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Pan J, Liu P, Yu X, Zhang Z, Liu J. The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1324993. [PMID: 38303976 PMCID: PMC10832042 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1324993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproductive system diseases pose prominent threats to human physical and mental well-being. Besides being influenced by genetic material regulation and changes in lifestyle, the occurrence of these diseases is closely connected to exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), characterized by hormone-like effects, have a wide range of influences on the reproductive system. EDCs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are present in a wide range of industrial and everyday products. Currently, thousands of chemicals have been reported to exhibit endocrine effects, and this number is likely to increase as the testing for potential EDCs has not been consistently required, and obtaining data has been limited, partly due to the long latency of many diseases. The ability to avoid exposure to EDCs, especially those of artificially synthesized origin, is increasingly challenging. While EDCs can be divided into persistent and non-persistent depending on their degree of degradation, due to the recent uptick in research studies in this area, we have chosen to focus on the research pertaining to the detrimental effects on reproductive health of exposure to several EDCs that are widely encountered in daily life over the past six years, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. By focusing on the impact of EDCs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which leads to the occurrence and development of reproductive system diseases, this review aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of EDCs' damage to human health and to encourage further in-depth research to clarify the potentially harmful effects of EDC exposure through various other mechanisms. Ultimately, it offers a scientific basis to enhance EDCs risk management, an endeavor of significant scientific and societal importance for safeguarding reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongming Zhang
- Zhang Zhongjing College of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Jinxing Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Sakr S, Rashad WA. Lambda-cyhalothrin-induced pancreatic toxicity in adult albino rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11562. [PMID: 37463968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is one of the most frequently utilized pyrethroids. This study aimed to explore the toxic effects of subacute exposure to LCT on the pancreas and the hepatic glucose metabolism in adult male albino rats. 20 rats were equally grouped into; Control group and LCT group. The latter received LCT (61.2 mg/kg b.wt.), orally on a daily basis for 28 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of serum glucose and insulin levels. Pancreases were harvested and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); catalase (CAT); superoxide dismutase (SOD); reduced glutathione (GSH); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interleukin-6 (IL-6); nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were assessed. Also, liver samples were analyzed for the activity of glucose metabolism enzymes, glycogen content, and pyruvate and lactate concentrations. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreatic tissues were undertaken as well. Results revealed hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB levels, in association with reduced CAT, SOD, GSH, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels in LCT group. Liver analyses demonstrated a clear disturbance in the hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism, diminished glycogen content, decreased pyruvate, and increased lactate concentrations. Besides, pancreatic islets displayed degenerative changes and β-cells loss. Immunohistochemistry revealed diminished area percentage (%) of insulin and Nrf2 and increased TNF-α immunoreaction. In conclusion, subacute exposure to LCT induces pancreatic toxicity, mostly via oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, and dysregulates hepatic glucose metabolism in albino rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Sakr
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Walaa A Rashad
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Anaduaka EG, Uchendu NO, Asomadu RO, Ezugwu AL, Okeke ES, Chidike Ezeorba TP. Widespread use of toxic agrochemicals and pesticides for agricultural products storage in Africa and developing countries: Possible panacea for ecotoxicology and health implications. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15173. [PMID: 37113785 PMCID: PMC10126862 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used for storage majorly possess insecticidal activities - deterring destructive insect pests and microorganisms from stored agricultural produce. Despite the controversy about their safety, local farmers and agro-wholesalers still predominantly use these chemicals in developing countries, especially Africa, to ensure an all-year supply of agriproducts. These chemicals could have short- or long-term effects. Despite the state-of-the-art knowledge, factors such as poor education and awareness, limited agricultural subventions, quests for cheap chemicals, over-dosage, and many more are the possible reasons for these toxic chemicals' setback and persistent use in developing countries. This paper provides an up-to-date review of the environmental and ecological effects, as well as the health impacts arising from the indiscriminate use of toxic chemicals in agriproducts. Existing data link pesticides to endocrine disruption, genetic mutations, neurological dysfunction, and other metabolic disorders, apart from the myriad of acute effects. Finally, this study recommended several naturally sourced preservatives as viable alternatives to chemical counterparts and emphasized the invaluable role of education and awareness programs in mitigating the use in developing nations for a sustainable society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka Godwin Anaduaka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Nene Orizu Uchendu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Rita Onyekachukwu Asomadu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Arinze Linus Ezugwu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Prince Chidike Ezeorba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria
- Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria.
