Bisphenol A promotes human prostate stem-progenitor cell self-renewal and increases in vivo carcinogenesis in human prostate epithelium

Health risks of Bisphenol-A exposure: From Wnt signaling perspective

Human beings are routinely exposed to chronic and low dose of Bisphenols (BPs) due to their widely pervasiveness in the environment. BPs hold similar chemical structures to 17β-estradiol (E2) and thyroid hormone, thus posing threats to human health by rendering the endocrine system dysfunctional. Among BPs, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is the best-known and extensively studied endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). BPA possesses multisystem toxicity, including reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Particularly, the central nervous system (CNS), especially the developing one, is vulnerable to BPA exposure. This review describes our current knowledge of BPA toxicity and the related molecular mechanisms, with an emphasis on the role of Wnt signaling in the related processes. We also discuss the role of oxidative stress, endocrine signaling and epigenetics in the regulation of Wnt signaling by BPA exposure. In summary, dysfunction of Wnt signaling plays a key role in BPA toxicity and thus can be a potential target to alleviate EDCs induced damage to organisms.

Bisphenol-A in Drinking Water Accelerates Mammary Cancerogenesis and Favors an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in BALB-neuT Mice

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic compound ubiquitously present in the environment, can act as an endocrine disruptor by binding to both canonical and non-canonical estrogen receptors (ERs). Exposure to BPA has been linked to various cancers, in particular, those arising in hormone-targeted tissues such as the breast. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BPA intake through drinking water on ErbB2/neu-driven cancerogenesis in BALB-neuT mice, transgenic for a mutated ErbB2/neu receptor gene, which reproducibly develop carcinomas in all mammary glands. In this model, BPA accelerated mammary cancerogenesis with an increase in the number of tumors per mouse and a concurrent decrease in tumor-free and overall survival. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, BALB-neuT tumors were ER-negative but expressed high levels of the alternative estrogen receptor GPR30, regardless of BPA exposure. On the other hand, BPA exposure resulted in a marked upregulation of progesterone receptors in preinvasive tumors and of Ki67, CD31, and phosphorylated Akt in invasive tumors. Moreover, based on several infiltration markers of immune cells, BPA favored an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, in vitro cell survival studies performed on a cell line established from a BALB-neuT breast carcinoma confirmed that BPA's impact on cancer progression can be particularly relevant after chronic, low-dose exposure.

Screening of the Antagonistic Activity of Potential Bisphenol A Alternatives toward the Androgen Receptor Using Machine Learning and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Over the past few decades, extensive research has indicated that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) increases the health risks in humans. Toxicological studies have demonstrated that BPA can bind to the androgen receptor (AR), resulting in endocrine-disrupting effects. In recent investigations, many alternatives to BPA have been detected in various environmental media as major pollutants. However, related experimental evaluations of BPA alternatives have not been systematically implemented for the assessment of chemical safety and the effects of structural characteristics on the antagonistic activity of the AR. To promote the green development of BPA alternatives, high-throughput toxicological screening is fundamental for prioritizing chemical tests. Therefore, we proposed a hybrid deep learning architecture that combines molecular descriptors and molecular graphs to predict AR antagonistic activity. Compared to previous models, this hybrid architecture can extract substantial chemical information from various molecular representations to improve the model's generalization ability for BPA alternatives. Our predictions suggest that lignin-derivable bisguaiacols, as alternatives to BPA, are likely to be nonantagonist for AR compared to bisphenol analogues. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations identified the dihydrotestosterone-bound pocket, rather than the surface, as the major binding site of bisphenol analogues. The conformational changes of key helix H12 from an agonistic to an antagonistic conformation can be evaluated qualitatively by accelerated MD simulations to explain the underlying mechanism. Overall, our computational study is helpful for toxicological screening of BPA alternatives and the design of environmentally friendly BPA alternatives.

Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Biology and Treatment Implications

Stem cells differentiate into mature organ/tissue-specific cells at a steady pace under normal conditions, but their growth can be accelerated during the process of tissue healing or in the context of certain diseases. It is postulated that the proliferation and growth of carcinomas are sustained by the presence of a vital cellular compartment resembling stem cells residing in normal tissues: 'stem-like cancer cells' or cancer stem cells (CSCs). Mutations in prostate stem cells can lead to the formation of prostate cancer. Prostate CSCs (PCSCs) have been identified and partially characterized. These express surface markers include CD44, CD133, integrin α2β1, and pluripotency factors like OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2. Several signaling pathways are also over-activated, including Notch, PTEN/Akt/PI3K, RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK and HH. Moreover, PCSCs appear to induce resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, while their presence has been linked to aggressive cancer behavior and higher relapse rates. The development of treatment policies to target PCSCs in tumors is appealing as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, through cancer cell killing, trigger tumor repopulation via activated stem cells. Thus, blocking this reactive stem cell mobilization may facilitate a positive outcome through cytotoxic treatment.

A vision for safer food contact materials: Public health concerns as drivers for improved testing

Food contact materials (FCMs) and food contact articles are ubiquitous in today's globalized food system. Chemicals migrate from FCMs into foodstuffs, so called food contact chemicals (FCCs), but current regulatory requirements do not sufficiently protect public health from hazardous FCCs because only individual substances used to make FCMs are tested and mostly only for genotoxicity while endocrine disruption and other hazard properties are disregarded. Indeed, FCMs are a known source of a wide range of hazardous chemicals, and they likely contribute to highly prevalent non-communicable diseases. FCMs can also include non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which often are unknown and therefore not subject to risk assessment. To address these important shortcomings, we outline how the safety of FCMs may be improved by (1) testing the overall migrate, including (unknown) NIAS, of finished food contact articles, and (2) expanding toxicological testing beyond genotoxicity to multiple endpoints associated with non-communicable diseases relevant to human health. To identify mechanistic endpoints for testing, we group chronic health outcomes associated with chemical exposure into Six Clusters of Disease (SCOD) and we propose that finished food contact articles should be tested for their impacts on these SCOD. Research should focus on developing robust, relevant, and sensitive in-vitro assays based on mechanistic information linked to the SCOD, e.g., through Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) or Key Characteristics of Toxicants. Implementing this vision will improve prevention of chronic diseases that are associated with hazardous chemical exposures, including from FCMs.

Persistent organic pollutants promote aggressiveness in prostate cancer

Increasing evidence points towards a causal link between exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with increased incidence and aggressivity of various cancers. Among these POPs, dioxin and PCB-153 are widely found in our environment and represent a significant source of contamination. Dioxin exposure has already been linked to cancer such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but remains to be more extensively investigated in other cancers. Potential implications of dioxin and PCB-153 in prostate cancer progression spurred us to challenge both ex vivo and in vivo models with low doses of these POPs. We found that dioxin or PCB-153 exposure increased hallmarks of growth and metastasis of prostate cancer cells ex vivo and in grafted NOD-SCID mice. Exposure induced histopathological carcinoma-like patterns in the Ptenpc-/- mice. We identified up-regulation of Acetyl-CoA Acetyltransferase-1 (ACAT1) involved in ketone bodies pathway as a potential target. Mechanistically, genetic inhibition confirmed that ACAT1 mediated dioxin effect on cell migration. Using public prostate cancer datasets, we confirmed the deregulation of ACAT1 and associated gene encoded ketone bodies pathway enzymes such as OXCT1, BDH1 and HMGCL in advanced prostate cancer. To further explore this link between dioxin and ACAT1 deregulation, we analyzed a unique prostate-tumour tissue collection from the USA veterans exposed to agent orange, known to be highly contaminated by dioxin because of industrial production. We found that ACAT1 histoscore is significantly increased in exposed patients. Our studies reveal the implication of dioxin and PCB-153 to induce a prometastatic programme in prostate tumours and identify ACAT1 deregulation as a key event in this process.

Developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells by endocrine disruptor linking to risk of uterine fibroids

BACKGROUND

The stage, when tissues and organs are growing, is very vulnerable to environmental influences, but it's not clear how exposure during this time causes changes to the epigenome and increases the risk of hormone-related illnesses like uterine fibroids (UFs).

