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Tursi AR, Lindeman B, Kristoffersen AB, Hjertholm H, Bronder E, Andreassen M, Husøy T, Dirven H, Andorf S, Nygaard UC. Immune cell profiles associated with human exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) suggest changes in natural killer, T helper, and T cytotoxic cell subpopulations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119221. [PMID: 38795951 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitutes a group of highly persistent man-made substances. Recent evidence indicates that PFAS negatively impact the immune system. However, it remains unclear how different PFAS are associated with alterations in circulating leukocyte subpopulations. More detailed knowledge of such potential associations can provide better understanding into mechanisms of PFAS immunotoxicity in humans. In this exploratory study, associations of serum levels of common PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) and immune cell profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, both with and without immunostimulation, were investigated. High-dimensional single cell analysis by mass cytometry was done on blood leukocytes from fifty participants in the Norwegian human biomonitoring EuroMix study. Different PFAS were associated with changes in various subpopulations of natural killer (NK), T helper (Th), and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells. Broadly, PFAS concentrations were related to increased frequencies of NK cells and activated subpopulations of NK cells. Additionally, increased levels of activated T helper memory cell subpopulations point to Th2/Th17 and Treg-like skewed profiles. Finally, PFAS concentrations were associated with decreased frequencies of T cytotoxic cell subpopulations with CXCR3+ effector memory (EM) phenotypes. Several of these observations point to biologically plausible mechanisms that may contribute to explaining the epidemiological reports of immunosuppression by PFAS. Our results suggest that PFAS exposures even at relatively low levels are associated with changes in immune cell subpopulations, a finding which should be explored more thoroughly in a larger cohort. Additionally, causal relationships should be confirmed in experimental studies. Overall, this study demonstrates the strength of profiling by mass cytometry in revealing detailed changes in immune cells at a single cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Tursi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Trine Husøy
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sandra Andorf
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Jovanovic N, Mustieles V, Althuser M, Lyon-Caen S, Alfaidy N, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Sabaredzovic A, Bayat S, Couturier-Tarrade A, Slama R, Philippat C. Associations between synthetic phenols, phthalates, and placental growth/function: a longitudinal cohort with exposure assessment in early pregnancy. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae018. [PMID: 38689737 PMCID: PMC11057944 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is exposure to environmental chemicals associated with modifications of placental morphology and function? SUMMARY ANSWER Phthalates, a class of ubiquitous chemicals, showed an association with altered placental weight, placental vascular resistance (PVR), and placental efficiency. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Only a few epidemiological studies have assessed the effects of phenols and phthalates on placental health. Their results were affected by exposure measurement errors linked to the rapid excretion of these compounds and the reliance on a limited number of spot urine samples to assess exposure. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A prospective mother-child cohort, with improved exposure assessment for non-persistent chemicals, recruited participants between 2014 and 2017. Sample size ranged between 355 (placental parameters measured at birth: placental weight and placental-to-fetal weight ratio (PFR): a proxy for placental efficiency) and 426 (placental parameters measured during pregnancy: placental thickness and vascular resistance). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Phenols (four parabens, two bisphenols, triclosan, and benzophenone-3), 13 phthalate metabolites, and two non-phthalate plasticizer metabolites were measured in within-subject pools of repeated urine samples collected during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (median = 21 samples/trimester/woman). Placental thickness and PVR were measured during pregnancy. The placenta was weighed at birth and the PFR was computed. Both adjusted linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression were used to evaluate associations between phenols and phthalates (alone or as a mixture) and placental parameters. Effect modification by child sex was also investigated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several phthalate metabolites were negatively associated with placental outcomes. Monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations, during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, were associated with a decrease in both placental weight at birth (β = -20.1 g [95% CI: -37.8; -2.5] and β = -17.4 g [95% CI: -33.2; -1.6], for second and third trimester, respectively) and PFR (β = -0.5 [95% CI: -1, -0.1] and β = -0.5 [95% CI: -0.9, -0.1], for the second and third trimester, respectively). Additionally, MBzP was negatively associated with PVR during the third trimester (β= -0.9 [95% CI: -1.8; 0.1]). Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), was negatively associated with PVR in both trimesters (β = -1.3, 95% CI: [-2.3, -0.2], and β = -1.2, 95% CI: [-2.4, -0.03], for the second and third trimester, respectively). After stratification for child sex, Σ diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) (either second or third-trimester exposures, depending on the outcomes considered) was associated with decreased PVR in the third trimester, as well as decreased placental weight and PFR in males. No associations were observed for phenol biomarkers. