Obesogens

Analysis and remediation of phthalates in aquatic matrices: current perspectives

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are high production volume chemicals used extensively as plasticizers, to increase the flexibility of the main polymer. They are reported to leach into their surroundings from plastic products and are now a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Phthalate levels have been determined in several environmental matrices, especially in water. These levels serve as an indicator of plasticizer abuse and plastic pollution, and also serve as a route of exposure to different species including humans. Reports published on effects of different PAEs on experimental models demonstrate their carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive, and endocrine disruptive effects. Therefore, regular monitoring and remediation of environmental water samples is essential to ascertain their hazard quotient and daily exposure levels. This review summarises the extraction and detection techniques available for phthalate analysis in water samples such as chromatography, biosensors, immunoassays, and spectroscopy. Current remediation strategies for phthalate removal such as adsorption, advanced oxidation, and microbial degradation have also been highlighted.

Triphenyltin isoselenocyanate: a novel nuclear retinoid X receptor ligand with antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties in cell lines derived from human breast cancer

Several commercially available triorganotin compounds were previously found to function as agonist ligands for nuclear retinoid X receptor (RXR) molecules. Triphenyltin isoselenocyanate (TPT-NCSe), a novel selenium atom containing a derivative of triorganotin origin, was found to represent a new cognate bioactive ligand for RXRs. TPT-NCSe displayed a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the cell viability in both human breast carcinoma MCF-7 (estrogen receptor positive) and MDA‑MB‑231 (triple negative) cell lines. Reactive oxygen species levels generated in response to TPT-NCSe were significantly higher in both carcinoma cell lines treated with TPT-NCSe when compared to mock-treated samples. Treatment with 500 nM TPT-NCSe caused a decrease in SOD1 and increased SOD2 mRNA in MCF-7 cells. The levels of SOD2 mRNA were more increased following the treatment with TPT-NCSe along with 1 μM all-trans retinoic acid (AtRA) in MCF-7 cells. An increased superoxide dismutase SOD1 and SOD2 mRNA levels were also detected in combination treatment of 500 nM TPT-NCSe and 1 μM AtRA in TPT-NCSe-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. The data have also shown that TPT-NCSe induces apoptosis via a caspase cascade triggered by the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. TPT-NCSe modulates the expression levels of apoptosis‑related proteins, Annexin A5, Bcl‑2 and BAX family proteins, and finally, it enhances the expression levels of its cognate nuclear receptor subtypes RXRalpha and RXRbeta.

Trimethyltin chloride exposure induces apoptosis and necrosis and impairs islet function through autophagic interference

Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is a highly toxic organotin compound often used in plastic heat stabilizers, chemical pesticides, and wood preservatives. TMT accumulates mainly through the environment and food chain. Exposure to organotin compounds is associated with disorders of glucolipid metabolism and obesity. The mechanism by which TMT damages pancreatic tissue is unclear. For this purpose, a subacute exposure model of TMT was designed for this experiment to study the mechanism of damage by TMT on islet. The fasting blood glucose and blood lipid content of mice exposed to TMT were significantly increased. Histopathological and ultrastructural observation and analysis showed that the TMT-exposed group had inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis. Then, mouse pancreatic islet tumour cells (MIN-6) were treated with TMT. Autophagy levels were detected by fluorescence microscopy. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used for verification. A large amount of autophagy occurred at a low concentration of TMT but stagnated at a high concentration. Excessive autophagy activates apoptosis when exposed to low levels of TMT. With the increase in TMT concentration, the expression of necrosis-related genes increased. Taken together, different concentrations of TMT induced apoptosis and necrosis through autophagy disturbance. TMT impairs pancreatic (islet β cell) function.

Reciprocal Effect of Environmental Stimuli to Regulate the Adipogenesis and Osteogenesis Fate Decision in Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. Various external stimuli, including environmental contaminants, heavy metals, dietary, and physical factors, are shown to influence the fate decision of BM-MSCs toward adipogenesis or osteogenesis. The balance of osteogenesis and adipogenesis is critical for the maintenance of bone homeostasis, and the interruption of BM-MSCs lineage commitment is associated with human health issues, such as fracture, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteonecrosis. This review focuses on how external stimuli shift the fate of BM-MSCs towards adipogenesis or osteogenesis. Future studies are needed to understand the impact of these external stimuli on bone health and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of BM-MSCs differentiation. This knowledge will inform efforts to prevent bone-related diseases and develop therapeutic approaches to treat bone disorders associated with various pathological conditions.

Obesogens in Foods

Obesogens, as environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are supposed to have had an impact on the prevalence of rising obesity around the world over the last forty years. These chemicals are probably able to contribute not only to the development of obesity and metabolic disturbances in individuals, but also in their progeny, having the capability to epigenetically reprogram genetically inherited set-up points for body weight and body composition control during critical periods of development, such as fetal, early life, and puberty. In individuals, they may act on myriads of neuro-endocrine–immune metabolic regulatory pathways, leading to pathophysiological consequences in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, immunity, the influencing of central appetite and energy expenditure regulations, changes in gut microbiota–intestine functioning, and many other processes. Evidence-based medical data have recently brought much more convincing data about associations of particular chemicals and the probability of the raised risk of developing obesity. Foods are the main source of obesogens. Some obesogens occur naturally in food, but most are environmental chemicals, entering food as a foreign substance, whether in the form of contaminants or additives, and they are used in a large amount in highly processed food. This review article contributes to a better overview of obesogens, their occurrence in foods, and their impact on the human organism.

Antioxidative Molecules in Human Milk and Environmental Contaminants

Breastfeeding provides overall beneficial health to the mother-child dyad and is universally recognized as the preferred feeding mode for infants up to 6-months and beyond. Human milk provides immuno-protection and supplies nutrients and bioactive compounds whose concentrations vary with lactation stage. Environmental and dietary factors potentially lead to excessive chemical exposure in critical windows of development such as neonatal life, including lactation. This review discusses current knowledge on these environmental and dietary contaminants and summarizes the known effects of these chemicals in human milk, taking into account the protective presence of antioxidative molecules. Particular attention is given to short- and long-term effects of these contaminants, considering their role as endocrine disruptors and potential epigenetic modulators. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps and indicate potential future research directions.

