1
|
Suvorov A. The dose disrupts the pathway: application of Paracelsus principle to mechanistic toxicology. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:228-234. [PMID: 38713198 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Arguably the most famous principle of toxicology is "The dose makes the poison" formulated by Paracelsus in the 16th century. Application of the Paracelsus's principle to mechanistic toxicology may be challenging as one compound may affect many molecular pathways at different doses with different and often nonlinear dose-response relationships. As a result, many mechanistic studies of environmental and occupational compounds use high doses of xenobiotics motivated by the need to see a clear signal indicating disruption of a particular molecular pathway. This approach ignores the possibility that the same xenobiotic may affect different molecular mechanism(s) at much lower doses relevant to human exposures. To amend mechanistic toxicology with a simple and concise guiding principle, I suggest recontextualization of Paracelsus's following its letter and spirit: "The dose disrupts the pathway". Justification of this statement includes observations that many environmental and occupational xenobiotics affect a broad range of molecular cascades, that most molecular pathways are sensitive to chemical exposures, and that different molecular pathways are sensitive to different doses of a chemical compound. I suggest that this statement may become a useful guidance and educational tool in a range of toxicological applications, including experimental design, comparative analysis of mechanistic hypotheses, evaluation of the quality of toxicological studies, and risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mittal D, Mease R, Kuner T, Flor H, Kuner R, Andoh J. Data management strategy for a collaborative research center. Gigascience 2022; 12:giad049. [PMID: 37401720 PMCID: PMC10318494 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of effective research data management (RDM) strategies to support the generation of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) neuroscience data grows with each advance in data acquisition techniques and research methods. To maximize the impact of diverse research strategies, multidisciplinary, large-scale neuroscience research consortia face a number of unsolved challenges in RDM. While open science principles are largely accepted, it is practically difficult for researchers to prioritize RDM over other pressing demands. The implementation of a coherent, executable RDM plan for consortia spanning animal, human, and clinical studies is becoming increasingly challenging. Here, we present an RDM strategy implemented for the Heidelberg Collaborative Research Consortium. Our consortium combines basic and clinical research in diverse populations (animals and humans) and produces highly heterogeneous and multimodal research data (e.g., neurophysiology, neuroimaging, genetics, behavior). We present a concrete strategy for initiating early-stage RDM and FAIR data generation for large-scale collaborative research consortia, with a focus on sustainable solutions that incentivize incremental RDM while respecting research-specific requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Mittal
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Mease
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jamila Andoh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mechanisms of Male Reproductive Toxicity of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214229. [PMID: 36430706 PMCID: PMC9693139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are a group of flame retardants used in a variety of artificial materials. Despite being phased out in most industrial countries, they remain in the environment and human tissues due to their persistence, lipophilicity, and bioaccumulation. Populational and experimental studies demonstrate the male reproductive toxicity of PBDEs including increased incidence of genital malformations (hypospadias and cryptorchidism), altered weight of testes and other reproductive tissues, altered testes histology and transcriptome, decreased sperm production and sperm quality, altered epigenetic regulation of developmental genes in spermatozoa, and altered secretion of reproductive hormones. A broad range of mechanistic hypotheses of PBDE reproductive toxicity has been suggested. Among these hypotheses, oxidative stress, the disruption of estrogenic signaling, and mitochondria disruption are affected by PBDE concentrations much higher than concentrations found in human tissues, making them unlikely links between exposures and adverse reproductive outcomes in the general population. Robust evidence suggests that at environmentally relevant doses, PBDEs and their metabolites may affect male reproductive health via mechanisms including AR antagonism and the disruption of a complex network of metabolic signaling.
Collapse
|
4
|
Low dose of fire retardant, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor Leydig cells of male rats during prepuberty. Toxicol Lett 2021; 342:6-19. [PMID: 33581290 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), a flame retardant, is extensively distributed in the food chain. However, whether BDE47 affects Leydig cell development during prepuberty remains unclear. BDE47 was daily gavaged to 21-day-old Sprague-Dawley male rats with 0 (corn oil), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg for 14 days. BDE47 did not affect the body weight or testis weight of rats. It significantly increased serum testosterone level at 0.4 mg/kg, but decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) level without affecting estradiol level. BDE47 induced Leydig cell hyperplasia (the number of CYP11A1-positive Leydig cells increased), and up-regulated the expression of Scarb1, Star, Hsd11b1, Pcna, and Ccnd1 in the testis. BDE47 significantly reduced p53 and p21 levels but increased CCND1 level. It also markedly increased the phosphorylation of AKT1, AKT2, ERK1/2, and CREB. BDE47 significantly up-regulated the expression of Scarb1, Star, and Hsd11b1 and stimulated androgen production by immature Leydig cells from rats under basal, LH, and 8Br-cAMP stimulated conditions at 100 nM in vitro. In conclusion, BDE47 increased Leydig cell number and up-regulated the expression of Scarb1 and Star, thereby leading to increased testosterone synthesis.
