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El Fouikar S, Van Acker N, Héliès V, Frenois FX, Giton F, Gayrard V, Dauwe Y, Mselli-Lakhal L, Rousseau-Ralliard D, Fournier N, Léandri R, Gatimel N. Folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis alterations after chronic exposure to a human-relevant mixture of environmental toxicants spare the ovarian reserve in the rabbit model. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:134. [PMID: 38943138 PMCID: PMC11214233 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01457-6] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Industrial progress has led to the omnipresence of chemicals in the environment of the general population, including reproductive-aged and pregnant women. The reproductive function of females is a well-known target of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This function holds biological processes that are decisive for the fertility of women themselves and for the health of future generations. However, insufficient research has evaluated the risk of combined mixtures on this function. This study aimed to assess the direct impacts of a realistic exposure to eight combined environmental toxicants on the critical process of folliculogenesis. METHODS Female rabbits were exposed daily and orally to either a mixture of eight environmental toxicants (F group) or the solvent mixture (NE group, control) from 2 to 19 weeks of age. The doses were computed from previous toxicokinetic data to reproduce steady-state serum concentrations in rabbits in the range of those encountered in pregnant women. Ovarian function was evaluated through macroscopic and histological analysis of the ovaries, serum hormonal assays and analysis of the expression of steroidogenic enzymes. Cellular dynamics in the ovary were further investigated with Ki67 staining and TUNEL assays. RESULTS F rabbits grew similarly as NE rabbits but exhibited higher total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in adulthood. They also presented a significantly elevated serum testosterone concentrations, while estradiol, progesterone, AMH and DHEA levels remained unaffected. The measurement of gonadotropins, androstenedione, pregnenolone and estrone levels yielded values below the limit of quantification. Among the 7 steroidogenic enzymes tested, an isolated higher expression of Cyp19a1 was measured in F rabbits ovaries. Those ovaries presented a significantly greater density/number of antral and atretic follicles and larger antral follicles without any changes in cellular proliferation or DNA fragmentation. No difference was found regarding the count of other follicle stages notably the primordial stage, the corpora lutea or AMH serum levels. CONCLUSION Folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis seem to be subtly altered by exposure to a human-like mixture of environmental toxicants. The antral follicle growth appears promoted by the mixture of chemicals both in their number and size, potentially explaining the increase in atretic antral follicles. Reassuringly, the ovarian reserve estimated through primordial follicles number/density and AMH is spared from any alteration. The consequences of these changes on fertility and progeny health have yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El Fouikar
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Van Acker
- Plateforme Imag'IN, Service d'anatomopathologie, CHU Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Virginie Héliès
- GenPhySE (Génétique Physiologie et Système d'Elevage), INRAE, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - François-Xavier Frenois
- Plateforme Imag'IN, Service d'anatomopathologie, CHU Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Frank Giton
- Pôle Biologie-Pathologie Henri Mondor, AP-HP, Inserm IMRB U955, Créteil, France
| | - Véronique Gayrard
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Yannick Dauwe
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Laila Mselli-Lakhal
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Delphine Rousseau-Ralliard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, BREED, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Natalie Fournier
- Athérosclérose et macrophages: impact des phospholipides et des fonctions mitochondriales sur l'efflux du cholestérol, Lip(Sys) Université Paris Saclay, UFR de Pharmacie, Orsay, EA, 7357, 91400, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, AP-HP (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris), Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Roger Léandri
- ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Toulouse, France.
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | - Nicolas Gatimel
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- DEFE (Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité et Environnement) UMR1203 Inserm, Universités Toulouse et Montpellier, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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2
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Cui J, Wang Y. Premature ovarian insufficiency: a review on the role of tobacco smoke, its clinical harm, and treatment. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:8. [PMID: 38191456 PMCID: PMC10775475 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01330-y] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition in which the quantity of follicles and the quality of oocytes gradually decrease. This results in an estrogen secretion disorder and abnormal follicle development, which can lead to related diseases, early onset of menopause, sexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and depression, among others. This disease significantly impacts the physical and mental health and overall quality of life of affected women. Factors such as genetic abnormalities, oophorectomy, radiotherapy for malignancy, idiopathic conditions, and an unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, can accelerate the depletion of the follicular pool and the onset of menopause. Extensive research has been conducted on the detrimental effects of tobacco smoke on the ovaries. This article aims to review the advancements in understanding the impact of tobacco smoke on POI, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we explore the potential adverse effects of common toxicants found in tobacco smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals like cadmium, alkaloids like nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine, benzo[a]pyrene, and aromatic amines. In addition to discussing the toxicants, this article also reviews the complications associated with POI and the current state of research and application of treatment methods. These findings will contribute to the development of more precise treatments for POI, offering theoretical support for enhancing the long-term quality of life for women affected by this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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3
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Thangaraj SV, Zeng L, Pennathur S, Lea R, Sinclair KD, Bellingham M, Evans NP, Auchus R, Padmanabhan V. Developmental programming: Impact of preconceptional and gestational exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture on maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus in sheep. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165674. [PMID: 37495149 PMCID: PMC10568064 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) is associated with adverse, sex-specific offspring health effects of global concern. As the maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus can have critical effects on pregnancy outcomes and the programming of diseases in offspring, it is important to study the impact of real-life EC exposure, i.e., chronic low levels of mixtures of ECs on these milieus. Sheep exposed to biosolids, derived from human waste, is an impactful model representing the ECs humans are exposed to in real-life. Offspring of sheep grazed on biosolids-treated pasture are characterized by reproductive and metabolic disruptions. OBJECTIVE To determine if biosolids exposure disrupts the maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus, in a fetal sex-specific manner. METHODS Ewes were maintained before mating and through gestation on pastures fertilized with biosolids (BTP), or inorganic fertilizer (Control). From maternal plasma collected mid-gestation, 19 steroids, 14 cytokines, 6 oxidative stress markers were quantified. Unpaired t-test and ANOVA were used to test for differences between control and BTP groups (n = 15/group) and between groups based on fetal sex, respectively. Correlation between the different markers was assessed by Spearman correlation. RESULTS Concentrations of the mineralocorticoids - deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, the glucocorticoids - deoxycortisol, cortisol, cortisone, the sex steroids - androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, 16-OH-progesterone and reactive oxygen metabolites were higher in the BTP ewes compared to Controls, while the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-17A and anti-inflammatory IL-36RA were decreased in the BTP group. BTP ewes with a female fetus had lower levels of IP-10. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that pre-conceptional and gestational exposure to ECs in biosolids increases steroids, reactive oxygen metabolites and disrupts cytokines in maternal circulation, likely contributors to the aberrant phenotypic outcomes seen in offspring of BTP sheep - a translationally relevant precocial model.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Thangaraj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - L Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S Pennathur
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - R Lea
- Schools of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - K D Sinclair
- Schools of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - M Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - N P Evans
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - R Auchus
- Departments of Pharmacology & Internal medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - V Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Evans NP, Bellingham M, Elcombe CS, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Lea RG, Sinclair KD, Padmanabhan V. Sexually dimorphic impact of preconceptional and gestational exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture (biosolids) on offspring growth dynamics and puberty in sheep. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 102:104257. [PMID: 37659607 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Humans are ubiquitously exposed to complex mixtures of environmental chemicals (ECs). This study characterised changes in post-natal and peripubertal growth, and the activation of the reproductive axis, in male and female offspring of sheep exposed to a translationally relevant EC mixture (in biosolids), during pregnancy. Birthweight in both sexes was unaffected by gestational biosolids exposure. In contrast to females (unaffected), bodyweight in biosolids males was significantly lower than controls across the peripubertal period, however, they exhibited catch-up growth eventually surpassing controls. Despite weighing less, testosterone concentrations were elevated earlier, indicative of early puberty in the biosolids males. This contrasted with females in which the mean date of puberty (first progesterone cycle) was delayed. These results demonstrate that developmental EC-mixture exposure has sexually dimorphic effects on growth, puberty and the relationship between body size and puberty. Such programmed metabolic/reproductive effects could have significant impacts on human health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil P Evans
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher S Elcombe
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard G Lea
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
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5
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Thangaraj SV, Kachman M, Halloran KM, Sinclair KD, Lea R, Bellingham M, Evans NP, Padmanabhan V. Developmental programming: Preconceptional and gestational exposure of sheep to a real-life environmental chemical mixture alters maternal metabolome in a fetal sex-specific manner. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:161054. [PMID: 36565874 PMCID: PMC10322214 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Everyday, humans are exposed to a mixture of environmental chemicals some of which have endocrine and/or metabolism disrupting actions which may contribute to non-communicable diseases. The adverse health impacts of real-world chemical exposure, characterized by chronic low doses of a mixture of chemicals, are only recently emerging. Biosolids derived from human waste represent the environmental chemical mixtures humans are exposed to in real life. Prior studies in sheep have shown aberrant reproductive and metabolic phenotypes in offspring after maternal biosolids exposure. OBJECTIVE To determine if exposure to biosolids perturbs the maternal metabolic milieu of pregnant ewes, in a fetal sex-specific manner. METHODS Ewes were grazed on inorganic fertilizer (Control) or biosolids-treated pastures (BTP) from before mating and throughout gestation. Plasma from pregnant ewes (Control n = 15, BTP n = 15) obtained mid-gestation were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. Metabolites were identified using Agilent MassHunter. Multivariate analyses were done using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 and confirmed using SIMCA. RESULTS Univariate and multivariate analysis of 2301 annotated metabolites identified 193 differentially abundant metabolites (DM) between control and BTP sheep. The DM primarily belonged to the super-class of lipids and organic acids. 15-HeTrE, oleamide, methionine, CAR(3:0(OH)) and pyroglutamic acid were the top DM and have been implicated in the regulation of fetal growth and development. Fetal sex further exacerbated differences in metabolite profiles in the BTP group. The organic acids class of metabolites was abundant in animals with male fetuses. Prenol lipid, sphingolipid, glycerolipid, alkaloid, polyketide and benzenoid classes showed fetal sex-specific responses to biosolids. DISCUSSION Our study illustrates that exposure to biosolids significantly alters the maternal metabolome in a fetal sex-specific manner. The altered metabolite profile indicates perturbations to fatty acid, arginine, branched chain amino acid and one‑carbon metabolism. These factors are consistent with, and likely contribute to, the adverse phenotypic outcomes reported in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Thangaraj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M Kachman
- MM BRCF Metabolomics Core, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K M Halloran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K D Sinclair
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - R Lea
