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Holmer ML, Zilliacus J, Draskau MK, Hlisníková H, Beronius A, Svingen T. Methodology for developing data-rich Key Event Relationships for Adverse Outcome Pathways exemplified by linking decreased androgen receptor activity with decreased anogenital distance. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108662. [PMID: 38986849 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108662] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework has gained widespread acceptance in toxicological disciplines as a tool for aiding chemical hazard assessment. Despite increased activity in AOP development, progress towards a high volume of fully endorsed AOPs has been slow, partly due to the challenging task of constructing complete AOPs according to the AOP Developer's Handbook. To facilitate greater uptake of new knowledge units onto the open-source AOP-wiki platform, a pragmatic approach was recently proposed. This approach involves considering Key Event Relationships (KERs) for individual development through systematic approaches, as they represent essential units of knowledge from which causality can be inferred; from low complexity test data to adverse outcomes in intact organisms. However, more broadly adopted harmonized methodologies for KER development would be desirable. Using the AOP Developer's Handbook as a guide, a KER linking 'decreased androgen receptor (AR) activity' with 'reduced anogenital distance (AGD)' was developed to demonstrate a methodology applicable for future developments of KERs requiring systematic literature retrieval approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie L Holmer
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark.
| | - Johanna Zilliacus
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Monica K Draskau
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Henrieta Hlisníková
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
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2
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Zhang T, Zhou X, Zhang X, Ren X, Wu J, Wang Z, Wang S, Wang Z. Gut microbiota may contribute to the postnatal male reproductive abnormalities induced by prenatal dibutyl phthalate exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132046. [PMID: 34474386 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate is an environmental endocrine disruptor that causes direct and intergenerational male reproductive damage. However, its mechanisms require further investigation. The role of gut microbiota in male reproductive function has been gradually revealed in the past. To explore the intergenerational testicular injury and the influence on offspring gut microbiota of the widely used phthalate dibutyl phthalate (DBP), we conducted a prenatal DBP exposure experiment with microbiota sequencing. We finally explained the gestational DBP exposure-induced gut dysbacteriosis, which is one of the mechanisms of testicular injury in the offspring. The occurrence of seminiferous atrophy and spermatogenic cells apoptosis showed a slight increase. Our study partially supported the results of previous research works on the characteristics of gut dysbacteriosis, which featured the increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella and P. copri. Focusing on the role of gut microbiota in reproductive function is important. Future studies need to investigate the relationship between environmental pollution and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Xiaohan Ren
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Jiajin Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Zhongyuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Shangqian Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, China.
| | - Zengjun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300, Guangzhou Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China; The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou City, China.
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3
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Wang H, Yang X, Li J, Qi Z, Liu B, Liu W, Xu B, Xu Z, Deng Y. Research progress on the effect of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on reproductive health at different periods in life. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:RD20135. [PMID: 33941309 DOI: 10.1071/rd20135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a representative endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that has reproductive, developmental, neurological and immune toxicity in humans and rodents, of which damage to the reproductive system is the most serious. However, exposure to DEHP at different stages of life may produce different symptoms. Studies on this substance are also controversial. This review describes the reproductive effects of DEHP in males and females at different life stages, including infancy, childhood and adulthood.
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Zhu BB, Zhang ZC, Li J, Gao XX, Chen YH, Wang H, Gao L, Xu DX. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress and germ cell apoptosis in adolescent mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:21696-21705. [PMID: 33411269 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a male reproductive toxicant. This research is aimed at investigating the effect of pubertal DEHP exposure on testicular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and germ cell apoptosis. Five-week-old male mice were orally administered with DEHP (0, 0.5, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. Testis weight and sperm count were reduced in mice exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. The number of seminiferous tubules in stages VII-VIII, mature seminiferous tubules, was reduced and the number of seminiferous tubules in stages IX-XII, immature seminiferous tubules, was elevated in mice treated with 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Numerous apoptotic germ cells were observed in mouse seminiferous tubules exposed to 50 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Moreover, cleaved caspase-3 was elevated in mouse testes exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. In addition, Bcl-2 was reduced and Bax/Bcl-2 was elevated in mouse testes exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Additional experiment showed that GRP78, an ER molecular chaperone, was downregulated in mouse testes exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Testicular p-IRE-1α, p-JNK, and CHOP, three markers of ER stress, were upregulated in mice exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. These results suggest that pubertal exposure to high doses of DEHP induces germ cell apoptosis partially through initiating ER stress in testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Xing-Xing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Hua Chen
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei, China.