MEHP/ethanol co-exposure favors the death of steatotic hepatocytes, possibly through CYP4A and ADH involvement

Liver steatosis has been associated with various etiological factors (obesity, alcohol, environmental contaminants). How those factors work together to induce steatosis progression is still scarcely evaluated. Here, we tested whether phthalates could potentiate death of steatotic hepatocytes when combined with ethanol. Pre-steatotic WIF-B9 hepatocytes were co-exposed to mono (2-ethylhexyl) (MEHP, 500 nM; main metabolite of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP) and ethanol (5 mM) for 5 days. An increased apoptotic death was detected, involving a DNA damage response. Using 4-Methypyrazole to inhibit ethanol metabolism, and CH-223191 to antagonize the AhR receptor, we found that an AhR-dependent increase in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity was essential for cell death upon MEHP/ethanol co-exposure. Toxicity was also prevented by HET0016 to inhibit the cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A). Using the antioxidant thiourea, a role for oxidative stress was uncovered, notably triggering DNA damage. Finally, co-exposing the in vivo steatosis model of high fat diet (HFD)-zebrafish larvae to DEHP (2.56 nM)/ethanol (43 mM), induced the pathological progression of liver steatosis alongside an increased Cyp4t8 (human CYP4A homolog) mRNA expression. Altogether, these results further emphasized the deleterious impact of co-exposures to ethanol/environmental pollutant towards steatosis pathological progression, and unraveled a key role for ADH and CYP4A in such effects.

Natural and synthetic retinoid X receptor ligands and their role in selected nuclear receptor action

Important key players in the regulatory machinery within the cells are nuclear retinoid X receptors (RXRs), which compose heterodimers in company with several diverse nuclear receptors, playing a role as ligand inducible transcription factors. In general, nuclear receptors are ligand-activated, transcription-modulating proteins affecting transcriptional responses in target genes. RXR molecules forming permissive heterodimers with disparate nuclear receptors comprise peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), liver X receptors (LXRs), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstan receptor (CAR). Retinoid receptors (RARs) and thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) may form conditional heterodimers, and dihydroxyvitamin D₃ receptor (VDR) is believed to form nonpermissive heterodimer. Thus, RXRs are the important molecules that are involved in control of many cellular functions in biological processes and diseases, including cancer or diabetes. This article summarizes both naturally occurring and synthetic ligands for nuclear retinoid X receptors and describes, predominantly in mammals, their role in molecular mechanisms within the cells. A focus is also on triorganotin compounds, which are high affinity RXR ligands, and finally, we present an outlook on human microbiota as a potential source of RXR activators. Nevertheless, new synthetic rexinoids with better retinoid X receptor activity and lesser side effects are highly required.

Exposure to HBCD promotes adipogenesis both in vitro and in vivo by interfering with Wnt6 expression

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant, and a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. However, effects and mechanisms underlying HBCD and the development of obesity remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of HBCD on adipogenesis. Our results firstly disclosed that both murine 3T3-L1 and human HPA-V preadipocyte exposed to HBCD displayed markedly enhanced adipogenesis, manifesting with increase of triglyceride accumulation and expression of adipogenic marker genes. HBCD was further identified to play roles mainly during early-stage adipogenesis and increased expression of Pparγ, a key adipogenic regulator. Interestingly, HBCD didn't affect early key event mitotic clonal expansion (MCE), expression and activation of early pivotal factor C/EBPβ. In virtue of RNA sequencing, HBCD was further demonstrated to specially block Wnt6 gene expression and inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway at an early stage of adipogenesis. Consistent with cellular finding, C57BL/6 male mice chronically exposed to HBCD exhibited specially increased epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) weight gain, elevated expression of master adipogenic genes and down-regulated expression of Wnt6 in eWAT. Taking together, our findings firstly revealed that HBCD promotes adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo by specifically inhibiting Wnt6 expression, presumably connecting exposure of HBCD to the development of obesity.

The endocrine disruptor DEHP and the ECS: analysis of a possible crosstalk

Studies of the last decade associated the environmental contamination by di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) with obesity and endocrine malfunction. DEHP was found to interact with several receptors - among them are receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with high expression levels in adipose tissue. Furthermore, the correlation for BMI and body fat to the serum endocannabinoid level raises the question if the obesogenic and endocrine-disrupting DEHP effects are mediated via the ECS. We therefore characterized the ECS in a human cell model of adipogenesis using the SGBS preadipocytes to subsequently investigate if DEHP exposure affects the intrinsic ECS. The receptors of the ECS and the endocannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes were upregulated during normal adipogenesis, accompanied by an increasing secretion of the adipokines adiponectin and leptin. DEHP affected the secretion of both adipokines but not the ECS, suggesting DEHP to alter the endocrine function of adipocytes without the involvement of the intrinsic ECS.

Metabolomics for Investigating Physiological and Pathophysiological Processes

Metabolomics uses advanced analytical chemistry techniques to enable the high-throughput characterization of metabolites from cells, organs, tissues, or biofluids. The rapid growth in metabolomics is leading to a renewed interest in metabolism and the role that small molecule metabolites play in many biological processes. As a result, traditional views of metabolites as being simply the "bricks and mortar" of cells or just the fuel for cellular energetics are being upended. Indeed, metabolites appear to have much more varied and far more important roles as signaling molecules, immune modulators, endogenous toxins, and environmental sensors. This review explores how metabolomics is yielding important new insights into a number of important biological and physiological processes. In particular, a major focus is on illustrating how metabolomics and discoveries made through metabolomics are improving our understanding of both normal physiology and the pathophysiology of many diseases. These discoveries are yielding new insights into how metabolites influence organ function, immune function, nutrient sensing, and gut physiology. Collectively, this work is leading to a much more unified and system-wide perspective of biology wherein metabolites, proteins, and genes are understood to interact synergistically to modify the actions and functions of organelles, organs, and organisms.

