicles and the production of sex steroid hormones. Phthalates are known to target the ovaries at critical time points and to disrupt normal reproductive function. The US population is constantly exposed to measurable levels of phthalates. Phthalates can also pass placental barriers and affect the developing offspring. Phthalates are frequently prevalent as mixtures; however, most previous studies have focused on the effects of single phthalates on the ovary and female reproduction. Thus, the effects of exposure to phthalate mixtures on ovarian function and the female reproductive system remain unclear. Following a brief introduction to the ovary and its major roles, this review covers what is currently known about the effects of phthalate mixtures on the ovary, focusing primarily on their effects on folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Furthermore, this review focuses on the effects of phthalate mixtures on female reproductive outcomes. Finally, this review emphasizes the need for future research on the effects of environmentally relevant phthalate mixtures on the ovary and female reproduction.
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Lizunkova P, Engdahl E, Borbély G, Gennings C, Lindh C, Bornehag CG, Rüegg J. A Mixture of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Associated with Lower Birth Weight in Children Induces Adipogenesis and DNA Methylation Changes in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042320. [PMID: 35216435 PMCID: PMC8879125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are man-made compounds that alter functions of the endocrine system. Environmental mixtures of EDCs might have adverse effects on human health, even though their individual concentrations are below regulatory levels of concerns. However, studies identifying and experimentally testing adverse effects of real-life mixtures are scarce. In this study, we aimed at evaluating an epidemiologically identified EDC mixture in an experimental setting to delineate its cellular and epigenetic effects. The mixture was established using data from the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and child Asthma and allergy (SELMA) study where it was associated with lower birth weight, an early marker for prenatal metabolic programming. This mixture was then tested for its ability to change metabolic programming of human mesenchymal stem cells. In these cells, we assessed if the mixture induced adipogenesis and genome-wide DNA methylation changes. The mixture increased lipid droplet accumulation already at concentrations corresponding to levels measured in the pregnant women of the SELMA study. Furthermore, we identified differentially methylated regions in genes important for adipogenesis and thermogenesis. This study shows that a mixture reflecting human real-life exposure can induce molecular and cellular changes during development that could underlie adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Lizunkova
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.L.); (E.E.)
| | - Elin Engdahl
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.L.); (E.E.)
| | - Gábor Borbély
- The Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox), 15257 Södertälje, Sweden;
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.G.); (C.-G.B.)
| | - Christian Lindh
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.G.); (C.-G.B.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, 65188 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.L.); (E.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-73-7121592
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11
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Bradley PM, Padilla IY, Romanok KM, Smalling KL, Focazio MJ, Breitmeyer SE, Cardon MC, Conley JM, Evans N, Givens CE, Gray JL, Gray LE, Hartig PC, Higgins CP, Hladik ML, Iwanowicz LR, Lane RF, Loftin KA, McCleskey RB, McDonough CA, Medlock-Kakaley E, Meppelink S, Weis CP, Wilson VS. Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147721. [PMID: 34134358 PMCID: PMC8504685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A pilot-scale expanded target assessment of mixtures of inorganic and organic contaminants in point-of-consumption drinking water (tapwater, TW) was conducted in Puerto Rico (PR) to continue to inform TW exposures and corresponding estimations of cumulative human-health risks across the US. In August 2018, a spatial synoptic pilot assessment of than 524 organic and 37 inorganic chemicals was conducted in 14 locations (7 home; 7 commercial) across PR. A follow-up 3-day temporal assessment of TW variability was conducted in December 2018 at two of the synoptic locations (1 home, 1 commercial) and included daily pre- and post-flush samples. Concentrations of regulated and unregulated TW contaminants were used to calculate cumulative in vitro bioactivity ratios and Hazard Indices (HI) based on existing human-health benchmarks. Synoptic results confirmed that human exposures to inorganic and organic contaminant mixtures, which are rarely monitored together in drinking water at the point of consumption, occurred across PR and consisted of elevated concentrations of inorganic contaminants (e.g., lead, copper), disinfection byproducts (DBP), and to a lesser extent per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates. Exceedances of human-health benchmarks in every synoptic TW sample support further investigation of the potential cumulative risk to vulnerable populations in PR and emphasize the importance of continued broad characterization of drinking-water exposures at the tap with analytical capabilities that better represent the complexity of both inorganic and organic contaminant mixtures known to occur in ambient source waters. Such health-based monitoring data are essential to support public engagement in source water sustainability and treatment and to inform consumer point-of-use treatment decision making in PR and throughout the US.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary C Cardon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher P Weis
