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Nilsson EE, McBirney M, De Santos S, King SE, Beck D, Greeley C, Holder LB, Skinner MK. Multiple generation distinct toxicant exposures induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of enhanced pathology and obesity. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2023; 9:dvad006. [PMID: 38162685 PMCID: PMC10756336 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Three successive multiple generations of rats were exposed to different toxicants and then bred to the transgenerational F5 generation to assess the impacts of multiple generation different exposures. The current study examines the actions of the agricultural fungicide vinclozolin on the F0 generation, followed by jet fuel hydrocarbon mixture exposure of the F1 generation, and then pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane on the F2 generation gestating females. The subsequent F3 and F4 generations and F5 transgenerational generation were obtained and F1-F5 generations examined for male sperm epigenetic alterations and pathology in males and females. Significant impacts on the male sperm differential DNA methylation regions were observed. The F3-F5 generations were similar in ∼50% of the DNA methylation regions. The pathology of each generation was assessed in the testis, ovary, kidney, and prostate, as well as the presence of obesity and tumors. The pathology used a newly developed Deep Learning, artificial intelligence-based histopathology analysis. Observations demonstrated compounded disease impacts in obesity and metabolic parameters, but other pathologies plateaued with smaller increases at the F5 transgenerational generation. Observations demonstrate that multiple generational exposures, which occur in human populations, appear to increase epigenetic impacts and disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Margaux McBirney
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Sarah De Santos
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Stephanie E King
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Colin Greeley
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Lawrence B Holder
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
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2
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Crisóstomo L, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. A systematic scientometric review of paternal inheritance of acquired metabolic traits. BMC Biol 2023; 21:255. [PMID: 37953286 PMCID: PMC10641967 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of the inheritance of acquired traits, a foundational principle of Lamarck's evolutionary theory, has garnered renewed attention in recent years. Evidence for this phenomenon remained limited for decades but gained prominence with the Överkalix cohort study in 2002. This study revealed a link between cardiovascular disease incidence and the food availability experienced by individuals' grandparents during their slow growth periods, reigniting interest in the inheritance of acquired traits, particularly in the context of non-communicable diseases. This scientometric analysis and systematic review comprehensively explores the current landscape of paternally transmitted acquired metabolic traits. RESULTS Utilizing Scopus Advanced search and meticulous screening, we included mammalian studies that document the inheritance or modification of metabolic traits in subsequent generations of unexposed descendants. Our inclusive criteria encompass intergenerational and transgenerational studies, as well as multigenerational exposures. Predominantly, this field has been driven by a select group of researchers, potentially shaping the design and focus of existing studies. Consequently, the literature primarily comprises transgenerational rodent investigations into the effects of ancestral exposure to environmental pollutants on sperm DNA methylation. The complexity and volume of data often lead to multiple or redundant publications. This practice, while understandable, may obscure the true extent of the impact of ancestral exposures on the health of non-exposed descendants. In addition to DNA methylation, studies have illuminated the role of sperm RNAs and histone marks in paternally acquired metabolic disorders, expanding our understanding of the mechanisms underlying epigenetic inheritance. CONCLUSIONS This review serves as a comprehensive resource, shedding light on the current state of research in this critical area of science, and underscores the need for continued exploration to uncover the full spectrum of paternally mediated metabolic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Departmento de Anatomia, UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Departmento de Anatomia, UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Núñez-Sánchez MÁ, Jiménez-Méndez A, Suárez-Cortés M, Martínez-Sánchez MA, Sánchez-Solís M, Blanco-Carnero JE, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Ramos-Molina B. Inherited Epigenetic Hallmarks of Childhood Obesity Derived from Prenatal Exposure to Obesogens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20064711. [PMID: 36981620 PMCID: PMC10048338 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in developed countries and is becoming a major cause for concern in the developing world. The causes of childhood obesity are complex and multifactorial, involving the interaction between individual genetics and environmental and developmental factors. Among the environmental factors, there is a growing interest in understanding the possible relationship between the so-called environmental obesogens and the development of obesity in children. Exposure to these obesogens such as phthalates, bisphenol A, or parabens, has been identified as a promoter of obesity through different mechanisms such as the alteration of adipocyte development from mesenchymal progenitors, the interference with hormone receptors, and induced inflammation. However, less attention has been paid to the inheritance of epigenetic modifications due to maternal exposure to these compounds during pregnancy. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of epigenetic modifications due to maternal exposure to those obesogens during pregnancy as well as their potential implication on long-term obesity development in the offspring and transgenerational inheritance of epiphenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Á Núñez-Sánchez
