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Liu Q, Xu C, Jin J, Li W, Liang J, Zhou S, Weng Z, Zhou Y, Liao X, Gu A. Early-life exposure to lead changes cardiac development and compromises long-term cardiac function. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166667. [PMID: 37652374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166667] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is widely used in industrial and daily-use consumer products. Early-life exposure may increase the risk of lead-related heart problems in childhood. However, the effects of early-life lead exposure on fetal heart development and long-term cardiac outcomes are unknown. In this study, pregnant ICR mice were exposed to lead acetate trihydrate (50 mg/kg/d) via oral gavage from gestation day 1.5 until offspring weaning. Thereafter, the second hit model was established, two groups of offspring (4 weeks old) were either administered sterile saline or Angiotensin II (Ang II) for 4 weeks until euthanasia. We investigated lead-induced offspring heart damage from embryonic period to adulthood by echocardiographic analysis, pathological H&E staining, and ultrastructural examination, as well as mitochondrial function detection. The results showed early-life lead exposure predisposed offspring mice to decreased ejection fraction, increased left ventricular volume, accompanied by hypertrophy and dilation, cardiomyocyte sarcomere dysplasia, abnormal mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased expression of key sarcomeric and mitochondrial genes, rendering them more susceptible to cardiac hypertrophy, vascular wall thickening, cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis, and heart failure induced by Ang II infusion. This study elucidates early-life low dose lead exposure compromises cardiac development and exacerbates second hit-induced cardiac pathological responses in adulthood, which furnishes crucial scientific evidence pertaining to the cardiac toxicity and risk evaluation associated with early-life exposure to lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjia Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenkun Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xudong Liao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Aihua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Zhang Q, Qiu C, Jiang W, Feng P, Xue X, Bukhari I, Mi Y, Zheng P. The impact of dioctyl phthalate exposure on multiple organ systems and gut microbiota in mice. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22677. [PMID: 38107267 PMCID: PMC10724677 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dioctyl phthalate, commonly known as bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is a widely used plasticizer in various industries and has been shown to directly or indirectly impact human health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the potential health risks associated with DEHP accumulation in different organs across various age groups. This study aimed to assess the effects of low (50 mg/kg·bw) and high (500 mg/kg·bw) doses of DEHP on five different organs in mice at young (4-week-old) and aged (76-week-old) life stages. Our findings revealed that both low and high doses of DEHP exposure led to significant dose-dependent inflammation in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Furthermore, regardless of age, DEHP exposure resulted in elevated activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver, as well as increased levels of creatinine (Cr) and urea in the kidney. Moreover, analysis of the fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that DEHP exposure disrupted the homeostasis of the gut microbiota, characterized by an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Desulfovibrio and Muribaculum, and a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. This study provides compelling evidence that DEHP at different concentrations can induce damage to multiple organs and disrupt gut microbiota composition. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigations into DEHP toxicity in various human organs, contributing to a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with DEHP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Chunjing Qiu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Wenya Jiang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Pengya Feng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- Department of Children Rehabilitation Medicine, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Ihtisham Bukhari
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yang Mi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
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Wen ZJ, Wang ZY, Zhang YF. Adverse cardiovascular effects and potential molecular mechanisms of DEHP and its metabolites-A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157443. [PMID: 35868369 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a health hazard that is associated with progressive deterioration upon exposure to environmental pollutants. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been one of the focuses of emerging concern due to its ubiquitous nature and its toxicity to the cardiovascular (CV) system. DEHP has been noted as a causative risk factor or a risk indicator for the initiation and augment of CVDs. DEHP represents a precursor that contributes to the pathogenesis of CVDs through its active metabolites, which mainly include mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). Herein, we systematically presented the association between DEHP and its metabolites and adverse CV outcomes and discussed the corresponding effects, underlying mechanisms and possibly interventions. Epidemiological and experimental evidence has suggested that DEHP and its metabolites have significant impacts on processes and factors involved in CVD, such as cardiac developmental toxicity, cardiac injury and apoptosis, cardiac arrhythmogenesis, cardiac metabolic disorders, vascular structural damage, atherogenesis, coronary heart disease and hypertension. DNA methylation, PPAR-related pathways, oxidative stress and inflammation, Ca2+ homeostasis disturbance may pinpoint the relevant mechanisms. The preventive and therapeutic measures are potentially related with P-glycoprotein, heat-shock proteins, some antioxidants, curcumin, apigenin, β-thujaplicin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and Ang-converting enzyme inhibitors and so on. Promisingly, future investigations should aid in thoroughly assessing the causal relationship and molecular interactions between CVD and DEHP and its metabolites and explore feasible prevention and treatment measures accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng-Jin Wen