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Dostalova P, Zatecka E, Ded L, Elzeinova F, Valaskova E, Kubatova A, Korenkova V, Langerova L, Komrskova K, Peknicova J. Gestational and pubertal exposure to low dose of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate impairs sperm quality in adult mice. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:175-184. [PMID: 32619501 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) is a compound widely used as a plasticizer, which can leach from plastics into the environment and thus influence human health. The aim of this study was to analyze whether exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of DEHP during mice fetal development or puberty can cause long-lasting changes detectable month/s after the last exposure. We used a DEHP concentration relevant to a daily human intake of 2.4-3 μg/kg of body weight/day. CD1 outbred mice were treated either in utero or postnatally during puberty and analyzed in adulthood. Analyzing fertility parameters using morphometric, histologic, genomic and proteomic methods we showed that DEHP exposure leads to decreased sperm concentration and quality, in both experimental groups. Moreover, the changes in anogenital distance, seminal vesicle weight, and testicular gene expression suggest a disturbance of androgen signaling in exposed animals. In conclusion, we hereby present, that the prenatal and pubertal exposure to a low dose of DEHP negatively influenced reproductive endpoints in male mice, and some of the effects were persistent until adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Dostalova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Zatecka
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Lukas Ded
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Fatima Elzeinova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Valaskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kubatova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Vlasta Korenkova
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Langerova
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Peknicova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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6
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Spade DJ, Hall SJ, Wortzel JD, Reyes G, Boekelheide K. All-trans Retinoic Acid Disrupts Development in Ex Vivo Cultured Fetal Rat Testes. II: Modulation of Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Toxicity. Toxicol Sci 2020; 168:149-159. [PMID: 30476341 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are universally exposed to low levels of phthalate esters (phthalates), which are used to plasticize polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates exert adverse effects on the development of seminiferous cords in the fetal testis through unknown toxicity pathways. To investigate the hypothesis that phthalates alter seminiferous cord development by disrupting retinoic acid (RA) signaling in the fetal testis, gestational day 15 fetal rat testes were exposed for 1-3 days to 10-6 M all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) alone or in combination with 10-6-10-4 M mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) in ex vivo culture. As previously reported, exogenous ATRA reduced seminiferous cord number. This effect was attenuated in a concentration-dependent fashion by MEHP co-exposure. ATRA and MEHP-exposed testes were depleted of DDX4-positive germ cells but not Sertoli cells. MEHP alone enhanced the expression of the RA receptor target Rbp1 and the ovary development-associated genes Wnt4 and Nr0b1, and suppressed expression of the Leydig cell marker, Star, and the germ cell markers, Ddx4 and Pou5f1. In co-exposures, MEHP predominantly enhanced the gene expression effects of ATRA, but the Wnt4 and Nr0b1 concentration-responses were nonlinear. Similarly, ATRA increased the number of cells expressing the granulosa cell marker FOXL2 in testis cultures, but this induction was attenuated by addition of MEHP. These results indicate that MEHP can both enhance and inhibit actions of ATRA during fetal testis development and provide evidence that RA signaling is a target for phthalate toxicity in the fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Jeremy D Wortzel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Gerardo Reyes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912.,Division of Natural Sciences, College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale, New York 10471
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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7
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Tian X, Yu Z, Feng P, Ye Z, Li R, Liu J, Hu J, Kakade A, Liu P, Li X. Lactobacillus plantarum TW1-1 Alleviates Diethylhexylphthalate-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Decreasing Inflammation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:221. [PMID: 31297340 PMCID: PMC6607032 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), acting as an endocrine disruptor, disturbed reproductive health. Here, we evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum TW1-1 (L. plantarum TW1-1) on DEHP-induced testicular damage in adult male mice. Results showed that oral supplementation of L. plantarum TW1-1 significantly increased the serum testosterone concentration, enhanced the semen quality, and attenuated gonad development defects in DEHP-exposed mice. L. plantarum TW1-1 also alleviated DEHP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by decreasing the mRNA expression and serum protein concentration of different inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6]. Furthermore, L. plantarum TW1-1 significantly reduced DEHP-induced intestinal hyper-permeability and the increase in the serum lipopolysaccharide level. Gut microbiota diversity analysis revealed that L. plantarum TW1-1 shifted the DEHP-disrupted gut microbiota to that of the control mice. At phylum level, L. plantarum TW1-1 reversed DEHP-induced Bacteroidetes increase and Firmicutes decrease, and restored Deferribacteres in DEHP-exposed mice. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that Bacteroidetes, Deferribacteres, and Firmicutes were associated with DEHP-induced testicular damage. In addition, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (Firm/Bac ratio) significantly decreased from 0.28 (control group) to 0.13 (DEHP-exposed group), which was restored by L. plantarum TW1-1 treatment. Correlation analysis showed that the Firm/Bac ratio was negatively correlated with testicular damage and inflammation. These findings suggest that L. plantarum TW1-1 prevents DEHP-induced testicular damage via modulating gut microbiota and decreasing inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhengsheng Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengya Feng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ze Ye
