Thiourea and cyanamide as inhibitors of thyroid peroxidase: the role of iodide

Changes in thyroid histomorphology and thyroglobulin immunostaining upon exposure to thiourea in Triturus newts

Amphibians are useful bioindicators for monitoring aquatic health and the influence of xenobiotics such as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Because aquatic ecosystems experience the majority of global pollution, aquatic organisms are most exposed and vulnerable to endocrine disruptors. Furthermore, penetration of endocrine disruptors into aquatic organisms especially in amphibians is even easier because of more permeable skin, resulting in high bioavailability and bioaccumulation of chemicals. One of the most potent endocrine disruptors is thiourea, which chemically blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones and prevents metamorphosis in amphibians. We investigated the influence of thiourea on histomorphology of the thyroid gland in Triturus newts at the metamorphic stage, when thyroid hormone concentrations should reach their maximum level. Chronic exposure to thiourea induced hypertrophy and hyperplasia of follicular cells as well as a significant reduction of interstitial tissue. The intensity of the thyroglobulin immunostaining signal significantly decreases upon chronic exposure to thiourea. Successful cross-reactivity of human primary antibody in immunochemical detection of thyroglobulin in Urodela confirms potential homology in thyroglobulin structure throughout the vertebrates.

Preself-Feeding Medaka Fry Provides a Suitable Screening System for in Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone-Disrupting Potential

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are assessed based on their physiological potential and their potential associated adverse effects. However, suitable end points for detection of chemicals that interfere with the thyroid hormone (TH) system have not been established in nonmammals, with the exception of amphibian metamorphosis. The aims of the current study were to develop an in vivo screening system using preself-feeding medaka fry (Oryzias latipes) for the detection of TH-disrupting chemicals and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. 17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2: <100 ng/L) did not induce mRNA expression of estrogen-responsive genes, vitellogenins (vtgs) mRNA. Meanwhile, coexposure with thyroxin (T4) induced an increase of vtg expression. TH-disrupting chemicals (thiourea (TU), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) significantly suppressed EE2 (1,000 ng/L)-induced vtg1 expression, while T4 rescued their expression as well as that of thyroid hormone receptor α (tRα) and estrogen receptors (esrs). These results were supported by in silico analysis of the 5'-transcriptional regulatory region of these genes. Furthermore, the esr1 null mutant revealed that EE2-induced vtg1 expression requires mainly esr2a and esr2b in a TH-dependent manner in preself-feeding fry. Application of preself-feeding medaka fry as a screening system might help decipher the in vivo mechanisms of action of TH-disrupting molecules, while providing an alternative to the traditional animal model.

Tetrabromobisphenol A acts a neurodevelopmental disruptor in early larval stages of Mytilus galloprovincialis

Tetrabromobisphenol A-TBBPA, a widely used brominated flame retardant detected in aquatic environments, is considered a potential endocrine disruptor-ED for its reproductive/developmental effects in vertebrates. In aquatic invertebrates, the modes of action of most EDs are largely unknown, due to partial knowledge of the mechanisms controlling neuroendocrine functions. In the marine bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis, TBBPA has been previously shown to affect larval development in the 48 h larval toxicity assay at environmental concentrations. In this work, the effects of TBBPA were further investigated at different times post-fertilization. TBBPA, from 1 μg/L, affected shell biogenesis at 48 hours post fertilization-hpf, as shown by phenotypic and SEM analysis. The mechanisms of action of TBBPA were investigated at concentrations of the same order of magnitude as those found in highly polluted coastal areas (10 μg/L). At 28-32 hpf, TBBPA significantly affected deposition of both the organic matrix and CaCO₃ in the shell. TBBPA also altered expression of shell-related genes from 24 to 48 hpf, in particular of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in shell matrix remodeling. At earlier stages (24 hpf), TBBPA affected the development of dopaminergic, serotoninergic and GABAergic systems, as shown by in situ hybridization-ISH and immunocytochemistry. These data contribute draw adverse outcome pathways-AOPs, where TBBPA affects the synthesis of neutrotransmitters involved in key events (neurodevelopment and shell biogenesis), resulting in phenotypic changes on individuals (delayed or arrested development) that might lead to detrimental consequences on populations.