METHODS

Developmental reprogramming of myometrial stem cells (MMSCs), the putative origin from which UFs originate, was investigated in vitro and in the Eker rat model by RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, RRBS, gain/loss of function analysis, and luciferase activity assays.

RESULTS

When exposed to the endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) diethylstilbestrol during Eker rat development, MMSCs undergo a reprogramming of their estrogen-responsive transcriptome. The reprogrammed genes in MMSCs are known as estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs) and are activated by mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1) and DNA hypo-methylation mechanisms. Additionally, we observed a notable elevation in the expression of ERGs in MMSCs from Eker rats exposed to natural steroids after developmental exposure to EDC, thereby augmenting estrogen activity.

CONCLUSION

Our studies identify epigenetic mechanisms of MLL1/DNA hypo-methylation-mediated MMSC reprogramming. EDC exposure epigenetically targets MMSCs and leads to persistent changes in the expression of a subset of ERGs, imparting a hormonal imprint on the ERGs, resulting in a "hyper-estrogenic" phenotype, and increasing the hormone-dependent risk of UFs.

Re-evaluation of the risks to public health related to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in foodstuffs

In 2015, EFSA established a temporary tolerable daily intake (t-TDI) for BPA of 4 μg/kg body weight (bw) per day. In 2016, the European Commission mandated EFSA to re-evaluate the risks to public health from the presence of BPA in foodstuffs and to establish a tolerable daily intake (TDI). For this re-evaluation, a pre-established protocol was used that had undergone public consultation. The CEP Panel concluded that it is Unlikely to Very Unlikely that BPA presents a genotoxic hazard through a direct mechanism. Taking into consideration the evidence from animal data and support from human observational studies, the immune system was identified as most sensitive to BPA exposure. An effect on Th17 cells in mice was identified as the critical effect; these cells are pivotal in cellular immune mechanisms and involved in the development of inflammatory conditions, including autoimmunity and lung inflammation. A reference point (RP) of 8.2 ng/kg bw per day, expressed as human equivalent dose, was identified for the critical effect. Uncertainty analysis assessed a probability of 57-73% that the lowest estimated Benchmark Dose (BMD) for other health effects was below the RP based on Th17 cells. In view of this, the CEP Panel judged that an additional uncertainty factor (UF) of 2 was needed for establishing the TDI. Applying an overall UF of 50 to the RP, a TDI of 0.2 ng BPA/kg bw per day was established. Comparison of this TDI with the dietary exposure estimates from the 2015 EFSA opinion showed that both the mean and the 95th percentile dietary exposures in all age groups exceeded the TDI by two to three orders of magnitude. Even considering the uncertainty in the exposure assessment, the exceedance being so large, the CEP Panel concluded that there is a health concern from dietary BPA exposure.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Disease Endpoints

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have significant impacts on biological systems, and have been shown to interfere with physiological systems, especially by disrupting the hormone balance. During the last few decades, EDCs have been shown to affect reproductive, neurological, and metabolic development and function and even stimulate tumor growth. EDC exposure during development can disrupt normal development patterns and alter susceptibility to disease. Many chemicals have endocrine-disrupting properties, including bisphenol A, organochlorines, polybrominated flame retardants, alkylphenols, and phthalates. These compounds have gradually been elucidated as risk factors for many diseases, such as reproductive, neural, and metabolic diseases and cancers. Endocrine disruption has been spread to wildlife and species that are connected to the food chains. Dietary uptake represents an important source of EDC exposure. Although EDCs represent a significant public health concern, the relationship and specific mechanism between EDCs and diseases remain unclear. This review focuses on the disease-EDC relationship and the disease endpoints associated with endocrine disruption for a better understanding of the relationship between EDCs-disease and elucidates the development of new prevention/treatment opportunities and screening methods.

Effects of perinatal exposure to bisphenol A on induction of prostate cancer in Sprague Dawley rats by MNU and testosterone

Perinatal and neonatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to enhancement of prostate carcinogenesis in rats induced by combined treatment with estradiol and testosterone, but human data are lacking. This study aimed to determine the effects of perinatal BPA exposure on induction of prostate cancer in rats by sequential treatment with N-methyl-N-nitrosamine (MNU) and continuous low dose administration of testosterone. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to BPA administered by subcutaneous Alzet minipumps at doses of 2.5 or 25 µg/kg body weight/day from gestational day 9 until postnatal day 28 when pups were weaned providing exposure of offspring in utero and via the mother's milk. At 10-12 weeks of age, one male offspring per litter was treated with an intraperitoneal injection of MNU after hormonal stimulation of prostatic cell proliferation followed two weeks later by subcutaneous insertion of Silastic implants containing testosterone until the termination of the study 57-58 weeks after MNU injection. The perinatal BPA exposure did not significantly affect the incidence of prostate carcinomas which was slightly lower in exposed rats (33-23 %) than in control animals (40 %). Carcinomas in all accessory sex glands combined were also insignificantly less frequent in exposed (46-48 %) than in control rats (60 %). The incidence of malignant tumors at any site in the body was significantly lower in exposed rats (81-65 %) than in controls (93 %). In conclusion, perinatal BPA exposure did not significantly modify prostate cancer induction by MNU plus testosterone in rats, unlike the enhancement of prostate carcinogenesis induced by treatments involving estradiol administration. Which of the two models of prostate carcinogenesis is more relevant for the human situation is unclear at present.

Stem cells from a malignant rat prostate cell line generate prostate cancers in vivo: a model for prostate cancer stem cell propagated tumor growth

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to conventional cancer therapies, permitting the repopulation of new tumor growth and driving disease progression. Models for testing prostate CSC-propagated tumor growth are presently limited yet necessary for therapeutic advancement. Utilizing the congenic nontumorigenic NRP152 and tumorigenic NRP154 rat prostate epithelial cell lines, the present study investigated the self-renewal, differentiation, and regenerative abilities of prostate stem/progenitor cells and developed a CSC-based PCa model. NRP154 cells expressed reduced levels of tumor suppressor caveolin-1 and increased p-Src as compared to NRP152 cells. Gene knockdown of caveolin-1 in NRP152 cells upregulated p-Src, implicating their role as potential oncogenic mediators in NRP154 cells. A FACS-based Hoechst exclusion assay revealed a side population of stem-like cells (0.1%) in both NRP152 and NRP154 cell lines. Using a 3D Matrigel culture system, stem cells from both cell lines established prostaspheres at a 0.1% efficiency through asymmetric self-renewal and rapid proliferation of daughter progenitor cells. Spheres derived from both cell lines contained CD117⁺ and CD133⁺ stem cell subpopulations and basal progenitor cell subpopulations (p63⁺ and CK5⁺) but were negative for luminal cell CK8 markers at day 7. While some NRP152 sphere cells were androgen receptor (AR) positive at this timepoint, NRP154 cells were AR^- up to 30 days of 3D culture. The regenerative capacity of the stem/progenitor cells was demonstrated by in vivo tissue recombination with urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) and renal grafting in nude mice. While stem/progenitor cells from NRP152 spheroids generated normal prostate structures, CSCs and progeny cells from NRP154 tumoroids generated tumor tissues that were characterized by immunohistochemistry. Atypical hyperplasia and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions progressed to adenocarcinoma with kidney invasion over 4 months. This provides clear evidence that prostate CSCs can repopulate new tumor growth outside the prostate gland that rapidly progresses to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with invasive capabilities. The dual in vitro/in vivo CSC model system presented herein provides a novel platform for screening therapeutic agents that target prostate CSCs for effective combined treatment protocols for local and advanced disease stages.

