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McCall JR, Sausman KT, Brown AP, Mead RN. In vitro cytotoxicity of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human immune cell lines. Toxicol In Vitro 2024:105910. [PMID: 39047989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent long-lived chemicals with global environmental contamination. The published literature is rife with confusing and sometimes contradictory effects of PFAS on animal and cell models, as well as epidemiological studies. Cytotoxicity studies are often used as an early indicator to guide safety requirements, regulation, and further studies and thus can be useful to understand important toxicity differences by various PFAS. Recent studies have found that PFAS are not equivalently toxic on all cell types, and that not all cell types exhibit the same sensitivity to individual PFAS. However, immune cells have not been well studied. As immune cells are important for regulating responses to environmental toxins, infection, and cancer, we sought to discover the sensitivity of these cells to various PFAS, including legacy and replacement compounds. We assessed a range of concentrations and found that immune cells are generally more robust when exposed to PFAS, and that Jurkat T-cells were more sensitive than THP-1 monocytes. As monocytes are critical for coordinating inflammatory responses to external threats with cell death cascades, we further investigated these cells. We discovered that THP-1 cells do not undergo organized or programmed death, such as apoptosis or pyroptosis, and instead PFAS exposure results in a more necrotic/lytic and unorganized death, likely contributing to potential inflammatory effects downstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R McCall
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA.
| | - Kathryn T Sausman
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
| | - Ariel P Brown
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
| | - Ralph N Mead
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA; Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
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2
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Vázquez Loureiro P, Nguyen KH, Rodríguez Bernaldo de Quirós A, Sendón R, Granby K, Niklas AA. Identification and quantification of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) migrating from food contact materials (FCM). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 360:142360. [PMID: 38761829 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) can be added to food contact materials (FCM) to increase their water and/or grease repellent properties. Some well-known PFAS are perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA), perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSA), and polyfluorinated telomer alcohols (FTOH). Due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, PFAS are chemically very stable and highly resistant to biological degradation, posing a risk to human health and the environment. To examine the presence of PFAS in paper-based FCM, various samples were collected, including popcorn bags, muffin cups, and pizza boxes with high total organic fluorine (TOF) content from the Danish and Spanish markets. The FCM composition was characterised by FTIR. Quantification of some well-known PFAS such as PFCA, PFSA, and FTOH was performed in food simulants using LC-MS/MS, and in addition a non-targeted screening approach was performed by LC-Orbitrap-HRMS. Among analysed samples, the highest concentrations of PFAS were found in a muffin cup made of cellulose (PFCA ∼ 1.41 μg kg-1 food, FTOH ∼ 11.5 μg kg-1 food), and the results were used to estimate dietary exposures to PFAS migrated from this FCM. Compared to measured TOF value in this sample, the fluorine from all quantified PFAS accounted for only 0.6%. Thus, a more powerful analytical approach was used to further investigate PFAS occurrence in this sample. Using non-targeted screening, an additional twenty compounds were identified, among them five with confidence level 1 and ten with confidence level 2. Many of them were either fluorotelomer carboxylic acids or sulfonic acids or ether-containing compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Vázquez Loureiro
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Khanh-Hoang Nguyen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ana Rodríguez Bernaldo de Quirós
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Raquel Sendón
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Kit Granby
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka A Niklas
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Yesildemir O, Celik MN. The Effect of Various Environmental Pollutants on the Reproductive Health in Children: A Brief Review of the Literature. Curr Nutr Rep 2024:10.1007/s13668-024-00557-5. [PMID: 38935249 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Environmental pollutants in air, water, soil, and food are a significant concern due to their potential adverse effects on fetuses, newborns, babies, and children. These chemicals, which pass to fetuses and babies through trans-placental transfer, breast milk, infant formula, dermal transfer, and non-nutritive ingestion, can cause health problems during childhood. This review aims to discuss how exposure to various environmental pollutants in early life stages can disrupt reproductive health in children. RECENT FINDINGS Environmental pollutants can affect Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation, decreasing testosterone production throughout life. This may result in cryptorchidism, hypospadias, impaired semen parameters, and reduced fertility. Although many studies on female reproductive health cannot be interpreted to support causal relationships, exposure to pollutants during critical windows may subsequently induce female reproductive diseases, including early or delayed puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and cancers. There is growing evidence that fetal and early-life exposure to environmental pollutants could affect reproductive health in childhood. Although diet is thought to be the primary route by which humans are exposed to various pollutants, there are no adopted nutritional interventions to reduce the harmful effects of pollutants on children's health. Therefore, understanding the impact of environmental contaminants on various health outcomes may inform the design of future human nutritional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Yesildemir
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, 16059, Bursa, Türkiye.