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - M Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - N P Evans
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - V Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Abdulrahman Alrabiah N, Simintiras CA, Evans ACO, Lonergan P, Fair T. Biochemical alterations in the follicular fluid of bovine peri-ovulatory follicles and association with final oocyte maturation. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 4:RAF-22-0090. [PMID: 36547396 PMCID: PMC9874974 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid (FF), a product of vascular transudate and granulosa and thecal cell secretions, is the milieu that has evolved to support oocyte growth and maturation which plays a central role in oocyte quality determination. Therefore, a suboptimal FF composition may be reflected in compromised oocyte progression through maturation, fertilization or embryo development. To date, the composition of bovine FF remains understudied. To address this, we comprehensively characterized the metabolomic constituency of bovine FF in the period during which the oocyte undergoes meiotic maturation. More specifically, FF from pre (-24 h) and peri (-2 h) -ovulatory follicles was profiled by high-throughput untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy. A total of 634 metabolites were identified, comprising: lipids (37.1%), amino acids (30.0%), xenobiotics (11.5%), nucleotides (6.8%), carbohydrates (4.4%), cofactors and vitamins (4.4%), peptides (3.6%) and energy substrates (2.1%). The concentrations of 67 metabolites were significantly affected by stage of follicle development, 33.3% (n=21) were reduced (P≤0.05) by a mean of 9.0-fold, whereas 46 were elevated (P≤0.05) by a mean of 1.7-fold in peri vs. pre -ovulatory FF. The most pronounced individual metabolite concentration decreases were hypoxanthine (98.9-fold), xanthine (65.7-fold), 17β-oestradiol (12.4-fold), and inosine (4.6-fold). In contrast, the greatest increases were in retinal (4.9-fold), 1-methyl-5-imidazoleacetate (2.7-fold), and isovalerylcarnitine (2.7-fold). This global metabolomic analysis of bovine FF temporal dynamics provides new information for understanding the environment supporting oocyte maturation and facilitating ovulation, that has the potential for improving oocyte quality both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noof Abdulrahman Alrabiah
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Constantine A Simintiras
- School of Animal Sciences, Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Hochard J, Li Y, Abashidze N. Associations of hurricane exposure and forecasting with impaired birth outcomes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6746. [PMID: 36347839 PMCID: PMC9643368 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Early forecasts give people in a storm's path time to prepare. Less is known about the cost to society when forecasts are incorrect. In this observational study, we examine over 700,000 births in the path of Hurricane Irene and find exposure was associated with impaired birth outcomes. Additional warning time was associated with decreased preterm birth rates for women who experienced intense storm exposures documenting a benefit of avoiding a type II forecasting error. A larger share of this at-risk population experienced a type I forecasting error where severe physical storm impacts were anticipated but not experienced. Disaster anticipation disrupted healthcare services by delaying and canceling prenatal care, which may contribute to storm-impacted birth outcomes. Recognizing storm damages depend on human responses to predicted storm paths is critical to supporting the next generation's developmental potential with judicious forecasts that ensure public warning systems mitigate rather than exacerbate climate damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Hochard
- grid.135963.b0000 0001 2109 0381Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Bim Kendall House, 804 E Fremont Street, Laramie, WY 82072 USA
| | - Yuanhao Li
- SNF – Centre for Applied Research at NHH, Helleveien 30, N-5045, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nino Abashidze
- grid.135963.b0000 0001 2109 0381Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Bim Kendall House, 804 E Fremont Street, Laramie, WY 82072 USA
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8
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Elcombe CS, Monteiro A, Elcombe MR, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Sinclair KD, Lea R, Padmanabhan V, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Developmental exposure to real-life environmental chemical mixture programs a testicular dysgenesis syndrome-like phenotype in prepubertal lambs. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:103913. [PMID: 35738462 PMCID: PMC9554787 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Current declines in male reproductive health may, in part, be driven by anthropogenic environmental chemical (EC) exposure. Using a biosolids treated pasture (BTP) sheep model, this study examined the effects of gestational exposure to a translationally relevant EC mixture. Testes of 8-week-old ram lambs from mothers exposed to BTP during pregnancy contained fewer germ cells and had a greater proportion of Sertoli-cell-only seminiferous tubules. This concurs with previous published data from fetuses and neonatal lambs from mothers exposed to BTP. Comparison between the testicular transcriptome of biosolids lambs and human testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) patients indicated common changes in genes involved in apoptotic and mTOR signalling. Gene expression data and immunohistochemistry indicated increased HIF1α activation and nuclear localisation in Leydig cells of BTP exposed animals. As HIF1α is reported to disrupt testosterone synthesis, these results provide a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of this testicular phenotype, and TDS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew R Elcombe
- MicroMatrices Associates Ltd, Dundee Technopole, James Lindsay Place, Dundee, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Richard Lea
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | | | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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9
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Elcombe CS, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Critical review and analysis of literature on low dose exposure to chemical mixtures in mammalian in vivo systems. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:221-238. [PMID: 35894754 PMCID: PMC9530410 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2091423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic chemicals are ubiquitous throughout the environment. Consequentially, humans are exposed to hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals daily. Current chemical risk assessments are primarily based on testing individual chemicals in rodents at doses that are orders of magnitude higher than that of human exposure. The potential risk from exposure to mixtures of chemicals is calculated using mathematical models of mixture toxicity based on these analyses. These calculations, however, do not account for synergistic or antagonistic interactions between co-exposed chemicals. While proven examples of chemical synergy in mixtures at low doses are rare, there is increasing evidence that, through non-conformance to current mixture toxicity models, suggests synergy. This review examined the published studies that have investigated exposure to mixtures of chemicals at low doses in mammalian in vivo systems. Only seven identified studies were sufficient in design to directly examine the appropriateness of current mixture toxicity models, of which three showed responses significantly greater than additivity model predictions. While the remaining identified studies were unable to provide evidence of synergistic toxicity, it became apparent that many results of such studies were not always explicable by current mixture toxicity models. Additionally, two data gaps were identified. Firstly, there is a lack of studies where individual chemical components of a complex mixture (>10 components) are tested in parallel to the chemical mixture. Secondly, there is a lack of dose-response data for mixtures of chemicals at low doses. Such data is essential to address the appropriateness and validity of future chemical mixture toxicity models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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10
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Elcombe CS, Monteiro A, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Morphological and transcriptomic alterations in neonatal lamb testes following developmental exposure to low-level environmental chemical mixture. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:103670. [PMID: 33964400 PMCID: PMC8316325 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to anthropogenic environmental chemical mixtures could be contributing to the decline in male reproductive health. This study used the biosolid treated pasture (BTP) sheep model to assess the effects of exposure to low-dose chemical mixtures. Maternal BTP exposure was associated with lower plasma testosterone concentrations, a greater proportion of Sertoli cell-only seminiferous tubules, and fewer gonocytes in the testes of neonatal offspring. Transcriptome analysis highlighted changes in testicular mTOR signalling, including lower expression of two mTOR complex components. Transcriptomic hierarchical analysis relative to the phenotypic severity demonstrated distinct differential responses to maternal BTP exposure during pregnancy. Transcriptome analysis between phenotypically normal and abnormal BTP lambs demonstrated separate responses within the cAMP and PI3K signalling pathways towards CREB. Together, the results provide a potential mechanistic explanation for adverse effects. Exposure could lower gonocyte numbers through mTOR mediated autophagy, but CREB mediated survival factors may act to increase germ cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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11
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Juengel JL, Cushman RA, Dupont J, Fabre S, Lea RG, Martin GB, Mossa F, Pitman JL, Price CA, Smith P. The ovarian follicle of ruminants: the path from conceptus to adult. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:621-642. [PMID: 34210385 DOI: 10.1071/rd21086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review resulted from an international workshop and presents a consensus view of critical advances over the past decade in our understanding of follicle function in ruminants. The major concepts covered include: (1) the value of major genes; (2) the dynamics of fetal ovarian development and its sensitivity to nutritional and environmental influences; (3) the concept of an ovarian follicle reserve, aligned with the rise of anti-Müllerian hormone as a controller of ovarian processes; (4) renewed recognition of the diverse and important roles of theca cells; (5) the importance of follicular fluid as a microenvironment that determines oocyte quality; (6) the 'adipokinome' as a key concept linking metabolic inputs with follicle development; and (7) the contribution of follicle development to the success of conception. These concepts are important because, in sheep and cattle, ovulation rate is tightly regulated and, as the primary determinant of litter size, it is a major component of reproductive efficiency and therefore productivity. Nowadays, reproductive efficiency is also a target for improving the 'methane efficiency' of livestock enterprises, increasing the need to understand the processes of ovarian development and folliculogenesis, while avoiding detrimental trade-offs as greater performance is sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Juengel
- AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand; and Corresponding author
| | - Robert A Cushman
- Livestock Biosystems Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- INRAE Institute UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Tours University, France
| | - Stéphane Fabre
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, Institut national polytechnique de Toulouse, Ecole nationale vétérinaire de Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Richard G Lea
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Graeme B Martin
- UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Francesca Mossa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Italy
| | - Janet L Pitman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Christopher A Price
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter Smith
- AgResearch Ltd, Invermay Agricultural Centre, Mosgiel, New Zealand
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12
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Zhang JM, Wang QY, Han XY, He QL, Liu L, Zhang YT, Meng XQ, Cheng D, Zhang TL, Liu SZ. Effects of 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl exposure during pregnancy on DNA methylation in the testis of offspring in the mouse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:1048-1059. [PMID: 32758352 DOI: 10.1071/rd19412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants, and the widespread use of PCBs has had adverse effects on human and animal health. This study experiment explored the effects of 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) on the mammalian reproductive system. PCB118 was administered to pregnant mice from 7.5 to 12.5 days of gestation; F1 mice were obtained and the reproductive system of F1 male mice was examined. PCB118 damaged the reproductive system in male F1 mice, as evidenced by negative effects on the testicular organ coefficient (testes weight/bodyweight), a decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and a significant reduction in the anogenital distance in 35-day-old F1 mice. In addition, methylation levels of genomic DNA were reduced, with reductions in the expression of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B, as well as that of the epigenetic regulatory factor ubiquitin like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (Uhrf1). Together, the results of this study provide compelling evidence that exposure of pregnant mice to PCB118 during primordial germ cell migration in the fetus affects the reproductive system of the offspring and decreases global methylation levels in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Mei Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Qiu-Yue Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Qi-Long He
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Li Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yong-Tao Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Meng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Dong Cheng
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Tian-Liang Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China; and Corresponding author.
