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Manzoor MA, Shah IH, Ali Sabir I, Ahmad A, Albasher G, Dar AA, Altaf MA, Shakoor A. Environmental sustainable: Biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles as nano-pesticides for investigating bioactivities against phytopathogens. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:115941. [PMID: 37100366 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of interest in human physiopathology and have been extensively studied for their effects on the endocrine system. Research also focuses on the environmental impact of EDCs, including pesticides and engineered nanoparticles, and their toxicity to organisms. Green nanofabrication has surfaced as an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach to manufacture antimicrobial agents that can effectively manage phytopathogens. In this study, we examined the current understanding of the pathogenic activities of Azadirachta indica aqueous formulated green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) against phytopathogens. The CuONPs were analyzed and studied using a range of analytical and microscopic techniques, such as UV-visible spectrophotometer, Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD spectral results revealed that the particles had a high crystal size, with an average size ranging from 40 to 100 nm. TEM and SEM images were utilized to verify the size and shape of the CuONPs, revealing that they varied between 20 and 80 nm. The existence of potential functional molecules involved in the reduction of the nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectra and UV analysis. Biogenically synthesized CuONPs revealed significantly enhanced antimicrobial activities at 100 mg/L concentration in vitro by the biological method. The synthesized CuONPs at 500 μg/ml had a strong antioxidant activity which was examined through the free radicle scavenging method. Overall results of the green synthesized CuONPs have demonstrated significant synergetic effects in biological activities which can play a crucial impact in plant pathology against numerous phytopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aamir Manzoor
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Iftikhar Hussain Shah
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Irfan Ali Sabir
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gadah Albasher
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Awais Shakoor
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
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2
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Jung DW, Jeong DH, Lee HS. Endocrine disrupting potential of selected azole and organophosphorus pesticide products through suppressing the dimerization of human androgen receptor in genomic pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 247:114246. [PMID: 36332405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Several pesticides widely used in agriculture have been considered to be endocrine disrupting chemicals through their binding affinities to estrogen or androgen receptors. This study was conducted to clarify the human androgen receptor (hAR)-mediated genomic endocrine disrupting mechanism of eight selected pesticide products by in vitro assay providing the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Test Guideline No. 458, 22Rv1/MMTV_GR-KO AR transcriptional activation assay and a homo-dimerization confirmation assay. None of the tested pesticide products showed an AR agonistic effect, whereas they were all determined to be AR antagonists at non-toxic concentrations. Also, the eight pesticide products were verified as true AR antagonists through a specificity control test. In the Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer-based AR homo-dimerization confirmation assay, the eight pesticide products did not induce AR homo-dimerization. Additionally, western blotting revealed that none of the eight pesticide products induced AR translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In conclusion, we found for the first-time evidence to understand the AR-mediated endocrine disrupting mechanisms induced by selected azole and organophosphorus pesticide products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Woon Jung
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hyun Jeong
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Seok Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Safety and Regulatory Science, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Endocrine Disruptors and Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031216. [PMID: 35163140 PMCID: PMC8835300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in the human prostate gland is an overlooked issue even though the prostate is essential for male fertility. From experimental models, it is known that EDs can influence several molecular mechanisms involved in prostate homeostasis and diseases, including prostate cancer (PCa), one of the most common cancers in the male, whose onset and progression is characterized by the deregulation of several cellular pathways including androgen receptor (AR) signaling. The prostate gland essentiality relies on its function to produce and secrete the prostatic fluid, a component of the seminal fluid, needed to keep alive and functional sperms upon ejaculation. In physiological condition, in the prostate epithelium the more-active androgen, the 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), formed from testosterone (T) by the 5α-reductase enzyme (SRD5A), binds to AR and, upon homodimerization and nuclear translocation, recognizes the promoter of target genes modulating them. In pathological conditions, AR mutations and/or less specific AR binding by ligands modulate differently targeted genes leading to an altered regulation of cell proliferation and triggering PCa onset and development. EDs acting on the AR-dependent signaling within the prostate gland can contribute to the PCa onset and to exacerbating its development.
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Pedersen EB, Christiansen S, Svingen T. AOP key event relationship report: Linking androgen receptor antagonism with nipple retention. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100085. [PMID: 36090961 PMCID: PMC9459418 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A full AOP KER description linking AR antagonism with nipple retention in rodents. Described KER 2133 is a non-adjacent KER of an intended AOP delineating anti-androgenicity as a mode for nipple retention. A case study for developing and publishing independent units of information under the AOP framework.
In rat developmental and reproductive toxicity studies, nipple/areola retention (NR) in male offspring is a biomarker for reduced androgen signaling during development. This is because nipples normally regress in male rats in response to androgen signaling during critical stages of development. NR is thus included as a mandatory endpoint in several OECD test guidelines for assessment of chemicals, particularly as a readout for anti-androgenic effects relevant for reproductive toxicity. With the growing interest in developing Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) to aid in chemical risk assessment, a more pragmatic approach has been proposed, whereby essential units of knowledge could be developed independently of complete AOPs, not least emergent key event relationships (KERs). Herein, we have developed a KER linking “androgen receptor antagonism” and “increased areola/nipple retention”. The KER is based on a literature review conducted in a transparent semi-systematic manner in peer-reviewed databases with pre-defined inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven papers were included for development of the KER. The results support a qualitative relationship between the two key events (KEs) with a high weight of evidence; i.e., a causal relationship between androgen receptor (AR) antagonism and nipple retention in male rats exists.
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Rato L, Sousa ACA. The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility: Focus on the Action of Obesogens. J Xenobiot 2021; 11:163-196. [PMID: 34940512 PMCID: PMC8709303 DOI: 10.3390/jox11040012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The current scenario of male infertility is not yet fully elucidated; however, there is increasing evidence that it is associated with the widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are “imprinted” on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end-up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic–disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Rato
- Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-035 Guarda, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.R.); (A.C.A.S.)
| | - Ana C. A. Sousa
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
- Correspondence: (L.R.); (A.C.A.S.)
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Ho SM, Rao R, Ouyang B, Tam NNC, Schoch E, Song D, Ying J, Leung YK, Govindarajah V, Tarapore P. Three-Generation Study of Male Rats Gestationally Exposed to High Butterfat and Bisphenol A: Impaired Spermatogenesis, Penetrance with Reduced Severity. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103636. [PMID: 34684636 PMCID: PMC8541510 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational high butterfat (HFB) and/or endocrine disruptor exposure was previously found to disrupt spermatogenesis in adulthood. This study addresses the data gap in our knowledge regarding transgenerational transmission of the disruptive interaction between a high-fat diet and endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). F0 generation Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing butterfat (10 kcal%) and high in butterfat (39 kcal%, HFB) with or without BPA (25 µg/kg body weight/day) during mating and pregnancy. Gestationally exposed F1-generation offspring from different litters were mated to produce F2 offspring, and similarly, F2-generation animals produced F3-generation offspring. One group of F3 male offspring was administered either testosterone plus estradiol-17β (T + E2) or sham via capsule implants from postnatal days 70 to 210. Another group was naturally aged to 18 months. Combination diets of HFB + BPA in F0 dams, but not single exposure to either, disrupted spermatogenesis in F3-generation adult males in both the T + E2-implanted group and the naturally aged group. CYP19A1 localization to the acrosome and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) localization to the nucleus were associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Finally, expression of methyl-CpG-binding domain-3 (MBD3) was consistently decreased in the HFB and HFB + BPA exposed F1 and F3 testes, suggesting an epigenetic component to this inheritance. However, the severe atrophy within testes present in F1 males was absent in F3 males. In conclusion, the HFB + BPA group demonstrated transgenerational inheritance of the impaired spermatogenesis phenotype, but severity was reduced in the F3 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.N.C.T.); (Y.-K.L.)
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: (S.-M.H.); (P.T.); Tel.: +501-686-5347 (S.-M.H.); +513-558-5148 (P.T.)
| | - Rahul Rao
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
- Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Neville N. C. Tam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.N.C.T.); (Y.-K.L.)
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Emma Schoch
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
- Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (N.N.C.T.); (Y.-K.L.)
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Vinothini Govindarajah
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (R.R.); (B.O.); (E.S.); (D.S.); (J.Y.)
- Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (S.-M.H.); (P.T.); Tel.: +501-686-5347 (S.-M.H.); +513-558-5148 (P.T.)
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7
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Endocrine disrupting chemicals in the pathogenesis of hypospadias; developmental and toxicological perspectives. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:179-191. [PMID: 34345859 PMCID: PMC8320613 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Penis development is regulated by a tight balance of androgens and estrogens. EDCs that impact androgen/estrogen balance during development cause hypospadias. Cross-disciplinary collaborations are needed to define a mechanistic link.