Current progress in treatment technologies for plastic waste (bisphenol A) in aquatic environment: Occurrence, toxicity and remediation mechanisms

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a type of endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) that is being widely used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. In the last few years, human exposure to BPA has been extensively high due to the continuous increment in the Annual Growth Rate (AGR) of the BPA global market. The presence and transportation of BPA in the environment could cause serious damage to aquatic life and human health. This paper reviewed the literature on the exposure and toxicity mechanisms of BPA and advanced analytical techniques for the detection of BPA in the environment and human beings. The study indicated that BPA can cause damaging effects on numerous tissues and organs, including the reproductive system, metabolic dysfunction, respiratory system, immune system and central nervous system. On the basis of reported studies on animals, it appears that the exposure of BPA can be carcinogenic and responsible for causing a variety of cancers like ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and liver cancer. This review paper focused mainly on the current progress in BPA removal technologies within last ten years (2012-2022). This paper presents a comprehensive overview of individual removal technologies, including adsorption, photocatalysis/photodegradation, ozonation/advance oxidation, photo-fenton, membranes/nanofilters, and biodegradation, along with removal mechanisms. The extensive literature study shows that each technology has its own removal mechanism and their respective limitations in BPA treatment. In adsorption and membrane separation process, most of BPA has been treated by electrostatic interaction, hydrogen boning and π-π interations mechanism. Whereas in the degradation mechanism, O* and OH* species have played a major role in BPA removal. Some factors could alter the removal potential and efficiency of BPA removal. This review paper will provide a useful guide in providing directions for future investigation to address the problem of BPA-containing wastewater treatment.

An insight into bisphenol A, food exposure and its adverse effects on health: A review

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical widely employed to synthesize epoxy resins, polymer materials, and polycarbonate plastics. BPA is abundant in the environment, i.e., in food containers, water bottles, thermal papers, toys, medical devices, etc., and is incorporated into soil/water through leaching. Being a potent endocrine disrupter, and has the potential to alter several body mechanisms. Studies confirmed its anti-androgen action and estrogen-like effects, which impart many negative health impacts, especially on the immune system, neuroendocrine process, and reproductive mechanism. Moreover, it can also induce mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, as per recent scientific research. This review focuses on BPA's presence and concentrations in different environments, food sources and the basic mechanisms of BPA-induced toxicity and health disruptions. It is a unique review of its type because it focuses on the association of cancer, hormonal disruption, immunosuppression, and infertility with BPA. These issues are widespread today, and BPA significantly contributes to their incidence because of its wide usage in daily life utensils and other accessories. The review also discusses researched-based measures to cope with the toxic chemical.

Individual and Combined Effect of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol AF on Prostate Cell Proliferation through NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) can induce prostatic dysfunction. However, to date, studies have focused little on the perturbations of prostate health initiated by the BPA derivative bisphenol AF (BPAF) and co-exposure to bisphenol compounds. An in vivo study orally administrated male rats with BPA (10, 90 μg/kg), BPAF (10, 90 μg/kg) and the inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC, 100 mg/kg). Based on the anatomical analysis, pathological observations and PCNA over-expression, we considered that low-dose BPA and BPAF facilitated ventral prostatic hyperplasia in rats. The results of IHC and ELISA mirrored the regulation of NF-κB p65, COX-2, TNF-α and EGFR in BPA- and BPAF-induced prostatic toxicity. An in vitro study found that the additive effect of combined exposure to BPA (10 nM) and BPAF (10 nM) could cause an elevation in the proliferation of and a reduction in the apoptosis level of human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) and fibroblasts (HPrF). Meanwhile, the underlying biomarkers of the NF-κB signaling pathway also involved the abnormal proliferative progression of prostate cells. The findings recapitulated the induction of BPAF exposure and co-treatment with BPA and BPAF on prostatic hyperplasia and emphasized the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Bisphenol Exposure Disrupts Cytoskeletal Organization and Development of Pre-Implantation Embryos

The endocrine disrupting activity of bisphenol compounds is well documented, but less is known regarding their impact on cell division and early embryo formation. Here, we tested the effects of acute in vitro exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and its common substitute, bisphenol F (BPF), during critical stages of mouse pre-implantation embryo development, including the first mitotic division, cell polarization, as well as morula and blastocyst formation. Timing of initial cleavage was determined by live-cell imaging, while subsequent divisions, cytoskeletal organization and lineage marker labeling were assessed by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Our analysis reveals that brief culture with BPA or BPF impeded cell division and disrupted embryo development at all stages tested. Surprisingly, BPF was more detrimental to the early embryo than BPA. Notably, poor embryo development was associated with cytoskeletal disruptions of the actomyosin network, apical domain formation during cell polarization, actin ring zippering for embryo sealing and altered cell lineage marker profiles. These results underscore that bisphenols can disrupt cytoskeletal integrity and remodeling that is vital for early embryo development and raise concerns regarding the use of BPF as a 'safe' BPA substitute.

Impact of chronic exposure of rats to bisphenol A from perinatal period to adulthood on intraprostatic levels of 5α-reductase isozymes, aromatase, and genes implicated in prostate cancer development

The synergetic effect of estrogens and androgens is known to play a crucial role in the physiopathology of the prostate gland. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting compound that can interfere with endocrine hormone functioning and thereby influence prostate development. The objective of this study was to examine the impact on prostate expression of aromatase, 5α-R isozymes, and prostate cancer-related genes of exposure to low doses of BPA from perinatal period to adulthood. Vehicle or BPA (2.5 μg/kg b.w./day) was administered to gestating Wistar rats from gestational day 12 (GD12) to parturition and then to their male pups from postnatal day 1 (PND1) until euthanization on PND90. Their prostate glands were examined by qRT-PCR, Western blot, PCR array, and morphological study. mRNA and protein levels of 5α-R2 were significantly reduced and mRNA and protein levels of aromatase were significantly increased in BPA-treated animals, which also showed modifications of 8 out of the 84 key genes implicated in the development of prostate cancer. Because BPA interferes with genes involved in intraprostatic androgen and estrogen production and others implicated in prostate cancer, research is warranted into the prostate disease risk associated with chronic low-dose BPA exposure throughout life.

Emerging organoid models to study the epididymis in male reproductive toxicology

The importance of the epididymis on sperm maturation and consequently male fertility has been well documented. The pseudostratified epithelium of the epididymis is comprised of multiple cell types, including principal cells, which are the most abundant, and basal cells. The role of basal cells has been unclear and has been a source of discussion in the literature. However, the recent demonstration that these cells are multipotent or adult stem cells has opened new areas of research in epididymal biology. One such avenue is to understand the regulation of these stem cells, and to exploit their properties to develop tools for toxicological studies to elucidate the effects of chemicals on cell differentiation and epididymal function in vitro. Studies in both rat and mouse have shown that purified single epididymal basal cells cultured under 3D conditions can proliferate and differentiate to form organoids, or mini organs. Furthermore, these epididymal basal stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into other epididymal cell types. It is known that during epididymal development, basal cells are derived from undifferentiated columnar cells, which have been reported to share common properties to stem cells. Like basal cells, these undifferentiated columnar cells can also form organoids under 3D culture conditions and can differentiate into basal, principal and clear cells. Organoids derived from either basal cells or columnar cells offer unique models for toxicology studies and represent an exciting and emerging approach to understand the epididymis.

The Bisphenols Found in the Ejaculate of Men Does Not Pass through the Testes

Exposure to bisphenols is related to negative effects on male reproduction. The bisphenols exposure is associated with several modes of action including negative impact on the blood–testis barrier (BTB) in testes or direct effect on spermatozoa. Bisphenols have been detected in human seminal plasma, but the possible mechanism of seminal transfer of bisphenols is not clear. Some authors consider the transfer through the blood–testis barrier to be crucial. Therefore, in this work, we compared normozoospermic men and men after vasectomy who have interrupted vas deferens and their ejaculate does not contain testicular products. We measured the concentration of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) in the urine and seminal plasma of these men using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MSMS). We found that the ratio of urinary and seminal plasma content of bisphenols did not differ in normozoospermic men or men after vasectomy. From the obtained data, it can be concluded that the pathways of transport of bisphenols into seminal plasma are not primarily through the testicular tissue, but this pathway is applied similarly to other routes of transmission by a corresponding ejaculate volume ratio. To a much greater extent than through testicular tissue, bisphenols enter the seminal plasma mainly as part of the secretions of the accessory glands.