| | - Mensure Nur Celik
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55200, Samsun, Türkiye
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Luo YS, Ying RY, Chen XT, Yeh YJ, Wei CC, Chan CC. Integrating high-throughput phenotypic profiling and transcriptomic analyses to predict the hepatosteatosis effects induced by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133891. [PMID: 38457971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a large compound class (n > 12,000) that is extensively present in food, drinking water, and aquatic environments. Reduced serum triglycerides and hepatosteatosis appear to be the common phenotypes for different PFAS chemicals. However, the hepatosteatosis potential of most PFAS chemicals remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate PFAS-induced hepatosteatosis using in vitro high-throughput phenotype profiling (HTPP) and high-throughput transcriptomic (HTTr) data. We quantified the in vitro hepatosteatosis effects and mitochondrial damage using high-content imaging, curated the transcriptomic data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and then calculated the point of departure (POD) values for HTPP phenotypes or HTTr transcripts, using the Bayesian benchmark dose modeling approach. Our results indicated that PFAS compounds with fully saturated C-F bonds, sulfur- and nitrogen-containing functional groups, and a fluorinated carbon chain length greater than 8 have the potential to produce biological effects consistent with hepatosteatosis. PFAS primarily induced hepatosteatosis via disturbance in lipid transport and storage. The potency rankings of PFAS compounds are highly concordant among in vitro HTPP, HTTr, and in vivo hepatosteatosis phenotypes (ρ = 0.60-0.73). In conclusion, integrating the information from in vitro HTPP and HTTr analyses can accurately project in vivo hepatosteatosis effects induced by PFAS compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Syuan Luo
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Master of Public Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Ren-Yan Ying
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Xsuan-Ting Chen
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jia Yeh
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Cheng Wei
- Institute of Food Safety and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Chuan Chan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Wiklund L, Pípal M, Weiss J, Beronius A. Exploring a mechanism-based approach for the identification of endocrine disruptors using Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) : A perfluorooctane sulfonic acid case study. Toxicology 2024; 504:153794. [PMID: 38580097 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) pose a serious threat to human health and the environment and require a comprehensive evaluation to be identified. The identification of EDs require a substantial amount of data, both in vitro and in vivo, due to the current scientific criteria in the EU. At the same time, the EU strives to reduce animal testing due to concerns regarding animal welfare and sensitivity of animal studies to adequately detect adverse effects relevant for human health. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant that is suspected to be an ED based on academic research, however it is not identified as such from a regulatory perspective. It has previously been shown that PFOS has the potential to cause neurotoxicity as well as affect the thyroid system, and it is known that specific thyroid hormone levels are critical in the development of the brain during. In this work, the aim was to evaluate a mechanism-based approach to identify ED properties of PFOS based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework and using New Approach Methods (NAMs), by comparing this approach to an ED assessment based on the currently available guidance document. An AOP network (AOPN) was generated for the thyroid modality, and AOPs leading to developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) were identified. A literature search and screening process based on the AOPN, and systematic review methodology, was performed, followed by a rigorous Weight-of-Evidence (WoE) assessment. Evidence was mapped back onto the AOPN used for the literature search, to identify possible endocrine Modes-of-Action (MoAs) for PFOS and data gaps in the two assessments. It could be concluded that PFOS fulfils the criteria for ED classification in the standard ED assessment, but not in the mechanism-based assessment. The need for quantitative information, such as quantitative AOPs, for the mechanism-based approach is discussed. The possibility of a directly neurotoxic alternative MoA was also highlighted based on available in vitro data. Opportunities and challenges with implementing AOPs and NAMs into the regulatory assessment of EDs, and assessing hazard in the Next Generation Risk Assessment, is discussed. This case study exploring the mechanism-based approach to ED identification represents an important step toward more accurate and predictive assessment of EDs based on AOPs and NAMs, and to the Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Wiklund
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marek Pípal
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana Weiss