Hypospadias is a defect in penile urethral closure that occurs in approximately 1/150 live male births in developed nations, making it one of the most common congenital abnormalities worldwide. Alarmingly, the frequency of hypospadias has increased rapidly over recent decades and is continuing to rise. Recent research reviewed herein suggests that the rise in hypospadias rates can be directly linked to our increasing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), especially those that affect estrogen and androgen signalling. Understanding the mechanistic links between endocrine disruptors and hypospadias requires toxicologists and developmental biologists to define exposures and biological impacts on penis development. In this review we examine recent insights from toxicological, developmental and epidemiological studies on the hormonal control of normal penis development and describe the rationale and evidence for EDC exposures that impact these pathways to cause hypospadias. Continued collaboration across these fields is imperative to understand the full impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the increasing rates of hypospadias.
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Key Words
- Androgen
- BBP, benzyl butyl phthalate
- BPA, bisphenol A
- DBP, Σdibutyl phthalate
- DDT, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- DEHP, Σdi-2(ethylhexyl)-phthalate
- DHT, dihydrotestosterone
- EDC, endocrine disrupting chemicals
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- ER, estrogen receptor
- Endocrine disruptors
- Estrogen
- GT, genital tubercle
- Hypospadias
- NOAEL, no observed adverse effect level
- PBB, polybrominated biphenyl
- PBDE, polybrominated diphenyl ether
- PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl
- PCE, tetrachloroethylene
- Penis
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Feijó M, Martins RVL, Socorro S, Pereira L, Correia S. Effects of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin in male reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:962-975. [PMID: 33524106 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have become an issue of scientific and public discussion. Vinclozolin (VNZ) is a fungicide that competitively antagonizes the binding of natural androgens to their receptor, disturbing the function of tissues that are sensitive to these hormones, as is the case of the male reproductive organs. A systematic review with meta-analyses of rodent studies was conducted to answer the following question: Does exposure to VNZ affect sperm parameters and testicular/epididymal weight? The methodology was prespecified according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and PRISMA recommendations. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 1189 animals. The risk of publication bias was assessed using the Trim and Fill adjustment, funnel plot, and Egger regression test. Heterogeneity and inconsistency across the findings were tested using the Q-statistic and I2 of Higgins, respectively. Sensitivity was also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2.0), using random models and weighted mean differences along with a 95% confidence interval. Sperm motility, counts, daily sperm production (evidence of publication bias), and epididymis weight were decreased in VNZ-treated animals. Exposure length and dose, as well as the time point of exposure, influenced the obtained results. Despite the moderate/high heterogeneity observed, the sensitivity analysis overall demonstrated the robustness of the findings. The quality scores of the included studies were superior to 4 in a total of 9, then classified as good. The obtained data corroborate the capability of VNZ exposure to disrupt spermatogenic output and compromise male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Feijó
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,GRUBI, Group of Systematic Reviews of University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Roberta V L Martins
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Socorro
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pereira
- GRUBI, Group of Systematic Reviews of University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,CMA-UBI, Centre for Mathematics and Applications, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Sara Correia
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,GRUBI, Group of Systematic Reviews of University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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The antiandrogenic vinclozolin induces differentiation delay of germ cells and changes in energy metabolism in 3D cultures of fetal ovaries. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18036. [PMID: 33093579 PMCID: PMC7582921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75116-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vinclozolin is a pesticide with antiandrogenic activity as an endocrine disruptor compound. Its effects upon the progression of primordial follicles were assessed in cultures of mouse fetal ovaries from the onset of meiotic differentiation of germ cells (13.5 days post coitum) and from both in vivo exposed mice and in vitro exposed ovaries. Exposure of ovaries to vinclozolin—at in vitro dosages ranging from 10 to 200 μM and in 3D ex vivo culture following in vivo exposure to 50 mg/kg bw/day—showed delays in meiocyte differentiation and in follicle growth, even at the lowest in vitro dose exposure. Immunofluorescent analysis showed the presence of the proteins MSY2 and NOBOX in the primary follicles but no difference in the level of protein signals or in the number of follicles in relation to treatment. However, assessing the cytological differentiation of germ cells by detecting the synaptonemal complex protein SYCP3, the exposure to vinclozolin delayed meiotic differentiation from both in vitro- and in vivo-exposed ovaries. These effects were concomitant with changes in the energy metabolism, detected as a relative increase of glycolytic metabolism in live-cell metabolic assays in exposed ovaries.
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Gad El-Hak HN, Mobarak YM. Copper oxychloride-induced testicular damage of adult albino rats and the possible role of curcumin in healing the damage. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:11649-11662. [PMID: 31970636 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The current research study investigated the effect of 80 mg/kg b.wt./day curcumin (cur) against 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg copper oxychloride (COC) for 90 days induced testicular damage using histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical techniques. Histological and cellular abnormalities have been noted in seminiferous tubules of COC-treated group and treated group with Cur- and COC-treated group. The biochemical result showed that serum testosterone was significantly decreased in COC-treated rats and Cur COC-treated rats compared with the control groups. Testes copper content and malondialdehyde was increased, whereas the testes total antioxidant, manganese, ferrous, and zinc levels were decreased (p ≥ 0.05) compared to the control groups. In conclusion, the present work reported that the treatment of rats with 80 mg/kg body weight curcumin prior to treatment with COC did not mitigate the deleterious effects of COC and manifested no signs of protection.
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Gray LE, Furr JR, Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Cardon MC, Wilson VS, Foster PM, Hartig PC. A Conflicted Tale of Two Novel AR Antagonists In Vitro and In Vivo: Pyrifluquinazon Versus Bisphenol C. Toxicol Sci 2020; 168:632-643. [PMID: 30649549 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemicals that disrupt androgen receptor (AR) function in utero induce a cascade of adverse effects in male rats including reduced anogenital distance, retained nipples, and reproductive tract malformations. The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro and in utero activities of two novel AR antagonists, bisphenol C (BPC) and pyrifluquinazon (PFQ). In vitro, BPC was as potent an AR antagonist as hydroxyflutamide. Furthermore, BPC inhibited fetal testis testosterone production and testis gene expression ex vivo. However, when BPC was administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg/d in utero, the reproductive tract of the male offspring was minimally affected. None of the males displayed reproductive malformations. For comparison, in utero administration of flutamide has been shown to induce malformations in 100% of males at 6 mg/kg/d. In vitro, PFQ was several orders of magnitude less potent than BPC, vinclozolin, or procymidone. However, in utero administration of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg PFQ/kg/d on GD 14-18 induced antiandrogenic effects at all dosage levels and 91% of the males displayed reproductive malformation in the high dose group. Overall, BPC was ∼380-fold more potent than PFQ in vitro, whereas PFQ was far more potent than BPC in utero. Incorporating toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic data into in vitro to in vivo extrapolations would reduce the discordance between the in vitro and in utero effects of PFQ and BPC and combining in vitro results with a short-term Hershberger assay would reduce the uncertainty in predicting the in utero effects of antiandrogenic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Earl Gray
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | | | - Justin M Conley
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Christy S Lambright
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Nicola Evans
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Mary C Cardon
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Vickie S Wilson
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | | | - Phillip C Hartig
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicology Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
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12
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Guvvala PR, Ravindra JP, Selvaraju S. Impact of environmental contaminants on reproductive health of male domestic ruminants: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:3819-3836. [PMID: 31845245 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06980-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants are gaining more attention in the livestock sector lately due to their harmful effects on productivity and fertility of livestock. Recent research indicates that many domestic ruminants are becoming subfertile/infertile due to confounding reasons associated with management. Contaminants like metals, metalloids, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, chemicals, or natural contaminants are present everywhere in day to day life and are becoming a threat to the livestock. Studies on a broad-spectrum of animals suggest that high doses of acute or low doses of chronic exposure to the contaminants lead to disruption of multi-organs/systems including reproductive function. The lowered reproductive efficiency in animals is attributed to the endocrine disruptor activities of the environmental contaminants on the gonads, affecting gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. In vitro studies on testicular cells and the semen suggest that spermatozoa are more susceptible to damage by environmental contaminants. The quality of the semen happens to be a critical factor in the livestock industry. Contaminants affecting gametogenesis and steroidogenesis may lead to devastating consequences to the livestock reproduction, and thus the production. However, there is a lack of collective data on the effect of such environmental contaminants on the fertility of male domestic ruminants. This review discusses the studies related to the impact of environmental contaminants on male fertility in large (bull and buffalo) and small (sheep and goat) ruminants by focusing on the underlying molecular interactions between the contaminants and gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Rani Guvvala
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India.
