Molecular mechanisms of 2, 3', 4, 4', 5-pentachlorobiphenyl-induced thyroid dysfunction in FRTL-5 cells

Role of FOXO3a Transcription Factor in the Regulation of Liver Oxidative Injury

Oxidative stress has been identified as a key mechanism in liver damage caused by various chemicals. The transcription factor FOXO3a has emerged as a critical regulator of redox imbalance. Multiple post-translational changes and epigenetic processes closely regulate the activity of FOXO3a, resulting in synergistic or competing impacts on its subcellular localization, stability, protein-protein interactions, DNA binding affinity, and transcriptional programs. Depending on the chemical nature and subcellular context, the oxidative-stress-mediated activation of FOXO3a can induce multiple transcriptional programs that play crucial roles in oxidative injury to the liver by chemicals. Here, we mainly review the role of FOXO3a in coordinating programs of genes that are essential for cellular homeostasis, with an emphasis on exploring the regulatory mechanisms and potential application of FOXO3a as a therapeutic target to prevent and treat liver oxidative injury.

2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl Induced Thyrocyte Autophagy by Promoting Calcium Influx via Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry

PCB118, a 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl, has been shown to destroy thyroidal ultrastructure and induce thyrocyte autophagy. Previously, we reported that PCB118 promoted autophagosome formation in vivo and in vitro, but more details remain to be revealed. To explore the underlying mechanism by which PCB118 regulates thyrocyte autophagy, Fischer rat thyroid cell line-5 (FRTL-5) cells were exposed to different doses of PCB118 at 0, 0.25, 2.5, and 25 nM for 0-48 h. Western blot analysis of autophagy-related proteins P62, BECLIN1, and LC3 demonstrated that PCB118 induced autophagy formation in dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry showed PCB118 treatment led to time- and dose-dependent increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Additionally, PCB118 promoted store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) channel followed by significant increase of ORAI1 and STIM1 protein levels. On the other hand, PCB118 induced thyroidal autophagy via class III β-tubulin (TUBB3)/death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK2)/myosin regulatory light chain (MRLC)/autophagy-related 9A (ATG9A) pathway in FRTL-5 cells. Pretreatment with SOCE inhibitor SKF96365 reduced cytosolic Ca2+, ORAI1, STIM1, and BECLIN1 levels as well as LC3 II/LC3 I ratio, while increased P62 expression. SKF96365 also inhibited TUBB3/DAPK2/MRLC/ATG9A pathway in FRTL-5 cells treated by PCB118. Our results provide evidence that PCB118 may induce thyroidal autophagy through TUBB3-related signaling pathway, and these effects are likely to be regulated by calcium influx via SOCE channel.

Halogen Bonding Interactions of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and the Potential for Thyroid Disruption

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) flame retardants are persistent pollutants and inhibit neurodevelopment, particularly in the early stages of life. Halogen bonding (XB) to the iodothyronine deiodinases (Dio) that modulate thyroid hormones (THs) is a potential mechanism for endocrine disruption. Cl⋅⋅⋅Se XB interactions of PCBs with SeMe- , a small model of the Dio active site selenocysteine, are compared with previous results on polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and THs using density functional theory. PCBs generally display weaker XB interactions compared to PBDEs and THs, consistent with the dependence of XB strength on the size of the halogen (I>Br>Cl). PCBs also do not meet a proposed energy threshold for substrates to undergo dehalogenation, suggesting they may behave as competitive inhibitors of Dio in addition to other mechanisms of endocrine disruption. XB interactions in PCBs are position-dependent, with ortho interactions slightly more favorable than meta and para interactions, suggesting that PCBs may have a greater effect on certain classes of Dio. Flexibility of PCBs around the biphenyl C-C bond is limited by ortho substitutions relative to the biphenyl linkage, which may contribute to the ability to inhibit Dio and other TH-related proteins.