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhang M, Chen C, Sun Y, Wang Y, Du P, Ma R, Li T. Association between Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds Exposome and Emergency Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Disease. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5695-5704. [PMID: 38502526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The limited research on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has not taken into account the interactions between constituents. We used the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model and generalized linear model (GLM) to quantify the joint effects of ambient VOCs exposome and identify the substances that play key roles. For a 0 day lag, a quartile increase of WQS index for n-alkanes, iso/anti-alkanes, aromatic, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated saturated chain hydrocarbons, and halogenated unsaturated chain hydrocarbons were associated with 1.09% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.06%), 0.98% (95% CI: 0.22, 1.74%), 0.92% (95% CI: 0.14, 1.69%), 1.03% (95% CI: 0.14, 1.93%), 1.69% (95% CI: 0.48, 2.91%), and 1.85% (95% CI: 0.93, 2.79%) increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) emergency hospital admissions, respectively. Independent effects of key substances on CVD-related emergency hospital admissions were also reported. In particular, an interquartile range increase in 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride, styrene, and methylcyclohexane is associated with a greater risk of CVD-associated emergency hospital admissions [3.30% (95% CI: 1.93, 4.69%), 3.84% (95% CI: 1.21, 6.53%), 5.62% (95% CI: 1.35, 10.06%), 8.68% (95% CI: 3.74, 13.86%), respectively]. We found that even if ambient VOCs are present at a considerably low concentration, they can cause cardiovascular damage. This should prompt governments to establish and improve concentration standards for VOCs and their sources. At the same time, policies should be introduced to limit VOCs emission to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Zhang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chen Chen
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yue Sun
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yanwen Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Peng Du
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Runmei Ma
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
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Liao Q, Huang H, Tang P, Liang J, Chen J, Mu C, Pan D, Lv F, Zhou L, Long J, Chen Q, Zeng X, Liu S, Huang D, Qiu X. Associations of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and fetal sex hormones in the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort Study: Greater effect of long-chain PFAS. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116054. [PMID: 38310819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Fetal sex hormone homeostasis disruption could lead to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association of maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure with fetal sex hormone levels. A total of 277 mother-infant pairs from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort Study between 2015 and 2019 were selected. We quantified nine PFAS in maternal serum in early pregnancy, and detected three sex hormones, namely, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (TT), in cord blood. The generalized linear model (GLM) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used for single- and multiple-exposure analyses, respectively. In the GLM, there was no significant association between an individual PFAS and any hormone level or the E2/TT ratio, but a negative association between perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) exposure and P4 levels in female infants was observed after stratification by sex. In the BKMR, a mixture of nine PFAS was positively associated with E2 levels and the E2/TT ratio, with the same main contributors, i.e., perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA). And PFAS mixtures were not associated with P4 or TT levels. After stratification by infant sex, positive associations of PFAS mixtures with E2 levels and the E2/TT ratio were observed only in male infants, with the same main contributors, i.e., PFUnA. There was a positive association between PFAS mixtures and P4 levels in male infants, in which PFUnA was the main contributor; but a reverse association between PFAS mixtures and P4 levels in female infants, in which PFDoA was the main contributor. This study suggested that prenatal exposure to PFAS mixtures is associated with fetal sex hormones, and long-chain PFAS may play an important role in this association. Furthermore, sex differences in the association of maternal PFAS exposure with E2 and P4 levels need additional attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiehua Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Changhui Mu
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongxiang Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Fangfang Lv
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lihong Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghua Long