Collapse
|
5
|
Albano GD, Moscato M, Montalbano AM, Anzalone G, Gagliardo R, Bonanno A, Giacomazza D, Barone R, Drago G, Cibella F, Profita M. Can PBDEs affect the pathophysiologic complex of epithelium in lung diseases? CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 241:125087. [PMID: 31622892 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame-retardant (BFRs) exposure promotes multiple adverse health outcomes involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissues damage. We investigated BFR effects, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (47, 99 and 209) in an air-liquid-interface (ALI) airway tissue derived from A549 cell line, and compared with ALI culture of primary human bronchial epithelial cells (pHBEC). The cells, exposed to PBDEs (47, 99 and 209) (0.01-1 μM) for 24 h, were studied for IL-8, Muc5AC and Muc5B (mRNAs and proteins) production, as well as NOX-4 (mRNA) expression. Furthermore, we evaluated tight junction (TJ) integrity by Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurements, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression in the cells, and pH variations and rheological properties (elastic G', and viscous G″, moduli) in apical washes of ALI cultures. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (10 mM) effects were tested in our experimental model of A549 cells. PBDEs (47, 99 and 209) exposure decreased TEER, ZO-1 and pH values, and increased IL-8, Muc5AC, Muc5B (mRNAs and proteins), NOX-4 (mRNA), and rheological parameters (G', G″) in ALI cultures of A549 cell line and pHBEC. NAC inhibited PBDE effects in A549 cells. PBDE inhalation might impairs human health of the lungs inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, loss of barrier integrity, unchecked mucus production, as well as altered physicochemical and biological properties of the fluids in airway epithelium. The treatment with anti-oxidants restored the negative effects of PBDEs in epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Daniela Albano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Moscato
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Marina Montalbano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Anzalone
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosalia Gagliardo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Bonanno
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Gaspare Drago
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Mirella Profita
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu H, Feng C, Cao Y, Lu Y, Xi J, Ji J, Lu D, Zhang XY, Luan Y. Distribution of the parent compound and its metabolites in serum, urine, and feces of mice administered 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 225:217-225. [PMID: 30877916 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is a predominant polybromodiphenyl ether congener in the environment. Its absorption, excretion, and metabolism in animals have been investigated; however, the distribution of BDE-47 and its metabolites in excreta and blood at steady-state conditions has been unclear. In the present study, we addressed the issue by determining the amounts of BDE-47, eight monohydroxylated metabolites (OH-BDEs), and 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP) in serum, urine, and feces of gpt delta transgenic mice orally administered BDE-47 at 1.5, 10, and 30 mg/kg/d for 6 weeks during the 24 h period (for urine and feces) or at 24 h (for blood) post-last dosing. The distribution profiles in the three matrices showed that BDE-47, OH-BDEs, and 2,4-DBP were mostly distributed in urine (59-70%), feces (95-96%), and urine (51-80%), respectively. In each matrix, BDE-47 was the predominant compound under all doses, which accounted for 84-96% in serum, 68-98% in urine, and 37-92% in feces. However, exclusive of BDE-47, OH-BDEs were the predominant class of metabolites in serum (72-86%) and feces (67-87%), whereas 2,4-DBP was the major metabolite in urine (98-99%). Among monohydroxylated metabolites, the dominant compounds were 4-hydroxy-2,2',3,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE-42) and 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4'-OH-BDE-49) in feces (27-33% and 25-43%, respectively), and 3-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (3-OH-BDE-47) in serum (26-43%). Thus, BDE-47 and 2,4-DBP were mostly present in urine, and OH-BDEs were primarily found in feces. Blood was not an important carrier for either BDE-47 or its metabolites. The data provide information for distribution and elimination of BDE-47 and its metabolites in mice at steady-state conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Changning District of Shanghai, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Chao Feng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yiyi Cao
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Changning District of Shanghai, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Jing Xi
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jieyun Ji
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Changning District of Shanghai, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Dasheng Lu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Yang Luan
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alam S, Carter GS, Krager KJ, Li X, Lehmler HJ, Aykin-Burns N. PCB11 Metabolite, 3,3'-Dichlorobiphenyl-4-ol, Exposure Alters the Expression of Genes Governing Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Absence of Functional Sirtuin 3: Examining the Contribution of MnSOD. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7090121. [PMID: 30223548 PMCID: PMC6162768 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7090121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is prohibited, the inadvertent production of certain lower-chlorinated PCB congeners still threatens human health. We and others have identified 3,3’-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB11) and its metabolite, 3,3’-dichlorobiphenyl-4-ol (4OH-PCB11), in human blood, and there is a correlation between exposure to this metabolite and mitochondrial oxidative stress in mammalian cells. Here, we evaluated the downstream effects of 4OH-PCB11 on mitochondrial metabolism and function in the presence and absence of functional Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial fidelity protein that protects redox homeostasis. A 24 h exposure to 3 μM 4OH-PCB11 significantly decreased the cellular growth and mitochondrial membrane potential of SIRT3-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Only wild-type cells demonstrated an increase in Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity in response to 4OH-PCB11–induced oxidative injury. This suggests the presence of a SIRT3-mediated post-translational modification to MnSOD, which was impaired in SIRT3-knockout MEFs, which counters the PCB insult. We found that 4OH-PCB11 increased mitochondrial respiration and endogenous fatty-acid oxidation-associated oxygen consumption in SIRT3-knockout MEFs; this appeared to occur because the cells exhausted their reserve respiratory capacity. To determine whether these changes in mitochondrial respiration were accompanied by similar changes in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism, we performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after a 24 h treatment with 4OH-PCB11. In SIRT3-knockout MEFs, 4OH-PCB11 significantly increased the expression of ten genes controlling fatty acid biosynthesis, metabolism, and transport. When we overexpressed MnSOD in these cells, the expression of six of these genes returned to the baseline level, suggesting that the protective role of SIRT3 against 4OH-PCB11 is partially governed by MnSOD activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinthia Alam