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juyuan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junping Hu
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Apurva Kakade
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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8
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Tian X, Yu Z, Feng P, Ye Z, Li R, Liu J, Hu J, Kakade A, Liu P, Li X. Lactobacillus plantarum TW1-1 Alleviates Diethylhexylphthalate-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Decreasing Inflammation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019. [PMID: 31297340 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00221/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), acting as an endocrine disruptor, disturbed reproductive health. Here, we evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum TW1-1 (L. plantarum TW1-1) on DEHP-induced testicular damage in adult male mice. Results showed that oral supplementation of L. plantarum TW1-1 significantly increased the serum testosterone concentration, enhanced the semen quality, and attenuated gonad development defects in DEHP-exposed mice. L. plantarum TW1-1 also alleviated DEHP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by decreasing the mRNA expression and serum protein concentration of different inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6]. Furthermore, L. plantarum TW1-1 significantly reduced DEHP-induced intestinal hyper-permeability and the increase in the serum lipopolysaccharide level. Gut microbiota diversity analysis revealed that L. plantarum TW1-1 shifted the DEHP-disrupted gut microbiota to that of the control mice. At phylum level, L. plantarum TW1-1 reversed DEHP-induced Bacteroidetes increase and Firmicutes decrease, and restored Deferribacteres in DEHP-exposed mice. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that Bacteroidetes, Deferribacteres, and Firmicutes were associated with DEHP-induced testicular damage. In addition, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (Firm/Bac ratio) significantly decreased from 0.28 (control group) to 0.13 (DEHP-exposed group), which was restored by L. plantarum TW1-1 treatment. Correlation analysis showed that the Firm/Bac ratio was negatively correlated with testicular damage and inflammation. These findings suggest that L. plantarum TW1-1 prevents DEHP-induced testicular damage via modulating gut microbiota and decreasing inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhengsheng Yu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengya Feng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ze Ye
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juyuan Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junping Hu
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo, The Reproductive Medicine Special Hospital of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Apurva Kakade
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Abdel-Maksoud FM, Knight R, Waler K, Yaghoubi-Yeganeh N, Olukunle JO, Thompson H, Panizzi JR, Akingbemi BT. Exposures of male rats to environmental chemicals [bisphenol A and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate] affected expression of several proteins in the developing epididymis. Andrology 2017; 6:214-222. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. M. Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - R. Knight
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - K. Waler
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - N. Yaghoubi-Yeganeh
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | | | - H. Thompson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - J. R. Panizzi
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - B. T. Akingbemi
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
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10
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Zarean M, Keikha M, Poursafa P, Khalighinejad P, Amin M, Kelishadi R. A systematic review on the adverse health effects of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:24642-24693. [PMID: 27714658 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Di (ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a global environmental pollutant. This study aims to systematically review the literature on health effects of exposure to DEHP including effects on reproductive health, carcinogenesis, pregnancy outcome, and respiratory system. The literature search was done through Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and the reference lists of previous review articles to identify relevant articles published to June 2016 in each subject area. The inclusion criteria were as follows: original research, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, cohort studies, interventional studies, and review articles. Both human and animal studies were included. The search was limited to English language papers. Conference papers, editorials, and letters were not included. The systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Overall, 152 of the 407 papers met the inclusion criteria. We provided an up-to-date comprehensive and critical assessment of both human and animal studies undertaken to explore the effects of DEHP. It revealed that in experimental studies, exposure to DEHP mainly targeted the reproductive, neurodevelopment, and respiratory systems. Human studies reported that exposure to this contaminant had carcinogenic effects and influenced neurodevelopment in early life. This systematic review underscored the adverse health effects of DEHP for pregnant women and the pediatric age group. It summarizes different response of humans and experimental animals to DEHP exposure, and some suggested underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zarean