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Yang W, Ling X, He S, Cui H, Wang L, Yang Z, An H, Zou P, Chen Q, Sun L, Yang H, Liu J, Cao J, Ao L. Perturbation of IP3R-dependent endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis by PPARδ-activated metabolic stress leads to mouse spermatocyte apoptosis: A direct mechanism for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid-induced spermatogenic disorders. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123167. [PMID: 38110051 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as an archetypal representative of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitously distributed in the environment and extensively detected in human bodies. Although accumulating evidence is suggestive of the deleterious effects of PFOS on male reproduction, the direct toxicity of PFOS towards spermatogenic cells and the relevant mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aims of the present study were to explore the direct effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of PFOS on spermatogenesis. Through integrating animal study, transcriptome profiling, in silico toxicological approaches, and in vitro validation study, we identified the molecular initiating event and key events contributing to PFOS-induced spermatogenic impairments. The mouse experiments revealed that spermatocytes were involved in PFOS-induced spermatogenic disorders and the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) was linked to spermatocyte loss in PFOS-administrated mice. GC-2spd(ts) cells were treated with an increased gradient of PFOS, which was relevant to environmental and occupational exposure levels of PFOS in populations. Following 72-h treatment, cells was harvested for RNA sequencing. The transcriptome profiling and benchmark dose (BMD) modeling identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as the key event for PFOS-mediated spermatocyte apoptosis and determined the point-of-departure (PoD) for perturbations of ER stress signaling. Based on the calculated PoD value, further bioinformatics analyses combined with in vitro and in vivo validations showed that PFOS caused metabolic stress by activating PPARδ in mouse spermatocytes, which was responsible for Beclin 1-involved inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) sensitization. The disruption of IP3R-mediated ER calcium homeostasis triggered ER calcium depletion, leading to ER stress and apoptosis in mouse spermatocytes exposed to PFOS. This study systematically investigated the direct impacts of PFOS on spermatogenesis and unveiled the relevant molecular mechanism of PFOS-induced spermatogenic disorders, providing novel insights and potential preventive/therapeutic targets for PFAS-associated male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shijun He
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haonan Cui
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Huihui An
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Mínguez-Alarcón L, Gaskins AJ, Meeker JD, Braun JM, Chavarro JE. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1138-1149. [PMID: 37827483 PMCID: PMC10841502 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Modifiable factors, such as environmental exposures, can impact human fertility. The objective of this review is to summarize the potential effects of exposure to important endocrine-disrupting chemicals on male reproductive health. Most experimental and animal data demonstrate strong evidence for the negative effects of exposure to phenols, phthalates, pesticides, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on male reproductive health. Although evidence of negative associations in humans was overall strong for phthalates and pesticides, limited and inconclusive relationships were found for the other examined chemical biomarkers. Reasons for the discrepancies in results include but are not limited to, differences in study populations, exposure concentrations, number of samples collected, sample sizes, study design, and residual confounding. Additional studies are needed, particularly for newer phenols and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, given the scarce literature on the topic and increasing exposures over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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10
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Hull SD, Deen L, Petersen KU, Jensen TK, Hammer P, Wils RS, Frankel HN, Ostrowski SR, Tøttenborg SS. Time trends in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in the Danish population: A review based on published and newly analyzed data. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:117036. [PMID: 37659637 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals used in many industries and everyday consumer products and exposure has been linked to several adverse health outcomes. Currently, no systematic monitoring of PFAS levels in the general Danish population has been conducted. OBJECTIVE To study temporal trends of PFAS concentrations in the Danish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS In August 2023, we performed a search for original peer-reviewed reports in PubMed using combinations of search terms for PFAS and Denmark. Reports were included if they comprised a Danish study population and direct measurements of PFAS in serum or plasma samples. Scatter plots of medians presented in the reports were used to visualize time-trends of PFAS concentrations among Danish individuals. RESULTS We included 29 reports based on a total of 18,231 individuals from 19 Danish study populations. A total of 24 PFAS measured in serum or plasma were presented in the reports, the most frequent being PFOS, PFOA, PFDA, PFNA, PFHpA, PFHpS, and PFHxS. Median concentrations of PFOS ranged from 4.0 ng/mL to 44.5 ng/mL, PFOA ranged from 0.8 ng/mL to 9.7 ng/mL, while lower concentrations were presented for the other PFAS. Median concentrations of PFOS and PFOA increased from 1988 until the late 1990s followed by a decrease until 2021. A less clear time-trend were observed for the other PFAS. CONCLUSION Blood concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in the Danish population have declined substantially from the late 1990s until 2021 reflecting a phase-out of the production and regulation of the use of these PFAS. Time-trends for PFDA, PFNA, PFHpA, PFHpS, and PFHxS were less evident, yet a tendency toward a decline was observed. As only some of the compounds are measured, it is not possible to determine if the decrease in some PFAS is outweighed by an increase in others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel Dan Hull