Oxidative Stress Parameters in Goitrogen-Exposed Crested Newt Larvae (Triturus spp.): Arrested Metamorphosis

Thiourea is an established disruptor of thyroid hormone synthesis and is frequently used as an inhibitor of metamorphosis. The changes caused by thiourea can affect processes associated with the oxidative status of individuals (metabolic rate, the HPI axis, antioxidant system). We investigated the parameters of oxidative stress in crested newt (Triturus spp.) larvae during normal development in late larval stage 62 and newly metamorphosed individuals, and during thiourea-stimulated metamorphosis arrest in individuals exposed to low (0.05%) and high (0.1%) concentrations of thiourea. Both groups of crested newts exposed to thiourea retained their larval characteristics until the end of the experiment. The low activities of antioxidant enzymes and the high lipid peroxidation level pointed to increased oxidative stress in larvae at the beginning of stage 62 as compared to fully metamorphosed individuals. The activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the concentration of sulfhydryl (SH) groups were significantly lower in larvae reared in aqueous solutions containing thiourea than in newly metamorphosed individuals. The high thiourea concentration (0.1%) affected the antioxidative parameters to the extent that oxidative damage could not be avoided, contrary to a lower concentration. Our results provide a first insight into the physiological adaptations of crested newts during normal development and simulated metamorphosis arrest.

Expression and Regulation of pde6h by Thyroid Hormone During Metamorphosis in Paralichthys olivaceus

PDE6H is a cone cell-specific inhibitory subunit that plays a critical role in the adaptation of the photosensitive system to bright and dark phases of the light environment. Thyroid hormone (TH) is one of the most important factors that control development and metabolism in animals, composed mainly of triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). TH also plays a key role in the metamorphosis of the flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), wherein exogenous TH can accelerate the behavioral changes of larvae from the pelagic to benthic type accompanying changes in the light environment from bright to dark. In this study, transcriptional analysis showed that pde6h is expressed in adult eye, that its expression peaks at the climax of metamorphosis, and that it can be significantly up-regulated to the highest level by exogenous T4 in the early stages of metamorphosis but is inhibited by thiourea (TU). The rescue experiment showed that metamorphic inhibition of larvae and expression inhibition of pde6h gene in TU groups can be rescued by removing TU. Further, dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated the putative regulatory effect of TH on pde6h expression, mediated directly on the gene promoter by the TRαA gene. Together, we speculated that TH may control physiological adaptation of the photosensitive system to light changes during metamorphosis by acting directly on pde6h. This study can help us further study the physiological function of pde6h during flounder metamorphosis in the future.

Pesticides With Potential Thyroid Hormone-Disrupting Effects: A Review of Recent Data

Plant Protection Products, more commonly referred to as pesticides and biocides, are used to control a wide range of yield-reducing pests including insects, fungi, nematodes, and weeds. Concern has been raised that some pesticides may act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with the potential to interfere with the hormone systems of non-target invertebrates and vertebrates, including humans. EDCs act at low doses and particularly vulnerable periods of exposure include pre- and perinatal development. Of critical concern is the number of pesticides with the potential to interfere with the developing nervous system and brain, notably with thyroid hormone signaling. Across vertebrates, thyroid hormone orchestrates metamorphosis, brain development, and metabolism. Pesticide action on thyroid homeostasis can involve interference with TH production and its control, displacement from distributor proteins and liver metabolism. Here we focused on thyroid endpoints for each of the different classes of pesticides reviewing epidemiological and experimental studies carried out both in in vivo and in vitro. We conclude first, that many pesticides were placed on the market with insufficient testing, other than acute or chronic toxicity, and second, that thyroid-specific endpoints for neurodevelopmental effects and mixture assessment are largely absent from regulatory directives.