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Gwendolyn S Carter
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Kimberly J Krager
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Xueshu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Nukhet Aykin-Burns
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Transcriptomic Analysis of Gonadal Adipose Tissue in Male Mice Exposed Perinatally to 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether (BDE-47). TOXICS 2018; 6:toxics6020021. [PMID: 29596321 PMCID: PMC6027300 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
For the majority of lipophilic compounds, adipose tissue is traditionally considered as a storage depot and only rarely as a target organ. Meanwhile, abnormalities in adipose tissue physiology induced by chemical exposure may contribute to the current epidemic of obesity and metabolic diseases. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of lipophilic flame retardants found in the majority of human samples in North America. Their ability to alter the physiology of adipose tissue is unknown. We exposed pregnant mice to 0.2 mg/kg body weight/day of BDE-47 perinatally. Transcriptomic changes in gonadal adipose tissue were analyzed in male offspring using the RNA-seq approach with subsequent bioinformatic analysis. The expression of genes of coagulation and complement cascade, de novo lipogenesis, and xenobiotic metabolism was altered in response to BDE-47 exposure. The affected molecular network included the following hubs: PPARα, HNF1A, and HNF4. These findings suggest that adipose tissue should be considered a target tissue for BDE-47, in addition to its role as a storage depot. This study also builds a background for a targeted search of sensitive phenotypic endpoints of BDE-47 exposure, including lipid profile parameters and coagulation factors in circulation. Additional studies are needed to investigate the role of PBDEs as an obesogen.
Collapse
|
9
|
Khalil A, Cevik SE, Hung S, Kolla S, Roy MA, Suvorov A. Developmental Exposure to 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether Permanently Alters Blood-Liver Balance of Lipids in Male Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:548. [PMID: 30294300 PMCID: PMC6158338 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were used as flame-retardant additives starting 1965 and were recently withdrawn from commerce in North America and Europe. Approximately 1/5 of the total U.S. population were born when environmental concentrations of PBDE plateaued at their maximum. Accumulating evidence suggests that developmental exposures to PBDE may result in long-lasting programming of liver metabolism. In this study, CD-1 mice were exposed prenatally or neonatally to 1 mg/kg body weight of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), and changes in liver histology, transcriptome, and liver-blood balance of triglycerides were analyzed in 10 months old male offspring. In both exposure groups, long-term reprogramming of lipid metabolism was observed, including increased liver triglycerides and decreased blood triglycerides, and altered expression of metabolic genes in the liver. Significant upregulation of lipid influx transporter Cd36 2.3- and 5.7-fold in pre- and neonatal exposure groups, respectively was identified as a potential mechanism of blood/liver imbalance of triglycerides. Analysis of our and previously published all-genome gene expression data identified changes in expression of ribosomal protein genes as a transcriptomic signature of PBDE exposure. Further comparison of our new data and published data demonstrate that low doses (0.2 mg/kg body weight) of PBDE induce long-lasting up-regulation of ribosomal genes, suppression of Cd36 in liver and increase circulating triglycerides in blood, while moderated doses (≥1 mg/kg body weight) produce opposite long-lasting effects. To conclude, this study shows that an environmentally relevant developmental exposures to BDE-47 permanently alter lipid uptake and accumulation in the liver, with low and moderate doses having opposite effect on liver transcriptomics and triglyceride balance. Similar effects of pre- and neonatal exposures point at hepatocyte maturation as a sensitive window of the liver metabolism programming. These results suggest that PBDE exposure may be an important factor increasing risks of cardio-vascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via modulation of liver/blood balance of lipids. The translational relevance of these findings for human remain to be studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Khalil
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research & Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sebnem E. Cevik
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie Hung
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Sridurgadevi Kolla
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Monika A. Roy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexander Suvorov
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Berntsen HF, Berg V, Thomsen C, Ropstad E, Zimmer KE. The design of an environmentally relevant mixture of persistent organic pollutants for use in in vivo and in vitro studies. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:1002-1016. [PMID: 28854125 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1354439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Amongst the substances listed as persistent organic pollutants (POP) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (SCPOP) are chlorinated, brominated, and fluorinated compounds. Most experimental studies investigating effects of POP employ single compounds. Studies focusing on effects of POP mixtures are limited, and often conducted using extracts from collected specimens. Confounding effects of unmeasured substances in such extracts may bias the estimates of presumed causal relationships being examined. The aim of this investigation was to design a model of an environmentally relevant mixture of POP for use in experimental studies, containing 29 different chlorinated, brominated, and perfluorinated compounds. POP listed under the SCPOP and reported to occur at the highest levels in Scandinavian food, blood, or breast milk prior to 2012 were selected, and two different mixtures representing varying exposure scenarios constructed. The in vivo mixture contained POP concentrations based upon human estimated daily intakes (EDIs), whereas the in vitro mixture was based upon levels in human blood. In addition to total in vitro mixture, 6 submixtures containing the same concentration of chlorinated + brominated, chlorinated + perfluorinated, brominated + perfluorinated, or chlorinated, brominated or perfluorinated compounds only were constructed. Using submixtures enables investigating the effect of adding or removing one or more chemical groups. Concentrations of compounds included in feed and in vitro mixtures were verified by chemical analysis. It is suggested that this method may be utilized to construct realistic mixtures of environmental contaminants for toxicity studies based upon the relative levels of POP to which individuals are exposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Friis Berntsen