A Halogen Bonding Perspective on Iodothyronine Deiodinase Activity

Iodothyronine deiodinases (Dios) are involved in the regioselective removal of iodine from thyroid hormones (THs). Deiodination is essential to maintain TH homeostasis, and disruption can have detrimental effects. Halogen bonding (XB) to the selenium of the selenocysteine (Sec) residue in the Dio active site has been proposed to contribute to the mechanism for iodine removal. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known disruptors of various pathways of the endocrine system. Experimental evidence shows PBDEs and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-BDEs) can inhibit Dio, while data regarding PCB inhibition are limited. These xenobiotics could inhibit Dio activity by competitively binding to the active site Sec through XB to prevent deiodination. XB interactions calculated using density functional theory (DFT) of THs, PBDEs, and PCBs to a methyl selenolate (MeSe⁻) arrange XB strengths in the order THs > PBDEs > PCBs in agreement with known XB trends. THs have the lowest energy C–X*-type unoccupied orbitals and overlap with the Se lp donor leads to high donor-acceptor energies and the greatest activation of the C–X bond. The higher energy C–Br* and C–Cl* orbitals similarly result in weaker donor-acceptor complexes and less activation of the C–X bond. Comparison of the I···Se interactions for the TH group suggest that a threshold XB strength may be required for dehalogenation. Only highly brominated PBDEs have binding energies in the same range as THs, suggesting that these compounds may inhibit Dio and undergo debromination. While these small models provide insight on the I···Se XB interaction itself, interactions with other active site residues are governed by regioselective preferences observed in Dios.

2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl induced autophagy of the thyrocytes via DAPK2/PKD/VPS34 pathway

2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) has been shown to cause thyroidal ultrastructure lesions, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which PCB118 induces the abnormalities of the thyrocytes. Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with PCB118 (0, 10, 100 and 1000 μg/kg/d) for 13 weeks, and FRTL-5 cells were treated with PCB118 (0, 0.25, 2.5 and 25 nM). Transmission electron microscopy showed typical autophagosomes in the thyroid of PCB118-treated rats. Immunofluorescence staining showed dose-dependent increase of autophagy in FRTL-5 cells exposed to PCB118. In vivo and vitro studies found that Tubulin beta 3 class III (Tubb3) mRNA and protein levels decreased significantly, while Death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK2) increased after PCB118 exposure, and the binding between Tubb3 and DAPK2 was enhanced by PCB118 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PCB118 resulted in the upregulation of Protein kinase D (PKD) and downregulation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (VPS34) in mRNA levels, and the activation of PKD and VPS34 phosphorylation. Additionally, Tubb3 small interfering RNA (siTubb3) suppressed DAPK2 protein expression and PKD phosphorylation in FRTL-5 cells, while VPS34 phosphorylation was inhibited by siPKD. Furthermore, DAPK2, PKD and VPS34 were upregulated by Tubb3 overexpression following PCB118 exposure. Our results demonstrate that low concentrations of PCB118 could promote thyroid autophagy formation and cause the abnormalities in thyroidal ultrastructure, and these effects are likely to be mediated by DAPK2/PKD/VPS34 dependent pathway.

Identification of Sex-Specific Transcriptome Responses to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are classified as xenoestrogens and carcinogens and their health risks may be sex-specific. To identify potential sex-specific responses to PCB-exposure we established gene expression profiles in a population study subdivided into females and males. Gene expression profiles were determined in a study population consisting of 512 subjects from the EnviroGenomarkers project, 217 subjects who developed lymphoma and 295 controls were selected in later life. We ran linear mixed models in order to find associations between gene expression and exposure to PCBs, while correcting for confounders, in particular distribution of white blood cells (WBC), as well as random effects. The analysis was subdivided according to sex and development of lymphoma in later life. The changes in gene expression as a result of exposure to the six studied PCB congeners were sex- and WBC type specific. The relatively large number of genes that are significantly associated with PCB-exposure in the female subpopulation already indicates different biological response mechanisms to PCBs between the two sexes. The interaction analysis between different PCBs and WBCs provides only a small overlap between sexes. In males, cancer-related pathways and in females immune system-related pathways are identified in association with PCBs and WBCs. Future lymphoma cases and controls for both sexes show different responses to the interaction of PCBs with WBCs, suggesting a role of the immune system in PCB-related cancer development.