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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12
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Repouskou A, Stamatakis A, Kitraki E. In utero exposure to phthalates and reproductive toxicity in rodents. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101512. [PMID: 34266749 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, are contained in many everyday products. Human biomonitoring studies detect their presence in biological fluids of a large part of the population worldwide. Maternal exposure during pregnancy has been related with aberrations in the reproductive growth of male infants. Rodent studies show that gestational exposure to single phthalates elicits reproductive toxicity in both sexes. Early aberrations include inhibition of gonadal sex determining gene expression and steroidogenesis, histopathology, and disturbed gametogenesis, leading later in life to dysfunctions in sperm production and oocyte reserves. Animal studies of in utero exposure to mixtures of phthalates, better mimicking human exposures, revealed analogous reproductive dysfunctions with the single compounds, but also indicated the combined actions and cumulative effects exerted by these chemicals. Further understanding the underlying mechanisms and the species differences in phthalate-induced reproductive toxicity will help to improve the risk assessment for human exposure to these toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Repouskou
- Basic Sciences Lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Antonios Stamatakis
- Biology- Biochemistry Lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Efthymia Kitraki
- Basic Sciences Lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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13
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Panagiotou EM, Ojasalo V, Damdimopoulou P. Phthalates, ovarian function and fertility in adulthood. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101552. [PMID: 34238683 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are a family of high-production volume industrial chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics. Some phthalates are regulated as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reproductive toxicants based on adverse effects in the male. Potential effects in females are less understood although exposure levels can be higher in women compared to men. Here, we review the literature on the effects of phthalate exposures in adulthood on ovarian function and fertility in women. Experimental studies using cell cultures and rodents combined with human evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that phthalates pose a hazard to ovaries. Phthalates can disrupt follicle growth pattern, increase oxidative stress and cause follicle death. These effects could lead to infertility, faster depletion of ovarian reserve, and earlier reproductive senescence. However, more studies using more realistic exposure levels will be needed to properly assess the risks in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria M Panagiotou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Venla Ojasalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku FI-20520, Finland; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku FI-20520, Finland.
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
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14
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You HH, Song G. Review of endocrine disruptors on male and female reproductive systems. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 244:109002. [PMID: 33610819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) interfere with different hormonal and metabolic processes and disrupt the development of organs and tissues, as well as the reproductive system. In toxicology research, various animal models have been utilized to compare and characterize the effects of EDs. We reviewed studies assessing the effect of ED exposure in humans, zebrafish, and mouse models and the adverse effects of EDs on male and female reproductive systems. This review outlines the distinctive morphological characteristics, as well as gene expression, factors, and mechanisms that are known to occur in response to EDs. In each animal model, disturbances in the reproductive system were associated with certain factors of apoptosis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, estrogen receptor pathway-induced meiotic disruption, and steroidogenesis. The effects of bisphenol A, phthalate, and 17α-ethinylestradiol have been investigated in animal models, each providing supporting outcomes and elaborating the key regulators of male and female reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyekyoung Hannah You