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Laura Deen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Institute for Public Health, University of Southern, Denmark
| | - Paula Hammer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Holbaek University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Regitze Sølling Wils
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Hannah Nørtoft Frankel
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Sisse Rye Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Daugherty S, Mulabagal V, Hayworth J, Akingbemi BT. Legacy and Emerging Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Regulate Steroidogenesis in the Male Gonad. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad142. [PMID: 37767721 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in a variety of industrial processes and manufacturing of consumer products. Current efforts by the manufacturing industry will limit use of long-chain or legacy PFAS represented by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and replace with short-chain or emerging PFAS such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). However, there is little to no information on the toxicity of new and emerging PFAS. Therefore, we performed experiments in growing Long-Evans male rats to investigate effects of low-dose prepubertal and pubertal exposures to PFAS on gonadal steroid hormone secretion. The results demonstrated that both legacy and emerging PFAS have the capacity to regulate testicular steroidogenesis. For instance, prepubertal exposures to PFOS, PFBA, and PFBS increased serum and testicular testosterone concentrations. Exposure to PFBA increased testicular 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations, and PFOS and PFBS both decreased serum E2 concentrations while stimulating testicular E2 secretion. The data also demonstrated additive effects due to legacy and emerging PFAS mixtures compared with the individual chemicals. The gonadal effects due to PFAS exposures occurred at nanomolar concentrations, which approximate PFAS levels in the environment. Taken together, the present study supports the need for development of cost-effective and sustainable filtration media for different processes to remove PFAS from water and other sources of exposure. Current action by regulatory agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency to limit use of PFAS in the manufacture of consumer products will protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Daugherty
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
| | - Vanisree Mulabagal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
| | - Joel Hayworth
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
| | - Benson T Akingbemi
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, USA
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12
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Currie SD, Doherty JP, Xue KS, Wang JS, Tang L. The stage-specific toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122429. [PMID: 37619695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of industrial chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and commercial applications. Due to their widespread usages, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulation in animals and humans, great public health concerns have been raised on adverse health risks of PFAS. In this study, ten PFAS were selected according to their occurrence in different water bodies. The wild-type worms were exposed to individual PFAS at 0, 0.1, 1,10, 100, and 200 μM, and the toxic effects of PFAS on growth, development, fecundity, and behavior at different life stages were investigated using a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. Our results showed that perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA), perfluorobutanesulfonic (PFBS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) exhibited significant inhibitive effects on the growth in the L4 larva and later stages of worms with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 μmol/L. PFOS and PFBS significantly decreased the brood size of worms across all tested concentrations (p < 0.05), and the most potent PFAS is PFOS with BMC of 0.02013 μM (BMCL, 1.6e-06 μM). During adulthood, all PFAS induced a significant reduction in motility (p < 0.01), while only PFOS can significantly induce behavior alteration at the early larvae stage. Furthermore, the adverse effects occurred in larval stages were found to be the most susceptible to the PFAS exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential adverse effects associated with PFAS exposure and show the importance of considering developmental stages in toxicity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Currie
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Joseph Patrick Doherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Lili Tang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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13