Association of perfluoroalkyl substances exposure with cardiometabolic traits in an island population of the eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia

BACKGROUND

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous environmental contaminants, may be related to cardiometabolic diseases in adults. Studies in European populations to examine the association of PFAS exposure and comprehensive cardiometabolic traits and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are limited.

METHODS

In this pilot cross-sectional study of a well-characterized adult population of the island of Hvar, situated off the eastern Adriatic coast of Croatia, we measured PFAS concentrations in plasma samples collected during 2007-2008 and examined their cross-sectional associations with cardiometabolic traits and MetS after adjustment of covariates (n = 122). PFAS investigated in this study included perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA).

RESULTS

The geometric mean (range) was 8.91 (2.36, 33.67) ng/mL for PFOS, 2.87 (1.03, 8.02) ng/mL for PFOA, 0.77 (0.25, 2.40) ng/mL for PFHxS, and 1.29 (0.48, 3.46) ng/mL for PFNA, with frequency of detection at 100%, 100%, 95.9%, and 100%, respectively. PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA concentrations were positively associated with the risk of MetS as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria, with estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals at 1.89 (0.93, 3.86), 2.19 (0.88, 5.44), and 2.95 (1.12, 7.80), respectively, with only PFNA reaching statistical significance. PFNA concentrations were associated with increased risk of overweight or obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Background exposure to PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA was marginally associated with increased risk of MetS in this small study, and these results should be confirmed with a larger sample size and longitudinal follow-up.

Exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A is associated with higher risk of cardiometabolic impairment in normal weight children

Some obese individuals have normal metabolic profile, and some normal-weight persons have impaired metabolic status. Our hypothesis was that one of the potential underlying factors for such differences in cardiometabolic profiles might be the exposure to some environmental chemicals. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate metabolites with cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents independent of their weight status. This case-control study was conducted on a subsample of 320 participants of a national school-based surveillance program in Iran. We measured serum BPA and phthalate metabolites by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry. We compared them in children and adolescents with and without excess weight and those with and without cardiometabolic risk factors (80 in each group). We categorized the concentrations of chemicals to tertiles and then we applied logistic regression models after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The concentrations of BPA and some metabolites of phthalates were significantly different in the four groups studied. MEHP concentration was associated with higher odds ratio of cardiometabolic risk factors in participants with normal weight (OR, 95% CI 2.82, 1.001-7.91) and those with excess weight (OR, 95% CI 3.15, 1.27-7.83). MBP concentration increased the odds ratio of cardiometabolic risk factors only in normal weight children and adolescents (OR, 95% CI 6.59, 2.33-18.59, P < 0.001). In participants without cardiometabolic risk factor, MMP and MEHHP were significantly associated with increased risk of excess weight (OR, 95% CI 5.90, 1.21-28.75 and 7.82, 1.5-41.8, respectively). This study showed that the association of BPA and phthalate with cardiometabolic risk factors is independent of the weight status. Our findings suggest that the metabolic impairment in some normal weight children and normal metabolic profile of some obese children can be, in part, related to exposure to these environmental chemicals. Graphical abstract.

Levels of tin and organotin compounds in human urine samples from Iowa, United States

Exposure to tin in the general US population is near ubiquitous, as determined using urinary tin levels measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Urinary tin levels are associated with chronic health outcomes, such as diabetes; however, it is unclear if these associations are due to the presence of inorganic and organic forms of tin in urine. To address this knowledge gap, levels of total tin and several organotin compounds (OTCs) were measured in convenience urine samples from pregnant women and adults from Iowa, United States. Total tin and OTC levels in urine samples were quantified using ICP-MS and gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD), respectively. ICP-MS detected tin in almost all urine samples from both study populations. Low levels of dibutyltin were detected in two out of fifty human urine samples. Importantly, storage of urine samples in plastic containers, but not HNO₃-pretreated glass vials drastically reduced the recoveries of OTCs, in particular, tributyltin. Although their detection frequency is low, exposures to OTC should be considered when studying associations between human exposures to tin compounds and adverse health outcomes; however, urinary OTC levels measured in banked urine samples may not be suitable as biomarkers of OTC exposure.

Association between urinary tin concentration and diabetes in nationally representative sample of US adults

BACKGROUND

Animal studies indicate that chronic exposure to certain tin compounds induces pancreatic islet cell apoptosis and glucose intolerance. However, little is known about the health effects of environmental tin exposure in humans. Therefore, we evaluated the association of tin exposure with diabetes in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

METHODS

We used data from a nationally representative population (n = 3371) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-14. Diabetes (n = 605) was defined as self-reported physician's diagnosis, HbA1c ≥6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL, or 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL. Tin concentrations in urine samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Logistic regression with sample weights was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of diabetes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Urinary tin concentrations were higher in individuals with diabetes (weighted median 0.58 μg/L) than those without diabetes (0.39 μg/L). After adjustment for urinary creatinine and other diabetes risk factors, the OR of diabetes comparing the highest with lowest quartile of urinary tin concentrations was 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.6; P_trend  = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Environmental tin exposure was positively and significantly associated with diabetes in US adults.