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Environmental Health Department, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Keikha
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parinaz Poursafa
- Environmental Health Department, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Students' Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Pooyan Khalighinejad
- Students' Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Kimia Gostar Saba, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadmehdi Amin
- Environmental Health Department, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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11
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Leung MC, Phuong J, Baker NC, Sipes NS, Klinefelter GR, Martin MT, McLaurin KW, Setzer RW, Darney SP, Judson RS, Knudsen TB. Systems Toxicology of Male Reproductive Development: Profiling 774 Chemicals for Molecular Targets and Adverse Outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:1050-61. [PMID: 26662846 PMCID: PMC4937872 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1510385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trends in male reproductive health have been reported for increased rates of testicular germ cell tumors, low semen quality, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias, which have been associated with prenatal environmental chemical exposure based on human and animal studies. OBJECTIVE In the present study we aimed to identify significant correlations between environmental chemicals, molecular targets, and adverse outcomes across a broad chemical landscape with emphasis on developmental toxicity of the male reproductive system. METHODS We used U.S. EPA's animal study database (ToxRefDB) and a comprehensive literature analysis to identify 774 chemicals that have been evaluated for adverse effects on male reproductive parameters, and then used U.S. EPA's in vitro high-throughput screening (HTS) database (ToxCastDB) to profile their bioactivity across approximately 800 molecular and cellular features. RESULTS A phenotypic hierarchy of testicular atrophy, sperm effects, tumors, and malformations, a composite resembling the human testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) hypothesis, was observed in 281 chemicals. A subset of 54 chemicals with male developmental consequences had in vitro bioactivity on molecular targets that could be condensed into 156 gene annotations in a bipartite network. CONCLUSION Computational modeling of available in vivo and in vitro data for chemicals that produce adverse effects on male reproductive end points revealed a phenotypic hierarchy across animal studies consistent with the human TDS hypothesis. We confirmed the known role of estrogen and androgen signaling pathways in rodent TDS, and importantly, broadened the list of molecular targets to include retinoic acid signaling, vascular remodeling proteins, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and cytochrome P450s. CITATION Leung MC, Phuong J, Baker NC, Sipes NS, Klinefelter GR, Martin MT, McLaurin KW, Setzer RW, Darney SP, Judson RS, Knudsen TB. 2016. Systems toxicology of male reproductive development: profiling 774 chemicals for molecular targets and adverse outcomes. Environ Health Perspect 124:1050-1061; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510385.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell C.K. Leung
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Address correspondence to M.C.K. Leung, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-2721. E-mail: , or T.B. Knudsen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-9776. E-mail:
| | - Jimmy Phuong
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Nisha S. Sipes
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Gary R. Klinefelter
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Matthew T. Martin
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Keith W. McLaurin
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - R. Woodrow Setzer
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Sally Perreault Darney
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Richard S. Judson
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Thomas B. Knudsen
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Address correspondence to M.C.K. Leung, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-2721. E-mail: , or T.B. Knudsen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-9776. E-mail:
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Schagdarsurengin U, Western P, Steger K, Meinhardt A. Developmental origins of male subfertility: role of infection, inflammation, and environmental factors. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:765-781. [PMID: 27315198 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0576-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Male gamete development begins with the specification of primordial cells in the epiblast of the early embryo and is not complete until spermatozoa mature in the epididymis of adult males. This protracted developmental process involves extensive alteration of the paternal germline epigenome. Initially, epigenetic reprogramming in fetal germ cells results in removal of most DNA methylation, including parent-specific epigenetic information. The germ cells then establish sex-specific epigenetic information through de novo methylation and undergo spermatogenesis. Chromatin in haploid germ cells is repackaged into protamines during spermiogenesis, providing further widespread epigenetic reorganization. Finally, after fertilization, epigenetic reprogramming in the preimplantation embryo is necessary for regaining totipotency. These events provide substantial windows during which epigenetic errors either may be corrected or may occur in the germline. There is now increasing evidence that environmental factors such as exposure to toxicants, the parents' and individual's diet, and even infectious and inflammatory events in the male reproductive tract may influence epigenetic reprogramming. This, together with other damage inflicted on the germline chromatin, may result in negative consequences for fertility and health. Large epidemiological birth cohort studies have yielded insight into possible causative environmental factors. Together with experimental animal studies, a clearer view of environmental impacts on fetal development and their intergenerational and even transgenerational effects on reproductive health has emerged and is reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Western