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Liao KW, Chang WH, Chou WC, Huang HB, Waits A, Chen PC, Huang PC. Human biomonitoring reference values and characteristics of Phthalate exposure in the general population of Taiwan: Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants 2013-2016. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 235:113769. [PMID: 34051577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Since a 2011 incident involving phthalate-tainted food, Taiwanese people have become concerned with food quality, and they are still being exposed to certain levels of phthalates. However, no nationwide human biomonitoring survey had been conducted to gather information on levels or reference values (RVs) of phthalates in the Taiwanese population. We aimed to establish the urinary levels and RVs of phthalate metabolites and identify exposure characteristics among Taiwan's population. We enrolled 1857 participants 7 years of age and older from the Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants (TESTs) conducted during 2013-2016. Levels of 11 phthalate metabolites in each participant's urine samples were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For all phthalate metabolites except for mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), and mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), urinary median levels were significantly higher in the 7-17-year old group than in the ≧18-year-old group. For most phthalate metabolites and in the general population, the geometric mean decreased with increasing age. Median levels of MEP (19.55 μg/L), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) (2.11 μg/L), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) (22.82 μg/L), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) (16.08 μg/L), ΣDibutyl phthalate metabolites (ΣDBPm) (0.17 nmol/mL), Σdi-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHPm) (0.29 nmol/mL) were higher in participants from central Taiwan than those from other areas. The median level of DBP (ΣDBPm: 0.20 nmol/mL) was significantly higher in participants from harbor areas than those from other urbanization groups. The RV of the 95 percentile (P95) for phthalate metabolites in the 7-17/≧18-year-old groups were 185.95/208.19 μg/L for MMP, 198.46/265.81 μg/L for MEP, 119.85/69.99 μg/L for mono-isononyl phthalate (MiBP), 165.19/204.32 μg/L for Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), 15.61/11.73 μg/L for MBzP, 62.09/59.23 μg/L for MEHP, 149.70/69.66 μg/L for MEHHP, 112.06/35.07 μg/L for MEOHP, 195.20/93.83 μg/L for mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), 45.66/27.69 μg/L for mono-(2-carboxymethylhexyl) phthalate (MCMHP), and 9.09/12.13 μg/L for mono-iso-nonyl phthalate (MiNP). We concluded that phthalate exposure of the general population in Taiwan varies by sex, age, region, and urbanization level. Exposure by the 7-17-year-old group to DMP, DBP, and DEHP in Taiwan remains higher than that of youth from other countries. RV of phthalate metabolites in Taiwan were established in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Liao
- School of Food Safety, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Food Safety & Hygiene and Risk Management, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Chou
- Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine (ICCM), Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Han-Bin Huang
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Alexander Waits
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pau-Chung Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Office of Occupational Safety and Health, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chin Huang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.
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16
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Morová M, Kršková L. Autistic-like traits in laboratory rodents exposed to phthalic acid esters during early development - an animal model of autism? Physiol Res 2021; 70:345-361. [PMID: 33982578 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are chemical substances that are widely used to provide flexibility and durability to plastic materials. They leach from products in which they are mixed and reach living organisms. Results from experimental studies suggest that exposure to phthalates can have a negative impact on an individual's neuronal system and behavior. In this regard, exposure during early ontogenesis seems to be particularly dangerous due to the extensive growth and development of body structures and functions. Disruption during this critical time can result in alterations of behavior and the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Various animal models have been used to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease. They are fundamental for research, and although the translation of results to humans is difficult, new animal models are being developed. The aim of this review is to summarize laboratory rodent studies in which early developmental phthalate exposure resulted in brain alterations and autistic-like behavioral traits. We also discuss the possibility of using early developmental phthalate exposure in rodents to create a new animal model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava 4, Slovak Republic.