DEHP deregulates adipokine levels and impairs fatty acid storage in human SGBS-adipocytes

DEHP is a plasticizer which has been used in plastic products of everyday use for decades. Studies in mice and murine cell culture models identified DEHP as an endocrine disruptor that may also act as an obesogen. As this is of high concern in respect of the worldwide obesity epidemic, our aim is the translation of these findings into a human model system. On the basis of DOHaD, we investigated the influence of an environmentally relevant dose of DEHP [50 µg/ml] on adipogenesis in the human cell culture model SGBS. Pre-adipocytes were exposed to DEHP and differentiated into mature adipocytes. At different stages of differentiation, markers of adipogenesis like GLUT4, FABP4, LPL and PPARs, and of signaling pathways like AMPK/ACC2, JAK/STAT and MAPK were analyzed. Functional markers like adipokine secretion and triglyceride content as well as ROS production were measured in mature adipocytes. We found significantly lower expression levels of adipogenic markers, a reduction in lipid accumulation, higher leptin- and reduced adiponectin levels in the supernatant of treated adipocytes. Moreover, ROS production was significantly elevated after DEHP-exposure. In conclusion, DEHP led to lower grade of adipogenic differentiation in human SGBS-adipocytes under the chosen conditions.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and changes in body weight and resting metabolic rate in response to weight-loss diets: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

The potential endocrine-disrupting effects of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been demonstrated in animal studies, but whether PFASs may interfere with body weight regulation in humans is largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the associations of PFAS exposure with changes in body weight and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a diet-induced weight-loss setting.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

In the 2-year POUNDS Lost randomized clinical trial based in Boston, Massachusetts, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that examined the effects of energy-restricted diets on weight changes, baseline plasma concentrations of major PFASs were measured among 621 overweight and obese participants aged 30-70 years. Body weight was measured at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RMR and other metabolic parameters, including glucose, lipids, thyroid hormones, and leptin, were measured at baseline and 6 and 24 months. Participants lost an average of 6.4 kg of body weight during the first 6 months (weight-loss period) and subsequently regained an average of 2.7 kg of body weight during the period of 6-24 months (weight regain period). After multivariate adjustment, baseline PFAS concentrations were not significantly associated with concurrent body weight or weight loss during the first 6 months. In contrast, higher baseline levels of PFASs were significantly associated with a greater weight regain, primarily in women. In women, comparing the highest to the lowest tertiles of PFAS concentrations, the multivariate-adjusted mean weight regain (SE) was 4.0 (0.8) versus 2.1 (0.9) kg for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (Ptrend = 0.01); 4.3 (0.9) versus 2.2 (0.8) kg for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (Ptrend = 0.007); 4.7 (0.9) versus 2.5 (0.9) kg for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (Ptrend = 0.006); 4.9 (0.9) versus 2.7 (0.8) kg for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) (Ptrend = 0.009); and 4.2 (0.8) versus 2.5 (0.9) kg for perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (Ptrend = 0.03). When further adjusted for changes in body weight or thyroid hormones during the first 6 months, results remained similar. Moreover, higher baseline plasma PFAS concentrations, especially for PFOS and PFNA, were significantly associated with greater decline in RMR during the weight-loss period and less increase in RMR during the weight regain period in both men and women. Limitations of the study include the possibility of unmeasured or residual confounding by socioeconomic and psychosocial factors, as well as possible relapse to the usual diet prior to randomization, which could have been rich in foods contaminated by PFASs through food packaging and also dense in energy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this diet-induced weight-loss trial, higher baseline plasma PFAS concentrations were associated with a greater weight regain, especially in women, possibly explained by a slower regression of RMR levels. These data illustrate a potential novel pathway through which PFASs interfere with human body weight regulation and metabolism. The possible impact of environmental chemicals on the obesity epidemic therefore deserves attention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00072995.

Chemical and non-chemical stressors affecting childhood obesity: a systematic scoping review

Childhood obesity in the United States has doubled over the last three decades and currently affects 17% of children and adolescents. While much research has focused on individual behaviors impacting obesity, little research has emphasized the complex interactions of numerous chemical and non-chemical stressors found in a child's environment and how these interactions affect a child's health and well-being. The objectives of this systematic scoping review were to (1) identify potential chemical stressors in the context of non-chemical stressors that impact childhood obesity; and, (2) summarize our observations for chemical and non-chemical stressors in regards to child-specific environments within a community setting. A review was conducted to identify chemical and non-chemical stressors related to childhood obesity for the childhood life stages ranging from prenatal to adolescence. Stressors were identified and grouped into domains: individual behaviors, family/household behaviors, community stressors, and chemical exposures. Stressors were related to the child and the child's everyday environments and used to characterize child health and well-being. This review suggests that the interactions of chemical and non-chemical stressors are important for understanding a child's overall health and well-being. By considering these relationships, the exposure science research community can better design and implement strategies to reduce childhood obesity.

Protective influence of healthful nutrition on mechanisms of environmental pollutant toxicity and disease risks

Human exposures to environmental contaminants around the world contribute to the global burden of disease and thus require urgent attention. Exploring preventive measures against environmental exposure and disease risk is essential. While a sedentary lifestyle and/or poor dietary habits can exacerbate the deleterious effects resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals, much emerging evidence suggests that positive lifestyle changes (e.g., healthful nutrition) can modulate and/or reduce the toxicity of environmental pollutants. Our work has shown that diets high in anti-inflammatory bioactive food components (e.g., phytochemicals or polyphenols) are possible strategies for modulating and reducing the disease risks associated with exposure to toxic pollutants in the environment. Thus, consuming healthy diets rich in plant-derived bioactive nutrients may reduce the vulnerability to diseases linked to environmental toxic insults. This nutritional paradigm in environmental toxicology requires further study in order to improve our understanding of the relationships between nutrition and other lifestyle modifications and toxicant-induced diseases.

Impact of nutrition on pollutant toxicity: an update with new insights into epigenetic regulation

Exposure to environmental pollutants is a global health problem and is associated with the development of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. There is a growing body of evidence that nutrition can both positively and negatively modulate the toxic effects of pollutant exposure. Diets high in proinflammatory fats, such as linoleic acid, can exacerbate pollutant toxicity, whereas diets rich in bioactive and anti-inflammatory food components, including omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, can attenuate toxicant-associated inflammation. Previously, researchers have elucidated direct mechanisms of nutritional modulation, including alteration of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling, but recently, increased focus has been given to the ways in which nutrition and pollutants affect epigenetics. Nutrition has been demonstrated to modulate epigenetic markers that have been linked either to increased disease risks or to protection against diseases. Overnutrition (i.e. obesity) and undernutrition (i.e. famine) have been observed to alter prenatal epigenetic tags that may increase the risk of offspring developing disease later in life. Conversely, bioactive food components, including curcumin, have been shown to alter epigenetic markers that suppress the activation of NF-κB, thus reducing inflammatory responses. Exposure to pollutants also alters epigenetic markers and may contribute to inflammation and disease. It has been demonstrated that pollutants, via epigenetic modulations, can increase the activation of NF-κB and upregulate microRNAs associated with inflammation, cardiac injury and oxidative damage. Importantly, recent evidence suggests that nutritional components, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can protect against pollutant-induced inflammation through epigenetic regulation of proinflammatory target genes of NF-κB. Further research is needed to better understand how nutrition can modulate pollutant toxicity through epigenetic regulation. Therefore, the objective of this review is to elucidate the current evidence linking epigenetic changes to pollutant-induced diseases and how this regulation may be modulated by nutrients allowing for the development of future personalized lifestyle interventions.