The Protective Role of Thiourea on Leuciscus cephalus Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Pendigan 330EC (Pendimethalin) Herbicide

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective role of thiourea on the physiological, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters of Leuciscus cephalus exposed to sublethal concentration of Pendigan 330 EC herbicide. The animals were divided in four experimental groups (control, animals subjected to 1 ‰ thiourea, animals subjected to 4 × 10(-4) mL/L herbicide and, respectively, animals subjected to 4 × 10(-4) mL/L herbicide and 1 ‰ thiourea). Exposure of European chub to herbicide administered in water for 2 weeks determined installation of pathological changes in the liver and gills tissues. Also, were observed a decrease in the number of white blood cells and oxygen consumption, breathing frequency, and an increase in the number of red blood cells and glycaemia values. Thiourea counteracts the toxic action, describing itself as normal liver parenchyma and normal gills in animals intoxicated with herbicide, without lesion, and a return to normal values of the studied markers.

Iodine accumulation in sea urchin larvae is dependent on peroxide

Iodine has many important biological functions and its concentrations vary with the environment. Recent research has provided novel insights into iodine uptake mechanisms in marine bacteria and kelp through hydrogen peroxide-dependent diffusion (PDD). This mechanism is distinct from sodium-dependent mechanisms known from vertebrates. In vertebrates, iodine accumulates in the thyroid gland by the action of the apical iodide transporter (AIT) and the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). Neither of these proteins has, thus far, been identified outside of the chordates, and PDD (as an iodine uptake mechanism) has never been studied in animals. Using (125)I as a marker for total iodine influx, we tested iodine uptake via sodium-dependent transport versus PDD in embryos and larvae of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. We found that iodine uptake in S. purpuratus is largely independent of NIS/AIT. Instead, we found that uptake is dependent on the presence and production of hydrogen peroxide, indicating that sea urchin larvae use PDD as a mechanism for iodine acquisition. Our data, for the first time, provide conclusive evidence for this mechanism in an animal. Furthermore, our data provide preliminary evidence that sodium-dependent iodine uptake via active transporter proteins is a synapomorphy of vertebrates.

Thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion impairs testicular recrudescence in the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus

We used thiourea-induced thyroid hormone depletion as a strategy to understand the influence of thyroid hormones on testicular recrudescence of the air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Treatment with 0.03% thiourea via immersion for 21 days induced hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone depletion) as evidenced by significantly reduced serum T(3) levels. Thiourea-treated males had narrowed seminiferous lobules with fewer spermatozoa in testis, very little or no secretory fluid, reduced protein and sialic acid levels in seminal vesicles when compared to controls. The histological changes were accompanied by reduction in serum and tissue levels of testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), a potent male specific androgen in fish. Qualitative changes in the localization of catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone (cfGnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH, heterologous system) revealed a reduction in the distribution of immunoreactive neuronal cells and fibers in thyroid depleted fish. Interestingly, thiourea-withdrawal group showed physiological and histological signs of recovery after 21 days such as reappearance of spermatozoa and partial restoration of 11-KT and T levels. These data demonstrate that thyroid hormones play a significant role in testicular function of catfish. The mechanism of action includes modulating sex steroids either directly or through the hypothalamo (GnRH)-hypophyseal (LH) axis.

Endocrine control of Anguilla anguilla glass eel dispersal: effect of thyroid hormones on locomotor activity and rheotactic behavior

Dispersal, one of the most important processes in population ecology, is an issue linking physiological and behavioral features. However, the endocrine control of animal dispersal remains poorly understood. Here, we tested whether and how thyroid hormones may influence dispersal in glass eels of Anguilla anguilla, by testing their influence on locomotor activity and rheotactic behavior. Glass eels were caught during their estuarine migration and treated by immersion in either a l-thyroxine (T(4)) or a thiourea (TU) solution. As measured by radioimmunoassay, T(4) and TU treatments induced, respectively, increased and decreased whole-body thyroid hormone levels relative to untreated controls. We tested a total of 960 glass eels distributed into control, and T(4) and TU treatment groups, on their swimming behavior in experimental flume tanks equipped with upstream and downstream traps that allowed us to concurrently measure both the locomotor activity and the rheotactic behavior. Compared to controls, locomotor activity significantly increased among the hyperthyroid, T(4)-treated eels, but significantly decreased among the hypothyroid, TU-treated eels. The results on rheotactic behavior suggested a more complex regulatory mechanism, since TU but not T(4) treatment significantly affected rheotactic behavior. The influence of thyroid hormones on locomotor activity suggests a central role for these hormones in the regulation of mechanisms leading to the colonization of continental habitats by glass eels. Thyroid hormones are also implicated in the control of locomotor activity in mammals and migratory behavior in birds, suggesting that these hormones represent conserved, proximate mediators of dispersal in vertebrates.