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17
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Dinsdale N, Nepomnaschy P, Crespi B. The evolutionary biology of endometriosis. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 9:174-191. [PMID: 33854783 PMCID: PMC8030264 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We provide the first analysis and synthesis of the evolutionary and mechanistic bases for risk of endometriosis in humans, structured around Niko Tinbergen's four questions about phenotypes: phylogenetic history, development, mechanism and adaptive significance. Endometriosis, which is characterized by the proliferation of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, has its phylogenetic roots in the evolution of three causally linked traits: (1) highly invasive placentation, (2) spontaneous rather than implantation-driven endometrial decidualization and (3) frequent extensive estrogen-driven endometrial proliferation and inflammation, followed by heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis is potentiated by these traits and appears to be driven, proximately, by relatively low levels of prenatal and postnatal testosterone. Testosterone affects the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, and at low levels, it can result in an altered trajectory of reproductive and physiological phenotypes that in extreme cases can mediate the symptoms of endometriosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome, by contrast, is known from previous work to be caused primarily by high prenatal and postnatal testosterone, and it demonstrates a set of phenotypes opposite to those found in endometriosis. The hypothesis that endometriosis risk is driven by low prenatal testosterone, and involves extreme expression of some reproductive phenotypes, is supported by a suite of evidence from genetics, development, endocrinology, morphology and life history. The hypothesis also provides insights into why these two diametric, fitness-reducing disorders are maintained at such high frequencies in human populations. Finally, the hypotheses described and evaluated here lead to numerous testable predictions and have direct implications for the treatment and study of endometriosis. Lay summary: Endometriosis is caused by endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. We explain why and how humans are vulnerable to this disease, and new perspectives on understanding and treating it. Endometriosis shows evidence of being caused in part by relatively low testosterone during fetal development, that 'programs' female reproductive development. By contrast, polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with relatively high testosterone in prenatal development. These two disorders can thus be seen as 'opposite' to one another in their major causes and correlates. Important new insights regarding diagnosis, study and treatment of endometriosis follow from these considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Dinsdale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Pablo Nepomnaschy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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18
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Henderson AL, Colaiácovo MP. Exposure to phthalates: germline dysfunction and aneuploidy. Prenat Diagn 2021; 41:610-619. [PMID: 33583068 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies continue to reveal the enduring impact of exposures to environmental chemicals on human physiology, including our reproductive health. Phthalates, a well characterized class of endocrine disrupting chemicals and commonly utilized plasticizers, are among one of the many toxicants ubiquitously present in our environment. Phthalate exposure has been linked to increases in the rate of human aneuploidy, a phenomenon that is detected in 0.3% of livebirths resulting in genetic disorders including trisomy 21, approximately 4% of stillbirths, and over 35% of miscarriages. Here we review recent epidemiological and experimental studies that have examined the role that phthalates play in germline dysfunction, including increases in apoptosis, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and impaired genomic integrity, resulting in aneuploidy. We will further discuss subject variability, as it relates to diet and polymorphisms, and the sexual dimorphic effects of phthalate exposure, as it relates to sex-specific targets. Lastly, we discuss some of the conserved effects of phthalate exposure across humans, mammalian models and nonmammalian model organisms, highlighting the importance of using model organisms to our advantage for chemical risk assessment and unveiling potential mechanisms that underlie phthalate-induced reproductive health issues across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana L Henderson
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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19
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Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals pose a threat to health and reproduction. Plasticizers such as phthalates and bisphenols are particularly problematic because they are present in many consumer products and exposure can begin in utero and continue throughout the lifetime of the individual. Evidence suggests that these chemicals can have ancestral and transgenerational effects, making them a huge public health concern for the reproductive health of current and future generations. Studies performed in rodents or using rodent- or human-derived tissues have been critical for understanding the toxic effects of plasticizers on the ovary and their mechanisms of action. This review addresses current in vitro and rodent-based in vivo studies investigating the effects of bisphenols and phthalates on ovarian health, female reproduction, and correlations between human exposure and reproductive pathologies.