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Virtanen HE, Rodprasert W, Toppari J. Deteriorating Semen Quality: The Role of the Environment. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:226-240. [PMID: 38499038 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Since the end of the last century, several reports have suggested that semen quality is declining, especially in Western countries. Furthermore, cross-sectional studies using similar protocols have suggested regional differences in semen quality of young and fertile men. Reasons for these regional differences and local adverse trends in semen quality are unknown, but environmental factors are suspected to have a role. Besides adulthood environmental exposures, those occurring during testicular development may also affect semen quality. Longitudinal follow-up studies and mixture risk analyses are needed to study the effect of fetal, childhood, and adult life environment on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Abraham K. Prenatal and Early Postnatal Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): What Is the Correlation between Dioxins and Long-Chain Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:107701. [PMID: 37815924 PMCID: PMC10564102 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Abraham
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Food Safety, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Lukić Bilela L, Matijošytė I, Krutkevičius J, Alexandrino DAM, Safarik I, Burlakovs J, Gaudêncio SP, Carvalho MF. Impact of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on the marine environment: Raising awareness, challenges, legislation, and mitigation approaches under the One Health concept. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115309. [PMID: 37591052 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have long been known for their detrimental effects on the ecosystems and living organisms; however the long-term impact on the marine environment is still insufficiently recognized. Based on PFAS persistence and bioaccumulation in the complex marine food network, adverse effects will be exacerbated by global processes such as climate change and synergies with other pollutants, like microplastics. The range of fluorochemicals currently included in the PFAS umbrella has significantly expanded due to the updated OECD definition, raising new concerns about their poorly understood dynamics and negative effects on the ocean wildlife and human health. Mitigation challenges and approaches, including biodegradation and currently studied materials for PFAS environmental removal are proposed here, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and bridging research gaps. The PFAS EU regulations, good practices and legal frameworks are discussed, with emphasis on recommendations for improving marine ecosystem management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lada Lukić Bilela
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Inga Matijošytė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Jokūbas Krutkevičius
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio ave. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Diogo A M Alexandrino
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Environmental Health, School of Health, P. Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Centre, ISBB, CAS, Na Sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juris Burlakovs
- Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences, Józefa Wybickiego 7 A, 31-261 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Susana P Gaudêncio
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Chemistry Department, NOVA Faculty for Sciences and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Maria F Carvalho
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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16
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Guida Y, Torres FBM, Barizon RRM, Assalin MR, Rosa MA. Confirming sulfluramid (EtFOSA) application as a precursor of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in Brazilian agricultural soils. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 325:138370. [PMID: 36914008 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a manmade chemical with several industrial applications and also a potential byproduct of many other per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in the environment. Due to the gathered evidence on its environmental persistence, long-range transport, toxicity, and bioaccumulative and biomagnifying properties, PFOS, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), were listed for global restriction under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2009. Nevertheless, Brazil has granted an acceptable purpose exemption for using PFOSF to produce sulfluramid (EtFOSA) and to apply it as insecticide to control leaf-cutting ants of the genus Atta and Acromyrmex. Previous studies have pointed out EtFOSA as a precursor of PFOS in the environment, including in soils. Therefore, we aimed to confirm the role of EtFOSA in PFOS formation in soils representing areas where sulfluramid-based ant baits are used. A biodegradation assay was carried out by applying technical EtFOSA in triplicate samples of ultisol (PV) and oxisol (LVd) and measuring the contents of EtFOSA, perfluorooctane sulfonamide acetic acid (FOSAA), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), and PFOS at seven moments (0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 120 days). The monitored byproducts started being noticed on the 15th day. After 120 days, PFOS yields were 30% for both soils, whereas FOSA yields were 46% (PV soil) and 42% (LVd soil) and FOSAA yields were 6% (PV soil) and 3% (LVd soil). It can be expected that FOSAA and FOSA contents will eventually be converted into PFOS in the environment and that the presence of plants could boost PFOS formation. Therefore, the ongoing extensive and intensive use of sulfluramid-based ant baits pose a considerable source of PFOS to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yago Guida