Genetic background and window of exposure contribute to thyroid dysfunction promoted by low-dose exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in mice

Genetic and environmental factors contribute to thyroid diseases. Although still debated, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is thought to induce thyroid dysfunction in humans and rodents. The data here reported point out the contribution of the exposure window and genetic background in mediating the low-dose TCDD effects on thyroid. Indeed, early (from E0.5 to PND30) and low-dose (0,001 μg/kg/day) TCDD exposure reduced the circulating fT4 and altered the expression of thyroid specific transcripts. The role of genetic components was estimated monitoring the same markers in Pax8^+/- and Nkx2-1^+/- mice, susceptible to thyroid dysfunction, exposed to 0, 1 μg/kg/day TCDD from E15.5 to PND60. Haploinsufficiency of either Pax8 or Nkx2-1 genes exacerbated the effects of the exposure impairing the thyroid enriched mRNAs in sex dependent manner. Such effect was mediated by mechanisms involving the Nkx2-1/p53/p65/IĸBα pathway in vitro and in vivo. Foetal exposure to TCDD impaired both thyroid function and genes expression while thyroid development and differentiation did not appear significantly affected. In mouse, stronger effects were related to earlier exposure or specific genetic background such as either Pax8 or Nkx2-1 haploinsufficiency, both associated to hypothyroidism in humans. Furthermore, our data underline that long exposure time are needed to model in vitro and in vivo results.

Risk for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed and food

The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific opinion on the risks for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and DL-PCBs in feed and food. The data from experimental animal and epidemiological studies were reviewed and it was decided to base the human risk assessment on effects observed in humans and to use animal data as supportive evidence. The critical effect was on semen quality, following pre- and postnatal exposure. The critical study showed a NOAEL of 7.0 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g fat in blood sampled at age 9 years based on PCDD/F-TEQs. No association was observed when including DL-PCB-TEQs. Using toxicokinetic modelling and taking into account the exposure from breastfeeding and a twofold higher intake during childhood, it was estimated that daily exposure in adolescents and adults should be below 0.25 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. The CONTAM Panel established a TWI of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week. With occurrence and consumption data from European countries, the mean and P95 intake of total TEQ by Adolescents, Adults, Elderly and Very Elderly varied between, respectively, 2.1 to 10.5, and 5.3 to 30.4 pg TEQ/kg bw/week, implying a considerable exceedance of the TWI. Toddlers and Other Children showed a higher exposure than older age groups, but this was accounted for when deriving the TWI. Exposure to PCDD/F-TEQ only was on average 2.4- and 2.7-fold lower for mean and P95 exposure than for total TEQ. PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs are transferred to milk and eggs, and accumulate in fatty tissues and liver. Transfer rates and bioconcentration factors were identified for various species. The CONTAM Panel was not able to identify reference values in most farm and companion animals with the exception of NOAELs for mink, chicken and some fish species. The estimated exposure from feed for these species does not imply a risk.

Thyroid-disrupting chemicals and brain development: an update

This review covers recent findings on the main categories of thyroid hormone-disrupting chemicals and their effects on brain development. We draw mostly on epidemiological and experimental data published in the last decade. For each chemical class considered, we deal with not only the thyroid hormone-disrupting effects but also briefly mention the main mechanisms by which the same chemicals could modify estrogen and/or androgen signalling, thereby exacerbating adverse effects on endocrine-dependent developmental programmes. Further, we emphasize recent data showing how maternal thyroid hormone signalling during early pregnancy affects not only offspring IQ, but also neurodevelopmental disease risk. These recent findings add to established knowledge on the crucial importance of iodine and thyroid hormone for optimal brain development. We propose that prenatal exposure to mixtures of thyroid hormone-disrupting chemicals provides a plausible biological mechanism contributing to current increases in the incidence of neurodevelopmental disease and IQ loss.