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION False positives cannot be ruled out. Therefore, chemicals that were associated with multiple outcomes (MnBP and DiNP) or reported in existing literature as associated with placental outcomes (MBzP) should be considered as the main results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results are consistent with in vitro studies showing that phthalates target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, in the family of nuclear receptors involved in key placental development processes such as trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition to placental weight at birth, we studied placental parameters during pregnancy, which could provide a broader view of how environmental chemicals affect maternal-fetal exchanges over the course of pregnancy. Our findings contribute to the increasing evidence indicating adverse impacts of phthalate exposure on placental health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the French Research Agency-ANR (MEMORI project ANR-21-CE34-0022). The SEPAGES cohort was supported by the European Research Council (N°311765-E-DOHaD), the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-206-N°308333-892 HELIX), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (N° 874583 ATHLETE Project, N°825712 OBERON Project), the French Research Agency-ANR (PAPER project ANR-12-PDOC-0029-01, SHALCOH project ANR-14-CE21-0007, ANR-15-IDEX-02 and ANR-15-IDEX5, GUMME project ANR-18-CE36-005, ETAPE project ANR-18-CE36-0005-EDeN project ANR-19-CE36-0003-01), the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety-ANSES (CNAP project EST-2016-121, PENDORE project EST-2016-121, HyPAxE project EST-2019/1/039, PENDALIRE project EST-2022-169), the Plan Cancer (Canc'Air project), the French Cancer Research Foundation Association de Recherche sur le Cancer-ARC, the French Endowment Fund AGIR for chronic diseases-APMC (projects PRENAPAR, LCI-FOT, DysCard), the French Endowment Fund for Respiratory Health, the French Fund-Fondation de France (CLIMATHES-00081169, SEPAGES 5-00099903, ELEMENTUM-00124527). N.J. was supported by a doctoral fellowship from the University Grenoble Alpes. V.M. was supported by a Sara Borrell postdoctoral research contract (CD22/00176), granted by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain) and NextGenerationEU funds. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02852499.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jovanovic
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs. GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), Granada, Spain
| | - Marc Althuser
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Fetal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Nadia Alfaidy
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), IRIG department, INSERM U1292, and Grenoble Alpes University (UGA), Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Fetal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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Lv D, Liu H, An Q, Lei C, Wang Y, Sun J, Li C, Lin Y, Dong Q, Yang Z, Che K, Liu W, Han W. Association of adverse fetal outcomes with placental inflammation after oral gestational exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) in Sprague-Dawley rats. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132536. [PMID: 37717439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), known as "GenX" for its trade name, is gradually taking the place of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). However, there is a poor understanding of the developmental effects of GenX. This study aims to explore whether GenX produces adverse effects on offspring development in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the underlying mechanisms. Pregnant rats were orally administered with GenX (0, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day) from gestational 0.5-19.5 days. Experimental data showed that the exposure to GenX resulted in increased rats' gestational weight gain, whereas both body weight and body length of their fetuses born naturally were significantly reduced. This could contribute to the developmental delays of fetal body weight, body length and tail length from postnatal 1-21 days. Histopathological evaluation of placenta indicated that GenX exposure led to neutrophil infiltration in decidual zone and congestion in labyrinth zone. Moreover, placental proteomics showed changes at the expression levels of the inflammation-related proteins in the Rap1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, gestational exposure to GenX induced fetal intrauterine and extrauterine development retardation in SD rats. Placental inflammation may play a key role in this process through the Rap1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Lv
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hongyun Liu
- Pathology Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qi An
- Child Healthcare Department, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chengwei Lei
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanxuan Wang
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics and Child Health Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Chuanhai Li
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yongfeng Lin
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qing Dong
- Pediatrics Department, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian 271000, China
| | - Zhugen Yang
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Kui Che
- Key Laboratory of Thyroid Diseases, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Wendong Liu
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Wenchao Han
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China.