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Almudena Jiménez-Méndez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Virgen de la Arrixaca' University Clinical Hospital, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Suárez-Cortés
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Murcia, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María A Martínez-Sánchez
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Solís
- Group of Pediatric Research, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Respiratory and Allergy Units, Arrixaca Children's University Hospital, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José E Blanco-Carnero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Virgen de la Arrixaca' University Clinical Hospital, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Gynecology, Reproduction and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J Ruiz-Alcaraz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology B and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
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4
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Damen MSMA, Alarcon PC, Shah AS, Divanovic S. Greasing the inflammatory pathogenesis of viral pneumonias in diabetes. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13415. [PMID: 34989117 PMCID: PMC9771603 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are independent risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality associated with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Skewed cellular metabolism shapes immune cell inflammatory responsiveness and function in obesity, T2D, and infection. However, altered immune cell responsiveness and levels of systemic proinflammatory mediators, partly independent of peripheral immune cell contribution, are linked with SARS-CoV-2-associated disease severity. Despite such knowledge, the role of tissue parenchymal cell-driven inflammatory responses, and specifically those dominantly modified in obesity (e.g., adipocytes), in influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection pathogenesis remain poorly defined. Whether obesity-dependent skewing of adipocyte cellular metabolism uncovers inflammatory clades and promotes the existence of a 'pathogenic-inflammatory' adipocyte phenotype that amplifies SARS-CoV-2 infection diseases severity in individuals with obesity and individuals with obesity and T2D has not been examined. Here, using the knowledge gained from studies of immune cell responses in obesity, T2D, and infection, we highlight the key knowledge gaps underlying adipocyte cellular functions that may sculpt and grease pathogenic processes associated with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 disease severity in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S M A Damen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Pablo C Alarcon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy S Shah
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Senad Divanovic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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5
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Heindel JJ, Howard S, Agay-Shay K, Arrebola JP, Audouze K, Babin PJ, Barouki R, Bansal A, Blanc E, Cave MC, Chatterjee S, Chevalier N, Choudhury M, Collier D, Connolly L, Coumoul X, Garruti G, Gilbertson M, Hoepner LA, Holloway AC, Howell G, Kassotis CD, Kay MK, Kim MJ, Lagadic-Gossmann D, Langouet S, Legrand A, Li Z, Le Mentec H, Lind L, Monica Lind P, Lustig RH, Martin-Chouly C, Munic Kos V, Podechard N, Roepke TA, Sargis RM, Starling A, Tomlinson CR, Touma C, Vondracek J, Vom Saal F, Blumberg B. Obesity II: Establishing causal links between chemical exposures and obesity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115015. [PMID: 35395240 PMCID: PMC9124454 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial disease with both genetic and environmental components. The prevailing view is that obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure caused by overeating and insufficient exercise. We describe another environmental element that can alter the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure: obesogens. Obesogens are a subset of environmental chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors affecting metabolic endpoints. The obesogen hypothesis posits that exposure to endocrine disruptors and other chemicals can alter the development and function of the adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and brain, thus changing the set point for control of metabolism. Obesogens can determine how much food is needed to maintain homeostasis and thereby increase the susceptibility to obesity. The most sensitive time for obesogen action is in utero and early childhood, in part via epigenetic programming that can be transmitted to future generations. This review explores the evidence supporting the obesogen hypothesis and highlights knowledge gaps that have prevented widespread acceptance as a contributor to the obesity pandemic. Critically, the obesogen hypothesis changes the narrative from curing obesity to preventing obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, USA.