A Preliminary Link between Hydroxylated Metabolites of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Free Thyroxin in Humans

BACKGROUND

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated metabolites (HO-PCBs) interfere with thyroid hormone action both in vitro and in vivo. However, epidemiologic studies on the link between PCB exposure and thyroid function have yielded discordant results, while very few data are available for HO-PCBs.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed at investigating the relationship between clinically available markers of thyroid metabolism and serum levels of both PCBs and HO-PCBs.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In a group of 180 subjects, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (fT4), 29 PCBs (expressed both in lipid weight and in wet weight) and 18 HO-PCBs were measured in serum.

RESULTS

In regression models, adjusted for gender, age, current smoking behavior, BMI and total lipid levels, serum levels of 3HO-PCB118 and 3HO-PCB180, and PCB95(lw), PCB99(lw) and PCB149(lw) were independent, significant predictors of fT4. A stepwise, multiple regression with gender, age, current smoking behavior, BMI and total lipid levels and all five previously identified significant compounds retained age, BMI, PCB95(lw), PCB99(lw) and 3HO-PCB180 as significant predictors of fT4. TSH levels were not predicted by serum levels of any of the PCBs or HO-PCBs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that in vivo, circulating fT4 levels can be linked to serum levels of several PCBs and hydroxylated PCB metabolites.

Toxic chemicals and thyroid function: hard facts and lateral thinking

Increasing quantities of evidence-based data incriminate a large number of environmental pollutants for toxic effects on the thyroid. Among the many chemical contaminants, halogenated organochlorines and pesticides variably affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and disrupt thyroid function. PCBs and their metabolites and PBDEs bind to thyroid transport proteins, such as transthyretin, displace thyroxine, and disrupt thyroid function. Meanwhile, at the molecular level, PCB congeners may activate phosphorylation of Akt, p-Akt, and forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) protein resulting in inhibition of the natrium/iodide symporter. Given therefore the growing concern developing around these multiple toxic chemicals today invading numerous environments and their long-term deleterious effects not only on the thyroid but also on general health, we strongly advocate their strict regulation and, moreover, their gradual reduction. A good degree of "lateral thinking", we feel, will lead to a use of chemicals that will enhance life while concurrently carefully protecting the environment.

2,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl Induces Inflammatory Responses in the Thyroid Through JNK and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Pathway

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are durable and widely distributed environmental contaminants that can compromise the normal functions of multiple organs and systems; one important mechanism is the induction of inflammatory disorders. In this study, we explored the influences of 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) on inflammatory responses and its underlying mechanisms in the thyroid. Wistar rats were administered PCB118 intraperitoneally at 0, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/kg/d, 5 days a week for 13 weeks; rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells were treated with PCB118 (0, 0.25, 2.5, and 25 nM) for indicated time. Results revealed that PCB118 promoted the generation of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a time- and dose-related manner and decreased sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) protein expression. Moreover, stimulation with PCB118 resulted in the upregulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-responsive gene cytochrome P450 1A1 in FRTL-5 cells; whereas pretreatment with the AhR inhibitor α-naphthoflavone or AhR small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed AhR, CYP1A1, IL-6, and ICAM-1 and restored NIS expression. In vivo and in vitro studies also suggested that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway was activated on PCB118 exposure, and the experiments using siRNA for JNK partially blocked PCB118-induced upregulation of IL-6 and ICAM-1 and downregulation of NIS. Altogether, PCB118 stimulates production of IL-6, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 in the thyroid through AhR and JNK activations and subsequently interferes with NIS expression, resulting in the disruption of thyroid structure and function.