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Environmental Contamination and Chronic Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Phthalates: An Overlooked and Emerging Determinant for Hormone-Sensitive Cancers. J Indian Inst Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s41745-022-00319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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2
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de Mattos K, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. Transcription Factors in the Regulation of Leydig Cell Gene Expression and Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:881309. [PMID: 35464056 PMCID: PMC9022205 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.881309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell differentiation and acquisition of specialized functions are inherent steps in events that lead to normal tissue development and function. These processes require accurate temporal, tissue, and cell-specific activation or repression of gene transcription. This is achieved by complex interactions between transcription factors that form a unique combinatorial code in each specialized cell type and in response to different physiological signals. Transcription factors typically act by binding to short, nucleotide-specific DNA sequences located in the promoter region of target genes. In males, Leydig cells play a crucial role in sex differentiation, health, and reproductive function from embryonic life to adulthood. To better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating Leydig cell differentiation and function, several transcription factors important to Leydig cells have been identified, including some previously unknown to this specialized cell type. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge on transcription factors in fetal and adult Leydig cells, describing their roles and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert S. Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jacques J. Tremblay,
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Giovanni SM, Letizia AAM, Chiara M, Vincenzo S, Erika P, Marta S. The Male Reproductive System and Endocrine Disruptors. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:686-703. [PMID: 34607552 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666211004100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The male reproductive system is exposed to a great number of chemical substances which can interfere with the normal hormonal milieu and reproductive function; these are called endocrine disruptors (EDs). Despite a growing number of studies evaluating the negative effects of EDs, their production is continuously growing although some of which have been prohibited. The prevalence of poor semen quality, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer have increased in the last decades, and recently, it has been postulated that these could all be part of a unique syndrome called testicular dysgenesis syndrome. This syndrome could be related to exposure to a number of EDs which cause imbalances in the hormonal milieu and oestrogenic over-exposure during the foetal stage. The same EDs can also impair spermatogenesis in offspring and have epigenetic effects. Although studies on animal and in vitro models have raised concerns, data are conflicting. However, these studies must be considered as the basis for future research to promote male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maneschi Chiara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Sciabica Vincenzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Pigatto Erika
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Sanna Marta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
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Yuan G, Zeng Y, Hu G, Liu Y, Wei L, Liu P, Liu G, Cheng J. Inverse association of certain seminal phthalate metabolites with semen quality may be mediated by androgen synthesis: A cross-sectional study from the South China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 151:106459. [PMID: 33684682 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the effects of phthalates on androgen synthesis, and the adverse outcomes of phthalate exposure on male reproductive function have been reported. However, the direct relationship among these three factors remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To explore the potential roles of steroids involved in androgen synthesis in the association between phthalate exposure and semen quality. METHODS Eighteen phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) and nine steroids were analyzed in semen samples of 403 male participants aged 18-54 years from a hospital in Shenzhen, China. The associations across phthalate metabolites, steroids, and eleven semen quality parameters were evaluated by multivariate linear regression and logistical regression models. The potential contributions of steroids to the associations between phthalate metabolites and semen quality outcomes were explored by mediation effect analysis. RESULTS In this cross-sectional study, mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) was inversely associated with nine continuous semen quality parameters in a dose-dependent manner (all p for trend < 0.05). Positive associations were observed between MnBP tertiles and androstenedione (ADD) and pregnenolone (PGL), of which only ADD was significantly associated with sperm quality (i.e., motility, p < 0.05). The estimated average mediated effects of seminal ADD on the associations between MnBP and lower sperm motility parameters (i.e., total motility, TR; progressive motility, PR; curvi-linear velocity, VCL) were 6.4-11.9% (all p < 0.05). The potential mediated effects of ADD on the increasing risks of TR (9.8%) and PR (8.5%) abnormalities induced by MnBP exposure were also observed in logistical regression analysis. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that androgen synthesis in reproductive system may be potentially affected by phthalate exposure, thereby resulting in reduced sperm motility in adult men. Further studies are needed to understand the actual roles and underlying mechanism of action of androstenedione on these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxiang Yuan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxing Zeng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Wei
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiyi Liu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guihua Liu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinquan Cheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China.