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13
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Nakahira R, Ayabe Y, Braga-Tanaka I, Tanaka S, Komura JI. Effects of Continuous In Utero Low- and Medium-Dose-Rate Gamma-Ray Exposure on Fetal Germ Cells. Radiat Res 2021; 195:235-243. [PMID: 33347599 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00093.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The effects of radiation exposure on germ cells and the gonads have been well studied at acute high-dose exposures, but the effects of chronic low-dose-rate (LDR) irradiation, particularly relevant for radiation protection, on germ cells and the gonads are largely unknown. Our previous study revealed that chronic exposure of mice to medium-dose-rate (MDR, 200 or 400 mGy/day) gamma-rays in utero for the entire gestation period (18 days) induced only a mild degree of general growth retardation, but with very drastic effects on the gonads and germ cells. In the current study, we further investigated the histomorphological changes in the gonads and the number of germ cells from gestation day (GD) 18 fetuses irradiated with MDR throughout the entire gestation period. The germ cells in the testes and ovaries of the MDR-irradiated fetuses were almost obliterated. Gestation day 18 fetuses exposed to LDR (20 mGy/day) radiation for the entire gestation period showed decreases in the number of the germ cells, which were not statistically significant or only marginally significant at most. Further investigations on the effects of LDR irradiation in utero using more sensitive methods are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Nakahira
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7, Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori, 039-3212, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Ayabe
- Department of Radioecology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7, Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori, 039-3212, Japan
| | - Ignacia Braga-Tanaka
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7, Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori, 039-3212, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7, Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori, 039-3212, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Komura
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute for Environmental Sciences, 1-7, Ienomae, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori, 039-3212, Japan
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14
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Mourikes VE, Flaws JA. Effects of Chemical Mixtures on the Ovary. Reproduction 2021; 162:F91-F100. [PMID: 33528380 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ovaries play a critical role in female reproductive health because they are the site of oocyte maturation and sex steroid hormone production. The unique cellular processes that take place within the ovary make it a susceptible target for chemical mixtures. Herein, we review the available data regarding the effects of chemical mixtures on the ovary, focusing on development, folliculogenesis, and steroidogenesis. The chemical mixtures discussed include those to which women are exposed to environmentally, occupationally, and medically. Following a brief introduction to chemical mixture components, we describe the effects of chemical mixtures on ovarian development, folliculogenesis, and steroidogenesis. Further, we discuss the effects of chemical mixtures on corpora lutea and transgenerational outcomes. Identifying the effects of chemical mixtures on the ovaries is paramount to preventing and treating mixture-inducing toxicity of the ovary that has long-term consequences such as infertility and ovarian disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki E Mourikes
- V Mourikes, Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, United States
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- J Flaws, Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States
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15
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Yao S, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Developmental programming of the female reproductive system-a review. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:745-770. [PMID: 33354727 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to adverse conditions in utero can lead to permanent changes in the structure and function of key physiological systems in the developing fetus, increasing the risk of disease and premature aging in later postnatal life. When considering the systems that could be affected by an adverse gestational environment, the reproductive system of developing female offspring may be particularly important, as changes have the potential to alter both reproductive capacity of the first generation, as well as health of the second generation through changes in the oocyte. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of different adverse intrauterine conditions on the reproductive system of the female offspring. It focuses on the effects of exposure to maternal undernutrition, overnutrition/obesity, hypoxia, smoking, steroid excess, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and pollutants during gestation and draws on data from human and animal studies to illuminate underlying mechanisms. The available data indeed indicate that adverse gestational environments alter the reproductive physiology of female offspring with consequences for future reproductive capacity. These alterations are mediated via programmed changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the structure and function of reproductive tissues, particularly the ovaries. Reproductive programming may be observed as a change in the timing of puberty onset and menopause/reproductive decline, altered menstrual/estrous cycles, polycystic ovaries, and elevated risk of reproductive tissue cancers. These reproductive outcomes can affect the fertility and fecundity of the female offspring; however, further work is needed to better define the possible impact of these programmed changes on subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Yao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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16
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Jacobson C, Bruce M, Kenyon PR, Lockwood A, Miller D, Refshauge G, Masters DG. A review of dystocia in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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17
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Kang SH, Joo JH, Jang SI, Park EC. Association of exposure to secondhand smoke at home with early age at menarche in South Korea. Public Health 2020; 185:144-149. [PMID: 32622222 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The secular trend in age at menarche (AAM) has declined both worldwide and in Korea. Early AAM is associated with the risk of several diseases, reproductive capacity, and psychological problems. We aimed to investigate the relationship between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home and early puberty onset using AAM in Korean adolescents. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS This study used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey 2014-2015. We used the mean AAM (12.2 years) as a determinant of early AAM. After the exclusion of girls without menarche or who did not respond, the total population comprised 63,618 participants. We categorized AAM as 'early' and 'average or late.' Adolescents with SHS exposure were assigned to the 'never exposed,' 'light exposure,' and 'heavy exposure' groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS We observed a positive association, approximately 1.12 times, between early AAM and high SHS exposure (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.19). Girls who started smoking before the age of 12 years (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.41-1.99) showed a stronger association with early AAM than non-smokers. Active smoking showed a stronger association with early AAM. Never smokers with high SHS exposure at home were 1.13 times likelier to have an early AAM (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05-1.22) than those without SHS exposure. CONCLUSIONS In addition to active smoking, SHS may also be a risk factor for early AAM. Education aimed at active and secondhand smoking prevention is needed to protect children against early AAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Kang
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - J H Joo
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - S I Jang
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - E C Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Viguié C, Chaillou E, Gayrard V, Picard-Hagen N, Fowler PA. Toward a better understanding of the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on health: Human-relevant case studies from sheep models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 505:110711. [PMID: 31954824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There are many challenges to overcome in order to properly understand both the exposure to, and effects of, endocrine disruptors (EDs). This is particularly true with respect to fetal life where ED exposures are a major issue requiring toxicokinetic studies of materno-fetal exchange and identification of pathophysiological consequences. The sheep, a large, monotocous, species, is very suitable for in utero fetal catheterization allowing a modelling approach predictive of human fetal exposure. Predicting adverse effects of EDs on human health is frequently impeded by the wide interspecies differences in the regulation of endocrine functions and their effects on biological processes. Because of its similarity to humans as regards gestational and thyroid physiologies and brain ontogeny, the sheep constitutes a highly appropriate model to move one step further on thyroid disruptor hazard assessment. As a grazing animal, the sheep has also proven to be useful in the evaluation of the consequences of chronic environmental exposure to "real-life" complex mixtures at different stages of the reproductive life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Viguié
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France.