| | - Janivara Parameswaraiah Ravindra
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
- ICAR-National Fellow, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
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13
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La Merrill MA, Vandenberg LN, Smith MT, Goodson W, Browne P, Patisaul HB, Guyton KZ, Kortenkamp A, Cogliano VJ, Woodruff TJ, Rieswijk L, Sone H, Korach KS, Gore AC, Zeise L, Zoeller RT. Consensus on the key characteristics of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as a basis for hazard identification. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:45-57. [PMID: 31719706 PMCID: PMC6902641 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-019-0273-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 381] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous chemicals that interfere with hormone action, thereby increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, reproductive impairment, cognitive deficits and obesity. A complex literature of mechanistic studies provides evidence on the hazards of EDC exposure, yet there is no widely accepted systematic method to integrate these data to help identify EDC hazards. Inspired by work to improve hazard identification of carcinogens using key characteristics (KCs), we have developed ten KCs of EDCs based on our knowledge of hormone actions and EDC effects. In this Expert Consensus Statement, we describe the logic by which these KCs are identified and the assays that could be used to assess several of these KCs. We reflect on how these ten KCs can be used to identify, organize and utilize mechanistic data when evaluating chemicals as EDCs, and we use diethylstilbestrol, bisphenol A and perchlorate as examples to illustrate this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele A La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Masschusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martyn T Smith
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - William Goodson
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, Sutter Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Patience Browne
- Environmental Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, France
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn Z Guyton
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | | | - Vincent J Cogliano
- Office of the Science Advisor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda Rieswijk
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Institute of Data Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Hideko Sone
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Receptor Biology, Section Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of the Director, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of the California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Biology Department, University of Masschusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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14
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Brehm E, Flaws JA. Transgenerational Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Male and Female Reproduction. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1421-1435. [PMID: 30998239 PMCID: PMC6525581 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are known to interfere with normal reproductive function and hormone signaling. Phthalates, bisphenol A, pesticides, and environmental contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been shown to negatively affect both male and female reproduction. Exposure to these chemicals occurs on a daily basis owing to these compounds being found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides. Recently, studies have shown that these chemicals may cause transgenerational effects on reproduction in both males and females. This is of concern because exposure to these chemicals prenatally or during adult life can negatively impact the reproductive health of future generations. This mini-review summarizes the endocrine-disrupting chemicals that humans are exposed to on a daily basis and what is known about the transgenerational effects that these chemicals may have on male and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Brehm
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61802
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61802
- Correspondence: Jodi A. Flaws, PhD, Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Room 3223, Urbana, Illinois 61802. E-mail: .
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15
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Migliaccio V, Sica R, Scudiero R, Simoniello P, Putti R, Lionetti L. Physiological Adaptation to Simultaneous Chronic Exposure to High-Fat Diet and Dichlorodipheniletylhene (DDE) in Wistar Rat Testis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050443. [PMID: 31083466 PMCID: PMC6562479 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental chemicals can be introduced by consuming contaminated foods. The environmental chemical dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), a persistent metabolite of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), can affect spermatogenesis. Our study aims to evaluate, by using spectrophotometric analyses, western blot, and immunohistochemistry, the adaptive responses in testis of adult rats treated with a non-toxic dose of DDE, alone or in association with a high-fat diet (HFD). Four experimental groups were performed: N (normal diet); D (HFD); D + DDE (HFD + DDE); N + DDE (normal diet + DDE). D group showed a reduction in antioxidant capacity, and increases in lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and proliferation associated with morphological impairment. A reduction in androgen receptor (AR) and serum testosterone levels were also found. DDE-treated groups exhibited higher lipid peroxidation levels compared to N and D, associated with pronounced defect in antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, cellular proliferation, as well as with tissue damage. Moreover, decreases in AR and serum testosterone levels were found in DDE-treated groups vs. N and D. In conclusion, HFD and DDE produced cellular stress leading to antioxidant impairment, apoptosis, and decreases in AR and serum testosterone levels associated with tissue damage. Cellular proliferation could be used as an adaptation to counterbalance the occurred damage, maintaining a pool of tubules that follow physiological maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Migliaccio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Sica
- Department of Biology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Science and Technologies, University of Naples, Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Putti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Lillà Lionetti
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "Adolfo Zambelli", University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy.
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Beverly BEJ, Furr JR, Lambright CS, Wilson VS, McIntyre BS, Foster PMD, Travlos G, Earl Gray L. In utero exposure to simvastatin reduces postnatal survival and permanently alters reproductive tract development in the Crl:CD(SD) male rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 365:112-123. [PMID: 30639414 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We showed previously that in utero exposure to the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin (SMV) during sex differentiation lowers fetal lipids and testicular testosterone production (T Prod) in Hsd:SD rats. Here, the effects of SMV on fetal lipids and T Prod in Crl:CD(SD) rats were correlated with postnatal alterations in F1 males. The current study was conducted in two parts: 1) a prenatal assessment to confirm and further characterize the dose response relationship among previously reported alterations of SMV on fetal T Prod and the fetal lipid profile and 2) a postnatal assessment to determine the effects of SMV exposure during the periods of major organogenesis and/or sexual differentiation on F1 offspring growth and development. We hypothesized that SMV would have adverse effects on postnatal development and sexual differentiation as a consequence of the disruptions of fetal lipid levels and testicular T Prod since fetal cholesterol is essential for normal intrauterine growth and development and steroid synthesis. In the prenatal assessment, SMV was administered orally at 0, 15.6, 31.25, 62.5, 80, 90, 100, and 110 mg SMV/kg/d from GD 14-18, the period that cover the critical window of sex differentiation in the male rat fetus. T Prod was maximally reduced by ~40% at 62.5 mg/kg/d, and higher doses induced overt maternal and toxicity. In the postnatal assessment, SMV was administered at 0, 15.6, 31.25, and 62.5 mg/kg/d from GD 8-18 to determine if it altered postnatal development. We found that exposure during this time frame to 62.5 mg SMV/kg/d reduced pup viability by 92%, decreased neonatal anogenital distance, and altered testis histology and morphology in 17% of the F1 males. In another group, SMV was administered only during the masculinizing window (GD14-18) at 62.5 mg/kg/d to determine if male rat sexual differentiation and postnatal reproductive development were altered. SMV-exposed F1 males displayed female-like areolae/nipples, delayed puberty, and reduced seminal vesicle and levator ani-bulbocavernosus weights. Together, these results demonstrate that in utero exposure to SMV reduces offspring viability and permanently disrupts reproductive tract development in the male offspring. While the effects of high dose, short term in utero exposure to SMV in the adult male are likely androgen-dependent and consistent with the 40% reduction in T Prod in the fetal testes, long-term, lower dose administration induced some effects that were likely not mediated by decreased T Prod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandiese E J Beverly
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, B105-04, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States.