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Chen S, Wang Y, Zhang L, Hu Y, Gu C, Wen Y, Gu A, Zhang J, Wang Y. SREBP2-STARD4 is involved in synthesis of cholesteryl ester stimulated by mono-butyl phthalate in MLTC-1 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2020; 35:377-384. [PMID: 31705742 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sterol is synthesized from cholesterol which is from the hydrolysis of stored cholesteryl esters. The process of maintaining cholesterol homeostasis is regulated by SREBP2-STARD4. Lots of researches demonstrated that male steroidogenesis could be interfered by di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) or monobutyl phthalate (MBP). However, mechanisms of MBP exposure in this process have not been uncovered clearly. The objectiveof this study was to explore roles of SREBP2 and STARD4 in cholesteryl estersynthesis stimulated by MBP in mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1). MLTC-1 exposedto 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, 10-5 M MBP showed that levels of cholestery ester were increased significantly at 10-7 M MBP. Besides, cholesteryl ester synthesis stimulated by MBP was down-regulate when STARD4 or SREBP2 were inhibited. Activity of SREBP2 binding to the promoter of STARD4 was increased after MBP exposure. This study suggests that MBP can increase cholesteryl ester synthesis through SREBP2-STARD4 signal pathway in MLTC-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanhui Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenxi Gu
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Wen
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingshu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yubang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Baken KA, Lambrechts N, Remy S, Mustieles V, Rodríguez-Carrillo A, Neophytou CM, Olea N, Schoeters G. A strategy to validate a selection of human effect biomarkers using adverse outcome pathways: Proof of concept for phthalates and reproductive effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 175:235-256. [PMID: 31146096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring measures the concentrations of environmental chemicals or their metabolites in body fluids or tissues. Complementing exposure biomarkers with mechanistically based effect biomarkers may further elucidate causal pathways between chemical exposure and adverse health outcomes. We combined information on effect biomarkers previously implemented in human observational studies with mechanisms of action reported in experimental studies and with information from published Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), focusing on adverse reproductive effects of phthalate exposure. Phthalates constitute a group of chemicals that are ubiquitous in consumer products and have been related to a wide range of adverse health effects. As a result of a comprehensive literature search, we present an overview of effect biomarkers for reproductive toxicity that are substantiated by mechanistic information. The activation of several receptors, such as PPARα, PPARγ, and GR, may initiate events leading to impaired male and female fertility as well as other adverse effects of phthalate exposure. Therefore, these receptors appear as promising targets for the development of novel effect biomarkers. The proposed strategy connects the fields of epidemiology and toxicology and may strengthen the weight of evidence in observational studies that link chemical exposures to health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Baken
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Lambrechts
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Granada, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Christiana M Neophytou
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicolas Olea
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Granada, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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7
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Prasad SK, Bose A, Bhattacharjee A, Banerjee O, Singh S, Mukherjee S, Pal S. Radioprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Alocasia indica on γ-irradiation-induced reproductive alterations in ovary and uterus. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:1529-1542. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1642545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ananya Bose
- Department of Physiology, Serampore College, Hooghly, India
| | | | - Oly Banerjee
- Department of Physiology, Serampore College, Hooghly, India
| | | | | | - Swagata Pal
- Department of Physiology, Raja Peary Mohan College, Hooghly, India
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8
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Arzuaga X, Walker T, Yost EE, Radke EG, Hotchkiss AK. Use of the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework to evaluate species concordance and human relevance of Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-induced male reproductive toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 96:445-458. [PMID: 31260805 PMCID: PMC10067323 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalate ester used as a plasticizer, and solvent. Studies using rats consistently report that DBP exposure disrupts normal development of the male reproductive system in part via inhibition of androgen synthesis. However, studies using xenograft models report that in human fetal testis DBP exposure is unlikely to impair testosterone synthesis. These results question the validity of the rat model for assessment of male reproductive effects caused by DBP. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework was used to evaluate the available evidence for DBP-induced toxicity to the male reproductive system. Three relevant biological elements were identified: 1) fetal rats are more sensitive than other rodents and human fetal xenografts to DBP-induced anti-androgenic effects, 2) DBP-induced androgen-independent adverse outcomes are conserved amongst different mammalian models and human fetal testis xenografts, and 3) DBP-induced anti-androgenic effects are conserved in different mammalian species when exposure occurs during postnatal life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Arzuaga
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC, United States of America.
