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Draskau MK, Rosenmai AK, Bouftas N, Johansson HKL, Panagiotou EM, Holmer ML, Elmelund E, Zilliacus J, Beronius A, Damdimopolou P, van Duursen M, Svingen T. AOP Report: An Upstream Network for Reduced Androgen Signaling Leading to Altered Gene Expression of Androgen Receptor-Responsive Genes in Target Tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 39206816 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) can aid with chemical risk assessment by providing plausible links between chemical activity at the molecular level and effect outcomes in intact organisms. Because AOPs can be used to infer causality between upstream and downstream events in toxicological pathways, the AOP framework can also facilitate increased uptake of alternative methods and new approach methodologies to help inform hazard identification. However, a prevailing challenge is the limited number of fully developed and endorsed AOPs, primarily due to the substantial amount of work required by AOP developers and reviewers. Consequently, a more pragmatic approach to AOP development has been proposed where smaller units of knowledge are developed and reviewed independent of full AOPs. In this context, we have developed an upstream network comprising key events (KEs) and KE relationships related to decreased androgen signaling, converging at a nodal KE that can branch out to numerous adverse outcomes (AOs) relevant to androgen-sensitive toxicological pathways. Androgen signaling represents an extensively studied pathway for endocrine disruption. It is linked to numerous disease outcomes and can be affected by many different endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Still, pathways related to disrupted androgen signaling remain underrepresented in the AOP-wiki, and endorsed AOPs are lacking. Given the pivotal role of androgen signaling in development and function across vertebrate taxa and life stages of both sexes, this upstream AOP network serves as a foundational element for developing numerous AOPs. By connecting the upstream network with various downstream AOs, encompassing different species, it can also facilitate cross-species extrapolations for hazard and risk assessment of chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-9. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica K Draskau
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anna K Rosenmai
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nora Bouftas
- Environmental Health and Toxicology, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eleftheria M Panagiotou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie L Holmer
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Emilie Elmelund
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Johanna Zilliacus
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopolou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Majorie van Duursen
- Environmental Health and Toxicology, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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Prathima P, Venkaiah K, Pavani R, Rao KVLS, Pitchika GK, Kishori B, Dirisala VR, Pradeepkiran JA, Sainath SB. Transcriptomic profiling identified altered expression of genes associated with testicular functions in adult F1 rats exposed to carbimazole during fetal period. J Proteomics 2023; 274:104811. [PMID: 36592655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The central goal of this study was to investigate the alterations in transcriptome of testis in F1 generation adult rats exposed to carbimazole prenatally. At post-natal day 100, the testis of rats delivered to carbimazole exposed (time-mated pregnant rats orally administered with carbimazole from gestation day 9 to 21) and control (untreated pregnant rats) groups were subjected to transcriptomic analysis using NGS platform. A total of 187 differentially expressed (up regulated: 49 genes; down regulated: 138) genes were identified in carbimazole exposed rats over controls and the major processes associated with these altered testicular transcripts were examined. Functional clustering analysis suggest that the involvement of identified DEGs were linked to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, mitochondrial solute carriers slc25a members, nuclear receptors/zinc family members, steroidogenic pathway and cholesterol synthesis, and growth factors and protein kinases and thus represent potential mediators of the developmental toxic effects of carbimazole in F1 generation rats. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that prenatal exposure to carbimazole prominently affects expression of multiple transcripts implicating key regulatory events associated with testicular functions, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in rats at their adulthood. These results support our earlier findings and hypothesis. This background information obtained at the testicular transcriptome during gestational hypothyroidism might be helpful for future studies and experiments to gain additional in-depth analysis and to develop strategies to protect F1 generation male reproductive health. SIGNIFICANCE: The rationale for the paper described thyroid gland changes in the off springs. Antithyroid drugs are widely used to control thyroid disorders and used to control thyroid hormone levels during surgeries. Carbimazole is one of the antithyroid drugs and is a parent molecule of methimazole. Both the drugs can able to cross placenta. During fetal period, the development of thyroid gland is not completely formed and hence, the fetus entirely depends on the maternal thyroid hormones. Therefore, it is conceivable that the disturbances at the level of maternal thyroid hormones could interfere with the development of vital organs such as testis and glands including thyroid gland (Kala et al., 2012). To address this notion, the present study was designed and executed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Prathima
- Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore 524324, AP, India
| | - K Venkaiah
- Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore 524324, AP, India
| | - R Pavani
- Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore 524324, AP, India
| | - K V L Shrikanya Rao
- Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore 524324, AP, India
| | - Gopi Krishna Pitchika
- Department of Zoology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Post-Graduation Centre, Kavali 524201, India
| | - B Kishori
- Department of Biotechnology, SPMVV, Tirupati 517 502, AP, India
| | - Vijaya R Dirisala
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan University, Vadalmudu, 522213 Guntur, Tenali road, AP, India
| | | | - S B Sainath
- Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore 524324, AP, India.