| | - Johnathan R Furr
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, B105-04, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, B105-04, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Vickie S Wilson
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, B105-04, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Barry S McIntyre
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Paul M D Foster
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - Greg Travlos
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
| | - L Earl Gray
- Reproductive Toxicology Branch, Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, B105-04, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
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17
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Amato CM, Boyd M, Yang J, McCoy KA. Organizational effects of the antiandrogen, vinclozolin, on penis development in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:639-649. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ciro M Amato
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Morgan Boyd
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joshua Yang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krista A McCoy
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Pietryk EW, Clement K, Elnagheeb M, Kuster R, Kilpatrick K, Love MI, Ideraabdullah FY. Intergenerational response to the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin is influenced by maternal genotype and crossing scheme. Reprod Toxicol 2018. [PMID: 29535025 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In utero exposure to vinclozolin (VIN), an antiandrogenic fungicide, is linked to multigenerational phenotypic and epigenetic effects. Mechanisms remain unclear. We assessed the role of antiandrogenic activity and DNA sequence context by comparing effects of VIN vs. M2 (metabolite with greater antiandrogenic activity) and wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice vs. mice carrying mutations at the previously reported VIN-responsive H19/Igf2 locus. First generation offspring from VIN-treated 8nrCG mutant dams exhibited increased body weight and decreased sperm ICR methylation. Second generation pups sired by affected males exhibited decreased neonatal body weight but only when dam was unexposed. Offspring from M2 treatments, B6 dams, 8nrCG sires or additional mutant lines were not similarly affected. Therefore, pup response to VIN over two generations detected here was an 8nrCG-specific maternal effect, independent of antiandrogenic activity. These findings demonstrate that maternal effects and crossing scheme play a major role in multigenerational response to in utero exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Pietryk
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd, CB#7264, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Kiristin Clement
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, United States
| | - Marwa Elnagheeb
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd, CB#7264, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Ryan Kuster
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, United States
| | - Kayla Kilpatrick
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB #7420, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Michael I Love
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd, CB#7264, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB #7420, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Folami Y Ideraabdullah
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd, CB#7264, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, United States; Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB #7461, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
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19
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Latchney SE, Fields AM, Susiarjo M. Linking inter-individual variability to endocrine disruptors: insights for epigenetic inheritance. Mamm Genome 2018; 29:141-152. [PMID: 29218402 PMCID: PMC5849504 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-017-9729-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can induce a myriad of adverse health effects. An area of active investigation is the multi- and transgenerational inheritance of EDC-induced adverse health effects referring to the transmission of phenotypes across multiple generations via the germline. The inheritance of EDC-induced adverse health effects across multiple generations can occur independent of genetics, spurring much research into the transmission of underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the development of an organism and are responsive to environmental exposures. To date, rodent studies have demonstrated that acquired epigenetic marks, particularly DNA methylation, that are inherited following parental EDC exposure can escape embryonic epigenome reprogramming. The acquired epimutations can lead to subsequent adult-onset diseases. Increasing studies have reported inter-individual variations that occur with epigenetic inheritance. Factors that underlie differences among individuals could reveal previously unidentified mechanisms of epigenetic transmission. In this review, we give an overview of DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modification as the potential mechanisms for disease transmission, and define the requirements for multi- and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. We subsequently evaluate rodent studies investigating how acquired changes in epigenetic marks especially DNA methylation across multiple generations can vary among individuals following parental EDC exposure. We also discuss potential sources of inter-individual variations and the challenges in identifying these variations. We conclude our review discussing the challenges in applying rodent generational studies to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Latchney
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Ashley M Fields
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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Axelstad M, Hass U, Scholze M, Christiansen S, Kortenkamp A, Boberg J. EDC IMPACT: Reduced sperm counts in rats exposed to human relevant mixtures of endocrine disrupters. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:139-148. [PMID: 29203468 PMCID: PMC5776667 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human semen quality is declining in many parts of the world, but the causes are ill defined. In rodents, impaired sperm production can be seen with early life exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, but the effects of combined exposures are not properly investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of early exposure to the painkiller paracetamol and mixtures of human relevant endocrine-disrupting chemicals in rats. One mixture contained four estrogenic compounds; another contained eight anti-androgenic environmental chemicals and a third mixture contained estrogens, anti-androgens and paracetamol. All exposures were administered by oral gavage to time-mated Wistar dams rats (n = 16-20) throughout gestation and lactation. In the postnatal period, testicular histology was affected by the total mixture, and at the end of weaning, male testis weights were significantly increased by paracetamol and the high doses of the total and the anti-androgenic mixture, compared to controls. In all dose groups, epididymal sperm counts were reduced several months after end of exposure, i.e. at 10 months of age. Interestingly, the same pattern of effects was seen for paracetamol as for mixtures with diverse modes of action. Reduced sperm count was seen at a dose level reflecting human therapeutic exposure to paracetamol. Environmental chemical mixtures affected sperm count at the lowest mixture dose indicating an insufficient margin of safety for the most exposed humans. This causes concern for exposure of pregnant women to paracetamol as well as environmental endocrine disrupters.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Axelstad
- Technical University of DenmarkNational Food Institute, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - U Hass
- Technical University of DenmarkNational Food Institute, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - S Christiansen
- Technical University of DenmarkNational Food Institute, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - J Boberg
- Technical University of DenmarkNational Food Institute, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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21
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Gray LE. Twenty-five years after "Wingspread"- Environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) and human health. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 3:40-47. [PMID: 29806043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide the reader with a view of the Endocrine Disruptor Chemical (EDC) research field and its relevance to human health. My perspective is from working on the effects of EDCs that act via the androgen (A) or estrogen (E) signaling pathways in a regulatory agency for the last four decades with the objective of producing data that risk assessors could use to reduce the uncertainty in risk assessment. In vitro and in vivo data from our studies has contributed to regulatory agencies decision-making since the 1990s (https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/cleared_reviews/csr_PC-113201_7-Apr-98_238.pdf). From the start, we were evaluating the utility of in vitro and short-term in vivo effects to predict the adverse effects in developing animals [1; 2]. This approach has expanded greatly to include what is now known as Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP) and networks (AOPn) [3; 4]. The AOP framework for the effects of chemicals that disrupt androgen signaling during sexual differentiation of the fetal male rat provides biological context for extrapolating mechanistic information from in vitro and in vivo assays in rodents to other species including humans. Such an approach has biological validity because the E and A pathways are highly conserved in vertebrates, including humans and laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Earl Gray
- US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, 109 TW Alexander Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
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Marty MS, Blankinship A, Chambers J, Constantine L, Kloas W, Kumar A, Lagadic L, Meador J, Pickford D, Schwarz T, Verslycke T. Population-relevant endpoints in the evaluation of endocrine-active substances (EAS) for ecotoxicological hazard and risk assessment. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:317-330. [PMID: 28052490 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
For ecotoxicological risk assessment, endocrine disruptors require the establishment of an endocrine mode of action (MoA) with a plausible link to a population-relevant adverse effect. Current ecotoxicity test methods incorporate mostly apical endpoints although some also include mechanistic endpoints, subcellular-through-organ level, which can help establish an endocrine MoA. However, the link between these endpoints and adverse population-level effects is often unclear. The case studies of endocrine-active substances (EAS) (tributyltin, ethinylestradiol, perchlorate, trenbolone, propiconazole, and vinclozolin) evaluated from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Pellston Workshop® "Ecotoxicological Hazard and Risk Assessment Approaches for Endocrine-Active Substances (EHRA)" were used to evaluate the population relevance of toxicity endpoints in various taxa according to regulatory endocrine-disruptor frameworks such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Conceptual Framework for Testing and Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors. A wide variety of potentially endocrine-relevant endpoints were identified for mollusks, fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals, although the strength of the relationship between test endpoints and population-level effects was often uncertain. Furthermore, testing alone is insufficient for assessing potential adaptation and recovery processes in exposed populations. For this purpose, models that link effects observed in laboratory tests to the dynamics of wildlife populations appear to be necessary, and their development requires reliable and robust data. As our understanding of endocrine perturbations and key event relationships improves, adverse population-level effects will be more easily and accurately predicted. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:317-330. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janice Chambers
- Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Werner Kloas
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | - James Meador
- NOAA Fisheries, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Tamar Schwarz
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
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23
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Rich AL, Phipps LM, Tiwari S, Rudraraju H, Dokpesi PO. The Increasing Prevalence in Intersex Variation from Toxicological Dysregulation in Fetal Reproductive Tissue Differentiation and Development by Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2016; 10:163-171. [PMID: 27660460 PMCID: PMC5017538 DOI: 10.4137/ehi.s39825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of children are born with intersex variation (IV; ambiguous genitalia/hermaphrodite, pseudohermaphroditism, etc.). Evidence shows that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment can cause reproductive variation through dysregulation of normal reproductive tissue differentiation, growth, and maturation if the fetus is exposed to EDCs during critical developmental times in utero. Animal studies support fish and reptile embryos exhibited IV and sex reversal when exposed to EDCs. Occupational studies verified higher prevalence of offspring with IV in chemically exposed workers (male and female). Chemicals associated with endocrine-disrupting ability in humans include organochlorine pesticides, poly-chlorinated biphenyls, bisphenol A, phthalates, dioxins, and furans. Intersex individuals may have concurrent physical disorders requiring lifelong medical intervention and experience gender dysphoria. An urgent need exists to determine which chemicals possess the greatest risk for IV and the mechanisms by which these chemicals are capable of interfering with normal physiological development in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa L. Rich
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- World Health Organization Chemical Risk Assessment Network Member, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura M. Phipps
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Sweta Tiwari
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Hemanth Rudraraju
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Philip O. Dokpesi
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Carmichael SL, Yang W, Ma C, Roberts E, Kegley S, English P, Lammer EJ, Witte JS, Shaw GM. Joint effects of genetic variants and residential proximity to pesticide applications on hypospadias risk. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2016; 106:653-8. [PMID: 27098078 PMCID: PMC4983249 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined risks associated with joint exposure of gene variants and pesticides. METHODS Analyses included 189 cases and 390 male controls born from 1991 to 2003 in California's San Joaquin Valley. We used logistic regression to examine risks associated with joint exposures of gene variants and pesticides that our previous work identified as associated with hypospadias. Genetic variables were based on variants in DGKK, genes involved in sex steroid synthesis/metabolism, and genes involved in genital tubercle development. Pesticide exposure was based on residential proximity to commercial agricultural pesticide applications. RESULTS Odds ratios (ORs) were highest among babies with joint exposures, who had two- to fourfold increased risks; for example, the OR was 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-16.5) among subjects with the risk-associated DGKK haplotype and pesticide exposure; OR, 1.5 (95% CI, 0.7-3.1) among subjects with the haplotype and no pesticide exposure; and OR, 0.9 (95% CI, 0.5-1.6) among subjects without the haplotype but with pesticide exposure, relative to subjects with neither. However, results did not provide statistical evidence that these risks were significantly greater than expected on an additive scale, relative to risks associated with one exposure at a time. CONCLUSION We observed elevated risks associated with joint exposures to selected pesticides and genetic variants but no statistical evidence for interaction. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:653-658, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Chen Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Susan Kegley
- Pesticide Research Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Paul English
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California
| | - Edward J Lammer
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California
| | - John S Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Institute of Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Golshan M, Habibi HR, Alavi SMH. Transcripts of genes encoding reproductive neuroendocrine hormones and androgen receptor in the brain and testis of goldfish exposed to vinclozolin, flutamide, testosterone, and their combinations. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2016; 42:1157-1165. [PMID: 26899179 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-016-0205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Vinclozolin (VZ) is a pesticide that acts as an anti-androgen to impair reproduction in mammals. However, VZ-induced disruption of reproduction is largely unknown in fish. In the present study, we have established a combination exposure in which adult goldfish were exposed to VZ (30 and 100 μg/L), anti-androgen flutamide (Flu, 300 μg/L), and androgen testosterone (T, 1 μg/L) to better understand effects of VZ on reproductive endocrine system. mRNA levels of kisspeptin (kiss-1 and kiss-2) and its receptor (gpr54), salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (gnrh3) and androgen receptor (ar) in the mid-brain, and luteinizing hormone receptor (lhr) in the testis were analyzed and compared with those of control following 10 days of exposure. kiss-1 mRNA level was increased in goldfish exposed to 100 µg/L VZ and to Flu, while kiss-2 mRNA level was increased following exposure to Flu and to combinations of 30 µg/L VZ with Flu, 100 µg/L VZ with T, and Flu with T. gpr54 mRNA level was increased in goldfish exposed to Flu and to combination of 30 µg/L VZ with Flu and 100 µg/L VZ with T. gnrh3 mRNA level was increased in goldfish exposed to 100 µg/L VZ, to Flu, and to combinations of 30 µg/L VZ with Flu, 100 µg/L VZ with T, and Flu with T. The mid-brain ar mRNA level was increased in goldfish exposed to Flu and to combinations of 30 µg/L VZ with Flu, 100 µg/L VZ with T, and Flu with T. Testicular lhr mRNA level was increased in goldfish exposed to Flu and to combination of 30 µg/L VZ with Flu. These results suggest that VZ and Flu are capable of interfering with kisspeptin and GnRH systems to alter pituitary and testicular horonal functions in adult goldfish and the brain ar mediates VZ-induced disruption of androgen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Golshan
- Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sayyed Mohammad Hadi Alavi
- Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 21, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Response to the Svingen Comments on Li et al. Effects of in Utero Exposure to Dicyclohexyl Phthalate on Rat Fetal Leydig Cells. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2016, 13, 246. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13060533. [PMID: 27231929 PMCID: PMC4923990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13060533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Rice WR, Friberg U, Gavrilets S. Sexually antagonistic epigenetic marks that canalize sexually dimorphic development. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:1812-22. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William R. Rice
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
| | - Urban Friberg
- IFM Biology AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group Linköping University SE‐581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Sergey Gavrilets
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Mathematics National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis University of Tennessee Knoxville TN 37996 USA
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28
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Sweeney MF, Hasan N, Soto AM, Sonnenschein C. Environmental endocrine disruptors: Effects on the human male reproductive system. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2015; 16:341-57. [PMID: 26847433 PMCID: PMC4803593 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-016-9337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Incidences of altered development and neoplasia of male reproductive organs have increased during the last 50 years, as shown by epidemiological data. These data are associated with the increased presence of environmental chemicals, specifically "endocrine disruptors," that interfere with normal hormonal action. Much research has gone into testing the effects of specific endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the development of male reproductive organs and endocrine-related cancers in both in vitro and in vivo models. Efforts have been made to bridge the accruing laboratory findings with the epidemiological data to draw conclusions regarding the relationship between EDCs, altered development and carcinogenesis. The ability of EDCs to predispose target fetal and adult tissues to neoplastic transformation is best explained under the framework of the tissue organization field theory of carcinogenesis (TOFT), which posits that carcinogenesis is development gone awry. Here, we focus on the available evidence, from both empirical and epidemiological studies, regarding the effects of EDCs on male reproductive development and carcinogenesis of endocrine target tissues. We also critique current research methodology utilized in the investigation of EDCs effects and outline what could possibly be done to address these obstacles moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Sweeney
- Program in Genetics, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - N Hasan
- Program in Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - A M Soto
- Program in Genetics, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
- Program in Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Pathobiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - C Sonnenschein
- Program in Genetics, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Program in Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Pathobiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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Oh S. Disturbance in testosterone production in leydig cells by polycyclic aromatic hydevrepocarbons. Dev Reprod 2015; 18:187-95. [PMID: 25949189 DOI: 10.12717/devrep.2014.18.4.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydevrepocarbons (PAHs), which are ubiquitous in the air, are present as volatile and particulate pollutants that result from incomplete combustion. Most PAHs have toxic, mutagenic, and/or carcinogenic properties. Among PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) are suspected endocrine disruptors. The testis is an important target for PAHs, yet effects on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells are yet to be ascertained. Particularly, disruption of testosterone production by these chemicals can result in serious defects in male reproduction. Exposure to B[a]P reduced serum and intratesticular fluid testosterone levels in rats. Of note, the testosterone level reductions were accompanied by decreased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydevrepoxysteroid dehydevrepogenase isomerase (3β-HSD) expression in Leydig cells. B[a]P exposure can decrease epididymal sperm quality, possibly by disturbing the testosterone level. StAR may be a key steroidogenic protein that is targeted by B[a]P or other PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghoon Oh
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
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30
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Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are ubiquitous in the air, are
present as volatile and particulate pollutants that result from incomplete
combustion. Most PAHs have toxic, mutagenic, and/or carcinogenic properties.
Among PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) are
suspected endocrine disruptors. The testis is an important target for PAHs, yet
effects on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells are yet to be ascertained.