| | - Elodie Chaillou
- PRC, INRAE Val de Loire, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Véronique Gayrard
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicole Picard-Hagen
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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19
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Filis P, Walker N, Robertson L, Eaton-Turner E, Ramona L, Bellingham M, Amezaga MR, Zhang Z, Mandon-Pepin B, Evans NP, Sharpe RM, Cotinot C, Rees WD, O'Shaughnessy P, Fowler PA. Long-term exposure to chemicals in sewage sludge fertilizer alters liver lipid content in females and cancer marker expression in males. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 124:98-108. [PMID: 30641261 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased incidence of diseases, including metabolic syndrome and infertility, may be related to exposure to the mixture of chemicals, which are ubiquitous in the modern environment (environmental chemicals, ECs). Xeno-detoxification occurs within the liver which is also the source of many plasma proteins and growth factors and plays an important role in the regulation of homeostasis. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ECs on aspects of liver function, in a well characterized ovine model of exposure to a real-life EC mixture. METHODS Four groups of sheep (n = 10-12/sex/treatment) were maintained long-term on control or sewage sludge-fertilized pastures: from conception to culling at 19 months of age in females and from conception to 7 months of age and thereafter in control plots until culling at 19 months of age in males. Environmental chemicals were measured in sheep livers and RNA and protein extracts were assessed for exposure markers. Liver proteins were resolved using 2D differential in-gel electrophoresis and differentially expressed protein spots were identified by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectroscopy. RESULTS Higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lower levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the livers of control males compared to control females indicated sexually dimorphic EC body burdens. Increased levels of the PAHs Benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene and reduced levels of PCB 153 and PCB 180 were observed in the livers of continuously exposed females. EC exposure affected xenobiotic and detoxification responses and the liver proteome in both sexes and included major plasma-secreted and blood proteins, and metabolic enzymes whose pathway analysis predicted dysregulation of cancer-related pathways and altered lipid dynamics. The latter were confirmed by a reduction in total lipids in female livers and up-regulation of cancer-related transcript markers in male livers respectively by sewage sludge exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that chronic exposure to ECs causes major physiological changes in the liver, likely to affect multiple systems in the body and which may predispose individuals to increased disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Natasha Walker
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Linda Robertson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Emily Eaton-Turner
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Lauma Ramona
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Bearsden Rd, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Maria R Amezaga
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zulin Zhang
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | | | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Bearsden Rd, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Corinne Cotinot
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - William D Rees
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Peter O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM), College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Bearsden Rd, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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20
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Migliaccio M, Chioccarelli T, Ambrosino C, Suglia A, Manfrevola F, Carnevali O, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Characterization of Follicular Atresia Responsive to BPA in Zebrafish by Morphometric Analysis of Follicular Stage Progression. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:4298195. [PMID: 30675159 PMCID: PMC6323489 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4298195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical compound, pervasively polluting the environment and diet, classified as an endocrine disruptor because of its interference effects on the endocrine system. In zebrafish, BPA exposure induces follicular atresia. To acquire knowledge on this atretic effect, using a qualitative and quantitative histomorphological approach, we studied zebrafish ovarian follicular stage development in response to low BPA concentrations. Results show that BPA interferes with follicular progression by affecting the previtellogenic and vitellogenic phases. In particular, BPA exposure (i) increases follicular recruitment by acting on primary stage follicles, (ii) forces the follicular transition from stage III to stage IV producing enlarged stage IV follicles, and (iii) induces atresia by producing atretic follicles that are peculiarly enlarged (i.e., big atretic follicles). We suggest that BPA induces atresia by the primary effect on recruitment of stage I follicles. This forces follicular progression and produces stage IV follicles that are peculiarly enlarged that undertake the atretic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - T. Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - C. Ambrosino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università del Sannio, Via Port'Arsa 11, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - A. Suglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - F. Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - O. Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - S. Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - R. Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - G. Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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21
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Cheng SF, Qin XS, Han ZL, Sun XF, Feng YN, Yang F, Ge W, Li L, Zhao Y, De Felici M, Zou SH, Zhou Y, Shen W. Nicotine exposure impairs germ cell development in human fetal ovaries cultured in vitro. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:1556-1574. [PMID: 30001218 PMCID: PMC6075447 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present paper, we found that human fetal ovaries (at ~16 weeks) express the transcripts for several subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Exposure to the drug in vitro resulted in the marked increase of apoptosis in the ovaries in a time and dose-dependent manner. Evidence that adverse nicotine effects are potentially due to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent DNA damage, both in the ovarian somatic cells and germ cells, are reported. After 4 days of culture, exposure to 1 mM and 10 mM nicotine caused a 50% and 75% decrease, respectively, in the number of oogonia/oocytes present in the fetal ovaries. These results represent the first indication that nicotine may directly cause apoptosis in cells of the fetal human ovary and may lead to a reduction of the ovarian reserve oocytes and consequent precocious menopause in mothers smoking during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Feng Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Equal contribution
| | - Xun-Si Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Equal contribution
| | - Ze-Li Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yan-Ni Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Shu-Hua Zou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Qingdao Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266034, China
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22
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Anzalone DA, Sampino S, Czernik M, Iuso D, Ptak GE. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter DNA methylation and genomic integrity of sheep fetal cells in a simplified in vitro model of pregnancy exposure. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 46:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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23
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Long AS, Wills JW, Krolak D, Guo M, Dertinger SD, Arlt VM, White PA. Benchmark dose analyses of multiple genetic toxicity endpoints permit robust, cross-tissue comparisons of MutaMouse responses to orally delivered benzo[a]pyrene. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:967-982. [PMID: 29177888 PMCID: PMC5818629 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic damage is a key event in tumorigenesis, and chemically induced genotoxic effects are a human health concern. Although genetic toxicity data have historically been interpreted using a qualitative screen-and-bin approach, there is increasing interest in quantitative analysis of genetic toxicity dose-response data. We demonstrate an emerging use of the benchmark dose (BMD)-approach for empirically ranking cross-tissue sensitivity. Using a model environmental carcinogen, we quantitatively examined responses for four genetic damage endpoints over an extended dose range, and conducted cross-tissue sensitivity rankings using BMD100 values and their 90% confidence intervals (CIs). MutaMouse specimens were orally exposed to 11 doses of benzo[a]pyrene. DNA adduct frequency and lacZ mutant frequency (MF) were measured in up to 8 tissues, and Pig-a MF and micronuclei (MN) were assessed in immature (RETs) and mature red blood cells (RBCs). The cross-tissue BMD pattern for lacZ MF is similar to that observed for DNA adducts, and is consistent with an oral route-of-exposure and differences in tissue-specific metabolism and proliferation. The lacZ MF BMDs were significantly correlated with the tissue-matched adduct BMDs, demonstrating a consistent adduct conversion rate across tissues. The BMD CIs, for both the Pig-a and the MN endpoints, overlapped for RETs and RBCs, suggesting comparable utility of both cell populations for protracted exposures. Examination of endpoint-specific response maxima illustrates the difficulty of comparing BMD values for a fixed benchmark response across endpoints. Overall, the BMD-approach permitted robust comparisons of responses across tissues/endpoints, which is valuable to our mechanistic understanding of how benzo[a]pyrene induces genetic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Long
- Mechanistic Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, A/L 0803A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - John W Wills
- Mechanistic Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, A/L 0803A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dorothy Krolak
- Mechanistic Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, A/L 0803A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Matthew Guo
- Mechanistic Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, A/L 0803A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | | | - Volker M Arlt
- Analytical and Environmental Sciences Division, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul A White
- Mechanistic Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture, A/L 0803A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Lee HM, Hwang KA, Choi KC. Diverse pathways of epithelial mesenchymal transition related with cancer progression and metastasis and potential effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 457:103-113. [PMID: 28042023 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with normal functions of natural hormones in the body, leading to a disruption of the endocrine system. Specifically, EDCs have the potential to cause formation of several hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by which epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion and acquire mesenchymal phenotype is closely associated with malignant transformation and the initiation of cancer metastasis. As a key epithelial marker responsible for adherens junction, E-cadherin enables the cells to maintain epithelial phenotypes. EMT event is induced by E-cadherin loss which can be carried out by many transcription factors (TFs), including Snail, Slug, ZEB1, ZEB2, Kruppel-like factor 8 (KLF8), and Twist. N-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin are mesenchymal markers needed for cellular migration. The EMT process is regulated by several signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Wnt-β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and receptor tyrosine kinases. In the present article, we reviewed the current understanding of cancer progression effects of synthetic chemical EDCs such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and triclosan by focusing their roles in the EMT process. Collectively, the majority of previous studies revealed that BPA, phthalates, TCDD, and triclosan have the potential to induce cancer metastasis through regulating EMT markers and migration via several signaling pathways associated with the EMT program. Therefore, it is considered that the exposure to these EDCs can increase the risk aggravating the disease for the patients suffering cancer and that more regulations about the use of these EDCs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Miru Lee
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-A Hwang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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Johansson HKL, Svingen T, Fowler PA, Vinggaard AM, Boberg J. Environmental influences on ovarian dysgenesis - developmental windows sensitive to chemical exposures. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2017; 13:400-414. [PMID: 28450750 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2017.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A woman's reproductive health and ability to have children directly affect numerous aspects of her life, from personal well-being and socioeconomic standing, to morbidity and lifespan. In turn, reproductive health depends on the development of correctly functioning ovaries, a process that starts early during fetal life. Early disruption to ovarian programming can have long-lasting consequences, potentially manifesting as disease much later in adulthood. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to chemicals early in life, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can cause a range of disorders later in life, such as those described in the ovarian dysgenesis syndrome hypothesis. In this Review, we discuss four specific time windows during which the ovary is particularly sensitive to disruption by exogenous insults: gonadal sex determination, meiotic division, follicle assembly and the first wave of follicle recruitment. To date, most evidence points towards the germ cell lineage being the most vulnerable to chemical exposure, particularly meiotic division and follicle assembly. Environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals, such as bisphenols or mild analgesics (including paracetamol), can also affect the somatic cell lineages. This Review summarizes our current knowledge pertaining to environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and their potential contributions to the development of ovarian dysgenesis syndrome. We also highlight knowledge gaps that need addressing to safeguard female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Meier MJ, O’Brien JM, Beal MA, Allan B, Yauk CL, Marchetti F. In Utero Exposure to Benzo[a]Pyrene Increases Mutation Burden in the Soma and Sperm of Adult Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:82-88. [PMID: 27448386 PMCID: PMC5226697 DOI: 10.1289/ehp211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosaicism, the presence of genetically distinct cell populations within an organism, has emerged as an important contributor to disease. Mutational events occurring during embryonic development can cause mosaicism in any tissue, but the influence of environmental factors on levels of mosaicism is unclear. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether in utero exposure to the widespread environmental mutagen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) has an impact on the burden and distribution of mutations in adult mice. METHODS We used the Muta™Mouse transgenic rodent model to quantify and characterize mutations in the offspring of pregnant mice exposed to BaP during postconception days 7 through 16, covering the major period of organogenesis in mice. Next-generation DNA sequencing was then used to determine the spectrum of mutations induced in adult mice that were exposed to BaP during fetal development. RESULTS Mutation frequency was significantly increased in the bone marrow, liver, brain, and sperm of first filial generation (F1) males. Developing embryos accumulated more mutations and exhibited higher proportions of mosaicism than exposed adults, particularly in the brain. Decreased sperm count and motility revealed additional negative impacts on the reproductive function of F1 males. CONCLUSION In utero exposure to environmental mutagens contributes to somatic and germline mosaicism, permanently affecting both the genetic health of the F1 and the population gene pool. Citation: Meier MJ, O'Brien JM, Beal MA, Allan B, Yauk CL, Marchetti F. 2017. In utero exposure to benzo[a]pyrene increases mutation burden in the soma and sperm of adult mice. Environ Health Perspect 125:82-88; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP211.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Meier
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason M. O’Brien
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc A. Beal
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverly Allan
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carole L. Yauk
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Marchetti
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Address correspondence to F. Marchetti, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada. Telephone: 1-613-9573137. E-mail:
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Abstract
This study tested whether feeding Rasa Aragonesa ewes certified organic feed, from 15 days before mating until lamb weaning, improved oocyte quality and in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) performances of the offspring. In a second experiment, ovaries from ewe lambs that were bred on an organic farm and were of the same breed were compared with those from conventionally bred animals. The number (± standard error of the mean) of healthy oocytes per ewe lamb did not differ significantly between organic (12.2 ± 3.3) and conventionally (13.6 ± 4.0) fed ewes. Ovaries from ewe lambs born on an organic farm had significantly (P < 0.0001) more healthy oocytes per ewe lamb (39.6 ± 5.2) than did those born on a conventional farm (25.0 ± 4.2), and higher IVM (76.5% vs. 53.1%, P < 0.0001) and IVF (97.3 vs. 91%, P < 0.05) rates. In conclusion, this preliminary approach to the study of the effect of organic procedures on the sheep oocyte quality indicates that the total integration in the complete organic system improved the oocyte quality of ewe lambs, although organic feeding alone was insufficient to improve quality.