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Chen Y, Liang H, Ji H, Sun X, He G, Wang Y, Dai W, Miao M, Yuan W. Associations between maternal urinary isoflavone concentrations and anogenital distance of offspring throughout infancy: a prospective cohort study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:277-292. [PMID: 36331496 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are maternal urinary isoflavone (ISO) concentrations during pregnancy associated with anogenital distance (AGD) in infants at birth, and at 6 and 12 months of age? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher maternal urinary ISO concentrations during pregnancy were associated with longer AGD in infants of both sexes, and equol (EQU) and daidzein (DAD) were identified as the important ISO mixture components in the observed associations. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Evidence of the association of prenatal exposure to ISO with offspring's AGD is mainly derived from animal studies, which used different study designs and had inconsistent results. Only one human study has been reported and it found null associations between maternal ISO exposure during pregnancy and AGD among boys at birth, with a small sample size and a wide range of exposure windows. No human study on girls was found. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Prospective cohort study (Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study), with pregnant women recruited at 12-16 weeks of gestation in Shanghai, China between April and December 2012. One thousand two hundred and twenty-five live singletons were left in the cohort at delivery of which 480 mother-infant pairs had data on both maternal urinary ISO concentrations and at least one AGD measurement and were included in the present study. Anopenile distance (AGDAP) and anoscrotal distance (AGDAS) of boys and anoclitoral distance (AGDAC) and anofourchette distance (AGDAF) of girls were measured at birth and at 6 and 12 months of age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between maternal ISO concentrations and AGD. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was implemented to examine both the overall effects of ISO mixture and the single effect of each ISO and identify important components of ISO mixture. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A general profile of higher concentrations of maternal ISO associated with longer AGD in infants of both sexes was observed, when maternal education, parity, BMI before pregnancy (BMI, categorical variable), passive smoking during early pregnancy, age at delivery, gestational weeks and infant body size were adjusted for. Among boys, EQU was associated with increased AGDAS at birth and at 6 and 12 months, and DAD was associated with increased AGDAP at birth. Among girls, the associations of EQU and DAD with increased AGDAC and AGDAF at birth were found. When gestational weight gain and feeding patterns of infants in the first 6 months were additionally adjusted for, and maternal BMI was adjusted for as a continuous variable, more pronounced associations were observed, especially for associations of genistein (GEN), DAD and glycitein (GLY) with increased AGDAP and AGDAS at 6 months in boys. However, these associations were not always observed in the highest tertile group, and no consistent dose-response relationships were found. Similar results were observed in BKMR models, showing positive correlations of concentration of ISO mixture with increased AGDAS at both 6 and 12 months among boys, and increased AGDAC and AGDAF at birth among girls. Statistically significant increments of 4.96 mm (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.40, 8.52) and 1.07 mm (95% CrI: 0.02, 2.13) in AGDAS at 6 months among boys and AGDAC at birth among girls, respectively, were observed at the 75th percentile of ISO mixture, compared with 25th percentile. EQU and DAD were identified as the important components among ISO-AGD associations. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION First, due to the short half-lives of ISO, the accuracy of a single spot urine sample reflecting ISO exposure during pregnancy may be limited, and thus may cause non-differential misclassification. Second, despite the adjustments for several important covariates in the study, unmeasured and residual confounding factors may remain a concern. Third, false discovery due to multiple testing may remain. Finally, the reduced sample sizes attributed to the loss of follow-up and missing data of confounders may limit our ability to detect an association, if any existed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Prenatal ISO exposure may affect the reproductive development of offspring. As ISO can be widely detected in pregnant women, especially in Eastern countries, more studies are warranted to provide evidence of the effects of prenatal ISO exposure on long-term reproductive outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFC2701003), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22076123), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (21ZR1454700 and 20ZR1448000), the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (20194Y0160) and Innovation-oriented Science and Technology Grant from NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (CX2022-04). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Dai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Christensen AO, Li G, Young CH, Snow B, Khan SA, DeVore SB, Edwards S, Bouma GJ, Navratil AM, Cherrington BD, Rothfuss HM. Peptidylarginine deiminase enzymes and citrullinated proteins in female reproductive physiology and associated diseases†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1395-1410. [PMID: 36087287 PMCID: PMC10248218 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Citrullination, the post-translational modification of arginine residues, is catalyzed by the four catalytically active peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD or PADI) isozymes and alters charge to affect target protein structure and function. PADs were initially characterized in rodent uteri and, since then, have been described in other female tissues including ovaries, breast, and the lactotrope and gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary gland. In these tissues and cells, estrogen robustly stimulates PAD expression resulting in changes in levels over the course of the female reproductive cycle. The best-characterized targets for PADs are arginine residues in histone tails, which, when citrullinated, alter chromatin structure and gene expression. Methodological advances have allowed for the identification of tissue-specific citrullinomes, which reveal that PADs citrullinate a wide range of enzymes and structural proteins to alter cell function. In contrast to their important physiological roles, PADs and citrullinated proteins are also involved in several female-specific diseases including autoimmune disorders and reproductive cancers. Herein, we review current knowledge regarding PAD expression and function and highlight the role of protein citrullination in both normal female reproductive tissues and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda O Christensen
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Guangyuan Li
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Coleman H Young
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Bryce Snow
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | | | - Stanley B DeVore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Sydney Edwards
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Gerrit J Bouma
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Amy M Navratil
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Brian D Cherrington
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Heather M Rothfuss
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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Draskau MK, Schwartz CL, Evrard B, Lardenois A, Pask A, Chalmel F, Svingen T. The anti-androgenic fungicide triticonazole induces region-specific transcriptional changes in the developing rat perineum and phallus. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136346. [PMID: 36084822 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with male reproductive development. This can lead to male reproductive disorders such as hypospadias, cryptorchidism and reduced fertility, as well as shorter anogenital distance (AGD) - a biomarker for incomplete androgen-dependent fetal masculinization. However, it remains challenging to predict adverse in vivo outcomes based on in vitro effect patterns for many chemicals. This is a challenge for modern toxicology, which aims to reduce animal testing for chemical safety assessments. To enable the transition towards higher reliance on alternative test methods, we need to better map underlying mechanisms leading to adverse effects. Herein, we have analyzed the transcriptome of the perineum and phallus of male fetal rats and defined the impacts of exposure to an anti-androgenic fungicide, triticonazole. Previously we have shown that developmental exposure to triticonazole can induce short male AGD, but without a marked effect on the transcriptome of the fetal testes. In contrast, we report here significant changes to the transcriptional landscape of the perineum and phallus, including regional differences between these adjacent tissues. This highlights the importance of analyzing the correct tissue when characterizing mechanisms of complex in vivo effect outcomes. Our results provide a rich resource for the spatiotemporal gene networks that are involved in the development of male external genitalia, and that can be disrupted upon exposure to chemicals that prevent normal masculinization of the perineum and phallus. Such data will be critical in the development of novel alternative test methods to determine the endocrine disrupting potential of existing and emerging chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Kam Draskau
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Camilla Lindgren Schwartz
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Bertrand Evrard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Aurélie Lardenois
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Andrew Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Cao M, Wang X, Wang G, Li J. Identification of wnt2 in the pearl mussel Hyriopsis cumingii and its role in innate immunity and gonadal development. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 118:85-93. [PMID: 34438059 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wnt2 is a significant factor in the Wnt signaling pathway, which is associated with a variety of physiological activities, including inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, reproductive system development, and cell differentiation. Hyriopsis cumingii is the main pearl breeding mussel in China. However, the role of wnt2 in this species remains unclear. In this study, wnt2 from H. cumingii was cloned and identified. The full-length cDNA of wnt2 is 1524 bp, containing a 963 bp open reading frame (ORF), encoding 320 amino acid residues. The tissue distribution of H. cumingii indicated that wnt2 was predominantly highly expressed in the ovary and gill. And the expression profile after Aeromonas hydrophila or LPS injection indicated that wnt2 was up-regulated in gill, suggesting its role in the innate immune response. The expression of wnt2 was high at 4-month-old of early gonadal development and throughout ovarian development. In situ hybridization (ISH) showed significant hybridization signals on the gills and mature eggs of female gonads. In addition, miR-1988b-5p was found to negatively regulate wnt2 to affect the expression of key genes (frizzled-5, ctnnb1, and tcf7l) in the Wnt signaling pathway. Thus, these findings suggest a key role for wnt2 in immune regulation and gonadal development in H. cumingii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Mulian Cao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Jiale Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai, 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai, 201306, China
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Schwartz CL, Christiansen S, Hass U, Ramhøj L, Axelstad M, Löbl NM, Svingen T. On the Use and Interpretation of Areola/Nipple Retention as a Biomarker for Anti-androgenic Effects in Rat Toxicity Studies. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:730752. [PMID: 35295101 PMCID: PMC8915873 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.730752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Areola/nipple retention (NR) is an established biomarker for an anti-androgenic mode of action in rat toxicity studies. It is a mandatory measurement under several OECD test guidelines and is typically assessed in combination with anogenital distance (AGD). Both NR and AGD are considered retrospective biomarkers of insufficient androgen signaling during the masculinization programming window in male fetuses. However, there are still aspects concerning NR as a biomarker for endocrine disruption that remains to be clarified. For instance, can NR be regarded a permanent adverse effect? Is it a redundant measurement if AGD is assessed in the same study? Is NR equally sensitive and specific to anti-androgenic chemical substances as a shortening of male AGD? In this review we discuss these and other aspects concerning the use of NR as a biomarker in toxicity studies. We have collected available literature from rat toxicity studies that have reported on NR and synthesized the data in order to draw a clearer picture about the sensitivity and specificity of NR as an effect biomarker for an anti-androgenic mode of action, including comparisons to AGD measurements. We carefully conclude that NR and AGD in rats for the most part display similar sensitivity and specificity, but that there are clear exceptions which support the continued assessment of both endpoints in relevant reproductive toxicity studies. Available literature also support the view that NR in infant male rats signifies a high risk for permanent nipples in adulthood. Finally, the literature suggests that the mechanisms of action leading from a chemical stressor event to either NR or short AGD in male offspring are overlapping with respect to canonical androgen signaling, yet differ with respect to other mechanisms of action.
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Draskau MK, Lardenois A, Evrard B, Boberg J, Chalmel F, Svingen T. Transcriptome analysis of fetal rat testis following intrauterine exposure to the azole fungicides triticonazole and flusilazole reveals subtle changes despite adverse endocrine effects. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 264:128468. [PMID: 33032228 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Azoles are used in agriculture and medicine to combat fungal infections. We have previously examined the endocrine disrupting properties of the agricultural azole fungicides triticonazole and flusilazole. Triticonazole displayed strong androgen receptor (AR) antagonism in vitro, whereas in utero exposure resulted in anti-androgenic effects in vivo evidenced by shorter anogenital distance (AGD) in fetal male rats. Flusilazole displayed strong AR antagonism, but less potent than triticonazole, and disrupted steroidogenesis in vitro, whereas in utero exposure disrupted fetal male plasma hormone levels. To elaborate on how these azole fungicides can disrupt male reproductive development by different mechanisms, and to investigate whether feminization effects such as short AGD in males can also be detected at the transcript level in fetal testes, we profiled fetal testis transcriptomes after in utero exposure to triticonazole and flusilazole by 3'Digital Gene Expression (3'DGE). The analysis revealed few transcriptional changes after exposure to either compound at gestation day 17 and 21. This suggests that the observed influence of flusilazole on hormone production may be by directly targeting steroidogenic enzyme activity in the testis at the protein level, whereas observations of shorter AGD by triticonazole may primarily be due to disturbed androgen signaling in androgen-sensitive tissues. Expression of Calb2 and Gsta2 was altered by flusilazole but not triticonazole and may pinpoint novel pathways of disrupted testicular steroid synthesis. Our findings have wider implication for how we integrate omics data in chemical testing frameworks, including selection of non-animal test methods and building of Adverse Outcome Pathways for regulatory purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Kam Draskau
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK 2800, Denmark
| | - Aurélie Lardenois
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Bertrand Evrard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK 2800, Denmark
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK 2800, Denmark.