- a Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Experimental Biomedicine , NMBU-School of Veterinary Science , Oslo , Norway
- b Department of Administration , Lab Animal Unit, National Institute of Occupational Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Vidar Berg
- c Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology , NMBU-School of Veterinary Science , Oslo , Norway
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- d Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Division for Infection Control, and Environmental Health , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- a Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Experimental Biomedicine , NMBU-School of Veterinary Science , Oslo , Norway
| | - Karin Elisabeth Zimmer
- e Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Section of Biochemistry and Physiology , NMBU-School of Veterinary Science , Oslo , Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Khalil A, Parker M, Mpanga R, Cevik SE, Thorburn C, Suvorov A. Developmental Exposure to 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether Induces Long-Lasting Changes in Liver Metabolism in Male Mice. J Endocr Soc 2017; 1:323-344. [PMID: 29264491 PMCID: PMC5686773 DOI: 10.1210/js.2016-1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were used as flame-retardant additives in a wide range of polymers. The generations born when environmental concentrations of PBDEs reached their maximum account in the United States for one-fifth of the total population. We hypothesized that exposure to PBDEs during sensitive developmental windows might result in long-lasting changes in liver metabolism. The present study was based on experiments with CD-1 mice and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (human hepatoma cell line, HepG2). Pregnant mice were exposed to 0.2 mg/kg 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) from gestation day 8 until postnatal day 21. The metabolic health-related outcomes were analyzed on postnatal day 21 and postnatal week 20 in male offspring. Several groups of metabolic genes, including ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, were significantly upregulated in the liver at both points. Genes regulated via mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, the gatekeeper of metabolic homeostasis, were whether up- or downregulated at both measurement points. On postnatal day 21, but not week 20, both mTOR complexes in the liver were activated, as measured by phosphorylation of their targets. mTOR complexes were also activated by BDE-47 in HepG2 cells in vitro. The following changes were observed at week 20: a decreased number of polyploid hepatocytes, suppressed cytoplasmic S6K1, twofold greater blood insulin-like growth factor-1 and triglycerides, and 2.5-fold lower expression of fatty acid uptake membrane receptor CD36 in liver tissue. Thus, perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of BDE-47 in laboratory mice results in long-lasting changes in liver physiology. Our evidence suggests involvement of the mTOR pathway in the observed metabolic programming of the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Khalil
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Mikhail Parker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Richard Mpanga
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Sebnem E. Cevik
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Cassandra Thorburn
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gough A, Vernetti L, Bergenthal L, Shun TY, Taylor DL. The Microphysiology Systems Database for Analyzing and Modeling Compound Interactions with Human and Animal Organ Models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2:103-117. [PMID: 28781990 DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2016.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic human organ models, microphysiology systems (MPS), are currently being developed as predictive models of drug safety and efficacy in humans. To design and validate MPS as predictive of human safety liabilities requires safety data for a reference set of compounds, combined with in vitro data from the human organ models. To address this need, we have developed an internet database, the MPS database (MPS-Db), as a powerful platform for experimental design, data management, and analysis, and to combine experimental data with reference data, to enable computational modeling. The present study demonstrates the capability of the MPS-Db in early safety testing using a human liver MPS to relate the effects of tolcapone and entacapone in the in vitro model to human in vivo effects. These two compounds were chosen to be evaluated as a representative pair of marketed drugs because they are structurally similar, have the same target, and were found safe or had an acceptable risk in preclinical and clinical trials, yet tolcapone induced unacceptable levels of hepatotoxicity while entacapone was found to be safe. Results demonstrate the utility of the MPS-Db as an essential resource for relating in vitro organ model data to the multiple biochemical, preclinical, and clinical data sources on in vivo drug effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Gough
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lawrence Vernetti
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Luke Bergenthal
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tong Ying Shun
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - D Lansing Taylor