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Chen H, Kapidzic M, Gantar D, Aksel S, Levan J, Abrahamsson DP, Jigmeddagva U, Basrai S, San A, Gaw SL, Woodruff TJ, Fisher SJ, Robinson JF. Perfluorooctanoic acid induces transcriptomic alterations in second trimester human cytotrophoblasts. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:187-199. [PMID: 37738295 PMCID: PMC10682971 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly- and perfluroroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a major class of surfactants used in industry applications and consumer products. Despite efforts to reduce the usage of PFAS due to their environmental persistence, compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are widely detected in human blood and tissue. Although growing evidence supports that prenatal exposures to PFOA and other PFAS are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the target organs and pathways remain unclear. Recent investigations in mouse and human cell lines suggest that PFAS may impact the placenta and impair trophoblast function. In this study, we investigated the effects of PFOA on cytotoxicity and the transcriptome in cultured second trimester human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs). We show that PFOA significantly reduces viability and induces cell death at 24 h, in a concentration-dependent manner. At subcytotoxic concentrations, PFOA impacted expression of hundreds of genes, including several molecules (CRH, IFIT1, and TNFSF10) linked with lipid metabolism and innate immune response pathways. Furthermore, in silico analyses suggested that regulatory factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-mediated pathways may be especially important in response to PFOA. In summary, this study provides evidence that PFOA alters primary human CTB viability and gene pathways that could contribute to placental dysfunction and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Mirhan Kapidzic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Danielle Gantar
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Justine Levan
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Dimitri P Abrahamsson
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Unurzul Jigmeddagva
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Sanah Basrai
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Ali San
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L Gaw
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Susan J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Joshua F Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Di Credico A, Gaggi G, Bucci I, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15018. [PMID: 37834465 PMCID: PMC10573528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Dangudubiyyam SV, Bosse B, Yadav P, Song R, Hofmann A, Mishra JS, Kumar S. Restoring Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Function Reverses PFOS-Induced Vascular Hyper-Reactivity and Hypertension in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14180. [PMID: 37762482 PMCID: PMC10531530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure during pregnancy induces hypertension with decreased vasodilatory angiotensin type-2 receptor (AT2R) expression and impaired vascular reactivity and fetal weights. We hypothesized that AT2R activation restores the AT1R/AT2R balance and reverses gestational hypertension by improving vascular mechanisms. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to PFOS through drinking water (50 μg/mL) from gestation day (GD) 4-20. Controls received drinking water with no detectable PFOS. Control and PFOS-exposed rats were treated with AT2R agonist Compound 21 (C21; 0.3 mg/kg/day, SC) from GD 15-20. In PFOS dams, blood pressure was higher, blood flow in the uterine artery was reduced, and C21 reversed these to control levels. C21 mitigated the heightened contraction response to Ang II and enhanced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in uterine arteries of PFOS dams. The observed vascular effects of C21 were correlated with reduced AT1R levels and increased AT2R and eNOS protein levels. C21 also increased plasma bradykinin production in PFOS dams and attenuated the fetoplacental growth restriction. These data suggest that C21 improves the PFOS-induced maternal vascular dysfunction and blood flow to the fetoplacental unit, providing preclinical evidence to support that AT2R activation may be an important target for preventing or treating PFOS-induced adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Vidya Dangudubiyyam
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.V.D.); (P.Y.); (R.S.); (A.H.); (J.S.M.)
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Bradley Bosse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.V.D.); (P.Y.); (R.S.); (A.H.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Ruolin Song
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.V.D.); (P.Y.); (R.S.); (A.H.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Alissa Hofmann
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.V.D.); (P.Y.); (R.S.); (A.H.); (J.S.M.)
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jay S. Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.V.D.); (P.Y.); (R.S.); (A.H.); (J.S.M.)
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (S.V.D.); (P.Y.); (R.S.); (A.H.); (J.S.M.)