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Bellingham M, Fowler PA, MacDonald ES, Mandon‐Pepin B, Cotinot C, Rhind S, Sharpe RM, Evans NP. Timing of Maternal Exposure and Foetal Sex Determine the Effects of Low-level Chemical Mixture Exposure on the Foetal Neuroendocrine System in Sheep. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:10.1111/jne.12444. [PMID: 27870155 PMCID: PMC5621486 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We have shown that continuous maternal exposure to the complex mixture of environmental chemicals (ECs) found in human biosolids (sewage sludge), disrupts mRNA expression of genes crucial for development and long-term regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) function in sheep. The present study investigated whether exposure to ECs only during preconceptional period or only during pregnancy perturbed key regulatory genes within the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and whether these effects were different from chronic (life-long) exposure to biosolid ECs. The findings demonstrate that the timing and duration of maternal EC exposure influences the subsequent effects on the foetal neuroendocrine system in a sex-specific manner. Maternal exposure prior to conception, or during pregnancy only, altered the expression of key foetal neuroendocrine regulatory systems such as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and kisspeptin to a greater extent than when maternal exposure was 'life-long'. Furthermore, hypothalamic gene expression was affected to a greater extent in males than in females and, following EC exposure, male foetuses expressed more 'female-like' mRNA levels for some key neuroendocrine genes. This is the first study to show that 'real-life' maternal exposure to low levels of a complex cocktail of chemicals prior to conception can subsequently affect the developing foetal neuroendocrine system. These findings demonstrate that the developing neuroendocrine system is sensitive to EC mixtures in a sex-dimorphic manner likely to predispose to reproductive dysfunction in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bellingham
- Institute of BiodiversityAnimal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - P. A. Fowler
- Division of Applied MedicineCentre for Reproductive Endocrinology and MedicineInstitute of Medical SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - E. S. MacDonald
- Institute of BiodiversityAnimal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - C. Cotinot
- UMR BDRUniversite Paris SaclayParisFrance
| | - S. Rhind
- James Hutton InstituteAberdeenUK
| | - R. M. Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - N. P. Evans
- Institute of BiodiversityAnimal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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29
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The conceptus induces a switch in protein expression and activities of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 in the sheep endometrium during early pregnancy. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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30
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Sinclair KD, Rutherford KMD, Wallace JM, Brameld JM, Stöger R, Alberio R, Sweetman D, Gardner DS, Perry VEA, Adam CL, Ashworth CJ, Robinson JE, Dwyer CM. Epigenetics and developmental programming of welfare and production traits in farm animals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:RD16102. [PMID: 27439952 DOI: 10.1071/rd16102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that postnatal health and development can be influenced by events that occur in utero originated from epidemiological studies in humans supported by numerous mechanistic (including epigenetic) studies in a variety of model species. Referred to as the 'developmental origins of health and disease' or 'DOHaD' hypothesis, the primary focus of large-animal studies until quite recently had been biomedical. Attention has since turned towards traits of commercial importance in farm animals. Herein we review the evidence that prenatal risk factors, including suboptimal parental nutrition, gestational stress, exposure to environmental chemicals and advanced breeding technologies, can determine traits such as postnatal growth, feed efficiency, milk yield, carcass composition, animal welfare and reproductive potential. We consider the role of epigenetic and cytoplasmic mechanisms of inheritance, and discuss implications for livestock production and future research endeavours. We conclude that although the concept is proven for several traits, issues relating to effect size, and hence commercial importance, remain. Studies have also invariably been conducted under controlled experimental conditions, frequently assessing single risk factors, thereby limiting their translational value for livestock production. We propose concerted international research efforts that consider multiple, concurrent stressors to better represent effects of contemporary animal production systems.
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Evans NP, Bellingham M, Robinson JE. Prenatal programming of neuroendocrine reproductive function. Theriogenology 2016; 86:340-8. [PMID: 27142489 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It is now well recognized that the gestational environment can have long-lasting effects not only on the life span and health span of an individual but also, through potential epigenetic changes, on future generations. This article reviews the "prenatal programming" of the neuroendocrine systems that regulate reproduction, with a specific focus on the lessons learned using ovine models. The review examines the critical roles played by steroids in normal reproductive development before considering the effects of prenatal exposure to exogenous steroid hormones including androgens and estrogens, the effects of maternal nutrition and stress during gestation, and the effects of exogenous chemicals such as alcohol and environment chemicals. In so doing, it becomes evident that, to maximize fitness, the regulation of reproduction has evolved to be responsive to many different internal and external cues and that the GnRH neurosecretory system expresses a degree of plasticity throughout life. During fetal life, however, the system is particularly sensitive to change and at this time, the GnRH neurosecretory system can be "shaped" both to achieve normal sexually differentiated function but also in ways that may adversely affect or even prevent "normal function". The exact mechanisms through which these programmed changes are brought about remain largely uncharacterized but are likely to differ depending on the factor, the timing of exposure to that factor, and the species. It would appear, however, that some afferent systems to the GnRH neurons such as kisspeptin, may be critical in this regard as it would appear to be sensitive to a wide variety of factors that can program reproductive function. Finally, it has been noted that the prenatal programming of neuroendocrine reproductive function can be associated with epigenetic changes, which would suggest that in addition to direct effects on the exposed offspring, prenatal programming could have transgenerational effects on reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane E Robinson
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Lea RG, Amezaga MR, Loup B, Mandon-Pépin B, Stefansdottir A, Filis P, Kyle C, Zhang Z, Allen C, Purdie L, Jouneau L, Cotinot C, Rhind SM, Sinclair KD, Fowler PA. The fetal ovary exhibits temporal sensitivity to a 'real-life' mixture of environmental chemicals. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22279. [PMID: 26931299 PMCID: PMC4773987 DOI: 10.1038/srep22279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of fetal ovarian follicles is a critical determinant of adult female reproductive competence. Prolonged exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) can perturb this process with detrimental consequences for offspring. Here we report on the exposure of pregnant ewes to an environmental mixture of ECs derived from pastures fertilized with sewage sludge (biosolids): a common global agricultural practice. Exposure of pregnant ewes to ECs over 80 day periods during early, mid or late gestation reduced the proportion of healthy early stage fetal follicles comprising the ovarian reserve. Mid and late gestation EC exposures had the most marked effects, disturbing maternal and fetal liver chemical profiles, masculinising fetal anogenital distance and greatly increasing the number of altered fetal ovarian genes and proteins. In conclusion, differential temporal sensitivity of the fetus and its ovaries to EC mixtures has implications for adult ovarian function following adverse exposures during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Lea
- Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Maria R Amezaga
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences &Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Benoit Loup
- UMR BDR, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Agnes Stefansdottir
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences &Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences &Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Carol Kyle
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Zulin Zhang
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Ceri Allen
- Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Laura Purdie
- Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Luc Jouneau
- UMR BDR, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Corinne Cotinot
- UMR BDR, INRA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stewart M Rhind
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences &Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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Arnold KE, Brown AR, Ankley GT, Sumpter JP. Medicating the environment: assessing risks of pharmaceuticals to wildlife and ecosystems. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0569. [PMID: 25405959 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Global pharmaceutical consumption is rising with the growing and ageing human population and more intensive food production. Recent studies have revealed pharmaceutical residues in a wide range of ecosystems and organisms. Environmental concentrations are often low, but pharmaceuticals typically are designed to have biological effects at low doses, acting on physiological systems that can be evolutionarily conserved across taxa. This Theme Issue introduces the latest research investigating the risks of environmentally relevant concentrations of pharmaceuticals to vertebrate wildlife. We take a holistic, global view of environmental exposure to pharmaceuticals encompassing terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in high- and low-income countries. Based on both field and laboratory data, the evidence for and relevance of changes to physiology and behaviour, in addition to mortality and reproductive effects, are examined in terms of the population- and community-level consequences of pharmaceutical exposure on wildlife. Studies on uptake, trophic transfer and indirect effects of pharmaceuticals acting via food webs are presented. Given the logistical and ethical complexities of research in this area, several papers focus on techniques for prioritizing which compounds are most likely to harm wildlife and how modelling approaches can make predictions about the bioavailability, metabolism and toxicity of pharmaceuticals in non-target species. This Theme Issue aims to help clarify the uncertainties, highlight opportunities and inform ongoing scientific and policy debates on the impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Ross Brown
- AstraZeneca Safety, Health and Environment, Brixham Environmental Laboratory, Brixham, UK University of Exeter, Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Exeter, UK
| | | | - John P Sumpter
- Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
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Filis P, Nagrath N, Fraser M, Hay DC, Iredale JP, O'Shaughnessy P, Fowler PA. Maternal Smoking Dysregulates Protein Expression in Second Trimester Human Fetal Livers in a Sex-Specific Manner. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:E861-70. [PMID: 25803269 PMCID: PMC4533306 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-3941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Maternal smoking during pregnancy has adverse effects on the offspring (eg, increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome and infertility), which may involve alterations in fetal liver function. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to analyze, for the first time, the human fetal liver proteome to identify pathways affected by maternal smoking. DESIGN Fetal liver proteins extracted from elective second trimester pregnancy terminations (12-16 weeks of gestation) were divided in four balanced groups based on sex and maternal smoking. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Livers were collected from 24 morphologically normal fetuses undergoing termination for nonmedical reasons and analyzed at the Universities of Aberdeen and Glasgow. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Protein extracts were resolved by 2D-PAGE and analyzed with SameSpots software. Ingenuity pathway analysis was used to investigate likely roles of dysregulated proteins identified by tandem liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. RESULTS Significant expression differences between one or more groups (fetal sex and/or maternal smoking) were found in 22 protein spots. Maternal smoking affected proteins with roles in post-translational protein processing and secretion (ERP29, PDIA3), stress responses and detoxification (HSP90AA1, HSBP1, ALDH7A1, CAT), and homeostasis (FTL1, ECHS1, GLUD1, AFP, SDHA). Although proteins involved in necrosis and cancer development were affected in both sexes, pathways affecting cellular homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis were affected in males and pathways affecting glucose metabolism were affected in females. CONCLUSIONS The fetal liver exhibits marked sex differences at the protein level, and these are disturbed by maternal smoking. The foundations for smoke-induced post-natal diseases are likely to be due to sex-specific effects on diverse pathways.