- University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vasilopoulou CG, Margarity M, Klapa MI. Metabolomic Analysis in Brain Research: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Physiol 2016; 7:183. [PMID: 27252656 PMCID: PMC4878281 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism being a fundamental part of molecular physiology, elucidating the structure and regulation of metabolic pathways is crucial for obtaining a comprehensive perspective of cellular function and understanding the underlying mechanisms of its dysfunction(s). Therefore, quantifying an accurate metabolic network activity map under various physiological conditions is among the major objectives of systems biology in the context of many biological applications. Especially for CNS, metabolic network activity analysis can substantially enhance our knowledge about the complex structure of the mammalian brain and the mechanisms of neurological disorders, leading to the design of effective therapeutic treatments. Metabolomics has emerged as the high-throughput quantitative analysis of the concentration profile of small molecular weight metabolites, which act as reactants and products in metabolic reactions and as regulatory molecules of proteins participating in many biological processes. Thus, the metabolic profile provides a metabolic activity fingerprint, through the simultaneous analysis of tens to hundreds of molecules of pathophysiological and pharmacological interest. The application of metabolomics is at its standardization phase in general, and the challenges for paving a standardized procedure are even more pronounced in brain studies. In this review, we support the value of metabolomics in brain research. Moreover, we demonstrate the challenges of designing and setting up a reliable brain metabolomic study, which, among other parameters, has to take into consideration the sex differentiation and the complexity of brain physiology manifested in its regional variation. We finally propose ways to overcome these challenges and design a study that produces reproducible and consistent results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G Vasilopoulou
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT)Patras, Greece; Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of PatrasPatras, Greece
| | - Marigoula Margarity
- Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Patras Patras, Greece
| | - Maria I Klapa
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT)Patras, Greece; Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Bioengineering, University of MarylandCollege Park, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Catanese MC, Suvorov A, Vandenberg LN. Beyond a means of exposure: a new view of the mother in toxicology research. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tx00119b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxicological studies generally view pregnant animals as a conduit through which gestational exposure of offspring to chemicals can be achieved, allowing for the study of developmental toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary C. Catanese
- Program in Neuroscience & Behaviour
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- Amherst
- USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Program in Neuroscience & Behaviour
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- Amherst
- USA
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences
| | - Laura N. Vandenberg
- Program in Neuroscience & Behaviour
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- Amherst
- USA
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Koenig CM, Lango J, Pessah IN, Berman RF. Maternal transfer of BDE-47 to offspring and neurobehavioral development in C57BL/6J mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2012; 34:571-80. [PMID: 23022914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants used worldwide in a variety of commercial goods, and are now widely found in both environmental and biological samples. BDE-47 is one of the most pervasive of these PBDE congeners and therefore is of particular concern. In this study C57BL/6J mice were exposed perinatally to 0.03, 0.1 or 1mg/kg/day of BDE-47, a dose range chosen to encompass human exposure levels. Tissue levels of BDE-47 were measured in the blood, brain, fat and milk of dams and in whole fetal homogenate and blood and brain of pups on gestational day (GD) 15, and postnatal days (PNDs) 1, 10 and 21. From GD 15 to PND 1 levels of BDE-47 increased within dam tissues and then decreased from PNDs 1 to 21. Over the period of lactation levels in dam milk were comparatively high when compared to both brain and blood for all dose groups. Measurable levels of BDE-47 were found in the fetus on GD 15 confirming gestational exposure. From PNDs 1 to 21, levels of BDE-47 in pup tissue increased over the period of lactation due to the transfer of BDE-47 through milk. Behavioral tests of fine motor function and learning and memory were carried out between postnatal weeks 5-17 in order to evaluate the neurobehavioral toxicity of BDE-47. Behavioral deficits were only seen in the Barnes spatial maze where mice in the three exposure groups had longer latencies and traveled longer distances to find the escape hole when compared to vehicle control mice. These results support the conclusions that perinatal exposure to BDE-47 can have neurodevelopmental consequences, and that lactational exposure represents a significant exposure risk during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Koenig
- Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dutta SK, Mitra PS, Ghosh S, Zang S, Sonneborn D, Hertz-Picciotto I, Trnovec T, Palkovicova L, Sovcikova E, Ghimbovschi S, Hoffman EP. Differential gene expression and a functional analysis of PCB-exposed children: understanding disease and disorder development. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 40:143-154. [PMID: 21855147 PMCID: PMC3247643 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present study is to understand the probable molecular mechanism of toxicities and the associated pathways related to observed pathophysiology in high PCB-exposed populations. We have performed a microarray-based differential gene expression analysis of children (mean age 46.1 months) of Central European descent from Slovak Republic in a well-defined study cohort. The subset of children having high blood PCB concentrations (>75 percentile) were compared against their low PCB counterparts (<25 percentile), with mean lipid-adjusted PCB values of 3.02±1.3 and 0.06±0.03 ng/mg of serum lipid, for the two groups, respectively (18.1±4.4 and 0.3±0.1 ng/ml of serum). The microarray was conducted with the total RNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the children using an Affymetrix platform (GeneChip Human genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array) and was analyzed by Gene Spring (GX 10.0). A highly significant set of 162 differentially expressed genes between high and low PCB groups (p value <0.00001) were identified and subsequently analyzed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tool. The results indicate that Cell-To-Cell Signaling and Interaction, Cellular Movement, Cell Signaling, Molecular Transport, and Vitamin and Mineral Metabolism were the major molecular and cellular functions associated with the differentially altered gene set in high PCB-exposed children. The differential gene expressions appeared to play a pivotal role in the development of probable diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, in the PCB-exposed population. The analyses also pointed out possible organ-specific effects, e.g., cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, in high PCB-exposed subjects. A few notable genes, such as BCL2, PON1, and ITGB1, were significantly altered in our study, and the related pathway analysis explained their plausible involvement in the respective disease processes, as mentioned. Our results provided insight into understanding the associated molecular mechanisms of complex gene-environment interactions in a PCB-exposed population. Future endeavors of supervised genotyping of pathway-specific molecular epidemiological studies and population biomarker validations are already underway to reveal individual risk factors in these PCB-exposed populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sisir K Dutta