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Zhong-Yu Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yin-Feng Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
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Szychowski KA, Skóra B, Tabęcka-Łonczyńska A. Calcium channel antagonists interfere with the mechanism of action of elastin-derived peptide VGVAPG in mouse cortical astrocytes in vitro. Neurochem Int 2022; 159:105405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Cui JG, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Li XN, Li JL. Lycopene regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response to prevent DEHP-induced cardiac mitochondrial damage in mice. Food Funct 2022; 13:4527-4536. [PMID: 35348563 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03054j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lycopene (LYC), as a kind of carotene, has antioxidant effects. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was used to improve the flexibility of plastics. However, the potential role of LYC in DEHP induced cardiac injury in mice remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of LYC in DEHP induced cardiac injury. Male ICR mice were treated with DEHP (500 or 1000 mg per kg BW per day) and/or LYC (5 mg per kg BW per day) for 28 days. The results of histopathology and ultrastructure showed that LYC relieved the decrease of mitochondrial volume density and myocardial fibre disorder induced by DEHP. Subsequently, LYC attenuated DEHP-induced mitochondrial damage, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) activation, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediated oxidative stress and heat shock response (HSR) activation induced by DEHP. LYC regulates UPRmt to prevent DEHP-induced cardiac mitochondrial damage. Thus, this study provided new evidence of UPRmt as a target for LYC treatment preventing DEHP-induced cardiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Gen Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Xue-Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China. .,Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P.R. China
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Martyniuk CJ, Martínez R, Navarro-Martín L, Kamstra JH, Schwendt A, Reynaud S, Chalifour L. Emerging concepts and opportunities for endocrine disruptor screening of the non-EATS modalities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:111904. [PMID: 34418449 PMCID: PMC8669078 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment and involve diverse chemical-receptor interactions that can perturb hormone signaling. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has validated several EDC-receptor bioassays to detect endocrine active chemicals and has established guidelines for regulatory testing of EDCs. Focus on testing over the past decade has been initially directed to EATS modalities (estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and steroidogenesis) and validated tests for chemicals that exert effects through non-EATS modalities are less established. Due to recognition that EDCs are vast in their mechanisms of action, novel bioassays are needed to capture the full scope of activity. Here, we highlight the need for validated assays that detect non-EATS modalities and discuss major international efforts underway to develop such tools for regulatory purposes, focusing on non-EATS modalities of high concern (i.e., retinoic acid, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, and glucocorticoid signaling). Two case studies are presented with strong evidence amongst animals and human studies for non-EATS disruption and associations with wildlife and human disease. This includes metabolic syndrome and insulin signaling (case study 1) and chemicals that impact the cardiovascular system (case study 2). This is relevant as obesity and cardiovascular disease represent two of the most significant health-related crises of our time. Lastly, emerging topics related to EDCs are discussed, including recognition of crosstalk between the EATS and non-EATS axis, complex mixtures containing a variety of EDCs, adverse outcome pathways for chemicals acting through non-EATS mechanisms, and novel models for testing chemicals. Recommendations and considerations for evaluating non-EATS modalities are proposed. Moving forward, improved understanding of the non-EATS modalities will lead to integrated testing strategies that can be used in regulatory bodies to protect environmental, animal, and human health from harmful environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Rubén Martínez
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, 08034, Spain
| | - Laia Navarro-Martín
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, 08034, Spain
| | - Jorke H Kamstra
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Adam Schwendt
- Division of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, McGill University, 850 Sherbrooke Street, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1A2, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin Cote Ste Catherine, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Stéphane Reynaud