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Boberg J, Johansson HKL, Axelstad M, Olsen GPM, Johansen M, Holmboe SA, Andersson AM, Svingen T. Using assessment criteria for pesticides to evaluate the endocrine disrupting potential of non-pesticide chemicals: Case butylparaben. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:105996. [PMID: 32771829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties depend on the use of the chemical rather than its intrinsic properties. Within the EU, the only criteria currently in place for identifying an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) are those developed for biocidal and plant protection products. We argue that ECHA/EFSA guidance for assessing endocrine disrupting properties of biocidal and plant protection products can be applied to all chemicals independent of their intended use. We have assessed the REACH-registered compound butylparaben (CAS 94-36-8), a preservative used primarily in cosmetics. Based on scientific evidence of adverse reproductive effects and endocrine activity, the open literature suggest that butylparaben is an EDC. By applying the ECHA/EFSA guidance for pesticides and biocides, we identify butylparaben as a compound with endocrine disrupting properties. Even though available data is markedly different from that for biocides and pesticides, it was possible to reach this conclusion. More generally, we propose that the ECHA/EFSA guidance can and should be used for identification of EDC regardless of their intended application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gustav P M Olsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mathias Johansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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10
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Draskau MK, Boberg J, Taxvig C, Pedersen M, Frandsen HL, Christiansen S, Svingen T. In vitro and in vivo endocrine disrupting effects of the azole fungicides triticonazole and flusilazole. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113309. [PMID: 31610510 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Azoles are effective antifungal agents used in both medicine and agriculture. They typically work by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP51 of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, thus damaging the fungal cell membrane. However, apart from their desired antifungal properties, several azoles also exhibit endocrine disrupting properties in mammals, both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we have tested two currently used agricultural azole fungicides, triticonazole and flusilazole, for their in vitro anti-androgenic activity and potential effects on reproductive parameters. Both fungicides showed strong androgen receptor (AR) antagonism and disruption of steroid biosynthesis in vitro. Following gestational exposure to flusilazole (15 or 45 mg/kg bw/day) or triticonazole (150 or 450 mg/kg bw/day) in time-mated Sprague Dawley rats, triticonazole induced shorter male anogenital distance (AGD). Flusilazole exposure did not affect the AGD, but altered fetal male blood hormone profile, with increased androstenedione and decreased estrone levels. Flusilazole and triticonazole have dissimilar effects on reproductive parameters in vivo, but both show endocrine disrupting activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Kam Draskau
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Camilla Taxvig
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Mikael Pedersen
- Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Henrik Lauritz Frandsen
- Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 202, Kongens Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
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11
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Curi TZ, Neubert da Silva G, Passoni MT, Lima Tolouei SE, Meldola H, Romano RM, Grechi N, Dalsenter PR, Martino-Andrade AJ. In utero and lactational exposure to diisopentyl phthalate (DiPeP) induces fetal toxicity and antiandrogenic effects in rats. Toxicol Sci 2019; 171:347-358. [PMID: 31368500 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study has demonstrated exposure of Brazilian pregnant women to Diisopentyl phthalate (DiPeP), which reduces fetal rat testosterone production in a dose-responsive manner. In this study we examined gene expression of steroidogenic proteins in rat fetal testes and investigated the effects of in utero and lactational DiPeP exposure on male rat reproductive development and function. For the prenatal experiment, we orally exposed pregnant Wistar rats to DiPeP or Di-n-butyl phthalate (reference phthalate) at 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day from gestation day 14-18 and the fetal testis was evaluated for transcript expression of Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Cyp19a1, Insl3, Ar, Esr1, Esr2 and Gper1 by RT-q PCR. DiPeP lowered mRNA levels of key steroidogenic proteins, lending support to the previously reported reductions in fetal testosterone production. DiPeP also lowered fetal testis transcript levels of Insl3 and changed gene expression of some steroid hormones receptors. Signs of fetal toxicity were observed at the highest dose. For the postnatal experiment pregnant rats were exposed orally to vehicle (canola oil) and four DiPeP doses (1, 10, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day) between gestation day 10 and post-natal day 21. DiPeP induced a range of reproductive and antiandrogenic effects that are typical of the rat phthalate syndrome, including reduced anogenital distance at the highest dose, reduced weight of seminal vesicles at 10 mg/kg/day and above, and testicular morphological and functional changes. Together, our results indicate that DiPeP, a compound relevant to the human exposure scenario, is one of the most active antiandrogenic phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Zauer Curi
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Neubert da Silva
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Marcella Tapias Passoni
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Sara Emilia Lima Tolouei
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Meldola
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Centro-Oeste, Guarapuava, PR 85040-080, Brazil
| | - Nicole Grechi
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Dalsenter
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Anderson Joel Martino-Andrade
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
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