Environmental Phenol and Paraben Exposure Risks and Their Potential Influence on the Gene Expression Involved in the Prognosis of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading malignant tumors in US men. The lack of understanding of the molecular pathology on the risk of food supply chain exposures of environmental phenol (EP) and paraben (PB) chemicals limits the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. This research aims to utilize a risk assessment approach to demonstrate the association of EP and PB exposures detected in the urine samples along with PCa in US men (NHANES data 2005−2015). Further, we employ integrated bioinformatics to examine how EP and PB exposure influences the molecular pathways associated with the progression of PCa. The odds ratio, multiple regression model, and Pearson coefficients were used to evaluate goodness-of-fit analyses. The results demonstrated associations of EPs, PBs, and their metabolites, qualitative and quantitative variables, with PCa. The genes responsive to EP and PB exposures were identified using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD). DAVID.6.8, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to delineate their roles in prostate carcinogenesis. The plug-in CytoHubba and MCODE completed identification of the hub genes in Cytoscape software for their roles in the PCa prognosis. It was then validated by using the UALCAN database by evaluating the expression levels and predictive values of the identified hub genes in prostate cancer prognosis using TCGA data. We demonstrate a significant association of higher levels of EPs and PBs in the urine samples, categorical and numerical confounders, with self-reported PCa cases. The higher expression levels of the hub genes (BUB1B, TOP2A, UBE2C, RRM2, and CENPF) in the aggressive stages (Gleason score > 8) of PCa tissues indicate their potential role(s) in the carcinogenic pathways. Our results present an innovative approach to extrapolate and validate hub genes responsive to the EPs and PBs, which may contribute to the severity of the disease prognosis, especially in the older population of US men.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances target and alter human prostate stem-progenitor cells

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of widely used synthetic chemicals that are environmentally and biologically persistent and present in most individuals. Chronic PFAS exposure have been linked to increased prostate cancer risk in occupational settings, however, underlying mechanisms have not been interrogated. Herein we examined exposure of normal human prostate stem-progenitor cells (SPCs) to 10 nM PFOA or PFOS using serial passage of prostasphere cultures. Exposure to either PFAS for 3-4 weeks increased spheroid numbers and size indicative of elevated stem cell self-renewal and progenitor cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) showed 1) SPC expression of PPARs and RXRs able to mediate PFAS effects, 2) the emergence of a new cell cluster of aberrantly differentiated luminal progenitor cells upon PFOS/PFOA exposure, and 3) enrichment of cancer-associated signaling pathways. Metabolomic analysis of PFAS-exposed prostaspheres revealed increased glycolytic pathways including the Warburg effect as well as strong enrichment of serine and glycine metabolism which may promote a pre-malignant SPC fate. Finally, growth of in vivo xenografts of tumorigenic RWPE-2 human prostate cells, shown to contain cancer stem-like cells, was markedly enhanced by daily PFOS feeding to nude mice hosts. Together, these findings are the first to identify human prostate SPCs as direct PFAS targets with resultant reprogrammed transcriptomes and metabolomes that augment a preneoplastic state and may contribute to an elevated prostate cancer risk with chronic exposures.

Impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on prostate function and cancer

Because of their historical mode of action, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with sex-steroid receptors, namely the two estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and the androgen receptor (AR). Broadly, EDCs can modulate sex-steroid receptor functions. They can also indirectly impact the androgen and estrogen pathways by influencing steroidogenesis, expression of AR or ERs, and their respective activity as transcription factors. Additionally, many of these chemicals have multiple cellular targets other than sex-steroid receptors, which results in a myriad of potential effects in humans. The current article reviews the association between prostate cancer and the endocrine-disrupting functions of four prominent EDC families: bisphenols, phthalates, phytoestrogens, and mycoestrogens. Results from both in vitro and in vivo models are included and discussed to better assess the molecular mechanisms by which EDCs can modify prostate biology. To overcome the heterogeneity of results published, we established common guidelines to properly study EDCs in the context of endocrine diseases. Firstly, the expression of sex-steroid receptors in the models used must be determined before testing. Then, in parallel to EDCs, pharmacological compounds acting as positive (agonists) and negative controls (antagonists) have to be employed. Finally, EDCs need to be used in a precise range of concentrations to modulate sex-steroid receptors and avoid off-target effects. By adequately integrating molecular endocrinology aspects in EDC studies and identifying their underlying molecular mechanisms, we will truly understand their impact on prostate cancer and distinguish those that favor the progression of the disease from those that slow down tumor development.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Vitamin D Deficiency in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most prevalent gynecologic neoplasm, affecting 70-80% of women over their lifespan. Although UFs are benign they can become life-threatening and require invasive surgeries such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Notwithstanding the significant negative influence UFs have on female reproductive health, very little is known about early events that initiate tumor development. Several risk factors for UFs have been identified including vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, DNA repair deficiency, and environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs have come under scrutiny recently due to their role in UF development. Epidemiologic studies have found an association between increased risk for early UF diagnosis and in utero EDC exposure. Environmental exposure to EDCs during uterine development increases UF incidence in a UF animal model. Notably, several studies demonstrated that abnormal myometrial stem cells (MMSCs) are the cell origin for UFs development. Our recent studies demonstrated that early-life EDC exposure reprogrammed the MMSCs toward a pro-fibroid landscape and altered the DNA repair and inflammation pathways. Notably, Vitamin D3 (VITD3) as a natural compound shrank the UF growth concomitantly with the reversion of several abnormal biological pathways and ameliorated the developmental exposure-induced DNA damage and pro-inflammation pathway in primed MMSCs. This review highlights and emphasizes the importance of multiple pathway interactions in the context of hypovitaminosis D at the MMSCs level and provides proof-of-concept information that can help develop a safe, long-term, durable, and non-surgical therapeutic option for UFs.

Altered expression of genes identified in rats with prostatic chronic inflammation in a prostate spheroid model treated by estradiol/testosterone

Rats are the standard model for male reproductive toxicity testing. Rat prostates are physiologically and anatomically different from those of humans. Drug and chemical toxicity testing would benefit from an in vitro model of human prostate cells. Recently, spheroids derived by three-dimensional culture of human cell lines have been used for assessing drug and chemical toxicity in vitro as they mimic in vivo environments more closely than two-dimensional culture. However, forming consistently sized, uniform spheroids is technically challenging for toxicity testing. The purpose of this study was to identify potential genetic markers for assessing prostatic toxicity in spheroids. We formed prostate spheroids using agarose-coated plates seeded with human primary prostate epithelial cells. Prostate spheroids were treated with either 17β-estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T) on days 2-7 of culture. Samples were harvested on culture day 7. qPCR was used to examine gene expression levels previously identified in rats with chronic inflammation exposed to estradiol benzoate, E2 and/or T. Changes in some gene expression levels were observed in the spheroids treated with E2 or T. We found that treatment with 1 nM E2 and/or 10 μM T significantly altered spheroid proliferation and viability, as well as the expression levels of genes including Nanog homeobox (NANOG), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2). Further studies using biologically active molecules with prostatic toxicity are needed to verify the results and to determine whether gene expression changes in the spheroid are specific to E2 or T treatment.

Joint effect between bisphenol A and alcohol consumption on benign prostatic hyperplasia: A case-control study in Hong Kong Chinese males

BACKGROUND

Whether bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is a contributing factor to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between chronic BPA exposure and BPH risk, and explored whether this association was modified by alcohol drinking.

METHODS

This study included a total of 650 BPH cases and 650 controls recruited from the same hospital in Hong Kong during 2011-2016. Chronic BPA exposure level was estimated by a validated cumulative BPA exposure index (CBPAI). We performed unconditional logistic regression model to examine the association of BPH risk with potential sources of BPA exposure via oral intake and CBPAI. We further tested the interactions between CBPAI and alcohol consumption habits on BPH risk.

RESULTS

A positive exposure-response relationship was observed between CBPAI and BPH risk. Frequent BPA exposure via oral intake of foods heated in a plastic box/bag (odds ratio [OR] = 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-8.22), cooling water in a plastic bottle (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.33-5.27), or using a plastic cup to contain hot water (OR = 4.14, 95% CI: 1.02-16.89), was significantly associated with increased BPH risk. Compared with nonalcohol drinkers, alcohol drinkers was insignificantly associated with BPH risk (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.77-1.57), but it demonstrated a more remarkable positive gradient between CBPAI exposure and BPH risk among alcohol drinkers, indicating an additive interaction between CBPAI and alcohol on BPH risk (synergy index = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.21-14.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic oral BPA exposure increased BPH risk with a positive exposure-response relationship among Hong Kong Chinese, and alcohol drinking amplified the effect of BPA on BPH. Hence, minimizations of containing food or water/beverage in plastic containers and drinking alcohol are recommended in the community to mitigate BPH risk. Future larger and designated studies are warranted.