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Rivera OE, Varayoud J, Rodríguez HA, Santamaría CG, Bosquiazzo VL, Osti M, Belmonte NM, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Luque EH. Neonatal exposure to xenoestrogens impairs the ovarian response to gonadotropin treatment in lambs. Reproduction 2015; 149:645-55. [PMID: 25778539 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) are xenoestrogens, which have been associated with altered effects on reproduction. We hypothesized that neonatal xenoestrogen exposure affects the ovarian functionality in lambs. Thus, we evaluated the ovarian response to exogenous ovine FSH (oFSH) administered from postnatal day 30 (PND30) to PND32 in female lambs previously exposed to low doses of DES or BPA (BPA50: 50 μg/kg per day, BPA0.5: 0.5 μg/kg per day) from PND1 to PND14. We determined: i) follicular growth, ii) circulating levels of 17β-estradiol (E2), iii) steroid receptors (estrogen receptor alpha, estrogen receptor beta, and androgen receptor (AR)) and atresia, and iv) mRNA expression levels of the ovarian bone morphogenetic protein (BMPs) system (BMP6, BMP15, BMPR1B, and GDF9) and FSH receptor (FSHR). Lambs neonatally exposed to DES or BPA showed an impaired ovarian response to oFSH with a lower number of follicles ≥2 mm in diameter together with a lower number of atretic follicles and no increase in E2 serum levels in response to oFSH treatment. In addition, AR induction by oFSH was disrupted in granulosa and theca cells of lambs exposed to DES or BPA. An increase in GDF9 mRNA expression levels was observed in oFSH-primed lambs previously treated with DES or BPA50. In contrast, a decrease in BMPR1B was observed in BPA0.5-postnatally exposed lambs. The modifications in AR, GDF9, and BMPR1B may be associated with the altered ovarian function due to neonatal xenoestrogen exposure in response to an exogenous gonadotropin stimulus. These alterations may be the pathophysiological basis of subfertility syndrome in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar E Rivera
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Horacio A Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Clarisa G Santamaría
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Verónica L Bosquiazzo
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mario Osti
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Norberto M Belmonte
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasUniversidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFacultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias BiológicasInstituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Casilla de Correo 242, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
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Behie AM, O'Donnell MH. Prenatal smoking and age at menarche: influence of the prenatal environment on the timing of puberty. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:957-62. [PMID: 25740885 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do prenatal exposure to cigarette smoking and birthweight influence age at menarche (AAM) in a cohort of Australian girls? SUMMARY ANSWER We find that prenatal smoke exposure and lower birthweight increase the chance of earlier menarche in accordance with theoretical predictions as do confounding factors of maternal AAM and higher BMI of the girls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Much prior research focuses on the role of the early childhood environment in determining AAM but fewer studies consider the role of the prenatal environment. Those studies that examine the prenatal period find an acceleration of maturation associated with maternal smoking and low birthweight. Life history theory predicts that early life exposure to stressful environments should promote more rapid maturation and that this timing can be established before birth, making the prenatal environment particularly important. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Statistical analysis of longitudinal survey data collected from a large cohort (n = 2446) of Australian children using data from birth to 12-13 years of age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Owing to missing data, 1493 girls were included in the final analysis. Using cox regression, we examine how (i) maternal cigarette smoking during gestation and (ii) birthweight influence girls' AAM. Cox regression was used because not all girls had reached menarche. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We find that older maternal AAM (hazards ratio (HR): 0.75, confidence interval (CI) (95%): 0.71-0.79) and higher birthweight (HR: 0.86, CI (95%): 0.75-0.97) lower the chance of earlier menarche; while higher girls' BMI at 8-9 years (HR: 1.12, CI (95%): 1.10-1.15), and maternal cigarette smoking on 'most days' during gestation (HR: 1.40, CI (95%): 1.10-1.79 with 'no smoking' as the reference level) increased the chance of earlier menarche. All factors were statistically significant at P = 0.05. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Not all girls had reached menarche, necessitating the use of cox regression. As with other longitudinal studies, there was study sample attrition and some missing data, particularly in reports of maternal smoking. In addition, as the degree of bias in the missing data is unknown, possible inaccurate reporting of maternal smoking may influence the results of birthweight on AAM. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Because of the association between younger AAM and higher risk of uterine, endometrial and breast cancer development, our finding adds to the need to consider the stress caused by prenatal smoke exposure as an important health risk. In addition, this study needs to be extended, when the same girls are 14-15 years of age, and on a larger dataset from a younger cohort within the same Australian Government project. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No funding was received for this study and there are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Behie
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra 0200, Australia
| | - M H O'Donnell
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra 0200, Australia
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Al-Gubory K, Arianmanesh M, Garrel C, Fowler P. The conceptus regulates tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase and superoxide dismutase 2 in the sheep caruncular endometrium during early pregnancy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 60:112-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Evans NP, Bellingham M, Sharpe RM, Cotinot C, Rhind SM, Kyle C, Erhard H, Hombach-Klonisch S, Lind PM, Fowler PA. Reproduction Symposium: does grazing on biosolids-treated pasture pose a pathophysiological risk associated with increased exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds? J Anim Sci 2014; 92:3185-98. [PMID: 24948646 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-7763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosolids (processed human sewage sludge), which contain low individual concentrations of an array of contaminants including heavy metals and organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans known to cause physiological disturbances, are increasingly being used as an agricultural fertilizer. This could pose a health threat to both humans and domestic and wild animal species. This review summarizes results of a unique model, used to determine the effects of exposure to mixtures of environmentally relevant concentrations of pollutants, in sheep grazed on biosolids-treated pastures. Pasture treatment results in nonsignificant increases in environmental chemical (EC) concentrations in soil. Whereas EC concentrations were increased in some tissues of both ewes and their fetuses, concentrations were low and variable and deemed to pose little risk to consumer health. Investigation of the effects of gestational EC exposure on fetal development has highlighted a number of issues. The results indicate that gestational EC exposure can adversely affect gonadal development (males and females) and that these effects can impact testicular morphology, ovarian follicle numbers and health, and the transcriptome and proteome in adult animals. In addition, EC exposure can be associated with altered expression of GnRH, GnRH receptors, galanin receptors, and kisspeptin mRNA within the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, gonadotroph populations within the pituitary gland, and regional aberrations in thyroid morphology. In most cases, these anatomical and functional differences do not result in altered peripheral hormone concentrations or reproductive function (e.g., lambing rate), indicating physiological compensation under the conditions tested. Physiological compensation is also suggested from studies that indicate that EC effects may be greater when exposure occurs either before or during gestation compared with EC exposure throughout life. With regard to human and animal health, this body of work questions the concept of safe individual concentration of EC when EC exposure typically occurs as complex mixtures. It suggests that developmental EC exposure may affect many different physiological systems, with some sex-specific differences in EC sensitivity, and that EC effects may be masked under favorable physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH
| | - M Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH
| | - R M Sharpe
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - C Cotinot
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - S M Rhind
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - C Kyle
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK
| | - H Erhard
- INRA, UMR791 MoSAR/AgroParis Tech, UMR MoSAR, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - S Hombach-Klonisch
- Dept Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - P M Lind
- Dept Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental medicine, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Division of Applied Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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Al-Gubory KH, Arianmanesh M, Garrel C, Bhattacharya S, Cash P, Fowler PA. Proteomic analysis of the sheep caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium reveals changes in functional proteins crucial for the establishment of pregnancy. Reproduction 2014; 147:599-614. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The expression and regulation of endometrial proteins are crucial for conceptus implantation and development. However, little is known about site-specific proteome profiles of the mammalian endometrium during the peri-implantation period. We utilised a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to compare and identify differentially expressed proteins in sheep endometrium. Caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium were collected on days 12 (C12) and 16 (C16) of the oestrous cycle and at three stages of pregnancy corresponding to conceptus pre-attachment (P12), implantation (P16) and post-implantation (P20). Abundance and localisation changes in differentially expressed proteins were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. In caruncular endometrium, 45 protein spots (5% of total spots) altered between day 12 of pregnancy (P12) and P16 while 85 protein spots (10% of total spots) were differentially expressed between P16 and C16. In intercaruncular endometrium, 31 protein spots (2% of total spots) were different between P12 and P16 while 44 protein spots (4% of total spots) showed differential expression between C12 and C16. The pattern of protein changes between caruncle and intercaruncle sites was markedly different. Among the protein spots with implantation-related changes in volume, 11 proteins in the caruncular endometrium and six proteins in the intercaruncular endometrium, with different functions such as protein synthesis and degradation, antioxidant defence, cell structural integrity, adhesion and signal transduction, were identified. Our findings highlight the different but important roles of the caruncular and intercaruncular proteins during early pregnancy.