Myeloperoxidase catalysed cooxidative metabolism of methimazole: oxidation of glutathione and NADH by free radical intermediates

The myeloperoxidase catalysed oxidation of methimazole in the presence of NADH or GSH resulted in oxygen uptake suggesting that metabolism proceeded via a one electron mechanism. The GSH was oxidised to GSSG and the thiyl radical could be trapped with DMPO while NADH was oxidized to NAD+. Metabolism proceeded without the inactivation of the enzyme myeloperoxidase. Myeloperoxidase catalyzed oxidation of other substrates which proceed via one electron intermediates; 2,6-dimethylphenol, N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-phenylenediamine and luminol, were all stimulated by methimazole providing further evidence for a methimazole free radical. The presence of iodide stimulated the oxidation of methimazole but inhibited the oxygen uptake in the presence of GSH or NADH suggesting that metabolism in this case proceeded by a two electron mechanism. In contrast, another S-thioureylene drug, thiourea; did not cause oxygen uptake when oxidised in the presence of GSH or NADH indicating that the myeloperoxidase oxidation of thiourea proceeded primarily by a two electron mechanism. The horseradish peroxidase catalysed one electron oxidation of p'p'-biphenol, and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine was reversibly inhibited by methimazole and thiourea by preventing the accumulation of oxidation products via reductive mechanisms whereas the reversible inhibition of guaiacol and luminol oxidation was the result of competitive inhibition. With p,p'-biphenol, and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine unstable adduct formation could be demonstrated.

Mechanism of inactivation of thyroid peroxidase by thioureylene drugs

We have investigated the mechanism by which the thioureylene drugs, 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole (MMI) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PTU), inactivate thyroid peroxidase (TPO). Our results indicate that inactivation of TPO by MMI and PTU involves a reaction between the drugs and the oxidized heme group produced by interaction between TPO and H2O2. This conclusion is supported by the following observations. First, addition of a low concentration of H2O2 to a solution of TPO shifted lambda max of the Soret band from 411 to 420 nm, reflecting the formation of an oxidized form of TPO (TPOox). Addition of MMI or PTU to TPOox produced a Soret spectrum that was significantly different from the spectrum of native TPO or TPOox, whereas addition of MMI or PTU to native TPO produced no significant change in the heme spectrum. Second, studies with radiolabeled MMI and PTU combined with simultaneous assays of enzyme activity (guaiacol assay) showed that firm binding of the drugs to TPO and inactivation of the enzyme occurred on addition of the drugs to TPOox. However, neither binding nor inactivation occurred on addition of the drugs to native TPO. Third, the presence of a low concentration of iodide prevented the shift in the Soret spectrum, the binding of labeled drug, and the loss of enzyme activity associated with the addition of thioureylene drugs to TPO + H2O2. Under these conditions we assume that the enzyme was present as TPO X Iox, a form in which the heme is present in the same reduced state as in native TPO. This would explain the protective action of iodide on the inactivation of TPOox by MMI and PTU.