Particularly, disruption of testosterone production by these chemicals can
result in serious defects in male reproduction. Exposure to B[a]P reduced serum
and intratesticular fluid testosterone levels in rats. Of note, the testosterone
level reductions were accompanied by decreased steroidogenic acute regulatory
protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isomerase
(3β-HSD) expression in Leydig cells. B[a]P exposure can decrease
epididymal sperm quality, possibly by disturbing the testosterone level. StAR
may be a key steroidogenic protein that is targeted by B[a]P or other PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghoon Oh
- Dept. of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Korea
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31
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Giusti A, Lagadic L, Barsi A, Thomé JP, Joaquim-Justo C, Ducrot V. Investigating apical adverse effects of four endocrine active substances in the freshwater gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 493:147-55. [PMID: 24950493 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The hermaphroditic gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis is proposed as a candidate species for the development of OECD guidelines for testing of the reprotoxicity of chemicals, including endocrine active substances (EASs). Up to now, only a few putative EASs have been tested for their reproductive toxicity in this species. In this study, we investigate the effects of four EASs with different affinities to the vertebrate estrogen and androgen receptors (chlordecone as an estrogen; cyproterone acetate, fenitrothion and vinclozolin as anti-androgens) on the reproduction of L. stagnalis in a 21-day semi-static test. Testosterone and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) were used as the reference compounds. The tested EASs had no significant effect on growth and survival at the tested concentration ranges (ng to μg/L). Classical reproduction endpoints (i.e., oviposition and fecundity) were not responsive to the tested chemicals, except for chlordecone and 17α-ethinylestradiol, which hampered reproduction from 19.6 μg/L and 17.6 μg/L, respectively. The frequency of polyembryonic eggs, used as an additional endpoint, demonstrated the effects of all compounds except EE2. The molecular pathways, which are involved in such reproduction impairments, remain unknown. Our results suggest that egg quality is a more sensitive endpoint as compared to other reproductive endpoints commonly assessed in mollusk toxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Giusti
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Centre of Analytical Research and Technology (CART), Liege University, 15 Allée du 6 août, 4000 Liège, Belgium; INRA, UMR0985 Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, Equipe Ecotoxicologie et Qualité des Milieux Aquatiques, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
| | - Laurent Lagadic
- INRA, UMR0985 Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, Equipe Ecotoxicologie et Qualité des Milieux Aquatiques, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
| | - Alpar Barsi
- INRA, UMR0985 Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, Equipe Ecotoxicologie et Qualité des Milieux Aquatiques, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
| | - Jean-Pierre Thomé
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Centre of Analytical Research and Technology (CART), Liege University, 15 Allée du 6 août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Célia Joaquim-Justo
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology, Centre of Analytical Research and Technology (CART), Liege University, 15 Allée du 6 août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Virginie Ducrot
- INRA, UMR0985 Ecologie et Santé des Ecosystèmes, Equipe Ecotoxicologie et Qualité des Milieux Aquatiques, 65 rue de Saint-Brieuc, CS 84215, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
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32
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Wang S, Rijk JCW, Besselink HT, Houtman R, Peijnenburg AACM, Brouwer A, Rietjens IMCM, Bovee TFH. Extending an in vitro panel for estrogenicity testing: the added value of bioassays for measuring antiandrogenic activities and effects on steroidogenesis. Toxicol Sci 2014; 141:78-89. [PMID: 24928889 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a previously established integrated testing strategy (ITS) for in vitro estrogenicity testing was extended with additional in vitro assays in order to broaden its sensitivity to different modes of action resulting in apparent estrogenicity, i.e., other than estrogen receptor (ER) binding. To this end, an extra set of 10 estrogenic compounds with modes of action in part different from ER binding, were tested in the previously defined ITS, consisting of a yeast estrogen reporter gene assay, an U2OS ERα CALUX reporter gene assay and a cell-free coregulator binding assay. Two androgen reporter gene assays and the enhanced H295R steroidogenesis assay were added to that previous defined ITS. These assays had added value, as several estrogenic model compounds also elicited clear and potent antiandrogenic properties and in addition also showed effects on steroidogenesis that might potentiate their apparent estrogenic effects in vivo. Adding these assays, examining mechanisms of action for estrogenicity apart from ERα binding, gives a more complete and comprehensive assessment of the ability of test compounds to interfere with endocrine signaling. It was concluded that the extended ITS will go beyond in vivo estrogenicity testing by the uterotrophic assay, thereby contributing to the 3R-principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wang
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Tuinlaan 5, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands Business Unit of Toxicology & Bioassays, RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C W Rijk
- Business Unit of Toxicology & Bioassays, RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harrie T Besselink
- BioDetection Systems B.V., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Houtman
- PamGene International B.V., Wolvenhoek 10, 5211 HH 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Ad A C M Peijnenburg
- Business Unit of Toxicology & Bioassays, RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Brouwer
- BioDetection Systems B.V., Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ivonne M C M Rietjens
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Tuinlaan 5, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Toine F H Bovee
- Business Unit of Toxicology & Bioassays, RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Liu C, Xu X, Huo X. Anogenital distance and its application in environmental health research. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:5457-64. [PMID: 24474565 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2570-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Anogenital distance (AGD), a useful anthropometric measurement for genital development in both animals and humans, was originally found by reproductive toxicologists in rodent experiments. As an easy-to-measure and sensitive marker, AGD has become a bioassay of fetal androgen action and a well-established reproductive toxicity endpoint in animals. It is generally accepted that AGD is sexually dimorphic in many mammals, with males having longer AGD than females. Exposure to proposed endocrine disruptors may result in reduced AGD; thus, it has been used to measure health effects of compounds with endocrine-altering properties or endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in environmental toxicology. Moreover, AGD is an important clinical measure to address endocrine-sensitive endpoints in the first year of life and to assess the adverse impact of in utero exposure to environmental EDCs. Recently, AGD has been identified as one of the endpoints in the US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for reproductive toxicity studies in humans, but use of AGD in human studies is still rare, and the results remain mixed and inconclusive due to many reasons. In order to achieve a breakthrough, researchers are endeavoring to standardize the measurement of AGD, normalize age-specific population data in different ethnic groups, and conduct more in-depth human researches in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd., Shantou, 515041, China
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Axelstad M, Christiansen S, Boberg J, Scholze M, Jacobsen PR, Isling LK, Kortenkamp A, Hass U. Mixtures of endocrine-disrupting contaminants induce adverse developmental effects in preweaning rats. Reproduction 2014; 147:489-501. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive toxicity was investigated in rats after developmental exposure to a mixture of 13 endocrine-disrupting contaminants, including pesticides, plastic and cosmetic ingredients, and paracetamol. The mixture was composed on the basis of information about high-end human exposures, and the dose levels reflecting 100, 200, and 450 times this exposure were tested. The compounds were also grouped according to their estrogenicity or anti-androgenicity, and their joint effects were tested at two different doses, with each group reflecting 200 or 450 times human exposure. In addition, a single paracetamol dose was tested (350 mg/kg per day). All exposures and a vehicle were administered by oral gavage to time-mated Wistar dams rats throughout gestation and lactation, and their offspring were assessed for reproductive effects at birth and in prepuberty. The mixture doses, which included the anti-androgenic compounds, affected the male offspring by causing decreased anogenital distance, increased nipple retention (NR), and reduced ventral prostate weights, at both medium and high doses. In addition, the weights of the levator ani/bulbocavernosus muscle (LABC) were decreased at the high dose of anti-androgen mixture. No effects were seen after exposure to the estrogenic chemicals alone, whereas males exposed solely to paracetamol showed decreased LABC weights and increased NR. Thus adverse reproductive effects were observed at mixtures reflecting 200 times high-end human exposure, which is relatively close to the safety margin covered by the regulatory uncertainty factor of 100. This suggests that highly exposed human population groups may not be sufficiently protected against mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Effects of perinatal ethinyl estradiol exposure in male and female Wistar rats. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 42:180-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Carmichael SL, Yang W, Roberts EM, Kegley SE, Wolff C, Guo L, Lammer EJ, English P, Shaw GM. Hypospadias and residential proximity to pesticide applications. Pediatrics 2013; 132:e1216-26. [PMID: 24167181 PMCID: PMC3813401 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental evidence suggests pesticides may be associated with hypospadias. OBJECTIVE Examine the association of hypospadias with residential proximity to commercial agricultural pesticide applications. METHODS The study population included male infants born from 1991 to 2004 to mothers residing in 8 California counties. Cases (n = 690) were ascertained by the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program; controls were selected randomly from the birth population (n = 2195). We determined early pregnancy exposure to pesticide applications within a 500-m radius of mother's residential address, using detailed data on applications and land use. Associations with exposures to physicochemical groups of pesticides and specific chemicals were assessed using logistic regression adjusted for maternal race or ethnicity and age and infant birth year. RESULTS Forty-one percent of cases and controls were classified as exposed to 57 chemical groups and 292 chemicals. Despite >500 statistical comparisons, there were few elevated odds ratios with confidence intervals that excluded 1 for chemical groups or specific chemicals. Those that did were for monochlorophenoxy acid or ester herbicides; the insecticides aldicarb, dimethoate, phorate, and petroleum oils; and adjuvant polyoxyethylene sorbitol among all cases; 2,6-dinitroaniline herbicides, the herbicide oxyfluorfen, and the fungicide copper sulfate among mild cases; and chloroacetanilide herbicides, polyalkyloxy compounds used as adjuvants, the insecticides aldicarb and acephate, and the adjuvant nonyl-phenoxy-poly(ethylene oxy)ethanol among moderate and severe cases. Odds ratios ranged from 1.9 to 2.9. CONCLUSIONS Most pesticides were not associated with elevated hypospadias risk. For the few that were associated, results should be interpreted with caution until replicated in other study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan L. Carmichael
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Wei Yang
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | | | - Liang Guo
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Edward J. Lammer
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California; and
| | - Paul English
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California
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Jain VG, Singal AK. Shorter anogenital distance correlates with undescended testis: a detailed genital anthropometric analysis in human newborns. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2343-9. [PMID: 23838161 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the anogenital distance (AGD) and stretched penile length (SPL) shorter in human newborn males with cryptorchidism? SUMMARY ANSWER AGD is significantly shorter in boys with undescended testis (UDT) and this correlation may indicate that both have a common antecedent early in gestation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Animal studies have reported a critical time period during early gestation termed the male programming window (MPW) where androgen deficiency results in reduced AGD and penile length, as well as cryptorchidism and hypospadias. Two pilot human studies have explored this association but these studies were small and heterogeneous with regard to age, race and had selection bias. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective descriptive study involving measurement of AGD and SPL at birth in a racially homogenous sample of 1154 consecutive newborns was performed over a period of 6 months. All measurements were taken by a single trained observer (V.J.). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All consecutively born male infants at a community hospital were classified as having descended and or UDT. Testicular position in the undescended group was graded as high scrotal, inguinal or non-palpable. AGD (from the centre of anus to the junction of the smooth and rugated skin of scrotum) and SPL were measured. The AGD index (AGDi) was calculated by dividing AGD by cube root of birthweight. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Of the 1154 infants examined, 624 were males and 71 had UDT. AGD was significantly shorter in infants with UDT when compared with infants with descended testis (mean ± SD; 2.21 ± 0.36 versus 2.56 ± 0.31 cm; P < 0.001). AGDi was also significantly shorter in infants with UDT (mean ± SD; 1.68 ± 0.27 versus 1.81 ± 0.20 cm/kg⁻³; P < 0.001). Significance was maintained even when preterm (P < 0.001) and low birthweight boys (LBW) (P < 0.001) were excluded. SPL was also significantly shorter in infants with UDT (Mean ± SD; 3.08 ± 0.52 versus 3.31 ± 0.38 cm; P < 0.001) but the significance was not maintained when preterm (P = 0.119) and LBW boys (P = 0.666) were excluded. Birthweight, gestational age and length adjusted regression models showed significantly shorter AGD in infants with UDT, but SPL was not different. Infants with higher position of testis appeared to have a shorter AGD and SPL but the correlation did not reach statistical significance. No difference in AGD or SPL was noted between boys with unilateral and bilateral UDT. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The present study did not include data pertaining to maternal or newborn health status. Also parental drug exposure or occupational exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals was not studied. These may possibly affect genital anthropometric measurements. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study strengthens the hypothesis of existence of MPW in humans. Shorter AGD in cryptorchid infants may reflect the effect of androgen disruption or deficiency during MPW. AGD may be a more reliable non-invasive marker of androgen action during MPW than SPL to predict reproductive outcomes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral G Jain