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Fábio Barbosa Machado Torres
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Regina Assalin
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Embrapa. SP 340 Road. Zip code:13918-110. Jaguaríúna, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Rosa
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Embrapa. SP 340 Road. Zip code:13918-110. Jaguaríúna, SP, Brazil
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17
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Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Hærvig KK, Lindh C, Tøttenborg SS, Hougaard KS, Høyer BB, Ernst A, Arendt LH, Clemmensen PJ, Bonde JPE, Henriksen TB, Toft G, Arah OA, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal vitamin D levels and male reproductive health: a population-based follow-up study. Eur J Epidemiol 2023; 38:469-484. [PMID: 36952117 PMCID: PMC10976978 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-023-00987-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy may be important for reproductive health in male offspring by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation during development. We conducted a follow-up study of 827 young men from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort, nested in the Danish National Birth Cohort to investigate if maternal vitamin D levels were associated with measures of reproductive health in adult sons. These included semen characteristics, testes volume, and reproductive hormone levels and were analysed according to maternal vitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels during pregnancy. In addition, an instrumental variable analysis using seasonality in sun exposure as an instrument for maternal vitamin D levels was conducted. We found that sons of mothers with vitamin D levels < 25 nmol/L had 11% (95% CI - 19 to - 2) lower testes volume and a 1.4 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.9) times higher risk of having low testes volume (< 15 mL), in addition to 20% (95% CI - 40 to 9) lower total sperm count and a 1.6 (95% CI 0.9 to 2.9) times higher risk of having a low total sperm count (< 39 million) compared with sons of mothers with vitamin D levels > 75 nmol/L. Continuous models, spline plots and an instrumental variable analysis supported these findings. Low maternal vitamin D levels were associated with lower testes volume and lower total sperm count with indications of dose-dependency. Maternal vitamin D level above 75 nmol/L during pregnancy may be beneficial for testes function in adult sons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Katia Keglberg Hærvig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, 22363, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Regional Development, Region of Southern Denmark, 7100, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Pernille Jul Clemmensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Statistics, Division of Physical Sciences, UCLA College, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Cecilia Høst Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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18
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Dornfeldt MM, Andersen AMN, Hougaard KS, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Toft G, Bonde JPE, Haervig KK, Petersen KU, Kofoed ABB, Deen L, Tøttenborg SS. Maternal fever during pregnancy and male offspring reproductive health: A longitudinal cohort study in young Danish males. Andrology 2023; 11:523-536. [PMID: 36415019 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal fever during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of genital malformations, but the implication for long-term reproductive health in the offspring is unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between timing, duration, and temperature of fetal exposure to maternal fever and sons' semen quality, testicular volume, and levels of reproductive hormones in early adulthood. Further, to examine whether concurrent use of antipyretics and/or antibiotics modified the effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality cohort consisting of men born to women enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Self-reported information on maternal fever was collected twice during pregnancy (median 16 and 31 pregnancy weeks) and categorized as any fever during pregnancy, fever during early pregnancy (weeks 1-15), and fever exclusively during late pregnancy (weeks 16-42). Semen quality and concentrations of reproductive hormones were measured at a clinical examination at the age of 18.9 years. We used negative binomial regression to examine the associations, adjusting for maternal age at birth, maternal smoking, family occupational status, and precision variables related to semen quality and hormonal levels, for example, abstinence time. RESULTS 986 men were included in the study, of which 23% had mothers reporting at least one episode of fever. We found no strong indications of associations between maternal fever during pregnancy and male reproductive health in young men. Concurrent use of antipyretics and antibiotics did not modify the association. DISCUSSION Strengths include the large sample size, prospectively collected data, and the adjustment for maternal factors during pregnancy and important precision variables. A limitation is the crude self-reported information on maternal fever. CONCLUSION We found no evidence to support that timing, duration, or temperature of maternal fever during pregnancy has a long-term impact on semen characteristics, testicular volume, or level of reproductive hormones in male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Møller Dornfeldt