Overview of the Mechanisms of Action of Selected Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals on the Male Reproductive Axes

Male fertility has been deteriorating worldwide for considerable time, with the greatest deterioration recorded mainly in the United States, Europe countries, and Australia. That is, especially in countries where an abundance of chemicals called endocrine disruptors has repeatedly been reported, both in the environment and in human matrices. Human exposure to persistent and non-persistent chemicals is ubiquitous and associated with endocrine-disrupting effects. This group of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) can act as agonists or antagonists of hormone receptors and can thus significantly affect a number of physiological processes. It can even negatively affect human reproduction with an impact on the development of gonads and gametogenesis, fertilization, and the subsequent development of embryos. The negative effects of endocrine disruptors on sperm gametogenesis and male fertility in general have been investigated and repeatedly demonstrated in experimental and epidemiological studies. Male reproduction is affected by endocrine disruptors via their effect on testicular development, impact on estrogen and androgen receptors, potential epigenetic effect, production of reactive oxygen species or direct effect on spermatozoa and other cells of testicular tissue. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that the increasing incidence of male infertility is associated with the exposure to persistent and non-persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols and perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). These chemicals may impact men’s fertility through various mechanisms. This study provides an overview of the mechanisms of action common to persistent (PFAS) and nonpersistent (bisphenols) EDC on male fertility.

REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: Endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders: impacts on sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine pathways

We are all living with hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals in our bodies every day, a situation that threatens the reproductive health of present and future generations. This review focuses on endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), both naturally occurring and man-made, and summarizes how they interfere with the neuroendocrine system to adversely impact pregnancy outcomes, semen quality, age at puberty, and other aspects of human reproductive health. While obvious malformations of the genitals and other reproductive organs are a clear sign of adverse reproductive health outcomes and injury to brain sexual differentiation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis can be much more difficult to discern, particularly in humans. It is well-established that, over the course of development, gonadal hormones shape the vertebrate brain such that sex-specific reproductive physiology and behaviors emerge. Decades of work in neuroendocrinology have elucidated many of the discrete and often very short developmental windows across pre- and postnatal development in which this occurs. This has allowed toxicologists to probe how EDC exposures in these critical windows can permanently alter the structure and function of the HPG axis. This review includes a discussion of key EDC principles including how latency between exposure and the emergence of consequential health effects can be long, along with a summary of the most common and less well-understood EDC modes of action. Extensive examples of how EDCs are impacting human reproductive health, and evidence that they have the potential for multi-generational physiological and behavioral effects are also provided.

Effects of high-dose bisphenol A on the mouse oral mucosa: A possible link with oral cancers

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical able to promote hormone-responsive tumors. The major route of BPA contamination being oral, the aim of the present study was to investigate BPA effects on oral cells. Here, we evaluated the impact of sub-chronic in vivo exposure to BPA and its in vitro effects on neoplastic and non-neoplastic oral cells. We evaluated the oral mucosa of mice chronically exposed to BPA (200 mg/L). The response of keratinocytes (NOK-SI) and Head and Neck (HN) Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), HN12 and HN13 cell lines to BPA was examined. In vivo, BPA accumulated in oral tissues and caused an increase in epithelial proliferative activity. BPA disrupted the function of keratinocytes by altering pro-survival and proliferative pathways and the secretion of cytokines and growth factors. In tumor cells, BPA induced proliferative, invasive, pro-angiogenic, and epigenetic paths. Our data highlight the harmful effects of BPA on oral mucosa and, tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cells. Additionally, BPA may be a modifier of oral cancer cell behavior by prompting a functional shift to a more aggressive phenotype.

Combined Effects of Different Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Prostate Gland

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) belong to a heterogeneous class of environmental pollutants widely diffused in different aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This implies that humans and animals are continuously exposed to EDCs from different matrices and sources. Moreover, pollution derived from anthropic and industrial activities leads to combined exposure to substances with multiple mechanisms of action on the endocrine system and correlated cell and tissue targets. For this reason, specific organs, such as the prostate gland, which physiologically are under the control of hormones like androgens and estrogens, are particularly sensitive to EDC stimulation. It is now well known that an imbalance in hormonal regulation can cause the onset of various prostate diseases, from benign prostate hyperplasia to prostate cancer. In this review, starting with the description of normal prostate gland anatomy and embryology, we summarize recent studies reporting on how the multiple and simultaneous exposure to estrogenic and anti-androgenic compounds belonging to EDCs are responsible for an increase in prostate disease incidence in the human population.

BPA-induced prostatic hyperplasia in vitro is correlated with the unbalanced gene expression of AR and ER in the epithelium and stroma

As a typical environmental endocrine disruptor (EED), bisphenol A (BPA) can induce pathological hyperplasia of the prostatic epithelium and stroma. This study concentrates mainly on the effect and underlying mechanisms of BPA on prostatic hyperplasia, which is based on the culture of primary human prostate epithelial cells (HPEpiC) and human prostate fibroblasts (HPrF). In an effect to screen the optimal pro-survival BPA levels, HPEpiC and HPrF were, respectively, exposed to concentration gradients of BPA (10^-12 M-10^-4 M) solution diluted with two corresponding medium and incubated for 72 h at 37°C. CCK-8 assay showed that 10^-9 M-10^-5 M BPA could facilitate the proliferation of HPEpiC, while similar proliferative effect of HPrF only needed 10^-11 M-10^-7 M BPA. HPrF were more sensitive to BPA than HPEpiC. The qualification of PCNA gene expression measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) also mirrored the BPA-induced cell proliferation. Additionally, our results considered that androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ERα, ERβ), and NFKB1 gene expressions exhibited up-regulation in HPEpiC treated with 10^-9 M BPA for 72 h. However, in HPrF, the identical BPA treatment could activate ERα, ERβ, and NFKB1 gene expressions and down-regulated the expression of AR levels. It is further confirmed that low-dose BPA can indeed promote the proliferation of human prostate cells in vitro, and the mechanisms of BPA for prostatic epithelial and stromal hyperplasia may not be consistent.

Heavy Metals in the Environment and Thyroid Cancer

In recent decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased more than most other cancers, paralleling the generalized worldwide increase in metal pollution. This review provides an overview of the evidence supporting a possible causative link between the increase in heavy metals in the environment and thyroid cancer. The major novelty is that human thyroid stem/progenitor cells (thyrospheres) chronically exposed to different metals at slightly increased environmentally relevant concentrations show a biphasic increase in proliferation typical of hormesis. The molecular mechanisms include, for all metals investigated, the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. A metal mixture, at the same concentration of individual metals, was more effective. Under the same conditions, mature thyrocytes were unaffected. Preliminary data with tungsten indicate that, after chronic exposure, additional abnormalities may occur and persist in thyrocytes derived from exposed thyrospheres, leading to a progeny population of transformation-prone thyroid cells. In a rat model predisposed to develop thyroid cancer, long-term exposure to low levels of metals accelerated and worsened histological signs of malignancy in the thyroid. These studies provide new insight on metal toxicity and carcinogenicity occurring in thyroid cells at a low stage of differentiation when chronically exposed to metal concentrations that are slightly increased, albeit still in the "normal" range.

