Effects of Dibutylphthalate and Steroid Hormone Mixture on Human Prostate Cells

Hazard identification of endocrine-disrupting carcinogens (EDCs) in relation to cancers in humans

Endocrine disrupting chemicals or carcinogens have been known for decades for their endocrine signal disruption. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a serious concern and they have been included in the top priority toxicants and persistent organic pollutants. Therefore, researchers have been working for a long time to understand their mechanisms of interaction in different human organs. Several reports are available about the carcinogen potential of these chemicals. The presented review is an endeavor to understand the hazard identification associated with endocrine disrupting carcinogens in relation to the human body. The paper discusses the major endocrine disrupting carcinogens and their potency for carcinogenesis. It discusses human exposure, route of entry, carcinogenicity and mechanisms. In addition, the paper discusses the research gaps and bottlenecks associated with the research. Moreover, it discusses the limitations associated with the analytical techniques for detection of endocrine disrupting carcinogens.

Glyphosate Exposure Induces Cytotoxicity, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Activation of ERα and ERβ Estrogen Receptors in Human Prostate PNT1A Cells

Glyphosate, the active ingredient of several broad-spectrum herbicides, is widely used throughout the world, although many adverse effects are known. Among these, it has been recognized as an endocrine disruptor. This work aimed to test the effects and potential endocrine disrupting action of glyphosate on PNT1A human prostate cells, an immortalized non-tumor epithelial cell line, possessing both ERα and ERβ estrogen receptors. The results showed that glyphosate induces cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and rapid activation of ERα and ERβ via nuclear translocation. Molecular analysis indicated a possible involvement of apoptosis in glyphosate-induced cytotoxicology. The apoptotic process could be attributed to alterations in mitochondrial metabolism; therefore, the main parameters of mitochondrial functionality were investigated using the Seahorse analyzer. Impaired mitochondrial function was observed in glyphosate-treated cells, with reductions in ATP production, spare respiratory capacity, and proton leakage, along with increased efficiency of mitochondrial coupling. Finally, the results of immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that glyphosate acts as an estrogen disruptor determining the nuclear translocation of both ERs. Nuclear translocation occurred independent of dose, faster than the specific hormone, and persisted throughout treatment. In conclusion, the results collected show that in non-tumor prostate cells glyphosate can cause cell death and acts as a xenoestrogen, activating estrogen receptors. The consequent alteration of hormonal functions can have negative effects on the reproductive health of exposed animals, compromising their fertility.

Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. Essential Oil Microneedles: A Promising Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Activity

The use of essential oil (EO) in treating infected wounds is still challenging. A lot of effort has been made to make such an application more convenient. Recently, microneedles (MNDs) have been considered as a smart dermal delivery system to overcome the poor absorption and distribution, low bioavailability, and skin penetration of some drugs. The aim of our study is to evaluate the wound healing activity of juniper-EO-loaded MNDs (EO MNDs) against wounds with bacterial and fungal infection. The Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) MNDs were prepared using the gel-filled mold technique and loaded with juniper EO. In vivo models were created and wounds on rats were infected with two clinically isolated bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, Candida albicans was used to mimic fungal infection and juniper EO MNDs were tested. The obtained results showed an improvement in wound healing which started from the third day after application of the juniper EO MNDs, and at the sixth day post-infection, the treated wounds were significantly smaller than untreated wounds. A complete healing was shown by the 12th day after infection. Furthermore, our cytotoxicity results showed a cytotoxic effect of juniper EO MNDs on epithelial cells, which explained the faster wound healing in rats. Our study showed that juniper EO MNDs represent a novel strategy in EO delivery with minimal invasion. Juniper EO MNDs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both the bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and against one fungal strain, Candida albicans. Finally, application of juniper EO MNDs exerted promising activity in the treatment and healing of wound infection.