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
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Song Z, Song K, Zhao H, He Y, Hu J. Network analysis and experimental approach to investigate the potential therapeutic mechanism of zishen yutai pills on premature ovarian insufficiency. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20025. [PMID: 37809603 PMCID: PMC10559743 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As society continues to develop, women are more at risk of gonadotoxic substance exposure. Consequently, the incidence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) has increased significantly in the past decades. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended as the standard treatment to relieve hypoestrogenic symptoms; however, its potential side effects and contraindications have drawn widespread controversy and concern. As such, the Chinese medicine Zishen Yutai Pill (ZSYTP) commonly used for treating miscarriage and menoxenia, is a highly promising alternative drug candidate against POI, however its therapeutic mechanism has not been completely elucidated. Objective To systematically analyze the potential therapeutic targets of ZSYTP on POI, we combined network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking to predict critical target genes, with experimental validation on POI murine models. Methods The active compounds of ZSYTP were collected from three online databases, and the candidate targets were predicted based on the chemical structure. The POI-related targets were obtained from four databases. A PPI network was constructed to find the key target genes between ZSYTP and POI, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were employed to study the mechanism of ZSYTP against POI. The binding capability of the key co-targets with active components was examined by molecular docking. We used a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-inducible POI mouse model to verify our predictions by histopathological observation, immunohistochemical staining (caspase-3, TUNEL assay), hormone determination (FSH, AMH) and ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA Seq). Progynova was also used to study the difference between ZSYTP and HRT. Result We identified 21 target genes as the hub between ZSYTP and POI. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the molecular mechanism of ZSYTP against POI were mainly based on the regulation of gene and protein expression. A variety of signaling pathways may be involved in the treatment of ZSYTP against POI, especially PI3K-AKT, HIF-1 and the AGE-RAGE cascades. Docking simulation showed that G1, C1, SR5, and F1 had relatively lower binding energy. In vivo, ZSYTP significantly reversed CTX-induced ovarian damage in follicle number, hormone level and apoptosis, with an overall improved therapeutic effect compared to Progynova. Results from RNA-Seq revealed that the PI3K-AKT, Hippo, AGE-RAGE, and Rap1 signaling pathways and regulation of inflammation, immune response, and lipid metabolism may mediate the protective effects of ZSYTP against POI, which is different than Progynova's mechanism of action. Conclusions Collectively, this study indicates that ZSYTP could be a highly promising alternative as a non-HRT-based therapy for POI. Its mechanism involves multiple signaling pathways, alleviating ovarian apoptosis and recovering AMH and FSH level. However, the discrepancy between different research techniques highlight the necessity of further experimental verification from other aspects such as translation and posttranslational modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Kuangyu Song
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, PR China
| | - Hongru Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, PR China
| | - Yuanqiao He
- Center of Laboratory Animal Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, PR China
- Nanchang Royo Biotech Co,. Ltd, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Wielsøe M, Molina-Molina JM, Rodríguez-Carrillo A, Mustieles V, Olea N, Fernandez MF, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Xeno-estrogenic activity of real-life mixtures of perfluoroalkylated substances in human placenta homogenates. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108444. [PMID: 37473930 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Humans are simultaneously exposed to complex chemical mixtures, and its combined effect can affect human health. As part of the HBM4EU project, the actual mixture of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in 25 human placenta samples was extracted by chromatographic methods and assessed for xeno-estrogenic activity using two in-vitro bioassays: the estrogen receptor transactivity and the E-Screen assay. Most of the PFAS extracts displayed xeno-estrogenic activity, in one or both assays. The xeno-estrogenic activities in the two bioassays were not correlated, but both assays showed an overall negative correlation with placenta concentrations of single PFAS. Xeno-estrogenic activities were significantly related to maternal characteristics; being higher in young, smokers and primiparous women, but not with fetal growth (birth weight, birth length, head circumference, gestational age, placenta weight). The presented extraction method can be used to study the combined effect of real-life mixtures of PFAS in relation to health outcomes in large-scale human biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Wielsøe
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jose-Manuel Molina-Molina
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Rodríguez-Carrillo
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029, Spain
| | - Nicolas Olea
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM) & Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), E-28029, Spain
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Greenland Centre for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, GRL-3905 Nuussuaq, Greenland
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Barbagallo F, Ballerini P, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. Antenatal Exposure to Plastic Pollutants: Study of the Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls Effects on Human Stem Cell Models. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12403-023-00586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractEndocrine disruptors (EDs), such as Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), are a class of plastic pollutants widely used in industrial applications. Human exposure to these molecules usually occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water. Once entered the human body they can interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, leading to a wide spectrum of diseases. It has been reported that BPs and PFs can cross the placental barrier accumulating in the fetal serum, but the detrimental consequences for human development remain to be clarified. Here we analyze the effects of different doses of bisphenol A and S (BPA, BPS) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on proliferation and mitochondrial health on different types of stem cells: through an integrated approach that combines data from pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with that from the “environment” in which the embryo develops (fetal annexes-derived perinatal stem cells) we verified the potential developmental toxicity of the in utero EDs exposure. Data obtained showed that overall, BPs, and PFs tended to increase the proliferation rate of perinatal stem cells; a similar response was observed in hiPSCs exposed to very low doses of BPs and PFs, while at higher concentrations these chemicals were toxic; in addition, both the BPs and the PFs exerted a mitotoxic effects hiPSCs at all the concentration studied. All these data suggest that antenatal exposure to BPs and PFs, also at very low concentrations, may modify the biological characteristics of stem cells present in both the developing fetus and the fetal annexes, thus perturbing normal human development.