- Department of Paediatrics, MGM University of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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El Sheikh Saad H, Toullec A, Vacher S, Pocard M, Bieche I, Perrot-Applanat M. In utero and lactational exposure to vinclozolin and genistein induces genomic changes in the rat mammary gland. J Endocrinol 2013; 216:245-63. [PMID: 23160963 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to low doses of environmental estrogens such as bisphenol A and genistein (G) alters mammary gland development. The effects of environmental anti-androgens, such as the fungicide vinclozolin (V), on mammary gland morphogenesis are unknown. We previously reported that perinatal exposure to G, V, and the GV combination causes histological changes in the mammary gland during the peripubertal period, suggesting alterations to the peripubertal hormone response. We now investigate whether perinatal exposure to these compounds alters the gene expression profiles of the developing glands to identify the dysregulated signaling pathways and the underlying mechanisms. G, V, or GV (1 mg/kg body weight per day) was added to diet of Wistar rats, from conception to weaning; female offspring mammary glands were collected at postnatal days (PNDs) 35 and 50. Genes displaying differential expression and belonging to different functional categories were validated by quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry. At PND35, G had little effect; the slight changes noted were in genes related to morphogenesis. The changes following exposure to V concerned the functional categories associated with development (Cldn1, Krt17, and Sprr1a), carbohydrate metabolism, and steroidogenesis. The GV mixture upregulated genes (Krt17, Pvalb, and Tnni2) involved in muscle development, indicating effects on myoepithelial cells during mammary gland morphogenesis. Importantly, at PND50, cycling females exposed to GV showed an increase in the expression of genes (Csn2, Wap, and Elf5) related to differentiation, consistent with the previously reported abnormal lobuloalveolar development previously described. Thus, perinatal exposure to GV alters the mammary gland hormone response differently at PND35 (puberty) and in animals with established cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- H El Sheikh Saad
- INSERM U965, UFR Médecine, Hôpital Lariboisière; Université Paris 7, 41 Bd de la chapelle, F-75475 Paris Cedex 10, France Laboratoire d'Oncogénétique, Institut Curie Hôpital René Huguenin, St-Cloud F-92210, France
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Rice WR, Friberg U, Gavrilets S. Homosexuality as a Consequence of Epigenetically Canalized Sexual Development. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2012; 87:343-68. [DOI: 10.1086/668167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Blaschko SD, Cunha GR, Baskin LS. Molecular mechanisms of external genitalia development. Differentiation 2012; 84:261-8. [PMID: 22790208 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
External genitalia development occurs through a combination of hormone independent, hormone dependent, and endocrine pathways. Perturbation of these pathways can lead to abnormal external genitalia development. We review human and animal mechanisms of normal and abnormal external genitalia development, and we evaluate abnormal mechanisms that lead to hypospadias. We also discuss recent laboratory findings that further our understanding of animal models of hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Blaschko
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Urology, 400 Parnassus Avenue, A610, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Carmichael SL, Shaw GM, Lammer EJ. Environmental and genetic contributors to hypospadias: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2012; 94:499-510. [PMID: 22678668 PMCID: PMC3393839 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This review evaluates current knowledge related to trends in the prevalence of hypospadias, the association of hypospadias with endocrine-disrupting exposures, and the potential contribution of genetic susceptibility to its etiology. The review focuses on epidemiologic evidence. Increasing prevalence of hypospadias has been observed, but such increases tend to be localized to specific regions or time periods. Thus, generalized statements that hypospadias is increasing are unsupported. Owing to the limitations of study designs and inconsistent results, firm conclusions cannot be made regarding the association of endocrine-disrupting exposures with hypospadias. Studies with more rigorous study designs (e.g., larger and more detailed phenotypes) and exposure assessment that encompasses more breadth and depth (e.g., specific endocrine-related chemicals) will be critical to make better inferences about these important environmental exposures. Many candidate genes for hypospadias have been identified, but few of them have been examined to an extent that enables solid conclusions. Further study is needed that includes larger sample sizes, comparison groups that are more representative of the populations from which the cases were derived, phenotype-specific analyses, and more extensive exploration of variants. In conclusion, examining the associations of environmental and genetic factors with hypospadias remain important areas of inquiry, although our actual understanding of their contribution to hypospadias risk in humans is currently limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan L Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA.
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Hsieh MH, Eisenberg ML, Hittelman AB, Wilson JM, Tasian GE, Baskin LS. Caucasian male infants and boys with hypospadias exhibit reduced anogenital distance. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1577-80. [PMID: 22434852 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models of endocrine dysfunction have associated male genital defects with reduced anogenital distance (AGD). Human studies have correlated shorter AGD with exposure to putative endocrine disruptors in the environment but have not examined AGD in hypospadiac boys. We measured AGD in boys with hypospadias and those with normal genitals. METHODS Data were collected prospectively on boys undergoing urologic procedures at the University of California San Francisco and the Children's Hospital of Oakland, CA, USA. Data included age, race, height, weight, BMI, urologic diagnoses and AGD. To minimize any potential effects of race on observed AGD, we examined only Caucasian boys. Differences between boys with hypospadias and those with normal genitals were examined through two-tailed Student's t-tests. RESULTS One hundred and nineteen Caucasian boys ranging in age from 4 to 86 months underwent AGD measurement, of which 42 and 77 were boys with normal genitals and hypospadias, respectively. The mean (±SD) AGD of boys with hypospadias was 67 ± 1.2 versus 73 ± 1 mm for boys with normal genitals (P = 0.002). In these age-unmatched patient groups, there were also differences in age, height and weight (P = 0.0001, 0.0002 and 0.0004, respectively). After age matching (all <2 years of age), boys with hypospadias (n= 26) still featured a shorter AGD than boys with normal genitals (n= 26; 62 ± 2 versus 68 ± 2 mm respectively, P = 0.033) but the differences in age, height and weight were no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS In humans, hypospadias may indeed be associated with reduced AGD. Additional studies are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and to determine their etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Hsieh
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Søeborg T, Frederiksen H, Andersson AM. Cumulative risk assessment of phthalate exposure of Danish children and adolescents using the hazard index approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:245-52. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01240.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Luccio-Camelo DC, Prins GS. Disruption of androgen receptor signaling in males by environmental chemicals. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 127:74-82. [PMID: 21515368 PMCID: PMC3169734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Androgen-disruptors are environmental chemicals in that interfere with the biosynthesis, metabolism or action of endogenous androgens resulting in a deflection from normal male developmental programming and reproductive tract growth and function. Since male sexual differentiation is entirely androgen-dependent, it is highly susceptible to androgen-disruptors. Animal models and epidemiological evidence link exposure to androgen disrupting chemicals with reduced sperm counts, increased infertility, testicular dysgenesis syndrome, and testicular and prostate cancers. Further, there appears to be increased sensitivity to these agents during critical developmental windows when male differentiation is at its peak. A variety of in vitro and in silico approaches have been used to identify broad classes of androgen disrupting molecules that include organochlorinated pesticides, industrial chemicals, and plasticizers with capacity to ligand the androgen receptor. The vast majority of these synthetic molecules act as anti-androgens. This review will highlight the evidence for androgen disrupting chemicals that act through interference with the androgen receptor, discussing specific compounds for which there is documented in vivo evidence for male reproductive tract perturbations. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Endocrine disruptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gail S Prins
- Corresponding author: GS Prins Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, MC 955, 820 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States., Tel.: +1 312 413 5253; fax: +1 312 996 9649.,
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Rocheleau CM, Romitti PA, Sanderson WT, Sun L, Lawson CC, Waters MA, Stewart PA, Olney RS, Reefhuis J. Maternal occupational pesticide exposure and risk of hypospadias in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:927-36. [PMID: 21954192 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.22860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation among men in which the urethral opening is ventrally displaced. Pesticide exposure has been suggested as a possible etiologic factor, but previous epidemiologic studies have produced inconsistent results. METHODS We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a population-based case-control study, to examine maternal occupational exposure to fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides among 647 hypospadias case infants and 1496 unaffected male control infants with estimated delivery dates from October 1997 to December 2002. Periconceptional (1 month before conception through the first trimester of pregnancy) pesticide exposures were assigned by an expert rater, assisted by a job-exposure matrix (JEM), from a job history completed by mothers during a telephone interview. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with multivariable logistic regression, and adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS Maternal periconceptional occupational exposure to any pesticides (yes/no) was not associated with an increased risk of hypospadias (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.61-1.01). Maternal occupational periconceptional pesticide exposure type (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) and estimated quantity also showed no significantly increased risk of hypospadias and no evidence of a dose-response relationship; however, the estimated pesticide exposure levels in this population were low. CONCLUSION Using broad classes of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, we found no evidence that low intensity maternal periconceptional occupational pesticide exposure was a risk factor for hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa M Rocheleau
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
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Endocrine disruptors and Leydig cell function. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20862379 PMCID: PMC2938463 DOI: 10.1155/2010/684504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Revised: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, a large body of information concerning the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on animals and humans has been accumulated. EDCs are of synthetic or natural origin and certain groups are known to disrupt the action of androgens and to impair the development of the male reproductive tract and external genitalia. The present overview describes the effects of the different classes of EDCs, such as pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, and phytoestrogens, including newly synthesized resveratrol analogs on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. The potential impact of these compounds on androgen production by Leydig cells during fetal development and in the adult age is discussed. In addition, the possible role of EDCs in connection with the increasing frequency of abnormalities in reproductive development in animals and humans is discussed.