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute for Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
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Abdel-Kawi SH, Hashem KS, Abd-Allah S. Mechanism of diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) induced testicular damage and of grape seed extract-induced protection in the rat. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 90:64-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abdel-Maksoud FM, Leasor KR, Butzen K, Braden TD, Akingbemi BT. Prenatal Exposures of Male Rats to the Environmental Chemicals Bisphenol A and Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Impact the Sexual Differentiation Process. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4672-83. [PMID: 26372177 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of reproductive anomalies, described as testicular dysgenesis syndrome, is thought to be related to the exposure of the population to chemicals in the environment. Bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which have hormonal and antihormonal activity, have attracted public attention due to their presence in consumer products. The present study investigated the effects of BPA and DEHP on reproductive development. Timed-pregnant female rats were exposed to BPA and DEHP by gavage from gestational days 12 to 21. Results showed that prenatal exposures to test chemicals exerted variable effects on steroidogenic factor 1 and GATA binding protein 4 protein expression and increased (P < .05) sex-determining region Y-box 9 and antimüllerian hormone protein in the infantile rat testis compared with levels in the control unexposed animals. Pituitary LHβ and FSHβ subunit protein expression was increased (P < .05) in BPA- and DEHP-exposed prepubertal male rats but were decreased (P < .05) in adult animals relative to control. Exposure to both BPA and DEHP in utero inhibited (P < .05) global DNA hydroxymethylation in the adult testis in association with altered DNA methyltransferase protein expression. Together the present data suggest that altered developmental programming in the testes associated with chemical exposures are related to the disruption of sexual differentiation events and DNA methylation patterns. The chemical-induced effects impact the development of steroidogenic capacity in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Auburn University, Alabama 36849
| | - Khrystyna R Leasor
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Auburn University, Alabama 36849
| | - Kate Butzen
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Auburn University, Alabama 36849
| | - Timothy D Braden
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Auburn University, Alabama 36849
| | - Benson T Akingbemi
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Auburn University, Alabama 36849
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Wang Y, Liu W, Yang Q, Yu M, Zhang Z. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure during pregnancy disturbs temporal sex determination regulation in mice offspring. Toxicology 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Jones S, Boisvert A, Francois S, Zhang L, Culty M. In utero exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces testicular effects in neonatal rats that are antagonized by genistein cotreatment. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:92. [PMID: 26316063 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.129098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) is believed to predispose males to reproductive abnormalities. Although males are exposed to combinations of chemicals, few studies have evaluated the effects of ED mixtures at environmentally relevant doses. Our previous work showed that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) induced unique alterations in adult testis. In this follow-up study, we examined Postnatal Day 3 (PND3) and PND6 male offspring exposed from Gestational Day 14 to parturition to corn oil, 10mg/kg GEN, DEHP, or their combination, to gain insight into the early molecular events driving long-term alterations. DEHP stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of the steroidogenic enzyme HSD3B, uniquely at PND3. DEHP also increased the mRNA expression of Nestin, a Leydig progenitor/Sertoli cell marker, and markers of Sertoli cell (Wt1), gonocyte (Plzf, Foxo1), and proliferation (Pcna) at PND3, while these genes were unchanged by the mixture. Redox (Nqo1, Sod2, Sod3, Trx, Gst, Cat) and xenobiotic transporter (Abcb1b, Abcg2) gene expression was also increased by DEHP at PND3, while attenuated when combined with GEN, suggesting the involvement of cellular stress in short-term DEHP effects and a protective effect of GEN. The direct effects of GEN and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, the principal bioactive metabolite of DEHP, on testis were investigated in PND3 organ cultures, showing a stimulatory effect of 10 μM mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on basal testosterone production that was normalized by GEN. These effects contrasted with previous reports of androgen suppression and decreased gene expression in perinatal rat testis by high DEHP doses, implying that neonatal effects are not predictive of adult effects. We propose that GEN, through an antioxidant action, normalizes reactive oxygen species-induced neonatal effects of DEHP. The notion that these EDs do not follow classical dose-response effects and involve different mechanisms of toxicity from perinatal ages to adulthood highlights the importance of assessing impacts across a range of doses and ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jones