Utilization of Mytilus digestive gland cells for the in vitro screening of potential metabolic disruptors in aquatic invertebrates

In vertebrate systems, many endocrine disruptors (EDs) can also interfere with energy and lipid metabolism, thus acting as metabolic disruptors. At the cellular level, these effects are mainly mediated by interactions with nuclear receptors/transcription factors, leading to the modulation of genes involved in lipid homeostasis, as well as by rapid, receptor-independent pathways. Several potential metabolic disruptors are found in aquatic environments. In fish, different EDs have been shown to affect hepatic lipid homeostasis both in vivo and in vitro. However, little information is available in aquatic invertebrates due to our poor knowledge of the regulatory pathways of lipid metabolism. In this work, primary cell cultures from the digestive gland of the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis were utilized to investigate the effects of model EDs (bisphenol A (BPA) and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS)) on lipid homeostasis. Both compounds (at 24 and 3h of exposure) increased intracellular lipid and tryglyceride-TAG content, with strongest effects of PFOS at 10^-7M. Acyl-CoA oxidase activity was unaffected, whereas some changes in the activity of glycolytic, antioxidant/biotransformation enzymes were observed; however, no clear relationship was found with lipid accumulation. Evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential Δψm and determination of extracellular TAG content indicate that PFOS interferes with mitochondrial function and lipid secretion, whereas BPA mainly affects lipid secretion. Experiments with specific inhibitors showed that activation of PI-3 kinase and extracellularly regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK MAPK) plays a key role in mediating lipid accumulation. Mussel digestive gland cells represent a simple in vitro model for screening the metabolic effects of EDs in marine invertebrates.

Thimerosal-containing Hepatitis B Vaccine Exposure is Highly Associated with Childhood Obesity: A Case-control Study Using the Vaccine Safety Datalink

BACKGROUND

Obesity among children and adolescents in the United States has tripled since 1980, and has become a major public health concern.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines and the children's subsequent risk of an obesity diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hypothesis-testing, case-control study was undertaken to evaluate exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines, which were administered at specific intervals in the first 6 months of life, among cases diagnosed with childhood obesity and controls by examining automated medical records for children born from 1991 to 2000 who were continuously enrolled in the Vaccine Safety Datalink database.

RESULTS

This study found highly significant associations as follows. Cases diagnosed with obesity were significantly (P < 0.00001) more likely to have received greater exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines administered within the first month of life (odds ratio (OR) =1.511), first 2 months of life (OR = 1.486), and first 6 months of life (OR = 3.795) than the controls. Similar outcomes were observed when the overall data were separated by gender. In a dose-response manner, cases diagnosed with obesity were significantly more likely than controls to have received greater exposure to organic mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines, which were administered within the first 6 months of life (OR = 1.0375 per μg of mercury, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a dose-response manner, the present study associates an increased organic mercury exposure from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines with an increased risk of obesity diagnosis, and suggests that Thimerosal is an obesogen. The results are biologically plausible and future studies are needed to examine this phenomenon.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exacerbates non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats and its potential mechanisms

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) may be responsible for inducing alterations similar to those encountered in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the detrimental effects and possible mechanisms of DEHP on fatty liver rats directly through triggering the disorder of liver lipid metabolism or indirectly by hepatotoxic effect. Considering these effects, DEHP may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this study, high-fat diet was used to induce NAFLD in rats for eight weeks. DEHP treated groups received (0.05, 5, 500 mg/kg daily, respectively) dose by gavage during the whole experiment period. Our results indicated that the detrimental effects of DEHP on high-fat diet induced NAFLDs were mediated via increasing lipid accumulation in the liver and causing lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

Tri-m-cresyl phosphate and PPAR/LXR interactions in seabream hepatocytes: revealed by computational modeling (docking) and transcriptional regulation of signaling pathways

The interactions between tri-m-cresyl phosphate (TMCP; an organophosphate flame retardant) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) or liver X receptor α (LXRα) were investigated in seabream hepatocytes. The study was designed to characterize the binding of TMCP to PPARα, PPARγ and LXRα by computational modeling (docking) and transcriptional regulation of signaling pathways. TMCP mainly established a non-polar interaction with each receptor. These findings reflect the hydrophobic nature of this binding site, with fish LXRα showing the highest binding efficiency. Further, we have investigated the ability of TMCP to activate PPAR and LXR controlled transcriptional processes involved in lipid/cholesterol metabolism. TMCP induced the expression of all the target genes measured. All target genes were up-regulated at all exposure doses, except for fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B. Collectively, our data indicate that TMCP can affect fatty acid synthesis/uptake and cholesterol metabolism through LXRα and PPARs, together with interactions between these transcription factors in seabream liver.