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20
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Hlisníková H, Petrovičová I, Kolena B, Šidlovská M, Sirotkin A. Effects and mechanisms of phthalates’ action on neurological processes and neural health: a literature review. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:386-404. [DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00215-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Morová M, Senko T, Olexová L, Dzirbíková Z, Kršková L. A mixture of diethylhexyl, diisononyl and dibutyl phthalate decreased anogenital distance, postnatal testosterone levels, and changed social behavior in Wistar rats. Physiol Res 2020; 69:S489-S498. [PMID: 33476171 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are chemicals interfering with the function of testosterone and are suspected to play a role in the emergence of neurodevelopmental diseases. This could be due to interference with brain development for which optimal testosterone levels are essential. We investigated the effect of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to a phthalate mixture on the anogenital distance (AGD), plasma testosterone levels and social behavior in rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to a mixture of diethylhexyl, diisononyl and dibutyl phthalate, each at a dose of 4.5 mg/kg/day, from gestational day 15 to postnatal day 4. A social interaction test was performed to assess sociability in the three ontogenetic stages (weaning, puberty, adulthood). AGD was measured in adulthood to assess changes in prenatal testosterone levels. Plasma testosterone levels were measured in adults by a radioimmunoassay. The total frequency and time of socio-cohesive interactions were decreased in phthalate exposed females in weaning, puberty and adulthood. Phthalate exposed males showed a decrease in the frequency of social interactions in weaning only. Shorter anogenital distance was observed in adult males exposed to phthalates. Decreased testosterone levels were observed in the exposed group in both sexes. Our results suggest that early developmental phthalate exposure may play an important role in the hormonal and behavioral changes associated with several neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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22
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Liu M, Jia S, Dong T, Zhao F, Xu T, Yang Q, Gong J, Fang M. Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of MCF-7 Cells Exposed to 23 Chemicals at Human-Relevant Levels: Estimation of Individual Chemical Contribution to Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:127008. [PMID: 33325755 PMCID: PMC7741182 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are constantly being exposed to various xenobiotics at relatively low concentrations. To date, limited evidence is available to ascertain whether a complex xenobiotic mixture at human-relevant levels causes any health effect. Moreover, there is no effective method to pinpoint the contribution of each chemical toward such an effect. OBJECTIVES This study aims to understand the responses of cells to a mixture containing 23 xenobiotics at human-relevant levels and develop a feasible method to decipher the chemical(s) that contribute significantly to the observed effect. METHODS We characterized the metabolome and transcriptome of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) before and after exposure to the mixture at human-relevant levels; preexposure levels were derived from existing large-scale biomonitoring data. A high-throughput metabolomics-based "leave-one-out" method was proposed to understand the relative contribution of each component by comparing the metabolome with and without the particular chemical in the mixture. RESULTS The metabolomic analysis suggested that the mixture altered metabolites associated with cell proliferation and oxidative stress. For the transcriptomes, gene ontology terms and pathways including "cell cycle," "cell proliferation," and "cell division" were significantly altered after mixture exposure. The mixture altered genes associated with pathways such as "genotoxicity" and "nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)." Through joint pathways analysis, metabolites and genes were observed to be well-aligned in pyrimidine and purine metabolisms. The leave-one-out results showed that many chemicals made their contributions to specific metabolic pathways. The overall metabolome pattern of the absence of 2,4-dihyroxybenzophenone (DHB) or bisphenol A (BPA) showed great resemblance to controls, suggesting their higher relative contribution to the observed effect. DISCUSSION The omics results showed that exposure to the mixture at human-relevant levels can induce significant in vitro cellular changes. Also, the leave one out method offers an effective approach for deconvoluting the effects of the mixture. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6641.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Shenglan Jia
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ting Dong
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Fanrong Zhao
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Tengfei Xu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Qin Yang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jicheng Gong
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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García-Peñarrubia P, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Martínez-Esparza M, Marín P, Machado-Linde F. Hypothetical roadmap towards endometriosis: prenatal endocrine-disrupting chemical pollutant exposure, anogenital distance, gut-genital microbiota and subclinical infections. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:214-246. [PMID: 32108227 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a gynaecological hormone-dependent disorder that is defined by histological lesions generated by the growth of endometrial-like tissue out of the uterus cavity, most commonly engrafted within the peritoneal cavity, although these lesions can also be located in distant organs. Endometriosis affects ~10% of women of reproductive age, frequently producing severe and, sometimes, incapacitating symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, among others. Furthermore, endometriosis causes infertility in ~30% of affected women. Despite intense research on the mechanisms involved in the initial development and later progression of endometriosis, many questions remain unanswered and its aetiology remains unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical role played by the relationship between the microbiome and mucosal immunology in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (HIV), infertility and several gynaecologic diseases. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we sought to respond to the main research question related to the aetiology of endometriosis. We provide a model pointing out several risk factors that could explain the development of endometriosis. The hypothesis arises from bringing together current findings from large distinct areas, linking high prenatal exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals with a short anogenital distance, female genital tract contamination with the faecal microbiota and the active role of genital subclinical microbial infections in the development and clinical progression of endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS We performed a search of the scientific literature published until 2019 in the PubMed database. The search strategy included the following keywords in various combinations: endometriosis, anogenital distance, chemical pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, the microbiome of the female reproductive tract, microbiota and genital tract, bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, oestrogens and microbiota and microbiota-immune system interactions. OUTCOMES On searching the corresponding bibliography, we found frequent associations between environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals and endometriosis risk. Likewise, recent evidence and hypotheses have suggested the active role of genital subclinical microbial infections in the development and clinical progression of endometriosis. Hence, we can envisage a direct relationship between higher prenatal exposure to oestrogens or estrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds (phthalates, bisphenols, organochlorine pesticides and others) and a shorter anogenital distance, which could favour frequent postnatal episodes of faecal microbiota contamination of the vulva and vagina, producing cervicovaginal microbiota dysbiosis. This relationship would disrupt local antimicrobial defences, subverting the homeostasis state and inducing a subclinical inflammatory response that could evolve into a sustained immune dysregulation, closing the vicious cycle responsible for the development of endometriosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Determining the aetiology of endometriosis is a challenging issue. Posing a new hypothesis on this subject provides the initial tool necessary to design future experimental, clinical and epidemiological research that could allow for a better understanding of the origin of this disease. Furthermore, advances in the understanding of its aetiology would allow the identification of new therapeutics and preventive actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar García-Peñarrubia
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Ruiz-Alcaraz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Esparza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular (B) e Inmunología. Facultad de Medicina, IMIB and Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Marín
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Machado-Linde
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Clínico Universitario Reina Sofía, CARM, Murcia, Spain
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Hlisníková H, Petrovičová I, Kolena B, Šidlovská M, Sirotkin A. Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates' Action on Reproductive Processes and Reproductive Health: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6811. [PMID: 32961939 PMCID: PMC7559247 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The production of plastic products, which requires phthalate plasticizers, has resulted in the problems for human health, especially that of reproductive health. Phthalate exposure can induce reproductive disorders at various regulatory levels. The aim of this review was to compile the evidence concerning the association between phthalates and reproductive diseases, phthalates-induced reproductive disorders, and their possible endocrine and intracellular mechanisms. Phthalates may induce alterations in puberty, the development of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females. At the hormonal level, phthalates can modify the release of hypothalamic, pituitary, and peripheral hormones. At the intracellular level, phthalates can interfere with nuclear receptors, membrane receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and modulate gene expression associated with reproduction. To understand and to treat the adverse effects of phthalates on human health, it is essential to expand the current knowledge concerning their mechanism of action in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieta Hlisníková
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia; (I.P.); (B.K.); (M.Š.); (A.S.)
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25
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Fischer MB, Ljubicic ML, Hagen CP, Thankamony A, Ong K, Hughes I, Jensen TK, Main KM, Petersen JH, Busch AS, Upners EN, Sathyanarayana S, Swan SH, Juul A. Anogenital Distance in Healthy Infants: Method-, Age- and Sex-related Reference Ranges. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5861574. [PMID: 32574349 PMCID: PMC7368455 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The use of anogenital distance (AGD) in clinical and epidemiological settings is increasing; however, sex-specific reference data on AGD and data on longitudinal changes in AGD in children is scarce. OBJECTIVE To create age-, sex-, and method-related reference ranges of AGD in healthy boys and girls aged 0-24 months, to assess the age-related changes in AGD and to evaluate the 2 predominantly used methods of AGD measurement. DESIGN The International AGD consortium comprising 4 centers compiled data from 1 cross-sectional and 3 longitudinal cohort studies (clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02497209]). SETTING All data were collected from population-based studies, recruiting from 4 maternity or obstetric centers (United States, Cambridge [United Kingdom], Odense, and Copenhagen [Denmark]). SUBJECTS This study included a total of 3705 healthy, mainly Caucasian children aged 0-24 months on whom 7295 measurements were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AGDAS (ano-scrotal), AGDAF (ano-fourchette), AGDAP (ano-penile), AGDAC (ano-clitoral), AGD body size indices (weight, body mass index [BMI], body surface area, and length), and intra- and interobserver biases. RESULTS We created age-specific reference ranges by centers. We found that AGD increased from birth to 6 months of age and thereafter reached a plateau. Changes in AGD/BMI during the first year of life were minor (0-6% and 0-11% in boys and girls, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Reference ranges for AGD can be used in future epidemiological research and may be utilized clinically to evaluate prenatal androgen action in differences-in-sex-development patients. The increase in AGD during the first year of life was age-related, while AGD/BMI was fairly stable. The TIDES and Cambridge methods were equally reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Bistrup Fischer