Keratin Profiling by Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Identifies Human Prostate Stem Cell Lineage Hierarchy and Cancer Stem-Like Cells

Single prostate stem cells can generate stem and progenitor cells to form prostaspheres in 3D culture. Using a prostasphere-based label retention assay, we recently identified keratin 13 (KRT13)-enriched prostate stem cells at single-cell resolution, distinguishing them from daughter progenitors. Herein, we characterized the epithelial cell lineage hierarchy in prostaspheres using single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Keratin profiling revealed three clusters of label-retaining prostate stem cells; cluster I represents quiescent stem cells (PSCA, CD36, SPINK1, and KRT13/23/80/78/4 enriched), while clusters II and III represent active stem and bipotent progenitor cells (KRT16/17/6 enriched). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed enrichment of stem and cancer-related pathways in cluster I. In non-label-retaining daughter progenitor cells, three clusters were identified; cluster IV represents basal progenitors (KRT5/14/6/16 enriched), while clusters V and VI represent early and late-stage luminal progenitors, respectively (KRT8/18/10 enriched). Furthermore, MetaCore analysis showed enrichment of the “cytoskeleton remodeling–keratin filaments” pathway in cancer stem-like cells from human prostate cancer specimens. Along with common keratins (KRT13/23/80/78/4) in normal stem cells, unique keratins (KRT10/19/6C/16) were enriched in cancer stem-like cells. Clarification of these keratin profiles in human prostate stem cell lineage hierarchy and cancer stem-like cells can facilitate the identification and therapeutic targeting of prostate cancer stem-like cells.

Developmental exposure to chlordecone induces transgenerational effects in somatic prostate tissue which are associated with epigenetic histone trimethylation changes

BACKGROUND

Chlordecone (CD), also known as Kepone, is an organochlorine insecticide that has been used in banana crops in the French West Indies. Due to long-term contamination of soils and water, the population is still exposed to CD. Exposure to CD in adulthood is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer (PCa).

OBJECTIVES

We examined the transgenerational effects of CD on murine prostate tissue.

METHODS

We exposed pregnant Swiss mice to CD. The prostates from directly exposed (F1) and non-exposed (F3) male progeny were analyzed. We used immunofluorescence, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq techniques for the comprehensive analyses of chromatin states in prostate.

RESULTS

We observed an increased prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia phenotype (PIN) in both F1 and F3 generations. Transcriptomic analysis in CD-derived F1 and F3 prostate using RNA-seq revealed that 970 genes in F1 and 218 in F3 genes were differentially expressed. The differentially expressed genes in both datasets could be clustered accordingly to common biological processes, "cell differentiation", "developmental process", "regulating of signaling", suggesting that in both generations similar processes were perturbed. We detected that in both datasets several Hox genes were upregulated; in F1, the expression was detected mainly in Hoxb and Hoxd, and in F3, in Hoxa family genes. Using a larger number of biological replicates and RT-qPCR we showed that genes implicated in testosterone synthesis (Akr1b3, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Srd5a1) were dramatically upregulated in PIN samples; Cyp19a1, converting testosterone to estradiol was elevated as well. We found a dramatic increase in Esr2 expression both in F1 and F3 prostates containing PIN. The PIN-containing samples have a strong increase in expression of self-renewal-related genes (Nanog, Tbx3, Sox2, Sox3, Rb1). We observed changes in liver, F1 CD-exposed males have an increased expression of genes related to DNA repair, matrix collagen and inflammation related pathways in F1 but not in F3 adult CD-derived liver. The changes in RNA transcription were associated with epigenetic changes. Specifically, we found a global increase in H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and a decrease in H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in prostate of F1 mice. ChIP-seq analysis showed that 129 regions in F1 and 240 in F3 acquired altered H3K4me3 occupancy in CD-derived prostate, including highest increase at several promoters of Hoxa family genes in both datasets. The alteration in H3K4me3 in both generations overlap 73 genes including genes involved in proliferation regulation, Tbx2, Stat3, Stat5a, Pou2f3 and homeobox genes Hoxa13, Hoxa9.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that developmental exposure to CD leads to epigenetic changes in prostate tissue. The PIN containing samples showed evidence of implication in hormonal pathway and self-renewal gene expression that have the capacity to promote neoplasia in CD-exposed mice.

EDCs and male urogenital cancers

Male sex determination and sexual differentiation occur between 6-12 weeks of gestation. During the "male programming window" the fetal testes start to produce testosterone that initiates the development of the male reproductive tract. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) able to mimic or disrupt steroid hormone actions may disrupt testicular development and adversely impact reproductive health at birth, during puberty and adulthood. The testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) occurs as a result inhibition of androgen action on fetal development preceding Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunction and may result from direct or epigenetic effects. Hypospadias, cryptorchidism and poor semen quality are elements of TDS, which may be considered a risk factor for testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). Exposure to estrogen or estrogenic EDCs results in developmental estrogenization/estrogen imprinting in the rodent for prostate cancer (PCa). This can disrupt prostate histology by disorganization of the epithelium, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, in particular high-grade PIN (HGPIN) lesions which are precursors of prostatic adenocarcinoma. These defects persist throughout the lifespan of the animal and later in life estrogen exposure predispose development of cancer. Exposure of pregnant dams to vinclozolin, a competitive anti-androgen, and results in prominent, focal regions of inflammation in all exposed animals. The inflammation closely resembles human nonbacterial prostatitis that occurs in young men and evidence indicates that inflammation plays a central role in the development of PCa. In conclusion, in utero exposure to endocrine disrupters may predispose to the development of TDS, testicular cancer (TCa) and PCa and are illustrations of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD).

Nutrition in Gynecological Diseases: Current Perspectives

Diet and nutrition are fundamental in maintaining the general health of populations, including women’s health. Health status can be affected by nutrient deficiency and vice versa. Gene–nutrient interactions are important contributors to health management and disease prevention. Nutrition can alter gene expression, as well as the susceptibility to diseases, including cancer, through several mechanisms. Gynecological diseases in general are diseases involving the female reproductive system and include benign and malignant tumors, infections, and endocrine diseases. Benign diseases such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis are common, with a negative impact on women’s quality of life, while malignant tumors are among the most common cause of death in the recent years. In this comprehensive review article, a bibliographic search was performed for retrieving information about nutrients and how their deficiencies can be associated with gynecological diseases, namely polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and infections, as well as cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Moreover, we discussed the potential beneficial impact of promising natural compounds and dietary supplements on alleviating these significant diseases.

Endocrine-disrupting effects of bisphenols on urological cancers

Bisphenols are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in a broad range of products that can modulate hormonal signalling pathways and various other biological functions. These compounds can bind steroid receptors, e.g. estrogen and androgen receptors, expressed by numerous cells and tissues, including the prostate and the bladder, with the potential to alter their homeostasis and normal physiological functions. In the past years, exposure to bisphenols was linked to cancer progression and metastasis. As such, recent pieces of evidence suggest that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can lead to the development of prostate cancer. Moreover, bisphenols are found in the urine of the wide majority of the population. They could potentially affect the bladder's normal physiology and cancer development, even if the bladder is not recognized as a hormone-sensitive tissue. This review will focus on prostate and bladder malignancies, two urological cancers that share standard carcinogenic processes. The description of the underlying mechanisms involved in cell toxicity, and the possible roles of bisphenols in the development of prostate and bladder cancer, could help establish the putative roles of bisphenols on public health.

A comprehensive review on the carcinogenic potential of bisphenol A: clues and evidence

Bisphenol A [BPA; (CH₃)₂C(C₆H₄OH)₂] is a synthetic chemical used as a precursor material for the manufacturing of plastics and resins. It gained attention due to its high chances of human exposure and predisposing individuals at extremely low doses to diseases, including cancer. It enters the human body via oral, inhaled, and dermal routes as leach-out products. BPA may be anticipated as a probable human carcinogen. Studies using in vitro cell lines, rodent models, and epidemiological analysis have convincingly shown the increasing susceptibility to cancer at doses below the oral reference dose set by the Environmental Protection Agency for BPA. Furthermore, BPA exerts its toxicological effects at the genetic and epigenetic levels, influencing various cell signaling pathways. The present review summarizes the available data on BPA and its potential impact on cancer and its clinical outcome.

Breast and prostate glands affected by environmental substances (Review)

Environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals are substances that can alter the homeostasis of the endocrine system in living organisms. They can be released from several products used in daily activities. Once in the organism, they can disrupt the endocrine function by mimicking or blocking naturally occurring hormones due to their similar chemical structure. This endocrine disruption is the most important cause of the well‑known hormone‑associate types of cancer. Additionally, it is decisive to determine the susceptibility of each organ to these compounds. Therefore, the present review aimed to summarize the effect of different environmental substances such as bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and polychlorinated biphenyls in both the mammary and the prostate tissues. These organs were chosen due to their association with the hormonal system and their common features in carcinogenic mechanisms. Outcomes derived from the present review may provide evidence that should be considered in future debates regarding the effects of endocrine disruptors on carcinogenesis.