- Division of Experimental Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- Department of Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sade Francois
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Liandong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Martine Culty
- Division of Experimental Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Department of Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Yang O, Kim HL, Weon JI, Seo YR. Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals: Review of Toxicological Mechanisms Using Molecular Pathway Analysis. J Cancer Prev 2015; 20:12-24. [PMID: 25853100 PMCID: PMC4384711 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2015.20.1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are known to cause harmful effects to human through various exposure routes. These chemicals mainly appear to interfere with the endocrine or hormone systems. As importantly, numerous studies have demonstrated that the accumulation of endocrine disruptors can induce fatal disorders including obesity and cancer. Using diverse biological tools, the potential molecular mechanisms related with these diseases by exposure of endocrine disruptors. Recently, pathway analysis, a bioinformatics tool, is being widely used to predict the potential mechanism or biological network of certain chemicals. In this review, we initially summarize the major molecular mechanisms involved in the induction of the above mentioned diseases by endocrine disruptors. Additionally, we provide the potential markers and signaling mechanisms discovered via pathway analysis under exposure to representative endocrine disruptors, bisphenol, diethylhexylphthalate, and nonylphenol. The review emphasizes the importance of pathway analysis using bioinformatics to finding the specific mechanisms of toxic chemicals, including endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oneyeol Yang
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Goyang ; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Seoul
| | - Hye Lim Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Goyang ; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Seoul
| | - Jong-Il Weon
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Seoul ; Department of Safety Engineering, Dongguk University College of Natural Science, Gyeongju, Korea
| | - Young Rok Seo
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Goyang ; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Dongguk University Biomedi Campus, Seoul
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18
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Cunha GR, Sinclair A, Risbridger G, Hutson J, Baskin LS. Current understanding of hypospadias: relevance of animal models. Nat Rev Urol 2015; 12:271-80. [DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2015.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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19
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Specht IO, Bonde JP, Toft G, Lindh CH, Jönsson BAG, Jørgensen KT. Serum phthalate levels and time to pregnancy in couples from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120070. [PMID: 25786246 PMCID: PMC4364890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are ubiquitous industrial chemicals that have been associated with altered reproductive function in rodents. Several human studies have reported an inverse association between male testosterone and phthalate levels. Our aim was to investigate time to pregnancy (TTP) according to serum levels of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) metabolites in both partners. In 2002-2004 we enrolled 938 pregnant women and 401 male spouses from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine. Six oxidized metabolites of DEHP and DiNP were summarized for each of the two parent compounds to provide proxies of the internal exposure. We used Cox discrete-time models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for men and women according to their proxy-DEHP or -DiNP serum levels adjusted for a fixed set of covariates. The FR was slightly elevated among women with high levels of DEHP (FR=1.14, 95% CI 1.00;1.30) suggesting a shorter TTP in these women. The FR was unrelated to DiNP in women, whereas the results for men were inconsistent pointing in opposite directions. First-time pregnant women from Greenland with high serum DiNP levels had a longer TTP. This study spanning large contrast in environmental exposure does not indicate adverse effects of phthalates on couple fecundity. The shorter TTP in women with high levels of DEHP metabolites is unexplained and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Olmer Specht
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian H. Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bo A. G. Jönsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristian T. Jørgensen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
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De Grava Kempinas W, Klinefelter GR. Interpreting histopathology in the epididymis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e979114. [PMID: 26413396 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
While most of this Special Issue is devoted to the testis (which is where most drug and chemically induced toxicity of the male reproductive tract is identified), being able to recognize and understand the potential effects of toxicants on the epididymis is immensely important and an area that is often overlooked. The epididymis is the organ where the post-testicular sperm differentiation occurs, through a complex and still not completely understood sperm maturation process, allowing them to fertilize the oocyte. Also in the epididymis, sperm are stored until ejaculation, while being protected from immunogenic reaction by a blood-epididymis barrier. From a toxicologic perspective the epididymis is inherently complicated as its structure and function can be altered both indirectly and directly. In this review we will discuss the factors that must be considered when attempting to distinguish between indirect and direct epididymal toxicity and highlight what is currently known about mechanisms of epididymal toxicants, using the rat as a reference model. We identify 2 distinguishable signature lesions - one representing androgen deprivation (secondary to Leydig cell toxicity in the testis) and another representing a direct acting toxicant. Other commonly observed alterations will also be shown and discussed. Finally, we point out that many of the key functions of the epididymis can be altered in the absence of a detectable change in tissue structure. Collectively, we hope this will provide pathologists with increased confidence in identification of epididymal toxicity and enable more informed guidance as mechanism of action is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilma De Grava Kempinas