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Carmichael SL, Herring AH, Sjödin A, Jones R, Needham L, Ma C, Ding K, Shaw GM. Hypospadias and halogenated organic pollutant levels in maternal mid-pregnancy serum samples. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 80:641-6. [PMID: 20494400 PMCID: PMC2944405 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental contaminants that disrupt endocrine function may contribute to hypospadias etiology. OBJECTIVE To compare levels of selected halogenated organic pollutants in women delivering infants with and without hypospadias. METHODS This study examined levels of nine polybrominated flame retardants (PBDEs), 30 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and nine persistent pesticides in mid-pregnancy serum samples from 20 women who delivered infants with hypospadias and 28 women who delivered unaffected infants, in California. Analytes were measured using isotope dilution high-resolution mass spectrometry. Values below individual limits of detection (LOD) for each analyte were imputed based on a truncated multivariate normal distribution. Levels of 17 analytes for which at least 50% of cases and controls had values above the LOD were compared using t-tests and by generating odds ratios from logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Means were greater for cases than controls for 11 of the 17 reported analytes (4 of 5 PBDEs, 7 of 9 PCBs, and 0 of 3 other persistent pesticides), but none of the differences were statistically significant. Eleven of the 17 odds ratios exceeded one (the same analytes that had greater means), but none of the confidence intervals excluded one. After adjustment for sample processing time and foreign-born Hispanic race-ethnicity, only four of the odds ratios exceeded one. CONCLUSIONS Levels of the PBDEs and PCBs were not statistically significantly different, but the sample size was small. The current study adds to a relatively limited knowledge base regarding the potential association of specific contaminants with hypospadias or other birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan L Carmichael
- California Research Division, March of Dimes Foundation, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
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In utero exposure to an AR antagonist plus an inhibitor of fetal testosterone synthesis induces cumulative effects on F1 male rats. Reprod Toxicol 2010; 30:261-70. [PMID: 20558277 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Risk assessments are typically conducted on a chemical-by-chemical basis; however, many regulatory bodies are developing frameworks for assessing the cumulative risk of chemical mixtures of chemicals. The current investigation examined how chemicals that disrupt rat sex differentiation via two diverse mechanisms disrupt F1 male rat reproductive development, when administered together orally on days 14-18 of gestation. Experiment 1 used a mixture of 50 mg/kg-d procymidone and 500 mg/kg-d dibutyl phthalate (DBP), whereas experiment 2 used 150 mg/kg-d procymidone and 1125 mg/kg-d DBP (top dose), or 0, 4.17, 8.33, 16.7, 33.3, 50, 66.7, and 83.3% of the top dose. When we compared the dose and response addition predictions to the observed effects we found that dose addition models were more accurate than response addition models, indicating that compounds that act by different mechanisms of toxicity produce cumulative dose-additive effects.
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Wadas BC, Hartshorn CA, Aurand ER, Palmer JS, Roselli CE, Noel ML, Gore AC, Veeramachaneni DNR, Tobet SA. Prenatal exposure to vinclozolin disrupts selective aspects of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neuronal system of the rabbit. J Neuroendocrinol 2010; 22:518-26. [PMID: 20236232 PMCID: PMC2902197 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2010.01973.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to the agricultural fungicide vinclozolin can impair reproductive function in male rabbits and was previously found to decrease the number of immunoreactive-gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones in the region of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and rostral preoptic area by postnatal week (PNW) 6. In the present study, in an aim to further examine the disruption of GnRH neurones by foetal vinclozolin exposure, pregnant rabbits were dosed orally with vinclozolin, flutamide or carrot paste vehicle for the last 2 weeks of gestation. Offspring were euthanised at birth (males and females), PNW 6 (females), PNW 26 (adult males) or PNW 30 (adult females) of age. At birth and in adults, brains were sectioned and processed for immunoreactive GnRH. The numbers of immunoreactive GnRH neuronal perikarya were significantly decreased in vinclozolin-treated rabbits at birth and in adult littermates. By contrast, there was an increase in GnRH immunoreactivity in the terminals in the region of the median eminence. Analysis of PNW 6 female brains by radioimmunoassay revealed a two-fold increase in GnRH peptide content in the mediobasal hypothalamus in vinclozolin-treated rabbits. This finding was complemented by immunofluorescence analyses, which revealed a 2.8-fold increase in GnRH immunoreactivity in the median eminence of vinclozolin compared to vehicle-treated females at PNW 30. However, there was no difference between treatment groups in the measures of reproduction that were evaluated: ejaculation latency, conception rates or litter size. These results indicate that sub-acute, prenatal vinclozolin treatment is sufficient to create perdurable alterations in the GnRH neuronal network that forms an important input into the reproductive axis. Finally, the effect of vinclozolin on the GnRH neuronal network was not comparable to that of flutamide, suggesting that vinclozolin was not acting through anti-androgenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Wadas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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BOOBIS ALANR, DASTON GEORGEP, PRESTON RJULIAN, OLIN STEPHENS. Application of key events analysis to chemical carcinogens and noncarcinogens. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2009; 49:690-707. [PMID: 19690995 PMCID: PMC2840875 DOI: 10.1080/10408390903098673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The existence of thresholds for toxicants is a matter of debate in chemical risk assessment and regulation. Current risk assessment methods are based on the assumption that, in the absence of sufficient data, carcinogenesis does not have a threshold, while noncarcinogenic endpoints are assumed to be thresholded. Advances in our fundamental understanding of the events that underlie toxicity are providing opportunities to address these assumptions about thresholds. A key events dose-response analytic framework was used to evaluate three aspects of toxicity. The first section illustrates how a fundamental understanding of the mode of action for the hepatic toxicity and the hepatocarcinogenicity of chloroform in rodents can replace the assumption of low-dose linearity. The second section describes how advances in our understanding of the molecular aspects of carcinogenesis allow us to consider the critical steps in genotoxic carcinogenesis in a key events framework. The third section deals with the case of endocrine disrupters, where the most significant question regarding thresholds is the possible additivity to an endogenous background of hormonal activity. Each of the examples suggests that current assumptions about thresholds can be refined. Understanding inter-individual variability in the events involved in toxicological effects may enable a true population threshold(s) to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- ALAN R. BOOBIS
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Toxicology, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - GEORGE P. DASTON
- Miami Valley Laboratories, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - R. JULIAN PRESTON
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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