| | - Sarah Howard
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, USA
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Health and Environment Research (HER) Lab, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Israel
| | - Juan P Arrebola
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Karine Audouze
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, Paris France
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Amita Bansal
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Etienne Blanc
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40402, USA
| | - Saurabh Chatterjee
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Nicolas Chevalier
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cote d'Azur, Cote d'Azur, France
| | - Mahua Choudhury
- College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David Collier
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Lisa Connolly
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Michael Gilbertson
- Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
| | - Lori A Hoepner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Alison C Holloway
- McMaster University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamilton, Ontario, CA, USA
| | - George Howell
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mathew K Kay
- College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | | | - Sophie Langouet
- Univ Rennes, INSERM EHESP, IRSET UMR_5S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine Legrand
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Zhuorui Li
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Helene Le Mentec
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Lars Lind
- Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P Monica Lind
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert H Lustig
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Vesna Munic Kos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Normand Podechard
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Science, School of Environmental and Biological Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Il 60612, USA
| | - Anne Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig R Tomlinson
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Charbel Touma
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Jan Vondracek
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frederick Vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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6
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The Role of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Obesity: A Review of Laboratory and Epidemiological Studies. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020065. [PMID: 35202251 PMCID: PMC8877532 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are considered as potential obesogens that may affect adipose tissue development and functioning, thus promoting obesity. However, various POPs may have different mechanisms of action. The objective of the present review is to discuss the key mechanisms linking exposure to POPs to adipose tissue dysfunction and obesity. Laboratory data clearly demonstrate that the mechanisms associated with the interference of exposure to POPs with obesity include: (a) dysregulation of adipogenesis regulators (PPARγ and C/EBPα); (b) affinity and binding to nuclear receptors; (c) epigenetic effects; and/or (d) proinflammatory activity. Although in vivo data are generally corroborative of the in vitro results, studies in living organisms have shown that the impact of POPs on adipogenesis is affected by biological factors such as sex, age, and period of exposure. Epidemiological data demonstrate a significant association between exposure to POPs and obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disturbances (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome), although the existing data are considered insufficient. In conclusion, both laboratory and epidemiological data underline the significant role of POPs as environmental obesogens. However, further studies are required to better characterize both the mechanisms and the dose/concentration-response effects of exposure to POPs in the development of obesity and other metabolic diseases.
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7
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Mohajer N, Joloya EM, Seo J, Shioda T, Blumberg B. Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of the Effects of Obesogen Exposure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:787580. [PMID: 34975759 PMCID: PMC8716683 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.787580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic disorders have become a worldwide pandemic affecting millions of people. Although obesity is a multifaceted disease, there is growing evidence supporting the obesogen hypothesis, which proposes that exposure to a subset of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), known as obesogens, promotes obesity. While these effects can be observed in vitro using cell models, in vivo and human epidemiological studies have strengthened this hypothesis. Evidence from animal models showed that the effects of obesogen exposure can be inherited transgenerationally through at least the F4 generation. Transgenerational effects of EDC exposure predispose future generations to undesirable phenotypic traits and diseases, including obesity and related metabolic disorders. The exact mechanisms through which phenotypic traits are passed from an exposed organism to their offspring, without altering the primary DNA sequence, remain largely unknown. Recent research has provided strong evidence suggesting that a variety of epigenetic mechanisms may underlie transgenerational inheritance. These include differential DNA methylation, histone methylation, histone retention, the expression and/or deposition of non-coding RNAs and large-scale alterations in chromatin structure and organization. This review highlights the most recent advances in the field of epigenetics with respect to the transgenerational effects of environmental obesogens. We highlight throughout the paper the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence for proposed mechanisms underlying transgenerational inheritance and why none of these is sufficient to fully explain the phenomenon. We propose that changes in higher order chromatin organization and structure may be a plausible explanation for how some disease predispositions are heritable through multiple generations, including those that were not exposed. A solid understanding of these possible mechanisms is essential to fully understanding how environmental exposures can lead to inherited susceptibility to diseases such as obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Mohajer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Erika M. Joloya
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jeongbin Seo
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
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8
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Cirillo PM, La Merrill MA, Krigbaum NY, Cohn BA. Grandmaternal Perinatal Serum DDT in Relation to Granddaughter Early Menarche and Adult Obesity: Three Generations in the Child Health and Development Studies Cohort. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021; 30:1480-1488. [PMID: 33853850 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum DDTs during or just after pregnancy were associated with breast cancer in mothers (F0), and with breast cancer, mammographic density, and obesity in adult daughters (F1) in the Child Health and Development Studies multi-generational cohort in prior publications. Here, we investigate F0 perinatal serum DDT associations with granddaughters'(F2) measured obesity at a median age of 26 and self-reported age at menarche. METHODS F2 weight, height and waist circumference were measured by trained examiners. o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE were measured in archived F0 perinatal serum. F0 DDT associations with F2 outcomes, accounting for F1 characteristics, were estimated in log-linear models adjusted for F0 and F1 body mass index (BMI), race, and menarche timing (N = 258 triads for obesity; N = 235 triads for early menarche). Interactions between F0 BMI and DDTs were estimated. RESULTS F0 o,p'-DDT was associated with F2 obesity [Odds ratio (OR), 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-6.7; tertile 3 vs. 1), among normal weight F0 (70%), but not among overweight and obese F0 (P interaction = 0.03), independent of other DDTs. F0 o,p'-DDT was also associated with F2 early menarche (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9, tertile 3 vs. 1) and this association was not modified by F0 BMI. CONCLUSIONS Ancestral exposure to environmental chemicals, banned decades ago, may influence the development of earlier menarche and obesity, which are established risk factors for breast cancer and cardiometabolic diseases. IMPACT Discovery of actionable biomarkers of response to ancestral environmental exposures in young women may provide opportunities for breast cancer prevention.See related commentary by Fenton and Boyles, p. 1459.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera M Cirillo
- Child Health and Development Studies of the Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Michele A La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis California
| | - Nickilou Y Krigbaum
- Child Health and Development Studies of the Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Barbara A Cohn
- Child Health and Development Studies of the Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California.