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Partha S Mitra
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Somiranjan Ghosh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shizhu Zang
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dean Sonneborn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Tomas Trnovec
- Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | - Eva Sovcikova
- Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Svetlana Ghimbovschi
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eric P Hoffman
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang L, Zou W, Zhong Y, An J, Zhang X, Wu M, Yu Z. The hormesis effect of BDE-47 in HepG2 cells and the potential molecular mechanism. Toxicol Lett 2012; 209:193-201. [PMID: 22233939 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) had been used extensively in electrical and electronic products as brominated flame retardants. PBDEs are widely distributed in environment media and wildlife since they are lipophilic and persistent, resulting in bioaccumulation and bioamplification through food chains. Accumulation of PBDEs in the environment and human tissues will consequently cause potential negative effects on the ecological environment and human health. To date, some in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that PBDEs possess neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproduction toxicity, endocrine disrupting activity and carcinogenicity. BDE-47 is one of the most predominant PBDE congeners detected in human tissues. The objective of this study is to investigate whether low concentration of BDE-47 could cause hormesis effect in the human hepatoma HepG(2) cells, and to explore the possible molecular mechanism. The results showed that low concentration of BDE-47 (10(-10), 10(-9) and 10(-8) M) could promote cell proliferation and cause no obvious change in DNA damage or cell apoptosis, while the high concentration significantly inhibit cell proliferation. Meanwhile, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in low concentration BDE-47 (10(-10), 10(-9) and 10(-8) M) treated groups significantly elevated compared with the control group. After low concentration BDE-47 treatment, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1, DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the HepG(2) cells was markedly up-regulated. However, in DNA-PKcs inhibited cells, the promotion effect on cell proliferation was significantly suppressed. Cell cycle analysis showed a significant decrease in G1 phase after exposure to low concentration of BDE-47. Moreover, pre-exposure to low concentration BDE-47 seemed alleviate the negative effects of high concentration (50 μM) exposure to cause DNA damage and apoptosis. These results suggested that BDE-47 has a hormesis effect in HepG(2) cells and DNA-PKcs/Akt pathway may be involved in regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liulin Wang
- Institute of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen X, Zhu G, Jin T, Shao C, Gu S, Tan M, Zhang Y, Xiao H, Hu H, Yu Y. Bone-prognostic status after cessation of cadmium exposure for one month in male rats. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 62:165-175. [PMID: 21630100 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-011-9685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated bone status after decreased cadmium (Cd) exposure in male rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into three groups. One group was injected subcutaneously with sodium chloride as control. The others were given CdCl2 by subcutaneous injection at doses of 0.5 mg Cd/kg body weight (bw) for 2 months (Cd+2m) and for 3 months (Cd+3m). For the Cd+2m group, the rats were shifted to cessation of Cd injection for 1 month after 2 months' exposure. At month 3, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analyses were performed on the proximal tibia and lumbar spine, and urine was collected from all rats. Rats were then killed and blood collected for metabolic-marker measurement and Cd assay. Bone tissues were also collected for bone-mass assay, biomechanical test, and bone-histology analysis. Cd burdens of rats in the Cd+2m and Cd+3m groups were both significantly greater than those in the control group. Cd burdens of rats were lower in the Cd+2m group compared with the Cd+3m group. Bone damage occurred in the Cd+2m and Cd+3m groups compared with the control group (p<0.05), but no significant improvement was found in the Cd+2m group compared with the Cd+3m group. Cd damage to bone could not be reversed over the short term. More attention should be paid to Cd's toxic effects on bone after decreased exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Haave M, Bernhard A, Jellestad FK, Heegaard E, Brattelid T, Lundebye AK. Long-term effects of environmentally relevant doses of 2,2',4,4',5,5' hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) on neurobehavioural development, health and spontaneous behaviour in maternally exposed mice. Behav Brain Funct 2011; 7:3. [PMID: 21232145 PMCID: PMC3033814 DOI: 10.1186/1744-9081-7-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread in the environment, human food and breast milk. Seafood is known to contain nutrients beneficial for the normal development and function of the brain, but also contaminants such as PCBs which are neurotoxic. Exposure to non-coplanar PCBs during brain development can disrupt spontaneous behaviour in mice and lead to hyperactive behaviour. Humans are chronically exposed to the highest relative levels of organochlorines in early childhood during brain development, though usually at doses which do not give clinical symptoms of toxicity. This study aimed to elucidate the developmental and behavioural effects of 2,2',4,4',5,5' hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) in mice, mimicking human exposure during gestation and lactation. Methods Environmentally relevant doses of PCB153 were added to the experimental diets. Feed concentrations were approximately 0.5, 6.5, and 1500 μg PCB153/kg feed, representing a realistic and a worst case scenario of frequent consumption of contaminated fish. The study also investigated the effects of maternal nutrition, i.e. a standard rodent diet versus