Pharmacological evaluation of the mechanisms involved in increased adiposity in zebrafish triggered by the environmental contaminant tributyltin

One proposed contributing factor to the rise in overweight and obesity is exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Tributyltin chloride (TBT), an organotin, induces adipogenesis in cell culture models and may increases adipose mass in vivo in vertebrate model organisms. It has been hypothesized that TBT acts via the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ-dependent pathway. However, the mechanisms involved in the effects of TBT exposure on in vivo adipose tissue metabolism remain unexplored. Semitransparent zebrafish larvae, with their well-developed white adipose tissue, offer a unique opportunity for studying the effects of toxicant chemicals and pharmaceuticals on adipocyte biology and whole-organism adiposity in a vertebrate model. Within hours, zebrafish larvae, treated at environmentally-relevant nanomolar concentrations of TBT, exhibited a remarkable increase in adiposity linked to adipocyte hypertrophy. Under the experimental conditions used, we also demonstrated that zebrafish larvae adipose tissue proved to be highly responsive to selected human nuclear receptor agonists and antagonists. Retinoid X receptor (RXR) homodimers and RXR/liver X receptor heterodimers were suggested to be in vivo effectors of the obesogenic effect of TBT on zebrafish white adipose tissue. RXR/PPARγ heterodimers may be recruited to modulate adiposity in zebrafish but were not a necessary requirement for the short term in vivo TBT obesogenic effect. Together, the present results suggest that TBT may induce the promotion of triacylglycerol storage in adipocytes via RXR-dependent pathways without necessary using PPAR isoforms.

Molecular Mechanisms of Action of BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been associated with serious endocrine-disrupting effects in humans and wildlife. Toxicological and epidemiological studies evidenced that BPA increases body mass index and disrupts normal cardiovascular physiology by interfering with endogenous hormones in rodents, nonhuman primates, and cell culture test systems. The BPA concentration derived from these experiments were used by government regulatory agencies to determine the safe exposure levels of BPA in humans. However, accumulating literature in vivo and in vitro indicate that at concentrations lower than that reported in toxicological studies, BPA could elicit a different endocrine-disrupting capacity. To further complicate this picture, BPA effects rely on several and diverse mechanisms that converge upon endocrine and reproductive systems. If all or just few of these mechanisms concur to the endocrine-disrupting potential of low doses of BPA is at present still unclear. Thus, taking into account that the incidence and/or prevalence of health problems associated with endocrine disruption have increased worldwide, the goal of the present review is to give an overview of the many mechanisms of BPA action in order to decipher whether different mechanisms are at the root of the effect of low dose of BPA on endocrine system.

A review on endocrine disruptors and their possible impacts on human health

Endocrine disruption is a named field of research which has been very active for over 10 years, although the effects of endocrine disruptors in wildlife have been studied mainly in vast since the 1940s. A large number of chemicals have been identified as endocrine disruptors and humans can be exposed to them either due to their occupations or through dietary and environmental exposure (water, soil and air). Endocrine disrupting chemicals are compounds that alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system of both humans and wildlife. In order to understand the vulnerability and risk factors of people due to endocrine disruptors as well as the remedies for these, methods need to be developed in order to predict effects on populations and communities from the knowledge of effects on individuals. For several years there have been a growing interest on the mechanism and effect of endocrine disruptors and their relation with environment and human health effect. This paper, based on extensive literature survey, briefly studies the progress mainly in human to provide information concerning causative substances, mechanism of action, ubiquity of effects and important issues related to endocrine disruptors. It also reviews the current knowledge of the potential impacts of endocrine disruptors on human health so that the effects can be known and remedies applied for the problem as soon as possible.

Xenotransplantation models to study the effects of toxicants on human fetal tissues

Many diseases that manifest throughout the lifetime are influenced by factors affecting fetal development. Fetal exposure to xenobiotics, in particular, may influence the development of adult diseases. Established animal models provide systems for characterizing both developmental biology and developmental toxicology. However, animal model systems do not allow researchers to assess the mechanistic effects of toxicants on developing human tissue. Human fetal tissue xenotransplantation models have recently been implemented to provide human-relevant mechanistic data on the many tissue-level functions that may be affected by fetal exposure to toxicants. This review describes the development of human fetal tissue xenotransplant models for testis, prostate, lung, liver, and adipose tissue, aimed at studying the effects of xenobiotics on tissue development, including implications for testicular dysgenesis, prostate disease, lung disease, and metabolic syndrome. The mechanistic data obtained from these models can complement data from epidemiology, traditional animal models, and in vitro studies to quantify the risks of toxicant exposures during human development.

Impact of di-ethylhexylphthalate exposure on metabolic programming in P19 ECC-derived cardiomyocytes

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is the most common plasticizer in plastic devices of everyday use. It is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and primarily known to impair male gonadal development and fertility. Studies concerning the long-term effects of prenatal DEHP exposure on certain diseases [The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease paradigm (DOHaD) hypothesis] are scarce although it is proven that DEHP crosses the placenta. Rising environmental pollution during the last centuries coincides with an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We have investigated the effects of an early embryonic DEHP exposure at different developmental stages on cardiomyogenesis. We used an in-vitro model, the murine P19 embryonic carcinoma cell line (P19 ECC), mimicking early embryonic stages up to differentiated beating cardiomyocytes. P19 ECC were exposed to DEHP (5, 50, 100 µg ml(-1)) at the undifferentiated stage for 5 days and subsequently differentiated to beating cardiomyocytes. We analyzed the expression of metabolic (Pparg1, Fabp4 and Glut4), cardiac (Myh6, Gja1) and methylation (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a) marker genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), beating rate and the differentiation velocity of the cells. The methylation status of Pparg1, Ppara and Glut4 was investigated by pyrosequencing. DEHP significantly altered the expression of all investigated genes. The beating rate and differentiation velocity were accelerated. Exposure to DEHP led to small but statistically significant increases in methylation of specific CpGs within Ppara and Pparg1, which otherwise were generally hypomethylated, but methylation of Glut4 was unaltered. Early DEHP exposure of P19 ECC alters the expression of genes associated with cellular metabolism and the functional features of cardiomyocytes.

Association of urinary phenols with increased body weight measures and obesity in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of urinary levels of the environmental phenol pesticides 2,5-dichlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and triclosan with body weight outcomes in children and adolescent participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed multivariate linear and multinomial logistic regressions to analyze the association of body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference (WC), and obesity with urinary pesticide concentration in children and adolescents.