| | - Teneille Walker
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Erin E Yost
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth G Radke
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Andrew K Hotchkiss
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States of America
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9
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Di Nisio A, Foresta C. Water and soil pollution as determinant of water and food quality/contamination and its impact on male fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:4. [PMID: 30611299 PMCID: PMC6321708 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0449-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, public health has focused on the identification of environmental chemical factors that are able to adversely affect hormonal function, known as endocrine disruptors (EDs). EDs mimic naturally occurring hormones like estrogens and androgens which can in turn interfere with the endocrine system. As a consequence, EDs affect human reproduction as well as post and pre-natal development. In fact, infants can be affected already at prenatal level due to maternal exposure to EDs. In particular, great attention has been given to those chemicals, or their metabolites, that have estrogenic properties or antagonistic effects on the activity of androgen or even inhibiting their production. These compounds have therefore the potential of interfering with important physiological processes, such as masculinization, morphological development of the urogenital system and secondary sexual traits. Animal and in vitro studies have supported the conclusion that endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect the hormone-dependent pathways responsible for male gonadal development, either through direct interaction with hormone receptors or via epigenetic and cell-cycle regulatory modes of action. In human populations, epidemiological studies have reported an overall decline of male fertility and an increased incidence of diseases or congenital malformations of the male reproductive system. The majority of studies point towards an association between exposure to EDs and male and/or female reproductive system disorders, such as infertility, endometriosis, breast cancer, testicular cancer, poor sperm quality and/or function. Despite promising discoveries, a causal relationship between the reproductive disorders and exposure to specific toxicants has yet to be established, due to the complexity of the clinical protocols used, the degree of occupational or environmental exposure, the determination of the variables measured and the sample size of the subjects examined. Despite the lack of consistency in the results of so many studies investigating endocrine-disrupting properties of many different classes of chemicals, the overall conclusion points toward a positive association between exposure to EDs and reproductive system. Future studies should focus on a uniform systems to examine human populations with regard to the exposure to specific EDs and the direct effect on the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
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10
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De Toni L, Šabovic I, Cosci I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Garolla A. Testicular Cancer: Genes, Environment, Hormones. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:408. [PMID: 31338064 PMCID: PMC6626920 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) represents one of the most peculiar clinical challenges at present. In fact, currently treatments are so effective ensuring a 5 years disease-free survival rate in nearly 95% of patients. On the other hand however, TC represents the most frequent newly diagnosed form of cancer in men between the ages of 14 and 44 years, with an incidence ranging from <1 to 9.9 affected individuals per 100,000 males across countries, while the overall incidence is also increasing worldwide. Furthermore, cancer survivors show a 2% risk of developing cancer in the contralateral testis within 15 years of initial diagnosis. This complex and multifaceted scenario requires a great deal of effort to understand the clinical base of available evidence. It is now clear that genetic, environmental and hormonal risk factors concur and mutually influence both the development of the disease and its prognosis, in terms of response to treatment and the risk of recurrence. In this paper, the most recent issues describing the relative contribution of the aforementioned risk factors in TC development are discussed. In addition, particular attention is paid to the exposure to environmental chemical substances and thermal stress, whose role in cancer development and progression has recently been investigated at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Iva Šabovic
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cosci
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Ghezzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Carlo Foresta
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Xing JS, Bai ZM. Is testicular dysgenesis syndrome a genetic, endocrine, or environmental disease, or an unexplained reproductive disorder? Life Sci 2018; 194:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Liu L, Wang H, Tian M, Zhang J, Panuwet P, D'Souza PE, Barr DB, Huang Q, Xia Y, Shen H. Phthalate metabolites related to infertile biomarkers and infertility in Chinese men. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:291-300. [PMID: 28810198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Although in vitro and in vivo laboratory studies have demonstrated androgen and anti-androgen effects on male reproduction from phthalate exposures, human studies still remain inconsistent. Therefore, a case-control study (n = 289) was conducted to evaluate the associations between phthalate exposures, male infertility risks, and changes in metabolomic biomarkers. Regional participants consisted of fertile (n = 150) and infertile (n = 139) males were recruited from Nanjing Medical University' affiliated hospitals. Seven urinary phthalate metabolites were measured using HPLC-MS/MS. Associations between levels of phthalate metabolites, infertility risks, and infertility-related biomarkers were statistically evaluated. MEHHP, one of the most abundant DEHP oxidative metabolites was significantly lower in cases than in controls (p = 0.039). When using the 1st quartile range as a reference, although statistically insignificant for odds ratios (ORs) of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles (OR (95% CI) = 1.50 (0.34-6.48), 0.70 (0.14-3.52) and 0.42 (0.09-2.00), respectively), the MEHHP dose-dependent trend of infertility risk expressed as OR decreased significantly (p = 0.034). More interestingly, most of the phthalate metabolites, including MEHHP, were either positively associated with fertile prevention metabolic biomarkers or negatively associated with fertile hazard ones. Phthalate metabolism, along with their activated infertility-related biomarkers, may contribute to a decreased risk of male infertility at the subjects' ongoing exposure levels. Our results may be illustrated by the low-dose related androgen effect of phthalates and can improve our understanding of the controversial epidemiological results on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangpo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Laboratory of Exposure Assessment and Development for Environmental Research, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Heng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, Zhoushan, 316021, PR China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Laboratory of Exposure Assessment and Development for Environmental Research, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Priya Esilda D'Souza
- Laboratory of Exposure Assessment and Development for Environmental Research, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Laboratory of Exposure Assessment and Development for Environmental Research, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, PR China
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China.