a high inclusion of salmon. Mice pups were examined for physical- and reflex development, sensorimotor function and spontaneous behaviour from five days after birth until weaning. A selection of pups were followed until 16 weeks of age and tested for open field behaviour and the acoustic startle response (ASR) with prepulse inhibition (PPI). Blood thyroid hormones and liver enzymes, blood lipids and PCB153 content in fat were examined at 16 weeks. Statistical analyses modelled the three way interactions of diet, PCB exposure and litter size on behaviour, using generalized linear models (GLM) and linear mixed effect models (LME). The litter was used as a random variable. Non-parametric tests were used for pair wise comparisons of biochemical analyses. Results Litter size consistently influenced pup development and behaviour. Few lasting PCB153 related changes were observed, but results indicated effects on synchronization of physical development. Perinatal PCB153 exposure appeared to reduce habituation and cause aggression in males, though not statistically significant. Conclusions Litter size and maternal diet influenced physical development and function more than PCB153 in perinatally exposed mouse pups and supports the developmental importance of maternal care and the social environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marte Haave
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Bergen, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zoeller RT. Endocrine Disruption of the Thyroid and its Consequences in Development. RESEARCH AND PERSPECTIVES IN ENDOCRINE INTERACTIONS 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-22775-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
21
|
Vindimian E. Toxicity assessment and public policies: an urgent need for research. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2010; 25:440-445. [PMID: 20549618 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The new European regulation on chemicals triggers a huge number of new testing. However, more than 2 years after the enforcement of this policy, toxicity assessment and risk assessment are still using single species tests that deliver little information. As it is often the case, the link between science and policy seems to be disrupted. However, policy makers need more than ever information on the fate and effects of chemicals on living systems. Without relevant knowledge for decision making, the application of the precautionary principle is the only reasonable way to manage risks. It is necessary to develop new risk assessment strategies using the last innovations from biology: the omics tools, ecology, ecosystem modeling, chemistry, and computing. This article highlights some of the recent trends in ecotoxicology and calls for a new research strategy. This strategy implies research to be funded by its users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vindimian
- Centre de Montpellier, Cemagref, SGMO, 361 rue Jean-François Breton, F-34196 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Langer P. The impacts of organochlorines and other persistent pollutants on thyroid and metabolic health. Front Neuroendocrinol 2010; 31:497-518. [PMID: 20797403 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
High prevalence of thyroid and metabolic disorders has been repeatedly observed in the population living in the area of eastern Slovakia highly polluted by a mixture of PCBs, DDE and HCB since about 50 years ago. Among thyroid disorders, increase of thyroid volume as measured by ultrasound volumetry may be suggested as one of notable findings which appeared possibly related to increased OCs levels and to autoimmunity signs (e.g. positive thyroperoxidase antibodies in blood and/or hypoechogenicity image obtained by ultrasound), while some participation of individual susceptibility and also of immunogenic effect of OCs and iodine in this iodine replete country cannot be excluded. Another notable finding has been the increase of blood FT4 and TT3 positively related to high PCBs level. Such increased FT4 level has been found associated with TSH level in hyperthyroid range in about 2% of examined population from polluted area. High prevalence of thyroid autoimmune disorders strongly supported the assumption on impaired immune system and thus also on presumably increased prevalence of other autoimmune disorders in highly exposed population. In addition, markedly increased prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes significantly related to major OCs (PCBs, DDE and HCB) levels and accompanied by increasing level of cholesterol and triglycerides has been observed. The observations also suggested a role of prenatal exposure to OCs in the development of several adverse health signs (e.g. increased prevalence of thyroid antibodies, impaired fasting glucose level, increased thyroid volume, decreased thymus volume, decreased neurobehavioral performance, increased hearing and dental disorders) in young generation born to highly exposed mothers in polluted area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Langer
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rhind SM, Kyle CE, Mackie C, McDonald L, Zhang Z, Duff EI, Bellingham M, Amezaga MR, Mandon-Pepin B, Loup B, Cotinot C, Evans NP, Sharpe RM, Fowler PA. Maternal and fetal tissue accumulation of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) following exposure to sewage sludge-treated pastures before or after conception. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING : JEM 2010; 12:1582-93. [PMID: 20676422 PMCID: PMC3175732 DOI: 10.1039/c0em00009d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver concentrations of selected pollutant classes were determined in groups of sheep fetuses and their dams, at 55 (Experiment 1) and 110 (Experiment 2) days of gestation (term = 145 d) following exposure, throughout their breeding lives and after mating, to pasture treated with either inorganic fertiliser (control, CC) or with sewage sludge (treated, TT). In a unique study designed to separate the respective contributions of environmental sources and mobilised tissue to the available EDC burden, in additional groups of animals, pollutant burdens at 110 days gestation were assessed following exposure to the respective treatments, either throughout their breeding lives until mating, but not thereafter (TC), or only between mating and slaughter (CT) (Experiment 3). With very few exceptions, maternal and fetal liver concentrations of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were not significantly affected by sludge exposure in any group. In some cases, maternal and fetal tissue EDC concentrations were different but the differences were not consistent, and maternal and fetal concentrations of none of the classes of chemical were significantly correlated. It was not possible to identify a single chemical, or class of chemical, that may be responsible for previously observed physiological effects of exposure to sludge-treated pastures. It is concluded that exposure of sheep to pastures fertilised with sewage sludge was not associated with increased liver concentrations of EDCs, irrespective of the stage of development at which they were measured and of maternal tissue mobilisation and EDC release during gestation. Thus, retrospective measurements of EDC tissue burdens could not be used to accurately assess earlier fetal EDC insults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Rhind