RESULTS

After adjustment for covariates, we found a statistically significant positive association (P < .05) between both 2,5-dichlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol with BMI z-score, WC, and obesity in children and adolescents. After stratification by age, the significant associations remained only in adolescents (ages 12-19). No associations were found between triclosan and any of the body weight outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between dichlorophenols and increased body weight measures (BMI z-score, WC, and obesity) in adolescents. However, further studies, such as a longitudinal study, are needed to confirm and elucidate on our findings.

Xenotransplantation of human fetal adipose tissue: a model of in vivo adipose tissue expansion and adipogenesis

Obesity during childhood and beyond may have its origins during fetal or early postnatal life. At present, there are no suitable in vivo experimental models to study factors that modulate or perturb human fetal white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion, remodeling, development, adipogenesis, angiogenesis, or epigenetics. We have developed such a model. It involves the xenotransplantation of midgestation human WAT into the renal subcapsular space of immunocompromised SCID-beige mice. After an initial latency period of approximately 2 weeks, the tissue begins expanding. The xenografts are healthy and show robust expansion and angiogenesis for at least 2 months following transplantation. Data and cell size and gene expression are consistent with active angiogenesis. The xenografts maintain the expression of genes associated with differentiated adipocyte function. In contrast to the fetal tissue, adult human WAT does not engraft. The long-term viability and phenotypic maintenance of fetal adipose tissue following xenotransplantation may be a function of its autonomous high rates of adipogenesis and angiogenesis. Through the manipulation of the host mice, this model system offers the opportunity to study the mechanisms by which nutrients and other environmental factors affect human adipose tissue development and biology.

Prenatal stress and development: beyond the single cause and effect paradigm

Our awareness of the causes of stress-induced developmental dysfunction has increased dramatically over the past decade, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a number of factors can have considerable impacts on the developing fetus. Although there is a tendency in investigations of developmental teratogens to attribute specific causes to adverse fetal outcomes, it is important we recognize that for most developmental dysfunctions it is unlikely a single cause, but yet a series of environmental insults combined with genetic predisposition that ultimately leads to a disease state. Nonetheless, a number of developmental teratogens, such as maternal psychological stress and chemical exposures, have been shown to increase the likelihood of developmental defects. These defects can manifest during development, leading to observable birth defects, or could become evident long after birth, even into adulthood. In addition, epigenetic mutations in the germline can alter the phenotype of successive generations through transgenerational inheritance, and in this way environmental factors can alter the developmental outcomes and disease predispositions of future generations. Understanding this complexity is essential to interpretations of causality in the studies of stress-induced developmental dysfunction and needs to be fully considered to more effectively interpret potential outcomes.

Bisphenol-A and diethylstilbestrol exposure induces the expression of breast cancer associated long noncoding RNA HOTAIR in vitro and in vivo

Antisense transcript, long non-coding RNA HOTAIR is a key player in gene silencing and breast cancer and is transcriptionally regulated by estradiol. Here, we have investigated if HOTAIR expression is misregulated by bisphenol-A (BPA) and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Our findings demonstrate BPA and DES induce HOTAIR expression in cultured human breast cancer cells (MCF7) as well as in vivo in the mammary glands of rat. Luciferase assay showed that HOTAIR promoter estrogen-response-elements (EREs) are induced by BPA and DES. Estrogen-receptors (ERs) and ER-coregulators such as MLL-histone methylases (MLL1 and MLL3) bind to the HOTAIR promoter EREs in the presence of BPA and DES, modify chromatin (histone methylation and acetylation) and lead to gene activation. Knockdown of ERs down-regulated the BPA and DES-induced expression of HOTAIR. In summary, our results demonstrate that BPA and DES exposure alters the epigenetic programming of the HOTAIR promoters leading to its endocrine disruption in vitro and in vivo.

Sex differences in the association of urinary bisphenol-A concentration with selected indices of glucose homeostasis among U.S. adults

PURPOSE

Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to endocrine disruptors may initiate or exacerbate adiposity and associated health problems. This study examined sex differences in the association of urinary level of bisphenol-A (BPA) with selected indices of glucose homeostasis among U.S. adults.

METHODS

Data analyses were performed using a sample of 1586 participants from the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. BPA level and the ratio of BPA-to-creatinine level were defined as log-transformed variables and in quartiles. Selected indices of glucose homeostasis were defined using fasting glucose and insulin data. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models for the hypothesized relationships were constructed after controlling for age, sex, race, education, marital status, smoking status, physical activity, total dietary intake, and urinary creatinine concentration.

RESULTS

Taking the first quartile as a referent, the third quartile of BPA level was positively associated with log-transformed level of insulin and β-cell function (homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function) as well as insulin resistance (log-transformed homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance; homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance ≥2.5), with significant BPA-by-sex interaction; these associations were stronger among males than among females. Irrespective of sex, the ratio of BPA-to-creatinine level was not predictive of indices of glucose homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

A complex association may exist between BPA and hyperinsulinemia among adult U.S. men. Prospective cohort studies are needed to further elucidate endocrine disruptors as determinants of adiposity-related disturbances.

Urinary bisphenol A concentrations are associated with abnormal liver function in the elderly: a repeated panel study

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (4,40-isopropylidenediphenol, BPA) is known to adversely affect various organs. The liver is reported to be affected by BPA in animal studies. However, there are few studies in humans on the effects of BPA on the liver. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between urinary BPA levels and liver function in elderly subjects using repeated measurements.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2010, a total of 560 elderly subjects residing in Seoul were each evaluated up to three times. At the first visit, demographic data, environmental exposure and lifestyle information were obtained from a systemised questionnaire. At each visit, blood and urine samples were collected and stored for analysis. Linear mixed and GLIMMIX model analyses were performed after adjusting for age, sex, Body Mass Index, alcohol consumption, urinary cotinine concentrations, exercise frequency, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level.

RESULTS

The mean urinary BPA concentration was 1.13 μg/g creatinine. Significant relationships were observed between urinary BPA and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase after adjusting for potential confounders (p<0.05). When subjects were grouped according to urinary BPA concentrations divided by the median value, higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with increased abnormal liver function (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.15 to 5.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Community-level exposure to BPA was associated with abnormal liver function in the elderly, indicating that more stringent control of BPA is necessary to protect susceptible populations.