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13
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Sarkar D, Singh SK. Effect of neonatal hypothyroidism on prepubertal mouse testis in relation to thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (THRα1). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 251:109-120. [PMID: 27519547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are important for growth and development of many tissues, and altered thyroid status affects various organs and systems. Testis also is considered as a thyroid hormone responsive organ. Though THs play an important role in regulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, the exact mechanism of this regulation remains poorly understood. The present study, therefore, is designed to examine the effect of neonatal hypothyroidism on prepubertal Parkes (P) strain mice testis in relation to thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (THRα1). Hypothyroidism was induced by administration of 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) in mother's drinking water from birth to day 28; on postnatal day (PND) 21 only pups, and on PND 28, both pups and lactating dams were euthanized. Serum T3 and T4 were markedly reduced in pups at PND 28 and in lactating mothers, while serum and intra-testicular testosterone levels were considerably decreased in pups of both age groups. Further, serum and intra-testicular levels of estrogen were significantly increased in hypothyroid mice at PND 28 with concomitant increase in CYP19 expression. Histologically, marked changes were noticed in testes of PTU-treated mice; immunohistochemical and western blot analyses of testes in treated mice also revealed marked decrease in the expression of THRα1 at both age groups. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and western blot analyses also showed reductions in both testicular mRNA and protein levels of SF-1, StAR, CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD in these mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that neonatal hypothyroidism alters localization and expression of THRα1 and impairs testicular steroidogenesis by down-regulating the expression SF-1, thereby affecting spermatogenesis in prepubertal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarshi Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Zhang C, Gong P, Ye Y, Zhang L, Chen M, Hu Y, Gu A, Chen S, Wang Y. NF-κB-vimentin is involved in steroidogenesis stimulated by mono-butyl phthalate in primary cultured ovarian granulosa cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 45:25-30. [PMID: 28735033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and its active metabolite, monobutyl phthalate (MBP) are the most common endocrine disrupting chemicals. Many studies indicated the effects of MBP on male steroidogenesis, however, little attention have been paid on the effects of low levels of MBP on female steroidogenesis. This study was aimed to assess steroidogenesis stimulated by low-dose MBP on primary cultured ovarian granulosa cells (mGCs). Ovarian granulosa cells were isolated from ICR female mice. Hormone levels in medium were detected by ELISA, mRNA and protein expressions of vimentin, NF-κB p65 and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (p-p65) were assayed by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Besides, confocal immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used for detecting vimentin expression and activity of NF-κB p65 binding to the promoter of vimentin, respectively. Progesterone levels, mRNA and protein levels of vimentin and p-p65 in cells were increased significantly in mGCs treated by MBP at 10-10M. Additionally, MBP-induced steroidogenesis was blocked when vimentin protein was knocked down or activity of NF-κB was inhibited. EMSA assay showed that binding activity of NF-κB to the promoter regions of vimentin was boosted after MBP exposure. Accordingly, the results suggested that MBP could up-regulated steroidogenesis through NF-κB-vimentin signal in mGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Pan Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Yan Ye
- Donghai Town Community Health Service Center, Qidong County, Jiangsu Province 226253, PR China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Minjian Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Aihua Gu
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Yubang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China.