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute , Craigiebuckler , Aberdeen , AB15 8QH , UK . ; Fax: +44 (0) 1224 395010 ; Tel: +44 (0) 1224 395228
| | - C. E. Kyle
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute , Craigiebuckler , Aberdeen , AB15 8QH , UK . ; Fax: +44 (0) 1224 395010 ; Tel: +44 (0) 1224 395228
| | - C. Mackie
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute , Craigiebuckler , Aberdeen , AB15 8QH , UK . ; Fax: +44 (0) 1224 395010 ; Tel: +44 (0) 1224 395228
| | - L. McDonald
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute , Craigiebuckler , Aberdeen , AB15 8QH , UK . ; Fax: +44 (0) 1224 395010 ; Tel: +44 (0) 1224 395228
| | - Z. Zhang
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute , Craigiebuckler , Aberdeen , AB15 8QH , UK . ; Fax: +44 (0) 1224 395010 ; Tel: +44 (0) 1224 395228
| | - E. I. Duff
- Biomathematics and Statistics , Scotland , Craigiebuckler , Aberdeen , AB15 8QH , Scotland, UK
| | - M. Bellingham
- Division of Cell Sciences , Institute of Comparative Medicine , University of Glasgow Veterinary School , Glasgow , G61 1QH , UK
| | - M. R. Amezaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Institute of Medical Sciences , CLSM , University of Aberdeen , Foresterhill , Aberdeen , AB25 2ZD , UK
| | - B. Mandon-Pepin
- INRA , UMR 1198 , Biologie du Developpement et de la Reproduction , 78350 , Jouy-en-Josas , France
| | - B. Loup
- INRA , UMR 1198 , Biologie du Developpement et de la Reproduction , 78350 , Jouy-en-Josas , France
| | - C. Cotinot
- INRA , UMR 1198 , Biologie du Developpement et de la Reproduction , 78350 , Jouy-en-Josas , France
| | - N. P. Evans
- Division of Cell Sciences , Institute of Comparative Medicine , University of Glasgow Veterinary School , Glasgow , G61 1QH , UK
| | - R. M. Sharpe
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit , Queen's Medical Research Institute , University of Edinburgh , 47 Little France Crescent , Edinburgh , EH16 4TJ , UK
| | - P. A. Fowler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Institute of Medical Sciences , CLSM , University of Aberdeen , Foresterhill , Aberdeen , AB25 2ZD , UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wei RG, Zhao YX, Liu PY, Qin ZF, Yan SS, Li Y, Qin XF, Xia XJ, Xu XB, Yan MC. Determination of environmentally relevant exposure concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers for in vitro toxicological studies. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 24:1078-85. [PMID: 20362048 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2009] [Revised: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxicological studies at environmentally relevant concentrations are essential for understanding ecotoxic and health risks of pollutants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). However, no information is available on what exposure levels of PBDEs in vitro studies are environmentally relevant. We exposed MCF-7, HepG2, H295R and PC12 cells to BDE-47, and measured BDE-47 concentrations in the cells after exposure. We also used the percentile method to summarize literature data on environmental exposure levels of biotic tissues to PBDEs. The exposure concentration that resulted in a BDE-47 burden in cells close to the 90th percentile of PBDEs levels in tissues was assigned as the upper limit for the environmentally relevant concentration. Exposure to 1nM BDE-47 resulted in PBDEs burdens in MCF-7, HepG2 and H295R cells close to the 90th percentile but PBDEs burdens in PC12 cells were higher than the 90th percentile. In consideration of the high exposure levels in PBDE-polluted areas, we concluded that the highest environmentally relevant exposure concentration of PBDEs in culture media should be approximately 10nM for MCF-7, HepG2 and H295R cells, and<10nM for PC12 cells. These results provide an approximate reference for setting environmentally relevant exposure concentrations of PBDEs for studies in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Guo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/9781420092264-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
26
|
Suvorov A, Takser L. Global gene expression analysis in the livers of rat offspring perinatally exposed to low doses of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:97-102. [PMID: 20056577 PMCID: PMC2831975 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are a group of flame-retardant chemicals appearing increasingly in the environment. Their health effects and mechanisms of toxicity are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES We screened for the sensitive effects and mechanisms of toxicity of 2,2 ,4,4 -tetra-bromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) by analyzing the gene expression profile in rats exposed to doses comparable to human exposure. METHODS Wistar dams were exposed to vehicle or BDE-47 (0.002 and 0.2 mg/kg body weight) every fifth day from gestation day 15 to postnatal day 20 by injections to caudal vein. Total RNA was extracted from the livers of pups and hybridized to the whole-genome RNA expression micro-arrays. The list of genes 2-fold differentially expressed was exported to PANTHER and Ingenuity Systems for analysis of enriched ontology groups and molecular pathways. RESULTS Oxidoreductase and transferase protein families were enriched in exposed rats as were these biological process categories: carbohydrate metabolism; electron transport; and lipid, fatty acid, and steroid metabolism. Four signaling pathways (cascades of activation of drug-metabolizing enzymes) and 10 metabolic pathways were significantly enriched. Drug-metabolizing enzymes appear to be regulated by BDE-47 through an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-independent mechanism. Direct interaction with retinoid X receptor or its upstream cascade may be involved. The main metabolic effects consisted of activation of metabolic pathways: alpha- and omega-oxidation of fatty acids, glycolysis, and starch hydrolysis. CONCLUSIONS Altered expression of genes involved in metabolic and signaling pathways and functions of the organism occurs after perinatal exposure of rat offspring to BDE-47 at doses relevant for the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Suvorov
- Département Obstétrique Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Suvorov A, Battista MC, Takser L. Perinatal exposure to low-dose 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether affects growth in rat offspring: What is the role of IGF-1? Toxicology 2009; 260:126-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2009.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|