Developmental estrogenization: Prostate gland reprogramming leads to increased disease risk with aging

While estrogens are involved in normal prostate morphogenesis and function, inappropriate early-life estrogenic exposures, either in type, dose or timing, can reprogram the prostate gland and lead to increased disease risk with aging. This process is referred to as estrogen imprinting or developmental estrogenization of the prostate gland. The present review discusses published and new evidence for prostatic developmental estrogenization that includes extensive research in rodent models combined with epidemiology findings that together have helped to uncover the architectural and molecular underpinnings that promote this phenotype. Complex interactions between steroid receptors, developmental morphoregulatory factors, epigenetic machinery and stem-progenitor cell targets coalesce to hard wire structural, cellular and epigenomic reorganization of the tissue which retains a life-long memory of early-life estrogens, ultimately predisposing the gland to prostatitis, hyperplasia and carcinogenesis with aging.

The Adipose Tissue at the Crosstalk Between EDCs and Cancer Development

Obesity is a major public health concern at the origin of many pathologies, including cancers. Among them, the incidence of gastro-intestinal tract cancers is significantly increased, as well as the one of hormone-dependent cancers. The metabolic changes caused by overweight mainly with the development of adipose tissue (AT), insulin resistance and chronic inflammation induce hormonal and/or growth factor imbalances, which impact cell proliferation and differentiation. AT is now considered as the main internal source of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) representing a low level systemic chronic exposure. Some EDCs are non-metabolizable and can accumulate in AT for a long time. We are chronically exposed to low doses of EDCs able to interfere with the endocrine metabolism of the body. Importantly, several EDCs have been involved in the genesis of obesity affecting profoundly the physiology of AT. In parallel, EDCs have been implicated in the development of cancers, in particular hormone-dependent cancers (prostate, testis, breast, endometrium, thyroid). While it is now well established that AT secretes adipocytokines that promote tumor progression, it is less clear whether they can initiate cancer. Therefore, it is important to better understand the effects of EDCs, and to investigate the buffering effect of AT in the context of progression but also initiation of cancer cells using adequate models recommended to uncover and validate these mechanisms for humans. We will review and argument here the potential role of AT as a crosstalk between EDCs and hormone-dependent cancer development, and how to assess it.

Data integration, analysis, and interpretation of eight academic CLARITY-BPA studies

"Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity" (CLARITY-BPA) was a comprehensive "industry-standard" Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant 2-year chronic exposure study of bisphenol A (BPA) toxicity that was supplemented by hypothesis-driven independent investigator-initiated studies. The investigator-initiated studies were focused on integrating disease-associated, molecular, and physiological endpoints previously found by academic scientists into an industry standard guideline-compliant toxicity study. Thus, the goal of this collaboration was to provide a more comprehensive dataset upon which to base safety standards and to determine whether industry-standard tests are as sensitive and predictive as molecular and disease-associated endpoints. The goal of this report is to integrate the findings from the investigator-initiated studies into a comprehensive overview of the observed impacts of BPA across the multiple organs and systems analyzed. For each organ system, we provide the rationale for the study, an overview of methodology, and summarize major findings. We then compare the results of the CLARITY-BPA studies across organ systems with the results of previous peer-reviewed studies from independent labs. Finally, we discuss potential influences that contributed to differences between studies. Developmental exposure to BPA can lead to adverse effects in multiple organs systems, including the brain, prostate gland, urinary tract, ovary, mammary gland, and heart. As published previously, many effects were at the lowest dose tested, 2.5μg/kg /day, and many of the responses were non-monotonic. Because the low dose of BPA affected endpoints in the same animals across organs evaluated in different labs, we conclude that these are biologically - and toxicologically - relevant.

Long-term exposure to "low-dose" bisphenol A decreases mitochondrial DNA copy number, and accelerates telomere shortening in human CD8 + T cells

Exposure to the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked with immune disorders and increased tumour risk. Our previous work in activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated that exposure to "low-dose" BPA diminished telomerase activity via an ER/GPR30-ERK signalling pathway. Leukocyte telomerase activity and telomere maintenance are crucial for normal immune function and homeostasis. We thus here further studied the effects of BPA on human T cell subpopulations. Exposure to 0.3-3 nM BPA, i. e. at doses in the realm of human exposure, notably reduced telomerase activity in activated CD8 + T but not CD4 + T cells in a non-monotonic response pattern as determined by the TRAP-ELISA assay. Under long-term BPA exposure, significant telomere length shortening, reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number, cell proliferation and IFN-γ as well as hTERT protein suppression could be observed in CD8 + lymphocytes, as analysed by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and western blot analysis. This study extends our previous in vitro findings that "low-dose" BPA has potential negative effects on healthy human cytotoxic T cell response. These results might merit some special attention to further investigate chronic BPA exposure in the context of adaptive immune response dysfunction and early onset of cancer in man.

Bisphenols Threaten Male Reproductive Health via Testicular Cells

Male reproductive function and health are largely dependent on the testes, which are strictly regulated by their major cell components, i. e., Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells. Sertoli cells perform a crucial phagocytic function in addition to supporting the development of germ cells. Leydig cells produce hormones essential for male reproductive function, and germ cell quality is a key parameter for male fertility assessment. However, these cells have been identified as primary targets of endocrine disruptors, including bisphenols. Bisphenols are a category of man-made organic chemicals used to manufacture plastics, epoxy resins, and personal care products such as lipsticks, face makeup, and nail lacquers. Despite long-term uncertainty regarding their safety, bisphenols are still being used worldwide, especially bisphenol A. While considerable attention has been paid to the effects of bisphenols on health, current bisphenol-related reproductive health cases indicate that greater attention should be given to these chemicals. Bisphenols, especially bisphenol A, F, and S, have been reported to elicit various effects on testicular cells, including apoptosis, DNA damage, disruption of intercommunication among cells, mitochondrial damage, disruption of tight junctions, and arrest of proliferation, which threaten male reproductive health. In addition, bisphenols are xenoestrogens, which alter organs and cells functions via agonistic or antagonistic interplay with hormone receptors. In this review, we provide in utero, in vivo, and in vitro evidence that currently available brands of bisphenols impair male reproductive health through their action on testicular cells.

Potential Mechanisms of Bisphenol A (BPA) Contributing to Human Disease

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound serving as a monomer to produce polycarbonate plastic, widely used in the packaging for food and drinks, medical devices, thermal paper, and dental materials. BPA can contaminate food, beverage, air, and soil. It accumulates in several human tissues and organs and is potentially harmful to human health through different molecular mechanisms. Due to its hormone-like properties, BPA may bind to estrogen receptors, thereby affecting both body weight and tumorigenesis. BPA may also affect metabolism and cancer progression, by interacting with GPR30, and may impair male reproductive function, by binding to androgen receptors. Several transcription factors, including PPARγ, C/EBP, Nrf2, HOX, and HAND2, are involved in BPA action on fat and liver homeostasis, the cardiovascular system, and cancer. Finally, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histones modification, and changes in microRNAs expression contribute to BPA pathological effects. This review aims to provide an extensive and comprehensive analysis of the most recent evidence about the potential mechanisms by which BPA affects human health.

The prostaglandin synthases, COX-2 and L-PGDS, mediate prostate hyperplasia induced by low-dose bisphenol A

This study aimed to identify prostaglandin synthases (PGS) that mediate bisphenol A (BPA)-induced prostatic hyperplasia and explore their underlying mechanisms. In an in vivo study, male adult Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with different concentrations of BPA (10, 30, 90, or 270 μg/kg, i.g., daily), or with vehicle for 4 weeks. Results revealed that low-dose BPA induced prostatic hyperplasia with increased PCNA/TUNEL ratio. It significantly upregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and NF-κB in the dorsolateral prostate (P < 0.05) and the expression of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) in ventral prostate (P < 0.05). The level of estradiol (E₂)/testosterone (T) and expression of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor α (ERα) were also altered. In vitro studies showed that low-dose BPA (0.1–10 nM) promoted the proliferation of human prostate fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and significantly upregulated the expression of COX-2 and L-PGDS in the cells. The two types of cell proliferation induced by BPA were inhibited by COX-2 inhibitor (NS398) and L-PGDS inhibitor (AT56), with increased apoptosis level. These findings suggested that COX-2 and L-PGDS could mediate low-dose BPA-induced prostatic hyperplasia through pathways involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, which might be related to the functions of ERα and AR. The role of COX-2/NF-κB pathway in dorsolateral prostate requires further research.