Towards a humanized PPARγ reporter system for in vivo screening of obesogens

Overeating and lack of exercise are major contributors to the current obesity epidemic, but environmental contaminants, or obesogens, are also considered to be potential actors. A common obesogen target is the Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ). Screening for exogenous obesogens requires in vivo systems as many xenobiotics exert their effects through metabolites. We thus developed a humanized in vivo PPARγ reporter model, using Xenopus laevis larvae, a species possessing metabolic capacities comparable to mammals. A somatic transgenesis approach was used to co-express an expression vector for the human PPARγ protein simultaneously with one of a series of reporter vectors, each containing a PPARγ Response Element (PPRE)-eGFP sequence. Treatment of tadpoles with PPARγ agonists, antagonists or candidate obesogens, significantly modulated eGFP expression. Thus, the system provides a promising proof of principle for a sensitive and reliable humanized in vivo tool to screen both novel PPARγ drug ligands and potential endocrine disruptors or obesogens targeting this receptor.

Direct effects of Bisphenol A on lipid homeostasis in rat hepatoma cells

Bisphenol A (BPA), used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin, is one of the most abundant endocrine disruptors in the environment, considered as a xenoestrogen. BPA has recently become of additional public health concern because of increasing evidence of deleterious effects on metabolism. Dietary intake seems the most important route for BPA exposure, followed by rapid biotransformation in the gut and liver and elimination in the urine. Although hepatocytes can represent a significant target for this compound, little is known on the direct effects and mechanisms of action of BPA on lipid homeostasis at the cellular level. In this work, the effects of BPA (0.3-3-30-300 ng mL(-1), 24 h) were investigated in rat FaO hepatoma, a well differentiated liver cell line. At both 30 and 300 ng mL(-1), BPA significantly increased intracellular triglyceride (TAG) content and lipid accumulation in lipid droplets (LDs), without affecting cell viability. The effects of BPA were associated with decreased mRNA levels of the transcription factors Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) isoforms α and βδ, as well as of their downstream genes acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT1) involved in lipid oxidation. No increase in transcription of lipogenic genes was observed. BPA also decreased mRNA levels of ApolipoproteinB (apoB) and the extracellular TAG content, indicating alterations in lipid secretion. FaO cells did not express Estrogen Receptor α (ERα and showed a very low expression of ERβ compared to rat liver. All the effects of BPA were prevented by cell pretreatment with Wortmannin, indicating the involvement of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase activation. The results demonstrate a direct action of BPA on lipid homeostasis in FaO cells through interference with lipid oxidation and secretion, and add further information on the cellular pathways that can be perturbed by this compound.

The therapeutic applications of celery oil seed extract on the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate toxicity

The present study investigated the impact of two doses, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and studied the possible therapeutic dose of celery oil seed extract for 6 weeks on some atheroscelerogenic, obesogenic, antioxidant and liver functions in rats. Both doses of DEHP caused over-expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) messenger RNA with significant increase in liver weights, relative liver weights, serum cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein Chol, liver total lipids, along with an increase in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, serum endothelin 1 and liver tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Additionally, DEHP administration to rats resulted in significant decrease in final body weights, serum total protein, albumin, liver total protein and serum total nitric oxide. Our study confirmed the role of oral combination of Apium graveolens (celery) oil seed extract at small cumulative doses (50 µl/kg for 6 weeks) with DEHP in ameliorating the toxicological effects of DEHP, which was revealed in reducing the expression of PPARα, lipid profile, with restoring liver functions, vascular oxidative stress and inhibition of TBARS activity.

Dynamics of organohalogenated contaminants in human serum from obese individuals during one year of weight loss treatment

We investigated the dynamics of several organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) and their metabolites in an obese population during weight loss. Serum samples from obese individuals were taken before patients lost weight and after three, six, and twelve months. Samples were also collected from a matched lean control population. Analyzed OHCs were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (HO-PCBs), pentachlorophenol (PCP), polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Significantly lower concentrations of major PCBs, their metabolites, and PCP were measured in obese individuals at the initial moment of their enrolling in the project. While dilution differences might be responsible for the lower concentrations in the neutral OHCs, we suggest that a lower CYP-mediated metabolic activity can partially explain the data for the HO-PCBs. Additionally, lower chlorinated substituted PCBs had a higher percentage contribution to the sum PCBs in obese individuals, while higher chlorinated PCBs had a higher contribution for the controls. Increasing serum levels for all OHCs were observed during weight loss. The release from adipose tissue seemed dependent on the octanol-water partition coefficient, since OHCs with higher log Kow values displayed a higher release in serum. This also influenced the HO-PCBs profile after weight loss with lower chlorinated HO-PCBs increasingly gaining importance. Although weight loss is beneficial, it also influences the release of OHCs from adipose tissue and their metabolism. Therefore, the increase in the levels of compounds with endocrine effects might be of concern.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: associated disorders and mechanisms of action

The incidence and/or prevalence of health problems associated with endocrine-disruption have increased. Many chemicals have endocrine-disrupting properties, including bisphenol A, some organochlorines, polybrominated flame retardants, perfluorinated substances, alkylphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylphenols, solvents, and some household products including some cleaning products, air fresheners, hair dyes, cosmetics, and sunscreens. Even some metals were shown to have endocrine-disrupting properties. Many observations suggesting that endocrine disruptors do contribute to cancer, diabetes, obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility are listed in this paper. An overview is presented of mechanisms contributing to endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors can act through classical nuclear receptors, but also through estrogen-related receptors, membrane-bound estrogen-receptors, and interaction with targets in the cytosol resulting in activation of the Src/Ras/Erk pathway or modulation of nitric oxide. In addition, changes in metabolism of endogenous hormones, cross-talk between genomic and nongenomic pathways, cross talk with estrogen receptors after binding on other receptors, interference with feedback regulation and neuroendocrine cells, changes in DNA methylation or histone modifications, and genomic instability by interference with the spindle figure can play a role. Also it was found that effects of receptor activation can differ in function of the ligand.