- Department of Morphology; Institute of Biosciences; UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista ; Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gary Robert Klinefelter
- National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory; Reproductive Toxicology Division; US Environmental Protection Agency ; Research Triangle Park, NC USA
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21
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Prenatal Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and Subsequent Infant and Child Health Effects. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2015. [DOI: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.2015011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Rouiller-Fabre V, Guerquin MJ, N’Tumba-Byn T, Muczynski V, Moison D, Tourpin S, Messiaen S, Habert R, Livera G. Nuclear receptors and endocrine disruptors in fetal and neonatal testes: a gapped landscape. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:58. [PMID: 25999913 PMCID: PMC4423451 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, many studies reported that male reproductive disorders are increasing among humans. It is currently acknowledged that these abnormalities can result from fetal exposure to environmental chemicals that are progressively becoming more concentrated and widespread in our environment. Among the chemicals present in the environment (air, water, food, and many consumer products), several can act as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), thus interfering with the endocrine system. Phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and diethylstilbestrol (DES) have been largely incriminated, particularly during the fetal and neonatal period, due to their estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic properties. Indeed, many epidemiological and experimental studies have highlighted their deleterious impact on fetal and neonatal testis development. As EDCs can affect many different genomic and non-genomic pathways, the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of EDC exposure are difficult to elucidate. Using literature data and results from our laboratory, in the present review, we discuss the role of classical nuclear receptors (genomic pathway) in the fetal and neonatal testis response to EDC exposure, particularly to phthalates, BPA, and DES. Among the nuclear receptors, we focused on some of the most likely candidates, such as peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ERα and β), liver X receptors (LXR), and small heterodimer partner (SHP). First, we describe the expression and potential functions (based on data from studies using receptor agonists and mouse knockout models) of these nuclear receptors in the developing testis. Then, for each EDC studied, we summarize the main evidences indicating that the reprotoxic effect of each EDC under study is mediated through a specific nuclear receptor(s). We also point-out the involvement of other receptors and nuclear receptor-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
- *Correspondence: Virginie Rouiller-Fabre, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, BP6, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France,
| | - Marie Justine Guerquin
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Thierry N’Tumba-Byn
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Vincent Muczynski
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - René Habert
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Unité 967, INSERM, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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Jones S, Boisvert A, Duong TB, Francois S, Thrane P, Culty M. Disruption of Rat Testis Development Following Combined In Utero Exposure to the Phytoestrogen Genistein and Antiandrogenic Plasticizer Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:64. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.120907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Veeramachaneni DNR, Klinefelter GR. Phthalate-induced pathology in the foetal testis involves more than decreased testosterone production. Reproduction 2014; 147:435-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Foetal exposure to phthalates is known to adversely impact male reproductive development and function. Developmental anomalies of reproductive tract have been attributed to impaired testosterone synthesis. However, species differences in the ability to produce testosterone have been noted; e.g., following foetal exposure, abnormal clustering of Leydig cells or decreased production of testosterone that is manifested in rats does not occur in mice or humans. Nonetheless, other facets of testicular dysgenesis occur in both rats and mice as well as in some other species tested. We recently published a comprehensive evaluation of the foetal rat testis proteome, following in utero exposure to diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which revealed changes in individual proteins that are known to be factors in cellular differentiation and migration or related to the capacity of the foetal Leydig cell to produce testosterone and fit a pathway network in which each is regulated directly or indirectly by oestradiol. Plasma oestradiol indeed was found to be elevated approximately twofold in 19-day-old DEHP-exposed foetal male rats. In this brief review, we discuss our new findings vis-à-vis ‘oestrogen hypothesis’ as a cause for testicular dysgenesis syndrome.