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Novel gonadal characteristics in an aged bovine freemartin. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 146:1-4. [PMID: 24630042 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The gonads from a five-year-old freemartin Holstein animal were subjected to morphological analysis and to immunohistochemistry using antibodies against developmental and functional markers. We demonstrate, for the first time, the retention of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) producing intratubular cells (Sertoli cells) in the context of abundant steroidogenic interstitial cells, and structures consistent with clusters of luteal cells. This novel report describes the clinical, gross and histological findings accompanying this newly described gonadal immunophenotype, and its implication in the understanding of freemartin development.
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Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction in wildlife. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:55-70. [PMID: 25091906 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The European Environment Agency (The Weybridge + 15 (1996-2011) report. EEA Technical report, vol 2. Copenhagen, 2012) and the United Nations Environment programme together with the World Health Organisation (State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals-2012. Geneva, Switzerland) both recently published major and highly authoritative reviews of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the natural environment and their effects on reproduction and health in both humans and wildlife. One surprising conclusion to emerge from these reviews was that there are relatively few well documented reports of endocrine disruption (ED) in wild mammals, mainly because much of the available evidence is correlative and does not conclusively demonstrate that the chemicals in question cause the physiological and phenotypic problems attributed to them. However, based on strong evidence from studies of wild birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and laboratory animals, it is difficult to imagine that wild mammals would be the exception. This chapter is therefore included to emphasize the point that the role of reproductive science within wildlife conservation is much broader than a narrow focus on artificial breeding technologies.
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Tremoen NH, Fowler PA, Ropstad E, Verhaegen S, Krogenæs A. Exposure to the three structurally different PCB congeners (PCB 118, 153, and 126) results in decreased protein expression and altered steroidogenesis in the human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line H295R. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:516-534. [PMID: 24754389 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.886985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), synthetic, persistent organic pollutants (POP), are detected ubiquitously, in water, soil, air, and sediments, as well as in animals and humans. PCB are associated with range of adverse health effects, such as interference with the immune system and nervous system, reproductive abnormalities, fetotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and endocrine disruption. Our objective was to determine the effects of three structurally different PCB congeners, PCB118, PCB 126, and PCB 153, each at two concentrations, on the steroidogenic capacity and proteome of human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line cultures (H295R) . After 48 h of exposure, cell viability was monitored and estradiol, testosterone, cortisol and progesterone secretion measured to quantify steroidogenic capacity of the cells. Two-dimensional (2D) gel-based proteomics was used to screen for proteome alterations in H295R cells in response to the PCB. Exposure to PCB 118 increased estradiol and cortisol secretion, while exposure to PCB 153 elevated estradiol secretion. PCB 126 was the most potent congener, increasing estradiol, cortisol, and progesterone secretion in exposed H295R cells. Seventy-three of the 711 spots analyzed showed a significant difference in normalized spot volumes between controls (vehicle only) and at least one exposure group. Fourteen of these protein spots were identified by liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). Exposure to three PCB congeners with different chemical structure perturbed steroidogenesis and protein expression in the H295R in vitro model. This study represents an initial analysis of the effects on proteins and hormones in the H295R cell model, and additional studies are required in order to obtain a more complete understanding of the pathways disturbed by PCB congeners in H295R cells. Overall, alterations in protein regulation and steroid hormone synthesis suggest that exposure to PCB disturbs several cellular processes, including protein synthesis, stress response, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Hårdnes Tremoen
- a Department of Production Animal Sciences , Norwegian School Veterinary Science , Oslo
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Krogenæs AK, Ropstad E, Gutleb AC, Hårdnes N, Berg V, Dahl E, Fowler PA. In utero exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of PCB 153 and PCB 118 disrupts fetal testis development in sheep. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:628-649. [PMID: 24754397 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.887426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are environmental pollutants linked to adverse health effects including endocrine disruption and disturbance of reproductive development. This study aimed to determine whether exposure of pregnant sheep to three different mixtures of PCB 153 and PCB 118 affected fetal testis development. Ewes were treated by oral gavage from mating until euthanasia (d 134), producing three groups of fetuses with distinct adipose tissue PCB levels: high PCB 153/low PCB 118 (n = 13), high PCB 118/low PCB 153 (n = 14), and low PCB 153/low PCB 118 (n = 14). Fetal testes and blood samples were collected for investigation of testosterone, testis morphology, and testis proteome. The body weight of the offspring was lower in the high PCB compared to the low PCB group, but there were no significant differences in testis weight between groups when corrected for body weight. PCB exposure did not markedly affect circulating testosterone. There were no significant differences between groups in number of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell only tubules, and ratio between relative areas of seminiferous tubules and interstitium. Two-dimensional (2D) gel-based proteomics was used to screen for proteomic alterations in the high exposed groups relative to low PCB 153/low PCB 118 group. Twenty-six significantly altered spots were identified by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectroscopy (MS)/MS. Changes in protein regulation affected cellular processes as stress response, protein synthesis, and cytoskeleton regulation. The study demonstrates that in utero exposure to different environmental relevant PCB mixtures exerted subtle effects on developing fetal testis proteome but did not significantly disturb testis morphology and testosterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette K Krogenæs
- a Department of Production Animal Sciences , Norwegian School Veterinary Science , Oslo , Norway
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Rhind SM, Kyle CE, Kerr C, Osprey M, Zhang ZL, Duff EI, Lilly A, Nolan A, Hudson G, Towers W, Bell J, Coull M, McKenzie C. Concentrations and geographic distribution of selected organic pollutants in Scottish surface soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2013; 182:15-27. [PMID: 23892068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) representing three chemical classes (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and the organic pollutant diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), were determined in surface soil samples (0-5 cm) collected at 20 km grid intersects throughout Scotland over a three-year period. Detectable amounts of all chemical classes and most individual congeners were present in all samples. There were no consistent effects of soil or vegetation type, soil carbon content, pH, altitude or distance from centres of population on concentrations which exhibited extreme variation, even in adjacent samples. It is concluded that soil POPs and DEHP concentrations and associated rates of animal and human exposure were highly variable, influenced by multiple, interacting factors, and not clearly related to local sources but possibly related to wet atmospheric deposition and the organic carbon content of the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Rhind
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
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Anderson RA, McIlwain L, Coutts S, Kinnell HL, Fowler PA, Childs AJ. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor by a component of cigarette smoke reduces germ cell proliferation in the human fetal ovary. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:42-8. [PMID: 23979962 PMCID: PMC3867980 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal life is a critical time for female fertility, when germ cells complete proliferation, initiate meiosis and ultimately form the lifetime stock of primordial follicles. Female fertility may be reduced by in utero exposure to cigarette smoke, which contains ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The AhR is a critical regulator of ovarian germ cell survival in mice; thus activation of this receptor in the ovaries of fetuses exposed to maternal cigarette smoke in utero may provide a mechanism by which female fertility is reduced in later life. We have therefore investigated AhR expression in the human fetal ovary, and examined the effects of an AhR ligand present in cigarette smoke, on germ cells in human fetal ovaries cultured in vitro. The results showed that AHR mRNA expression increased 2-fold between first and late second trimester (P = 0.008). AhR protein was confined to germ cells at all gestations, but varied from expression in most germ cells during the first trimester, to only patchy expression by clusters of germ cells at later gestations. Culture of human fetal ovaries with the AhR ligand 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene-3,4-dihydrodiol (DMBA-DHD; a component of cigarette smoke) did not affect germ cell number in vitro, but significantly reduced the proportion of proliferating germ cells by 29% (as assessed by phospho-histone H3 staining (P = 0.04)). Germ cell apoptosis was not significantly affected. These results reveal that germ cells in the human fetal ovary express AhR from the proliferative stage of development through entry into meiosis and beyond, and demonstrate that AhR ligands found in cigarette smoke have the capacity to impair human fetal ovarian germ cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK and