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Plotnikoff GA, Dobberstein L, Raatz S. Nutritional Assessment of the Symptomatic Patient on a Plant-Based Diet: Seven Key Questions. Nutrients 2023; 15:1387. [PMID: 36986117 PMCID: PMC10056340 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based diets, both vegan and vegetarian, which emphasize grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds are increasingly popular for health as well as financial, ethical, and religious reasons. The medical literature clearly demonstrates that whole food plant-based diets can be both nutritionally sufficient and medically beneficial. However, any person on an intentionally restrictive, but poorly-designed diet may predispose themselves to clinically-relevant nutritional deficiencies. For persons on a poorly-designed plant-based diet, deficiencies are possible in both macronutrients (protein, essential fatty acids) and micronutrients (vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D). Practitioner evaluation of symptomatic patients on a plant-based diet requires special consideration of seven key nutrient concerns for plant-based diets. This article translates these concerns into seven practical questions that all practitioners can introduce into their patient assessments and clinical reasoning. Ideally, persons on plant-based diets should be able to answer these seven questions. Each serves as a heuristic prompt for both clinician and patient attentiveness to a complete diet. As such, these seven questions support increased patient nutrition knowledge and practitioner capacity to counsel, refer, and appropriately focus clinical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan Raatz
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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DeWitt NA, Whirledge S, Kallen AN. Updates on molecular and environmental determinants of luteal progesterone production. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110930. [PMID: 32610113 PMCID: PMC7484338 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone, a critical hormone in reproduction, is a key sex steroid in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy and serves as an intermediary for synthesis of other steroid hormones. Progesterone production from the corpus luteum is a tightly regulated process which is stimulated and maintained by multiple factors, both systemic and local. Multiple regulatory systems, including classic mediators of gonadotropin stimulation such as the cAMP/PKA pathway and TGFβ-mediated signaling pathways, as well as local production of hormonal factors, exist to promote granulosa cell function and physiological fine-tuning of progesterone levels. In this manuscript, we provide an updated narrative review of the known mediators of human luteal progesterone and highlight new observations regarding this important process, focusing on studies published within the last five years. We will also review recent evidence suggesting that this complex system of progesterone production is sensitive to disruption by exogenous environmental chemicals that can mimic or interfere with the activities of endogenous hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A DeWitt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amanda N Kallen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Warner GR, Mourikes VE, Neff AM, Brehm E, Flaws JA. Mechanisms of action of agrochemicals acting as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 502:110680. [PMID: 31838026 PMCID: PMC6942667 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Agrochemicals represent a significant class of endocrine disrupting chemicals that humans and animals around the world are exposed to constantly. Agrochemicals can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals through a variety of mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that several mechanisms of action involve the ability of agrochemicals to mimic the interaction of endogenous hormones with nuclear receptors such as estrogen receptors, androgen receptors, peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and thyroid hormone receptors. Further, studies indicate that agrochemicals can exert toxicity through non-nuclear receptor-mediated mechanisms of action. Such non-genomic mechanisms of action include interference with peptide, steroid, or amino acid hormone response, synthesis and degradation as well as epigenetic changes (DNA methylation and histone modifications). This review summarizes the major mechanisms of action by which agrochemicals target the endocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoa R Warner
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61802, IL, United States
| | - Vasiliki E Mourikes
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61802, IL, United States
| | - Alison M Neff
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61802, IL, United States
| | - Emily Brehm
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61802, IL, United States
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, 61802, IL, United States.
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Ravula AR, Yenugu S. Long term oral administration of a mixture of pyrethroids affects reproductive function in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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