Metabolomic perturbation precedes glycolytic dysfunction and procreates hyperglycemia in a rat model due to bisphenol S exposure

Previous studies highlighted bisphenol S (BPS), an industrial chemical responsible for harmful effects comparable to its congener substance bisphenol A (BPA). Accounted for various adversities to biological functions, it could alter the expression of endogenous metabolites in many metabolic processes. The study was aimed to investigate the altered metabolites in hyperglycemic condition triggered by sub-chronic exposure of BPS in serum and urine samples of Wistar rats. Invaded effects of hyperglycemia due to BPS exposure on Wistar rats were investigated by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Metabolomic profiling of serum and urinary metabolites was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The metabolomics data were represented by one way ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) along with the mapping of perturbed metabolic pathways. The OGTT and ITT showed increased levels of glucose in treated animals with median and high doses, indicating the manifestation of hyperglycemia. The metabolomic profiling of serum and urine revealed BPS could cause consequential metabolomic perturbation mainly of amino acids, sugars, and organic acids. Furthermore, the extrapolation of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) based systematic analysis helped to monitor the altered pathways, including amino acids, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, etc., which were provoked due to BPS exposure. The overview of the perturbed metabolite profiling in rats promisingly showed early diagnostic markers of hyperglycemic condition triggered due to the BPS exposure. Findings from this study will be helpful towards the exploration of mechanistic insights of several disturbed pathways.

Effects of Inorganic Arsenic on Human Prostate Stem-Progenitor Cell Transformation, Autophagic Flux Blockade, and NRF2 Pathway Activation

BACKGROUND

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is an environmental toxicant associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in chronically exposed populations worldwide. However, the biological mechanisms underlying iAs-induced prostate carcinogenesis remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We studied how iAs affects normal human prostate stem-progenitor cells (PrSPCs) and drives transformation and interrogated the molecular mechanisms involved.

METHODS

PrSPCs were enriched by spheroid culture from normal human primary or immortalized prostate epithelial cells, and their differentiation capability was evaluated by organoid culture. Microarray analysis was conducted to identify iAs-dysregulated genes, and lentiviral infection was used for stable manipulation of identified genes. Soft agar colony growth assays were applied to examine iAs-induced transformation. For in vivo study, PrSPCs mixed with rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme were grafted under the renal capsule of nude mice to generate prostatelike tissues, and mice were exposed to 5 ppm (∼65μM) iAs in drinking water for 3 months.

RESULTS

Low-dose iAs (1μM) disturbed PrSPC homeostasis in vitro, leading to increased self-renewal and suppressed differentiation. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that iAs activated oncogenic pathways in PrSPCs, including the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway. Further, iAs-exposed proliferative progenitor cells exhibited NRF2 pathway activation that was sustained in their progeny cells. Knockdown of NRF2 inhibited spheroid formation by driving PrSPC differentiation, whereas its activation enhanced spheroid growth. Importantly, iAs-induced transformation was suppressed by NRF2 knockdown. Mechanistically, iAs suppressed Vacuolar ATPase subunit VMA5 expression, impairing lysosome acidification and inhibiting autophagic protein degradation including p62, which further activated NRF2. In vivo, chronic iAs exposure activated NRF2 in both epithelial and stroma cells of chimeric human prostate grafts and induced premalignant events.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose iAs increased self-renewal and decreased differentiation of human PrSPCs by activating the p62-NRF2 axis, resulting in epithelial cell transformation. NRF2 is activated by iAs through specific autophagic flux blockade in progenitor cells, which may have potential therapeutic implications. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6471.

Bisphenol a affects endometrial stromal cells decidualization, involvement of epigenetic regulation

Bisphenol A(BPA) is one of the most widespread endocrine disruptors in the environment and is associated with reproductive diseases. In this study, we focused on the correlation between environmentally relevant levels of BPA exposure and histone modification during endometrial stromal cells decidualization. BPA exposure changed the morphology of decidualized endometrial stromal cells, with inhibition of mixed-lineage leukemia 1(MLL1) and induction of enhancer of zeste homolog2 (EZH2) during in vitro decidualization. The expression of HOXA10, PRL and IGFBP-1 was down-regulated upon BPA treatment. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR(ChIP-qPCR) was performed to evaluate the recruitment of histone-3, lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and histone-3, lysine-27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at the gene promoters. The decreased H3K4me3 and the increased H3K27me3 at HOXA10, PRL and IGFBP-1 promoter regions were consistent with the expression of MLL1 and EZH2 respectively. The effect of BPA on MLL1 and EZH2 could be abrogated by ICI 182,780. Our study provides the first indication that environmentally relevant levels of BPA exposure can regulate the expression of decidualization-related genes by affecting histone modification, impairing endometrial decidualization.

Pharmacological Modulation of Steroid Activity in Hormone-Dependent Breast and Prostate Cancers: Effect of Some Plant Extract Derivatives

The great majority of breast and prostate tumors are hormone-dependent cancers; hence, estrogens and androgens can, respectively, drive their developments, making it possible to use pharmacological therapies in their hormone-dependent phases by targeting the levels of steroid or modulating their physiological activity through their respective nuclear receptors when the tumors relapse. Unfortunately, at some stage, both breast and prostate cancers become resistant to pharmacological treatments that aim to block their receptors, estrogen (ER) or androgen (AR) receptors, respectively. So far, antiestrogens and antiandrogens used in clinics have been designed based on their structural analogies with natural hormones, 17-β estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Plants are a potential source of drug discovery and the development of new pharmacological compounds. The aim of this review article is to highlight the recent advances in the pharmacological modulation of androgen or estrogen levels, and their activity through their cognate nuclear receptors in prostate or breast cancer and the effects of some plants extracts.

Hazards of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure: A systematic review of plant toxicology studies

The widespread use of bisphenol A (BPA) has led to its ubiquity in the natural environment. Thus, BPA is considered as a contaminant of emerging concern. Due to its widespread use, BPA has been detected in a range of soils and surface waters. This is of concern because BPA has been shown to elicit slight to moderate toxicity to plants. Based on current research and our own work, this paper reviews the toxic effects of BPA on plant growth and development, including effects at the macroscopic (e.g. seed germination, root, stem, and leaf growth) and microscopic (photosynthesis, uptake of mineral nutrient, hormone secretion, antioxidant systems, and reproductive genetic behavior) levels. Furthermore, this paper will discuss effects of BPA exposure on metabolic reactions in exposed plant species, and explore the use of high-efficiency plants in BPA pollution control (e.g. phytoremediation). Finally, this paper proposes some ideas for the future of BPA phytotoxicity research.

The Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Male Reproductive Function

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a recognized xenoestrogen, in that it possesses oestrogenic and anti-androgenic properties. These endocrine-disrupting effects of BPA at the estrogen receptor (ER) occur despite the very low affinity of BPA for the ERβ, which is 10,000 times lower than that of 17-β estradiol, and despite the European regulatory authorities stating that BPA is safe, at usual exposure concentrations, the use of BPA in baby drink bottles was banned in 2011. There exists conflicting evidence from human epidemiological studies as to its influence on adult male reproductive function, although animal data is more convincing. This mini-review will report on the limited epidemiological data from human studies relating early life exposure to BPA on adult male reproductive function. A long term follow-up study from Western Australia using a birth cohort, the Raine Study, demonstrated no adverse associations of antenatal exposure to BPA, and potentially a positive association with antenatal BPA exposure with sperm concentration and motility at 20 years of age, although recent scientific reports suggest traditional measures of BPA exposure may underestimate exposure levels, which makes data interpretation potentially flawed.