- Univ. Grenoble-Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Lorraine Chalifour
- Division of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, McGill University, 850 Sherbrooke Street, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1A2, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin Cote Ste Catherine, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1E2, Canada
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Svoboda LK, Ishikawa T, Dolinoy DC. Developmental toxicant exposures and sex-specific effects on epigenetic programming and cardiovascular health across generations. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac017. [PMID: 36325489 PMCID: PMC9600458 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite substantial strides in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to represent the leading cause of death in the USA and around the world, resulting in significant morbidity and loss of productive years of life. It is increasingly evident that environmental exposures during early development can influence CVD risk across the life course. CVDs exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, but how sex interacts with environmental exposures to affect cardiovascular health is a critical and understudied area of environmental health. Emerging evidence suggests that developmental exposures may have multi- and transgenerational effects on cardiovascular health, with potential sex differences; however, further research in this important area is urgently needed. Lead (Pb), phthalate plasticizers, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with numerous adverse human health effects. Notably, recent evidence suggests that developmental exposure to each of these toxicants has sex-specific effects on cardiovascular outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms, and their effects on future generations, require further investigation. This review article will highlight the role for the developmental environment in influencing cardiovascular health across generations, with a particular emphasis on sex differences and epigenetic mechanisms. In particular, we will focus on the current evidence for adverse multi and transgenerational effects of developmental exposures to Pb, phthalates, and PFAS and highlight areas where further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie K Svoboda
- *Correspondence address. Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Tel: +734-764-2032; E-mail:
| | - Tomoko Ishikawa
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Warner GR, Dettogni RS, Bagchi IC, Flaws JA, Graceli JB. Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:1-17. [PMID: 34015474 PMCID: PMC8260441 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper placental development and function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways that make the placenta susceptible to disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between phthalate exposures and dysfunctions of the development and function of the placenta, including morphology, physiology, and genetic and epigenetic effects. This review covers in vitro studies, in vivo studies in mammals, and studies in humans. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicates that toxicity to the placental and maternal-fetal interface is associated with exposure to phthalates. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms through which phthalates act in the placenta as well as additional human studies that assess placental disruption through pregnancy with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoa R Warner
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
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Mohammadi H, Ashari S. Mechanistic insight into toxicity of phthalates, the involved receptors, and the role of Nrf2, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:35488-35527. [PMID: 34024001 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14466-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The wide use of phthalates, as phthalates are used in the manufacturing of not only plastics but also many others goods, has become a main concern in the current century because of their potency to induce deleterious effects on organism health. The toxic effects of phthalates such as reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, teratogenicity, and tumor development have been widely indicated by previous experimental studies. Some of the important mechanisms of toxicity by phthalates are the induction and promotion of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Awareness of the involved molecular pathways of these mechanisms will permit the detection of exact molecular targets of phthalates to protect or treat their toxicity. Up to now, various transcription factors and signaling pathways have been associated with phthalate-induced toxicity which by influencing on nuclear surface and the expression of different genes can alter cell hemostasis. In different studies, the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways in processes of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and cancer has been shown following exposure to phthalates. In the present review, we aim to survey experimental studies (in vitro and in vivo) in order to show firstly the most involved receptors and also the importance and the role of the mentioned signaling pathways in phthalate-induced toxicity, and with considering this point, the future studies can focus on these molecular targets as a strategic method to reduce environmental chemicals-induced toxicity especially phthalates toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Mohammadi
- Pharmaceutical Science Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Toxicology/Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sorour Ashari
- Department of Toxicology/Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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