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katia Keglberg Haervig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane Berger Bungum Kofoed
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Deen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Hærvig KK, Petersen KU, Hougaard KS, Lindh C, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Toft G, Giwercman A, Høyer BB, Flachs EM, Bonde JP, Tøttenborg SS. Response to "Comment on 'Maternal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Male Reproductive Function in Young Adulthood: Combined Exposure to Seven PFAS'". ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:18004. [PMID: 36719214 PMCID: PMC9888235 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Keglberg Hærvig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital–Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital–Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Regional Development, Region of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Esben Meulengracht Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital–Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital–Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital–Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Sun Z, Wen Y, Wang B, Deng S, Zhang F, Fu Z, Yuan Y, Zhang D. Toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm: Epidemiological and experimental evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114463. [PMID: 36891048 PMCID: PMC9986484 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As emerging organic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have aroused worldwide concern due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. It has been demonstrated that PFASs can accumulate in human body and cause multiple adverse health outcomes. Notably, PFASs have been detected in the semen of human, posing a potential hazard to male fecundity. This article reviews the evidence about the toxic effects of exposure to PFASs on male reproduction, focusing on the sperm quality. Epidemiological studies showed that PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were adversely associated with the semen parameters in humans, including sperm count, morphology and motility. Experimental results also confirmed that PFAS exposure led to testicular and epididymal damage, therefore impairing spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of PFASs may be involved in blood-testosterone barrier destruction, testicular apoptosis, testosterone synthesis disorder, and membrane lipid composition alteration, oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx in sperm. In conclusion, this review highlighted the potential threat of exposure to PFASs to human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyi Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhendong Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Dalei Zhang,
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21
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Abraham K. Comment on "Maternal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Male Reproductive Function in Young Adulthood: Combined Exposure to Seven PFAS". ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:18003. [PMID: 36719215 PMCID: PMC9888239 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Abraham
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Clemmensen PJ, Brix N, Schullehner J, Gaml-Sørensen A, Toft G, Tøttenborg SS, Ebdrup NH, Hougaard KS, Hansen B, Sigsgaard T, Kolstad HA, Bonde JPE, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Nitrate in Maternal Drinking Water during Pregnancy and Measures of Male Fecundity in Adult Sons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14428. [PMID: 36361307 PMCID: PMC9656746 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies indicate deleterious effects of nitrate exposure on fecundity, but effects in humans are unknown, both for the prenatal and postnatal periods. We aimed to investigate if exposure to nitrate in maternal drinking water during the sensitive period of fetal life is associated with measures of fecundity in the adult sons. In a sub-analysis, the potential effects of nitrate exposure in adulthood were investigated. This cohort included 985 young adult men enrolled in The Fetal Programming of Semen Quality Cohort (FEPOS). Semen characteristics, testes volume and reproductive hormones were analyzed in relation to nitrate concentration in maternal drinking water, using a negative binomial regression model. The nitrate concentration in drinking water was obtained from monitoring data from Danish waterworks that were linked with the mothers' residential address during pregnancy. The median nitrate concentration in maternal drinking water was 2 mg/L. At these low exposure levels, which are far below the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline value of 50 mg/L, we did not find indications of harmful effects of nitrate on the investigated measures of male fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jörg Schullehner
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Hansen
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrated Register-Based Research, Aarhus University (CIRRAU), 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
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