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Aung KH, Win-Shwe TT, Kanaya M, Takano H, Tsukahara S. Involvement of hemeoxygenase-1 in di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced apoptosis of Neuro-2a cells. J Toxicol Sci 2014; 39:217-29. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.39.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Htet Aung
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Tin-Tin Win-Shwe
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Moeko Kanaya
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
| | - Hirohisa Takano
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University
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Nistal M, Gonzalez-Peramato P, De Miguel MP. Sertoli cell dedifferentiation in human cryptorchidism and gender reassignment shows similarities between fetal environmental and adult medical treatment estrogen and antiandrogen exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 42:172-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Albert O, Jégou B. A critical assessment of the endocrine susceptibility of the human testis to phthalates from fetal life to adulthood. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:231-49. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Mortimer D, Barratt CLR, Björndahl L, de Jager C, Jequier AM, Muller CH. What should it take to describe a substance or product as 'sperm-safe'. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 Suppl 1:i1-45. [PMID: 23552271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive potential continues to be adversely affected by many environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins. Pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological (side-)effects remains limited, or even non-existent. Many products that come into direct contact with spermatozoa lack adequate testing for the absence of adverse effects, and numerous products that are intended for exposure to spermatozoa have only a general assumption of safety based on the absence of evidence of actual harm. Such assumptions can have unfortunate adverse impacts on at-risk individuals (e.g. couples who are trying to conceive), illustrating a clear need for appropriate up-front testing to establish actual 'sperm safety'. METHODS After compiling a list of general areas within the review's scope, relevant literature and other information was obtained from the authors' personal professional libraries and archives, and supplemented as necessary using PubMed and Google searches. Review by co-authors identified and eliminated errors of omission or bias. RESULTS This review provides an overview of the broad range of substances, materials and products that can affect male fertility, especially through sperm fertilizing ability, along with a discussion of practical methods and bioassays for their evaluation. It is concluded that products can only be claimed to be 'sperm-safe' after performing objective, properly designed experimental studies; extrapolation from supposed predicate products or other assumptions cannot be trusted. CONCLUSIONS We call for adopting the precautionary principle, especially when exposure to a product might affect not only a couple's fertility potential but also the health of resulting offspring and perhaps future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Saillenfait AM, Sabaté JP, Robert A, Rouiller-Fabre V, Roudot AC, Moison D, Denis F. Dose-dependent alterations in gene expression and testosterone production in fetal rat testis after exposure to di-n-hexyl phthalate. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 33:1027-35. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alain Robert
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité; Vandoeuvre; France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- INSERM, U967, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR/LDG; Université Paris Diderot; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Fontenay-Aux-Roses; France
| | - Alain-Claude Roudot
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale; UFR des Sciences et Techniques; Brest; France
| | - Delphine Moison
- INSERM, U967, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR/LDG; Université Paris Diderot; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Fontenay-Aux-Roses; France
| | - Flavien Denis
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité; Vandoeuvre; France
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Doyle TJ, Bowman JL, Windell VL, McLean DJ, Kim KH. Transgenerational effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on testicular germ cell associations and spermatogonial stem cells in mice. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:112. [PMID: 23536373 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.106104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has linked human phthalate exposure to abnormal reproductive and hormonal effects. Phthalates are plasticizers that confer flexibility and transparency to plastics, but they readily contaminate the body and the environment. In this study, timed pregnant CD1 outbred mice were treated with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from Embryonic Day 7 (E7) to E14. The subsequent generation (F1) offspring were then bred to produce the F2, F3, and F4 offspring, without any further DEHP treatment. This exposure scheme disrupted testicular germ cell association and decreased sperm count and motility in F1 to F4 offspring. By spermatogonial transplantation techniques, the exposure scheme also disrupted spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) function of F3 offspring. The W/W(V) recipient testes transplanted with F3 offspring germ cells from the DEHP-treated group had a dramatically lower percentage of donor germ cell-derived spermatogenic recovery in seminiferous tubules when compared to the recipient testes transplanted with CD1 control germ cells. Further characterization showed that the major block of donor germ cell-derived spermatogenesis was before the appearance of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Interestingly, the testes transplanted with the F3 offspring germ cells from the DEHP-treated group, when regenerated, replicated testis morphology similar to that observed in the testes from the F1 to F3 offspring of the DEHP-treated group, suggesting that the germ cell disorganization phenotype originates from the stem cells of F3 offspring. In conclusion, embryonic exposure to DEHP was found to disrupt testicular germ cell organization and SSC function in a transgenerational manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Doyle
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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