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Bellingham M, Amezaga MR, Mandon-Pepin B, Speers CJ, Kyle CE, Evans NP, Sharpe RM, Cotinot C, Rhind SM, Fowler PA. Exposure to chemical cocktails before or after conception--- the effect of timing on ovarian development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 376:156-72. [PMID: 23791816 PMCID: PMC3731555 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of female fetuses to environmental chemicals (ECs) during pregnancy results in a disturbed ovarian adult phenotype. We investigated the influence of pre- and/or post-conception exposure to low-level mixtures of ECs on the structure and function of the fetal ovine ovary. We examined ovarian morphology, expression of oocyte and granulosa cell-specific genes and proteome. Female fetuses were collected at day 110 of gestation, from dams exposed continuously until, and after mating, by grazing in pastures treated with sewage sludge as a fertiliser (TT) or in control fields treated with inorganic fertiliser (CC). In addition, in a cross-over design, fetal ovaries were collected from dams maintained on sludge pastures up to the time of mating but then transferred to control pastures (TC) and, reciprocally, those transferred from control to treated pastures at mating (CT). On examination, the proportion of type 1a follicles (activating primordial follicles) was significantly lower in animals from the CT groups compared with CC and TT groups (P<0.05). Of the 23 ovarian gene transcripts studied, 14 were altered in the ovaries of exposed fetuses (CT, TC, and TT) relative to controls, with the largest number of changes observed in cross-exposure pattern groups (CT or TC). Continuous EC exposure (TT) produced fewer transcript alterations and only two genes (INHBA and GSN) presented differential profiles between CC and TT. Fetal ovarian proteome analysis (2-DE gels) showed, across all exposure groups, 86 differentially expressed protein spots compared to controls. Animals in the CT group exhibited the highest number (53) while TC and TT presented the same number of affected protein spots (42). Fetal ovarian proteins with altered expression included MVP (major vault protein) and several members of the heat-shock family (HSPA4L, HSP90AA1 and HSF1). The present findings indicate that continuous maternal EC exposure before and during gestation, are less deleterious for fetal ovarian development than a change in maternal EC exposure between pre and post-conception. The pathways by which the ovary responds to this chemical stress were common in TT, CT, TC exposed foetuses. In addition to the period of pregnancy, the pre-conception period appears also as crucial for conditioning long-term effects of EC exposure on ovarian development and primordial follicle reserve and hence future fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Bellingham
- Division of Applied Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Maria R. Amezaga
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Beatrice Mandon-Pepin
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christopher J.B. Speers
- Division of Applied Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Carol E. Kyle
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Neil P. Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Richard M. Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Corinne Cotinot
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stewart M. Rhind
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Hombach-Klonisch S, Danescu A, Begum F, Amezaga MR, Rhind SM, Sharpe RM, Evans NP, Bellingham M, Cotinot C, Mandon-Pepin B, Fowler PA, Klonisch T. Peri-conceptional changes in maternal exposure to sewage sludge chemicals disturbs fetal thyroid gland development in sheep. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 367:98-108. [PMID: 23291342 PMCID: PMC3581773 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ewes were exposed to sewage sludge-fertilized pastures in a study designed investigate pre-conceptual and/or gestational exposure to environmental chemicals. The in utero impact on fetal thyroid morphology and function at day 110 (of 145) of pregnancy was then determined. Pre-conceptual exposure increased the relative thyroid organ weights in male fetuses. The number of thyroid follicles in thyroids of fetuses after pre-conceptual or gestational exposure was reduced. This correlated with an increase in Ki67 positive cells. Pre-conceptual exposure to sewage sludge reduced small blood vessels in fetal thyroids. Thyroid tissues of exposed fetuses contained regions where mature angio-follicular units were reduced exhibiting decreased immunostaining for sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). Fetal plasma levels of fT3 and fT4 in exposed animals, however, were not different from controls suggesting compensatory changes in the thyroid gland to maintain homeostasis in exposed fetuses. The regional aberrations in thyroid morphology may impact on the post-natal life of the exposed offspring.
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Key Words
- ecs, environmental chemicals
- edcs, endocrine-disrupting compounds
- nis, sodium-iodide symporter
- ft3, free triiodothyronine
- ft4, free thyroxine
- th, thyroid hormone
- tsh, thyroid stimulating hormone
- tr, thyroid hormone receptor
- ttr, transthyretin
- hpt, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis
- pcbs, polychlorinated biphenyls
- pbde, polybrominated diphenyl ether
- dehp, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
- cv, coefficient of variation
- dab, 3,3′-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride
- hrp, horseradish peroxidase
- rt, room temperature
- he, hematoxylin-eosin
- gnrh, gonadotropin releasing hormone
- gd, gestational day
- tunel, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling
- endocrine disruptors
- thyroid gland
- sheep
- fetal
- sewage sludge
- development
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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Maternal undernutrition does not alter Sertoli cell numbers or the expression of key developmental markers in the mid-gestation ovine fetal testis. J Negat Results Biomed 2013; 12:2. [PMID: 23295129 PMCID: PMC3584724 DOI: 10.1186/1477-5751-12-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to determine the effects of maternal undernutrition on ovine fetal testis morphology and expression of relevant histological indicators. Maternal undernutrition, in sheep, has been reported, previously, to alter fetal ovary development, as indicated by delayed folliculogenesis and the altered expression of ovarian apoptosis-regulating gene products, at day 110 of gestation. It is not known whether or not maternal undernutrition alters the same gene products in the day 110 fetal testis. Design and methods Mature Scottish Blackface ewes were fed either 100% (Control; C) or 50% (low; L) of estimated metabolisable energy requirements of a pregnant ewe, from mating to day 110 of gestation. All pregnant ewes were euthanized at day 110 and a sub-set of male fetuses was randomly selected (6 C and 9 L) for histology studies designed to address the effect of nutritional state on several indices of testis development. Sertoli cell numbers were measured using a stereological method and Ki67 (cell proliferation index), Bax (pro-apoptosis), Mcl-1 (anti-apoptosis), SCF and c-kit ligand (development and apoptosis) gene expression was measured in Bouins-fixed fetal testis using immunohistochemistry. Results No significant differences were observed in numbers of Sertoli cells or testicular Ki67 positive cells. The latter were localised to the testicular cords and interstitium. Bax and Mcl-1 were localised specifically to the germ cells whereas c-kit was localised to both the cords and interstitium. SCF staining was very sparse. No treatment effects were observed for any of the markers examined. Conclusions These data suggest that, unlike in the fetal ovary, maternal undernutrition for the first 110 days of gestation affects neither the morphology of the fetal testis nor the expression of gene products which regulate apoptosis. It is postulated that the effects of fetal undernutrition on testis function may be expressed through hypothalamic-pituitary changes.
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Petro E, Leroy J, Van Cruchten S, Covaci A, Jorssen E, Bols P. Endocrine disruptors and female fertility: Focus on (bovine) ovarian follicular physiology. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1887-900. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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McLaggan D, Amezaga MR, Petra E, Frost A, Duff EI, Rhind SM, Fowler PA, Glover LA, Lagido C. Impact of sublethal levels of environmental pollutants found in sewage sludge on a novel Caenorhabditis elegans model biosensor. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46503. [PMID: 23056324 PMCID: PMC3463613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A transgenic strain of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in which bioluminescence reports on relative, whole-organism ATP levels was used to test an environmentally-relevant mixture of pollutants extracted from processed sewage sludge. Changes in bioluminescence, following exposure to sewage sludge extract, were used to assess relative ATP levels and overall metabolic health. Reproductive function and longevity were also monitored. A short (up to 8 h) sublethal exposure of L4 larval stage worms to sewage sludge extract had a concentration-dependent, detrimental effect on energy status, with bioluminescence decreasing to 50-60% of the solvent control (1% DMSO). Following longer exposure (22-24 h), the energy status of the nematodes showed recovery as assessed by bioluminescence. Continuous exposure to sewage sludge extract from the L4 stage resulted in a shorter median lifespan relative to that of solvent or medium control animals, but only in the presence of 400-600 µM 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR), which was incorporated to inhibit reproduction. This indicated that FUdR increased lifespan, and that the effect was counteracted by SSE. Exposure to sewage sludge extract from the L1 stage led to slower growth and a delayed onset of egg laying. When L1 exposed nematodes reached the reproductive stage, no effect on egg laying rate or egg number in the uterus was observed. DMSO itself (1%) had a significant inhibitory effect on growth and development of C. elegans exposed from the L1 stage and on reproduction when exposed from the L4 stage. Results demonstrate subtle adverse effects on C. elegans of a complex mixture of environmental pollutants that are present, individually, in very low concentrations and indicate that our biosensor of energy status is a novel, sensitive, rapid, quantitative, whole-organism test system which is suitable for high throughput risk assessment of complex pollutant mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie McLaggan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DM); (CL)
| | - Maria R. Amezaga
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Petra
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Frost
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth I. Duff
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - L. Anne Glover
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Lagido
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DM); (CL)
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