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9
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Mohajer N, Du CY, Checkcinco C, Blumberg B. Obesogens: How They Are Identified and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Their Action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:780888. [PMID: 34899613 PMCID: PMC8655100 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.780888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult and childhood obesity have reached pandemic level proportions. The idea that caloric excess and insufficient levels of physical activity leads to obesity is a commonly accepted answer for unwanted weight gain. This paradigm offers an inconclusive explanation as the world continually moves towards an unhealthier and heavier existence irrespective of energy balance. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that resemble natural hormones and disrupt endocrine function by interfering with the body's endogenous hormones. A subset of EDCs called obesogens have been found to cause metabolic disruptions such as increased fat storage, in vivo. Obesogens act on the metabolic system through multiple avenues and have been found to affect the homeostasis of a variety of systems such as the gut microbiome and adipose tissue functioning. Obesogenic compounds have been shown to cause metabolic disturbances later in life that can even pass into multiple future generations, post exposure. The rising rates of obesity and related metabolic disease are demanding increasing attention on chemical screening efforts and worldwide preventative strategies to keep the public and future generations safe. This review addresses the most current findings on known obesogens and their effects on the metabolic system, the mechanisms of action through which they act upon, and the screening efforts through which they were identified with. The interplay between obesogens, brown adipose tissue, and the gut microbiome are major topics that will be covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Mohajer
- Deparment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Chrislyn Y. Du
- Deparment of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christian Checkcinco
- Deparment of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Deparment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Deparment of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Deparment of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bruce Blumberg,
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Serum Concentrations of Selected Organochlorines in Pregnant Women and Associations with Pregnancy Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Two Rural Settings in Cambodia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207652. [PMID: 33092193 PMCID: PMC7589876 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a cross-sectional study among 194 pregnant women from two low-income settings in Cambodia. The inclusion period lasted from October 2015 through December 2017. Maternal serum samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim was to study potential effects on birth outcomes. We found low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP), except for heptachlors, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, and p,p'-DDE. There were few differences between the two study locations. However, the women from the poorest areas had significantly higher concentrations of p,p'-DDE (p < 0.001) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p = 0.002). The maternal factors associated with exposure were parity, age, residential area, and educational level. Despite low maternal levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, we found significant negative associations between the PCB congeners 99 (95% CI: -2.51 to -0.07), 138 (95% CI: -1.28 to -0.32), and 153 (95% CI: -1.06 to -0.05) and gestational age. Further, there were significant negative associations between gestational age, birth length, and maternal levels of o,p'-DDE. Moreover, o,p'-DDD had positive associations with birth weight, and both p,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDE were positively associated with the baby's ponderal index. The poorest population had higher exposure and less favorable outcomes.
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King SE, Skinner MK. Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Obesity Susceptibility. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:478-494. [PMID: 32521235 PMCID: PMC8260009 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and associated diseases has reached pandemic levels. Obesity is often associated with overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle, but clearly other factors also increase the susceptibility of metabolic disease states. Ancestral and direct exposures to environmental toxicants and altered nutrition have been shown to increase susceptibility for obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Environmental insults can reprogram the epigenome of the germline (sperm and eggs), which transmits the susceptibility for disease to future generations through epigenetic transgenerational inheritance. In this review, we discuss current evidence and molecular mechanisms for epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of obesity susceptibility. Understanding ancestral environmental insults and epigenetic transgenerational impacts on future generations will be critical to fully understand the etiology of obesity and to develop preventative therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E King
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA.
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Egusquiza RJ, Blumberg B. Environmental Obesogens and Their Impact on Susceptibility to Obesity: New Mechanisms and Chemicals. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa024. [PMID: 32067051 PMCID: PMC7060764 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of obesity has reached an all-time high, and this increase is observed worldwide. There is a growing need to understand all the factors that contribute to obesity to effectively treat and prevent it and associated comorbidities. The obesogen hypothesis proposes that there are chemicals in our environment termed obesogens that can affect individual susceptibility to obesity and thus help explain the recent large increases in obesity. This review discusses current advances in our understanding of how obesogens act to affect health and obesity susceptibility. Newly discovered obesogens and potential obesogens are discussed, together with future directions for research that may help to reduce the impact of these pervasive chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riann Jenay Egusquiza
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
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