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Zhou Y, Sun W, Tang Q, Lu Y, Li M, Wang J, Han X, Wu D, Wu W. Effect of prenatal perfluoroheptanoic acid exposure on spermatogenesis in offspring mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 260:115072. [PMID: 37262965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), a persistent organic pollutant widespread in the environment, is suspected as an environmental endocrine disruptor for its disturbance effect on hormone homeostasis and reproductive development. Whereas the effect of intrauterine PFHpA exposure during gestation on spermatogenesis of male offspring mice is still unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the effect of prenatal PFHpA exposure on the reproductive development of male offspring mice and the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) during the process. METHODS Fifty-six C57BL/6 pregnant mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. During the gestation period, the pregnant mice were exposed to 0, 0.0015, 0.015, and 0.15 mg/kg bw/d PFHpA from gestational day 1 (GD1) to GD16 by oral gavage. The male offspring mice were sacrificed by spinal dislocation at 7 weeks old. The body weight, testicular weight, and brain weight were weighed, and the intra-testicular testosterone was detected. The sperm qualities were analyzed with computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA). The testicular tissues were taken to analyze the pathological changes and examine the global m6A RNA methylation levels. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to figure out the mRNA expression levels of m6A-related enzymes in testicular tissues of different PFHpA treated groups. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) was applied to further explore the m6A RNA methylation at a whole-genome scale. RESULTS Compared with the control group, no significant differences were observed in body weight, testicular weight, testicular coefficient, and the visceral-brain ratio of testicular tissue in the PFHpA treated groups. And no significant change was observed in intra-testicular testosterone among the four groups. CASA results showed a decrease of sperm count, sperm concentration, and total cell count, as well as an increase of sperm progressive cells' head area after prenatal PFHpA exposure (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin staining of pathological sections showed seminiferous tubules morphological change, disorder arrangement of seminiferous epithelium, and reduction of spermatogenic cells in the PFHpA treated groups. PFHpA significantly decreased global levels of m6A RNA methylation in testicular tissue (P < 0.05). Besides, qRT-PCR results showed significant alteration of the mRNA expression levels of seven m6A-related enzymes (Mettl3, Mettl5, Mettl14, Pcif1, Wtap, Hnrnpa2b1, and Hnrnpc) in the PFHpA treated groups (P < 0.05). MeRIP-seq results showed a correlation between prenatal PFHpA exposure and activation and binding of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Cnga3 and Mpzl3 showed differential expression in the enrichment subcategories or pathways. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PFHpA during the gestation period would adversely affect the development of seminiferous tubules and testicular m6A RNA methylation in offspring mice, which subsequently interferes with spermatogenesis and leads to reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weilian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiwen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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11
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Ehrlich V, Bil W, Vandebriel R, Granum B, Luijten M, Lindeman B, Grandjean P, Kaiser AM, Hauzenberger I, Hartmann C, Gundacker C, Uhl M. Consideration of pathways for immunotoxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Environ Health 2023; 22:19. [PMID: 36814257 PMCID: PMC9944481 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00958-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of public health concern, because of their ubiquitous and extremely persistent occurrence, and depending on their structure, their bio-accumulative, mobile and toxic properties. Human health effects associated with exposure to PFAS include adverse effects on the immune system. In 2020, EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) defined adverse effects on the immune system as the most critical effect for human health risk assessment, based on reduced antibody responses to childhood vaccines and similar effects observed in experimental animal studies. Likewise, the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) considers PFAS-induced immunotoxicity, especially in children, as the critical effect for risk assessment. However, the mechanisms by which antibody concentrations are impacted are not completely understood. Furthermore, other targets of the immune system functions have been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to explore PFAS-associated immune-related effects. This includes, relevant mechanisms that may underlie the observed effects on the immune system, immunosuppression as well as immunoenhancement, such as i) modulation of cell signalling and nuclear receptors, such as NF-κB and PPARs; ii) alteration of calcium signalling and homoeostasis in immune cells; iii) modulation of immune cell populations; iv) oxidative stress and v) impact on fatty acid metabolism & secondary effects on the immune system. METHODS A literature research was conducted using three databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus), which were searched in July 2021 for relevant studies published in the time frame from 2018 to 2021. In total, 487 publications were identified as potentially eligible and following expert-based judgement, articles relevant for mechanisms of PFAS induced immunotoxicity are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we show that there is substantial evidence from both in vitro and in vivo experimental as well as epidemiological studies, supporting that various PFAS, not only PFOA and PFOS, affect multiple aspects of the immune system. Timing of exposure is critical, because the developing immune system is especially vulnerable to toxic insults, resulting in a higher risk of particularly adverse immune effects but also other organs later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Ehrlich