Chlorination of taurine by human neutrophils. Evidence for hypochlorous acid generation

The model hydrogen peroxide-myeloperoxidase-chloride system is capable of generating the powerful oxidant hypochlorous acid, which can be quantitated by trapping the generated species with the beta-amino acid, taurine. The resultant stable product, taurine chloramine, can be quantitated by its ability to oxidize the sulfhydryl compound, 5-thio-2-nitro-benzoic acid to the disulfide, 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitroben-zoic acid) or to oxidize iodide to iodine. Using this system, purified myeloperoxidase in the presence of chloride and taurine converted stoichiometric quantities of hydrogen peroxide to taurine chloramine. Chloramine generation was absolutely dependent on hydrogen peroxide, myeloperoxidase, and chloride and could be inhibited by catalase, myeloperoxidase inhibitors, or chloride-free conditions. In the presence of taurine, intact human neutrophils stimulated with either phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized zymosan particles generated a stable species capable of oxidizing 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid or iodide. Resting cells did not form this species. The oxidant formed by the stimulated neutrophils was identified as taurine chloramine by both ultraviolet spectrophotometry and electrophoresis. Taurine chloramine formation by the neutrophil was dependent on the taurine concentration, time, and cell number. Neutrophil-dependent chloramine generation was inhibited by catalase, the myeloperoxidase inhibitors, azide, cyanide, or aminotriazole and by chloride-free conditions, but not by superoxide dismutase or hydroxyl radical scavengers. Thus, it appears that stimulated human neutrophils can utilize the hydrogen peroxide-myeloperoxidase-chloride system to generate taurine chloramine. Based on the demonstrated ability of the myeloperoxidase system to generate free hypochlorous acid we conclude that neutrophils chlorinate taurine by producing this powerful oxidant. The biologic reactivity and cytotoxic potential of hypochlorous acid and its chloramine derivatives suggest that these oxidants play an important role in the inflammatory response and host defense.

Regulatory effects of iodide and thiocyanate on tyrosine oxidation catalyzed by thyroid peroxidase

the effects of iodide, thiocyanate and perchlorate, three anions with the same molecular size, on the oxidation of tyrosine to 3,3'-bityrosine by several peroxidases were evaluated at pH 8.8, i.e. in conditions in which iodide is not oxidized. The following results were obtained: 1. Iodide greatly stimulates the rate of bityrosine formation in the presence of thyroid peroxidase. No effect was seen with horseradish peroxidase or lactoperoxidase. Maximal iodide effects were obtained with about 0.5 mM iodide and Km for iodide was equal to about 0.028 mM. These results suggest that thyroid peroxidase contains a simple class of regulatory binding sites for iodide. 2. SCN- mimics iodide effects; maximal stimulatory effects were seen with about 0.5 mM thiocyanate and Km for SCN- was equal to 0.1 mM. The effects of SCN- and those of iodide were not additive. These results suggest that SCN- binds to the same regulatory site as iodide but with a slightly lower affinity. No effect of SCN- was seen with horseradish peroxidase or lactoperoxidase. 3. ClO-4, another anion with the same molecular size as iodide and SCN-, had neither an effect on the oxidation of tyrosine to bityrosine nor did it prevent the stimulatory effect of iodide on this reaction. Bromide was without effect on the same reaction.

Thionamides and analogues: a reapraisal of antithyroid and thyroid carcinogenic effects

As commonly depicted, in the thione form, thionamides (including thiourea and its derivatives) bear little resemblance to thyroid hormone. However, if placed in the thiol resonance form, these molecules are noted to structurally mimic the end of the tyrosine molecule (the precursor of thyroid hormone). Alternatively, tyrosine written in the -one configuration resembles the thionamides. This permits a better appreciation of why the thionamides may themselves be iodinated by thyroid peroxidase in some cases, and under other circumstances induce changes in the enzyme. The thiol resonant form can be written for naturally occurring goitrin, and for thiobarbituric acids with antithyroid activity. An hydroxyl resonant configuration can be drawn for the antithyroid compound 3-hydroxy-4-pyridone. Tetramethylthiourea is a thyroid carcinogen in rats. The compound can not be readily placed in the thiol resonant configuration; it also contains 2 methyl groups at both ends of the molecule. The hair dye 2,4-diaminoanisole sulfate induces thyroid neoplasms in rats. A similarity is pointed out both to tyrosine an to lower potency antithyroid aminobenzenes (described by Astwood and coworkers). Pyrazole, known to produce thyroid necrosis, is seen to have a distinct resemblance to the opposite end of several of these compounds.