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Margit Bistrup Fischer, MD, Department of Growth and Reproduction, GR, 5064,Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø,Denmark. E-mail:
| | - Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casper P Hagen
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ajay Thankamony
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ken Ong
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ieuan Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, dense, Denmark
- Hans Christian Andersen Children’s Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander S Busch
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emmie N Upners
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics/Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anders Juul
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Giuliani A, Zuccarini M, Cichelli A, Khan H, Reale M. Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Biological Impact. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5655. [PMID: 32764471 PMCID: PMC7460375 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are a huge class of chemicals with a wide spectrum of industrial uses, from the manufacture of plastics to food contact applications, children's toys, and medical devices. People and animals can be exposed through different routes (i.e., ingestion, inhalation, dermal, or iatrogenic exposure), as these compounds can be easily released from plastics to water, food, soil, air, making them ubiquitous environmental contaminants. In the last decades, phthalates and their metabolites have proven to be of concern, particularly in products for pregnant women or children. Moreover, many authors reported high concentrations of phthalates in soft drinks, mineral waters, wine, oil, ready-to-eat meals, and other products, as a possible consequence of their accumulation along the food production chain and their accidental release from packaging materials. However, due to their different physical and chemical properties, phthalates do not have the same human and environmental impacts and their association to several human diseases is still under debate. In this review we provide an overview of phthalate toxicity, pointing out the health and legal issues related to their occurrence in several types of food and beverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Giuliani
- "G.d'Annunzio" School of Advanced Studies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Zuccarini
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Aging Research Center, Ce.S.I., "G. d'Annunzio" University Foundation, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angelo Cichelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Marcella Reale
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Interuniversity Center on Interactions between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems, National Research Council-Institute for Electromagnetic Detection of The Environment, (ICEMB-CNR-IREA), 80124 Naples, Italy
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Repouskou A, Papadopoulou AK, Panagiotidou E, Trichas P, Lindh C, Bergman Å, Gennings C, Bornehag CG, Rüegg J, Kitraki E, Stamatakis A. Long term transcriptional and behavioral effects in mice developmentally exposed to a mixture of endocrine disruptors associated with delayed human neurodevelopment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9367. [PMID: 32518293 PMCID: PMC7283331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that gestational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may interfere with normal brain development and predispose for later dysfunctions. The current study focuses on the exposure impact of mixtures of EDCs that better mimics the real-life situation. We herein describe a mixture of phthalates, pesticides and bisphenol A (mixture N1) detected in pregnant women of the SELMA cohort and associated with language delay in their children. To study the long-term impact of developmental exposure to N1 on brain physiology and behavior we administered this mixture to mice throughout gestation at doses 0×, 0.5×, 10×, 100× and 500× the geometric mean of SELMA mothers' concentrations, and examined their offspring in adulthood. Mixture N1 exposure increased active coping during swimming stress in both sexes, increased locomotion and reduced social interaction in male progeny. The expression of corticosterone receptors, their regulator Fkbp5, corticotropin releasing hormone and its receptor, oxytocin and its receptor, estrogen receptor beta, serotonin receptors (Htr1a, Htr2a) and glutamate receptor subunit Grin2b, were modified in the limbic system of adult animals, in a region-specific, sexually-dimorphic and experience-dependent manner. Principal component analysis revealed gene clusters associated with the observed behavioral responses, mostly related to the stress axis. This integration of epidemiology-based data with an experimental model increases the evidence that prenatal exposure to EDC mixtures impacts later life brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Repouskou
- Basic Sciences lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia-Konstantina Papadopoulou
- Basic Sciences lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece.,Biology-Biochemistry lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, NKUA, Athens, Greece
| | - Emily Panagiotidou
- Basic Sciences lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece.,Biology-Biochemistry lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, NKUA, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Trichas
- Biology-Biochemistry lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, NKUA, Athens, Greece
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Åke Bergman
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chris Gennings
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Department of Organismal Biology 18 A, Norbyvägen, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Efthymia Kitraki
- Basic Sciences lab, Faculty of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece.
| | - Antonios Stamatakis
- Biology-Biochemistry lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, NKUA, Athens, Greece.