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wieneke Bil
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Vandebriel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Berit Granum
- Division of Climate and Environment Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitte Lindeman
- Division of Climate and Environment Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Andreas-Marius Kaiser
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Hauzenberger
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Hartmann
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Gundacker C, Audouze K, Widhalm R, Granitzer S, Forsthuber M, Jornod F, Wielsøe M, Long M, Halldórsson TI, Uhl M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Reduced Birth Weight and Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Review of Possible Underlying Mechanisms Using the AOP-HelpFinder. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10110684. [PMID: 36422892 PMCID: PMC9699222 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) may impair fetal growth. Our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is incomplete. We used the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP)-helpFinder tool to search PubMed for studies published until March 2021 that examined PFAS exposure in relation to birth weight, oxidative stress, hormones/hormone receptors, or growth signaling pathways. Of these 1880 articles, 106 experimental studies remained after abstract screening. One clear finding is that PFAS are associated with oxidative stress in in vivo animal studies and in vitro studies. It appears that PFAS-induced reactive-oxygen species (ROS) generation triggers increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ expression and activation of growth signaling pathways, leading to hyperdifferentiation of pre-adipocytes. Fewer proliferating pre-adipocytes result in lower adipose tissue weight and in this way may reduce birth weight. PFAS may also impair fetal growth through endocrine effects. Estrogenic effects have been noted in in vivo and in vitro studies. Overall, data suggest thyroid-damaging effects of PFAS affecting thyroid hormones, thyroid hormone gene expression, and histology that are associated in animal studies with decreased body and organ weight. The effects of PFAS on the complex relationships between oxidative stress, endocrine system function, adipogenesis, and fetal growth should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40160-56503
| | - Karine Audouze
- Unit T3S, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Raimund Widhalm
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Granitzer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Forsthuber
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florence Jornod
- Unit T3S, Université Paris Cité, Inserm U1124, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Maria Wielsøe
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Manhai Long
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thórhallur Ingi Halldórsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Greenland Center for Health Research, Greenland University, Nuuk 3905, Greenland
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Gao XX, Lin S, Jiang PY, Ye MY, Chen W, Hu CX, Chen YH. Gestational cholestasis induced intrauterine growth restriction through triggering IRE1α-mediated apoptosis of placental trophoblast cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22388. [PMID: 35639049 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101844rr] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and animal experimental studies suggest an association between gestational cholestasis and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Here, we explored the mechanism through which gestational cholestasis induced IUGR. To establish gestational cholestasis model, pregnant mice were subcutaneously injected with 17α-Ethynylestradiol (E2) on gestational day 13 (GD13)-GD17. Some pregnant mice were intraperitoneally injected with 4μ8C on GD13-GD17. The results found that the apoptosis of trophoblast cells was elevated in placentas of mice with gestational cholestasis and in deoxycholic acid (DCA)-treated human trophoblast cell lines and primary mouse trophoblast cells. Correspondingly, the levels of placental cleaved caspase-3 and Bax were increased, while placental Bcl2 level was decreased in mice with gestational cholestasis and in DCA-treated trophoblast cells. Further analysis found that placental IRE1α pathway was activated in mice with gestational cholestasis and in DCA-treated trophoblast cells. Interestingly, 4μ8C, an IRE1α RNase inhibitor, significantly inhibited caspase-3 activity and apoptosis of trophoblast cells in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, 4μ8C rescued gestational cholestasis-induced placental insufficiency and IUGR. Furthermore, a case-control study demonstrated that placental IRE1α and caspase-3 pathways were activated in cholestasis cases. Our results provide evidence that gestational cholestasis induces placental insufficiency and IUGR may be via triggering IRE1α-mediated apoptosis of placental trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Xing Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuai Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Pei-Ying Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng-Ying Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuan-Xiang Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan-Hua Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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14