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15
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Alamdar A, Xi G, Huang Q, Tian M, Eqani SAMAS, Shen H. Arsenic activates the expression of 3β-HSD in mouse Leydig cells through repression of histone H3K9 methylation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 326:7-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Sarkar D, Chowdhury JP, Singh SK. Effect of polybrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis through altered thyroid status in adult mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 239:50-61. [PMID: 26602377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), have been widely used in many products to minimize the risk of fire, mainly by mixing in polymer products. BDE-209, a congener of PBDEs having structural similarity with thyroid hormones, acts as an endocrine disruptor by interfering with thyroid homeostasis. However, little is known about the effect of BDE-209 exposure on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. This study was therefore conducted in adult mice to examine the effect of BDE-209 on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in relation to thyroid status, and to explore possible mechanism(s) of its action. Adult Parkes strain male mice were orally gavaged with 750 and 950mg/kg BW of BDE-209 in corn oil for 35days. Significant reductions were noted in the levels of serum total T3, T4 and testosterone in mice treated with 950mg/kg BW of BDE-209 compared to controls; histologically, testes showed nonuniform degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules as both affected and normal tubules were observed in the same section; further, number and viability of spermatozoa were also adversely affected in cauda epididymidis of these mice. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and western blot analyses also showed significant reductions in both testicular mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) in 950mg dose treated-mice compared to controls. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses further revealed a marked decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells in testes of 950mg dose of BDE-209-treated mice. However, 750mg dose of BDE-209 had no effect on the above parameters. In conclusion, our results suggest that exposure of BDE-209 to adult mice causes reduction in serum levels of thyroid hormones and altered thyroid status may partly result into impairment of testicular steroidogenesis because of down-regulated expression of SF-1, thereby causing suppression of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarshi Sarkar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | | | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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Leal LF, Bueno AC, Gomes DC, Abduch R, de Castro M, Antonini SR. Inhibition of the Tcf/beta-catenin complex increases apoptosis and impairs adrenocortical tumor cell proliferation and adrenal steroidogenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43016-32. [PMID: 26515592 PMCID: PMC4767488 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, there is no effective therapy for patients with advanced/metastatic adrenocortical cancer (ACC). The activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is frequent in ACC and this pathway is a promising therapeutic target. Aim To investigate the effects of the inhibition of the Wnt/beta-catenin in ACC cells. Methods Adrenal (NCI-H295 and Y1) and non-adrenal (HeLa) cell lines were treated with PNU-74654 (5–200 μM) for 24–96 h to assess cell viability (MTS-based assay), apoptosis (Annexin V), expression/localization of beta-catenin (qPCR, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and western blot), expression of beta-catenin target genes (qPCR and western blot), and adrenal steroidogenesis (radioimmunoassay, qPCR and western blot). Results In NCI-H295 cells, PNU-74654 significantly decreased cell proliferation 96 h after treatment, increased early and late apoptosis, decreased nuclear beta-catenin accumulation, impaired CTNNB1/beta-catenin expression and increased beta-catenin target genes 48 h after treatment. No effects were observed on HeLa cells. In NCI-H295 cells, PNU-74654 decreased cortisol, testosterone and androstenedione secretion 24 and 48 h after treatment. Additionally, in NCI-H295 cells, PNU-74654 decreased SF1 and CYP21A2 mRNA expression as well as the protein levels of STAR and aldosterone synthase 48 h after treatment. In Y1 cells, PNU-74654 impaired corticosterone secretion 24 h after treatment but did not decrease cell viability. Conclusions Blocking the Tcf/beta-catenin complex inhibits the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in adrenocortical tumor cells triggering increased apoptosis, decreased cell viability and impairment of adrenal steroidogenesis. These promising findings pave the way for further experiments inhibiting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in pre-clinical models of ACC. The inhibition of this pathway may become a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia F Leal
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Bueno
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Débora C Gomes
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Abduch
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonir R Antonini