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28
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Mentor A, Bornehag CG, Jönsson M, Mattsson A. A suggested bisphenol A metabolite (MBP) interfered with reproductive organ development in the chicken embryo while a human-relevant mixture of phthalate monoesters had no such effects. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2020; 83:66-81. [PMID: 32077375 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1728598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate diesters are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. While these compounds have been reported as reproductive toxicants, their effects may partially be attributed to metabolites. The aim of this study was to examine reproductive organ development in chicken embryos exposed to the BPA metabolite, 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (MBP; 100 µg/g egg) or a human-relevant mixture of 4 phthalate monoesters (85 µg/g egg). The mixture was designed within the EU project EDC-MixRisk based upon a negative association with anogenital distance in boys at 21 months of age in a Swedish pregnancy cohort. Chicken embryos were exposed in ovo from an initial stage of gonad differentiation (embryonic day 4) and dissected two days prior to anticipated hatching (embryonic day 19). No discernible effects were noted on reproductive organs in embryos exposed to the mixture. MBP-treated males exhibited retention of Müllerian ducts and feminization of the left testicle, while MBP-administered females displayed a diminished the left ovary. In the left testicle of MBP-treated males, mRNA expression of female-associated genes was upregulated while the testicular marker gene SOX9 was downregulated, corroborating a feminizing effect by MBP. Our results demonstrate that MBP, but not the phthalate monoester mixture, disrupts both male and female reproductive organ development in an avian embryo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mentor
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Jönsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Mattsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
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29
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Arbuckle TE, MacPherson S, Barrett E, Muckle G, Séguin JR, Foster WG, Sathyanarayana S, Dodds L, Fisher M, Agarwal A, Monnier P, Walker M, Fraser WD. Do stressful life events during pregnancy modify associations between phthalates and anogenital distance in newborns? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108593. [PMID: 31357157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anogenital distance (AGD) has been used as a marker of fetal androgen action to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals. A US study (TIDES) has reported that the association between some phthalates and reduced AGD in males was only apparent in sons of mothers reporting no stressful life events (SLEs) during pregnancy. The objective of the current study was to examine the potential modifying effect of SLEs and their subjective impact on associations between prenatal phthalates and AGD. First trimester urines from the MIREC Study were analysed for phthalate metabolites and AGD was measured in neonates. Post-delivery, the women answered questions on SLEs during the pregnancy. Women reporting 1 or more SLEs during pregnancy were considered a "higher stressor" group, whereas women reporting no SLEs or who reported a SLE that was perceived as not at all stressful were considered a "lower stressor" group. Multivariable linear regression models were fit stratified by stressor group. Maternal stressor, AGD and phthalates results were available for 153 females and 147 males. A summary measure of androgen-disrupting phthalates (Σ AD) was associated with significantly longer AGDs in females from the higher stressor group. These effect sizes were increased when the perceived impact was restricted to moderately or very much stressful. In males, all phthalates were associated with longer anopenile distance (APD), regardless of stressor group; however, higher Σ AD was associated with significantly longer APD in the lower stressor group. In contrast to the TIDES study, we did not observe shorter AGDs in male infants prenatally exposed to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates, regardless of maternal stressor level. In conclusion, we were unable to replicate the findings of the TIDES study, but did find some evidence that prenatal SLEs may modify associations between phthalates and female AGD. Further research with other populations and measures of prenatal stress may shed more light on whether prenatal stress is an important effect modifier of associations between phthalates (or other chemicals) and anogenital distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tye E Arbuckle
- Populations Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Susan MacPherson
- Populations Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean R Séguin
- Research Axis, Brain and Child Development, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Warren G Foster
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Linda Dodds
- Division of Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Populations Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amisha Agarwal
- Clinical Research Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada and RI-MUHC, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Head, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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