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Blake BE, Rickard BP, Fenton SE. A High-Throughput Toxicity Screen of 42 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Functional Assessment of Migration and Gene Expression in Human Placental Trophoblast Cells. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:881347. [PMID: 35548680 PMCID: PMC9081605 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.881347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women and experimental research models. Adverse developmental and reproductive outcomes have been investigated for relatively few PFAS, and such studies are not scalable to address the thousands of unique chemical structures. As the placenta has been reported as a PFAS target tissue, the human placental trophoblast JEG-3 cell line was employed in a high-throughput toxicity screen (HTTS) to evaluate the effects of 42 unique PFAS on viability, proliferation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). HTTS concentration-response curve fitting determined EC50 values for 79% of tested compounds for at least one of the three endpoints. Trophoblast migratory potential was evaluated for a subset of six prioritized PFAS using a scratch wound assay. Migration, measured as the percent of wound closure after 72 h, was most severely inhibited by exposure to 100 µM perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 72% closure), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; 57% closure), or ammonium perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate (GenX; 79% closure). PFOA and GenX were subsequently evaluated for disrupted expression of 46 genes reported to be vital to trophoblast health. Disrupted regulation of oxidative stress was suggested by altered expression of GPEX1 (300 µM GenX and 3 µM GenX), GPER1 (300 µM GenX), and SOD1 and altered cellular response to xenobiotic stress was indicated by upregulation of the placental efflux transporter, ABCG2 (300 µM GenX, 3 µM GenX, and 100 µM PFOA). These findings suggest the placenta is potentially a direct target of PFAS exposure and indicate that trophoblast cell gene expression and function are disrupted at PFAS levels well below the calculated cytotoxicity threshold (EC50). Future work is needed to determine the mechanism(s) of action of PFAS towards placental trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin E. Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Brittany P. Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Suzanne E. Fenton
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Suzanne E. Fenton,
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15
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Aghaei Z, Steeves KL, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. The impact of perfluoroalkyl substances on pregnancy, birth outcomes and offspring development: A review of data from mouse models1. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:397-407. [PMID: 34875017 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans, potentially causing adverse health effects at all stages of life. Studies from human pregnancy have shown that exposure to these contaminants are associated with placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction; however, studies in humans are confounded by genetic and environmental factors. Here, we synthesize the available results from mouse models of pregnancy to show the causal effects of prenatal exposure to PFOA and PFOS on placental and fetal development and on neurocognitive function and metabolic disorders in offspring. We also propose gaps in the present knowledge and provide suggestions for future research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Aghaei
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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Bommarito PA, Ferguson KK, Meeker JD, McElrath TF, Cantonwine DE. Maternal Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) during Early Pregnancy in Relation to Preeclampsia Subtypes and Biomarkers of Preeclampsia Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:107004. [PMID: 34637358 PMCID: PMC8509361 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been previously associated with preeclampsia, although findings are mixed with respect to the direction and magnitude of effect. To our knowledge, no studies have examined associations between PFAS and preeclampsia subtypes, which may have distinct etiologies. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between PFAS, any preeclampsia diagnosis, and early- and late-onset preeclampsia. In addition, we estimated associations between PFAS and the angiogenic biomarkers soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), which provide an estimate of pro- and anti-angiogenic activity within the placenta. METHODS This case-control study (n=75 cases, n=75 controls) was sampled from the LIFECODES birth cohort. Nine legacy PFAS were quantified in maternal plasma from early pregnancy (median= 10 wk) and angiogenic biomarkers were quantified in maternal plasma from four study visits (median= 10, 18, 26, and 35 wk). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between an interquartile range (IQR)-increase in PFAS and preeclampsia outcomes. Linear regression was used to estimate associations between an IQR-increase in PFAS and concentrations of angiogenic biomarkers. RESULTS Both perfluorodecanoic acid (OR= 1.64, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.47) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (OR= 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.43) were associated with higher odds of late-onset preeclampsia. Associations tended to be below the null for early-onset preeclampsia, although findings were imprecise. Few associations were noted between PFAS and angiogenic biomarkers. DISCUSSION Maternal PFAS concentrations were associated with higher odds of late-onset preeclampsia. Heterogeneity of preeclampsia should be considered in future studies because populations may have different distributions of disease subtypes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9091.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige A. Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Thomas F. McElrath
- Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David E. Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal–Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Deji Z, Liu P, Wang X, Zhang X, Luo Y, Huang Z. Association between maternal exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:146984. [PMID: 34088118 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a class of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are widely used in consumer products due to their unique amphiphilic properties. Previous epidemiological studies suggest association of maternal PFASs exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes, while evidences about the association are inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the relationship of maternal PFASs exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Twenty-one relevant studies were identified from three databases before 2020. The quality, heterogeneity and possibility of publication bias of included studies were evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, Q-statistic and Begg's test, respectively. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by means of random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-analysis results revealed that maternal exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) may have a positive association with preterm birth (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.38). The pooled estimates also showed limited evidence of association between maternal perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) exposure and miscarriage (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 0.92, 2.38) with obvious heterogeneity (I2 = 93.9, p < 0.01). However, no such significant associations were found between the other PFASs and miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth. In addition, the subgroup analyses showed that studies on the relationship of maternal PFASs exposure and miscarriage were mainly contributed by developed countries. The meta-analysis results indicated maternal exposure to PFOS can increase the risk of preterm birth. The results of the included studies are inconsistent and the effects of PFASs on human health are complex. Further studies with enough samples are required to verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoma Deji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Yuehua Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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18
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Varshavsky JR, Robinson JF, Zhou Y, Puckett KA, Kwan E, Buarpung S, Aburajab R, Gaw SL, Sen S, Gao S, Smith SC, Park JS, Zakharevich I, Gerona RR, Fisher SJ, Woodruff TJ. Organophosphate Flame Retardants, Highly Fluorinated Chemicals, and Biomarkers of Placental Development and Disease During Mid-Gestation. Toxicol Sci 2021; 181:215-228. [PMID: 33677611 PMCID: PMC8163039 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are chemicals that may contribute to placenta-mediated complications and adverse maternal-fetal health risks. Few studies have investigated these chemicals in relation to biomarkers of effect during pregnancy. We measured 12 PFASs and four urinary OPFR metabolites in 132 healthy pregnant women during mid-gestation and examined a subset with biomarkers of placental development and disease (n = 62). Molecular biomarkers included integrin alpha-1 (ITGA1), vascular endothelial-cadherin (CDH5), and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1). Morphological endpoints included potential indicators of placental stress and the extent of cytotrophoblast (CTB)-mediated uterine artery remodeling. Serum PFASs and urinary OPFR metabolites were detected in ∼50%-100% of samples. The most prevalent PFASs were perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), with geometric mean (GM) levels of ∼1.3-2.8 (95% confidence limits from 1.2-3.1) ng/ml compared to ≤0.5 ng/ml for other PFASs. Diphenyl phosphate (DPhP) and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) were the most prevalent OPFR metabolites, with GMs of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.5-3.4) and 3.6 (95% CI: 2.2-3.1) ng/ml, respectively, compared to <1 ng/ml for bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) and bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP). We found inverse associations of PFASs or OPFRs with ITGA1 or CDH5 immunoreactivity and positive associations with indicators of placental stress in multiple basal plate regions, indicating these chemicals may contribute to abnormal placentation and future health risks. Associations with blood pressure and lipid concentrations warrant further examination. This is the first study of these chemicals with placental biomarkers measured directly in human tissues and suggests specific biomarkers are sensitive indicators of exposure during a vulnerable developmental period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia R Varshavsky
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Joshua F Robinson
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Yan Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Kenisha A Puckett
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Elaine Kwan
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Rayyan Aburajab
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Stephanie L Gaw
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Saunak Sen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163
| | | | - Sabrina Crispo Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, California 94710
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, California 94710
| | - Igor Zakharevich
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Roy R Gerona
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Susan J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
- Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94158
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