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Mathieu-Denoncourt J, Martyniuk CJ, Loughery JR, Yargeau V, de Solla SR, Langlois VS. Lethal and sublethal effects of phthalate diesters in Silurana tropicalis larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:2511-2522. [PMID: 26924002 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are compounds used in polymers to increase their flexibility and are now ubiquitous in the environment as a result of widespread use. Because few studies have focused on the adverse effects of these chemicals in aquatic species, the present study aimed to determine the effects of phthalate diesters in amphibians. Western clawed frog (Silurana tropicalis) tadpoles were acutely exposed to water spiked with monomethyl phthalate (MMP; 1.3-1595.5 mg/L), dimethyl phthalate (DMP; 0.03-924.0 mg/L), or dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP; 0.3-99.3 mg/L). Because few studies have addressed the toxicity of these specific phthalates in most organisms, the present study used higher concentrations of these chemicals to determine their toxicity pathways in amphibians and at the same time investigate a suite of genes known to be altered by the well-studied phthalates. Both DMP and DCHP increased larval mortality (9.1-924.0 mg/L DMP and 4.1-99.3 mg/L DCHP), increased frequency of malformations in tadpoles (0.1-34.1 mg/L DMP and 4.1-19.0 mg/L DCHP), and up-regulated cellular stress-related messenger-RNA (mRNA) levels (4.1 mg/L DCHP). To characterize the molecular toxicity pathway of these phthalates in tadpoles, transcriptome analysis was conducted using a custom microarray. Parametric analysis of gene set enrichment revealed important changes in the expression of genes related to drug metabolism and transport, liver metabolism, xenobiotic clearance, and xenobiotic metabolism after DMP and DCHP treatments, although these responses were less pronounced with MMP (the metabolite of DMP). The present study is one of the few studies that demonstrated complementarity between gene expression analysis and organismal effects. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2511-2522. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Mathieu-Denoncourt
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick and Canadian Rivers Institute, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jennifer R Loughery
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick and Canadian Rivers Institute, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Viviane Yargeau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shane R de Solla
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Jones S, Boisvert A, Naghi A, Hullin-Matsuda F, Greimel P, Kobayashi T, Papadopoulos V, Culty M. Stimulatory effects of combined endocrine disruptors on MA-10 Leydig cell steroid production and lipid homeostasis. Toxicology 2016; 355-356:21-30. [PMID: 27181934 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that in-utero exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen Genistein (GEN), and plasticizer DEHP, induces short- and long-term alterations in testicular gene and protein expression different from individual exposures. These studies identified fetal and adult Leydig cells as sensitive targets for low dose endocrine disruptor (ED) mixtures. To further investigate the direct effects and mechanisms of toxicity of GEN and DEHP, MA-10 mouse tumor Leydig cells were exposed in-vitro to varying concentrations of GEN and MEHP, the principal bioactive metabolite of DEHP. Combined 10μM GEN+10μM MEHP had a stimulatory effect on basal progesterone production. Consistent with increased androgenicity, the mRNA of steroidogenic and cholesterol mediators Star, Cyp11a, Srb1 and Hsl, as well as upstream orphan nuclear receptors Nr2f2 and Sf1 were all significantly increased uniquely in the mixture treatment group. Insl3, a sensitive marker of Leydig endocrine disruption and cell function, was significantly decreased by combined GEN+MEHP. Lipid analysis by high-performance thin layer chromatography demonstrated the ability of combined 10μM combined GEN+MEHP, but not individual exposures, to increase levels of several neutral lipids and phospholipid classes, indicating a generalized deregulation of lipid homeostasis. Further investigation by qPCR analysis revealed a concomitant increase in cholesterol (Hmgcoa) and phospholipid (Srebp1c, Fasn) mediator mRNAs, suggesting the possible involvement of upstream LXRα agonism. These results suggest a deregulation of MA-10 Leydig function in response to a combination of GEN+MEHP. We propose a working model for GEN+MEHP doses relevant to human exposure involving LXR agonism and activation of other transcription factors. Taken more broadly, this research highlights the importance of assessing the impact of ED mixtures in multiple toxicological models across a range of environmentally relevant doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jones
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrada Naghi
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Françoise Hullin-Matsuda
- Lipid Biology Laboratory, RIKEN Institute, Wakoshi, Saitama, Japan; INSERM UMR1060, University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Peter Greimel
- Lipid Biology Laboratory, RIKEN Institute, Wakoshi, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martine Culty
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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20
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Chu Q, Chi ZH, Zhang X, Liang D, Wang X, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Zhang P. A potential role for zinc transporter 7 in testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig tumor cells. Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:1619-26. [PMID: 27121848 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element which is involved in male reproduction. The zinc transporter (ZnT) family, SLC30a, is involved in the maintenance of Zn homeostasis and in mediating intracellular signaling events; however, relatively little is known regarding the effect of ZnTs on testosterone synthesis. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of Zn transporter 7 (ZnT7) on testosterone synthesis in male CD-1 mice and mouse Leydig cells. The findings of the present study revealed that the concentrations of Zn in the testes and Leydig cells were significantly lower in mice fed a Zn-deficient diet compared with the control mice fed a Zn-adequate diet. In addition, ZnT7 was principally expressed and colocalized with steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the Leydig cells of male CD-1 mice. ZnT7 expression was downregulated in the mice fed a Zn-deficient diet, which led to decreases in the expression of the enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis namely cholesterol side‑chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/D5-D4 isomerase (3β-HSD) as well as decreased serum testosterone levels. These results suggested that Znt7 may be involved in testosterone synthesis in the mouse testes. To examine this hypothesis, we used the mouse Leydig tumor cell line (MLTC-1 cell line) in which the ZnT7 gene had been silenced, in order to gauge the impact of changes in ZnT7 expression on testosterone secretion and the enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis. The results demonstrated that ZnT7 gene silencing downregulated the expression of StAR, P450scc and 3β-HSD as well as progesterone concentrations in the human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-stimulated MLTC-1 cells. Taken together, these findings reveal that ZnT7 may play an important role in the regulation of testosterone synthesis by modulating steroidogenic enzymes, and may represent a therapeutic target in testosterone deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Chu
- Department of Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Hong Chi
- Department of Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Benxi Center Hospital, China Medical University, Benxi, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Dan Liang
- Troops of 95935 Unit, Harbin, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- School of Stomatology of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Stomatology of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Liaoning Medical College, Jinzhou, Liaoning, P.R. China
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miRNA-200c mediates mono-butyl phthalate-disrupted steroidogenesis by targeting vimentin in Leydig tumor cells and murine adrenocortical tumor cells. Toxicol Lett 2016; 241:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Prenatal Exposure to DEHP Affects Spermatogenesis and Sperm DNA Methylation in a Strain-Dependent Manner. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132136. [PMID: 26244509 PMCID: PMC4526524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phtalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer with endocrine disrupting properties found ubiquitously in the environment and altering reproduction in rodents. Here we investigated the impact of prenatal exposure to DEHP on spermatogenesis and DNA sperm methylation in two distinct, selected, and sequenced mice strains. FVB/N and C57BL/6J mice were orally exposed to 300 mg/kg/day of DEHP from gestation day 9 to 19. Prenatal DEHP exposure significantly decreased spermatogenesis in C57BL/6J (fold-change = 0.6, p-value = 8.7*10-4), but not in FVB/N (fold-change = 1, p-value = 0.9). The number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by DEHP-exposure across the entire genome showed increased hyper- and decreased hypo-methylation in C57BL/6J compared to FVB/N. At the promoter level, three important subsets of genes were massively affected. Promoters of vomeronasal and olfactory receptors coding genes globally followed the same trend, more pronounced in the C57BL/6J strain, of being hyper-methylated in DEHP related conditions. In contrast, a large set of micro-RNAs were hypo-methylated, with a trend more pronounced in the FVB/N strain. We additionally analyze both the presence of functional genetic variations within genes that were associated with the detected DMRs and that could be involved in spermatogenesis, and DMRs related with the DEHP exposure that affected both strains in an opposite manner. The major finding in this study indicates that prenatal exposure to DEHP can decrease spermatogenesis in a strain-dependent manner and affects sperm DNA methylation in promoters of large sets of genes putatively involved in both sperm chemotaxis and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
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Nair N. Dose-dependent short-term study of di-n-butyl phthalate on the testicular antioxidant system of Wistar rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:2196-2204. [PMID: 25172463 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3457-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a xenobiotic, is widely used in industries as a softener for polyvinyl chloride resins. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether DBP induces oxidative stress in testes of Wistar rats. DBP at doses of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg b.wt. (doses below LD50) was given orally for 7 days. After 24 hrs from the last dose, the animals were killed under ether anesthesia. Nonsignificant increase in testicular weight was observed. Histological studies indicated a dose-related degeneration of germinal, Leydig and Sertoli cells along with loss of spermatozoa in the lumen. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides, water-soluble antioxidant capacity, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and trace elements-zinc and copper increased while concentrations of total protein, lipid soluble antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, glutathione, total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Cu-ZnSOD, MnSOD, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and metallothionein decreased at all the dose levels. The data suggests that the cellular functions were adversely affected due to impairment of spermatogenesis indicative of oxidative stress as evident by altered antioxidative defense system which appears to mediate through hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. The spectrum of changes in testes reflects its susceptibility to phthalate even at low dose with the potential to interfere with critical reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena Nair
- Cell Biology Laboratory Department of Zoology Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302055, India,
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