1
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Silveira‐Rosa T, Mateus‐Pinheiro A, Correia JS, Silva JM, Martins‐Macedo J, Araújo B, Machado‐Santos AR, Alves ND, Silva M, Loureiro‐Campos E, Sotiropoulos I, Bessa JM, Rodrigues AJ, Sousa N, Patrício P, Pinto L. Suppression of adult cytogenesis in the rat brain leads to sex-differentiated disruption of the HPA axis activity. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13165. [PMID: 34970787 PMCID: PMC8828259 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The action of stress hormones, mainly glucocorticoids, starts and coordinates the systemic response to stressful events. The HPA axis activity is predicated on information processing and modulation by upstream centres, such as the hippocampus where adult-born neurons (hABN) have been reported to be an important component in the processing and integration of new information. Still, it remains unclear whether and how hABN regulates HPA axis activity and CORT production, particularly when considering sex differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using both sexes of a transgenic rat model of cytogenesis ablation (GFAP-Tk rat model), we examined the endocrinological and behavioural effects of disrupting the generation of new astrocytes and neurons within the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). RESULTS Our results show that GFAP-Tk male rats present a heightened acute stress response. In contrast, GFAP-Tk female rats have increased corticosterone secretion at nadir, a heightened, yet delayed, response to an acute stress stimulus, accompanied by neuronal hypertrophy in the basal lateral amygdala and increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptors in the ventral DG. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal that hABN regulation of the HPA axis response is sex-differentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Silveira‐Rosa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - António Mateus‐Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Department of Internal MedicineCoimbra Hospital and University CenterCoimbraPortugal
- Bn’ML – Behavioral and Molecular LabBragaPortugal
| | - Joana Sofia Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Joana Margarida Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Joana Martins‐Macedo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Bn’ML – Behavioral and Molecular LabBragaPortugal
| | - Bruna Araújo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Ana Rita Machado‐Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Nuno Dinis Alves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Present address:
Department of PsychiatryColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Present address:
New York State Psychiatric InstituteNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Mariana Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Eduardo Loureiro‐Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - João Miguel Bessa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Bn’ML – Behavioral and Molecular LabBragaPortugal
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Bn’ML – Behavioral and Molecular LabBragaPortugal
| | - Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Bn’ML – Behavioral and Molecular LabBragaPortugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS)School of MedicineUniversity of MinhoBragaPortugal
- ICVS/3B’s ‐ PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
- Bn’ML – Behavioral and Molecular LabBragaPortugal
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2
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Yan H, Shen X, Jiang J, Zhang L, Yuan Z, Wu Y, Liu Q, Liu Y. Gene Expression of Takifugu rubripes Gonads During AI- or MT-induced Masculinization and E2-induced Feminization. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6218011. [PMID: 33831176 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the global molecular changes that occur during aromatase inhibitor (AI)- or 17α-methyltestosterone (MT)-induced masculinization and estradiol-17β (E2)-induced feminization is critical to understanding the roles that endocrine and genetic factors play in regulating the process of sex differentiation in fish. Here, fugu larvae were treated with AI (letrozole), MT, or E2 from 25 to 80 days after hatching (dah), and gonadal transcriptomic analysis at 80 dah was performed. The expression of dmrt1, gsdf, foxl2, and other key genes (star, hsd3b1, cyp11c1, cyp19a1a, etc.) involved in the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway were found be altered. The expression of dmrt1, gsdf, cyp19a1a, and foxl2 was further verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In the control group, the expression of dmrt1 and gsdf was significantly higher in XY larvae than in XX larvae, while the expression of foxl2 and cyp19a1a was significantly higher in XX larvae than in XY larvae (P < .05). AI treatment suppressed the expression of foxl2 and cyp19a1a, and induced the expression of dmrt1 and gsdf in XX larvae. MT treatment suppressed the expression of foxl2, cyp19a1a, dmrt1, and gsdf in XX larvae. E2 treatment suppressed the expression of dmrt1 and gsdf, but did not restore the expression of foxl2 and cyp19a1a in XY larvae. The shared response following AI, MT, and E2 treatment suggested that these genes are essential for sex differentiation. This finding offers some insight into AI or MT-induced masculinization, and E2-induced femininization in fugu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yan
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Xufang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
- College of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal university, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, China
| | - Jieming Jiang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
- College of Marine Science and Environment Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, 116023, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
- College of Marine Science and Environment Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, 116023, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, 116023, Dalian, China
- College of Marine Science and Environment Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, 116023, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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3
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Teng J, Zhao Y, Chen HJ, Xue LY, Ji XS. Global expression response of genes in sex-undifferentiated Nile tilapia gonads after exposure to trace letrozole. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 217:112255. [PMID: 33915448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aromatase inhibitor letrozole can be found in rivers, effluents, and even drinking water. Studies have demonstrated that letrozole affects various metabolic pathways and may cause reproductive toxicity, especially in fish exposed during development. However, studies on the effect of a low concentration of letrozole at the whole-gonad transcriptomic level in the early stage of fish sexual development have not been investigated. The aim of our study was to explore the potential effects of a low concentration of letrozole on the gonad transcriptome of Nile tilapia at an early stage of sexual development. In this study, 9 dpf (days postfertilization) Nile tilapia were exposed to trace letrozole for 12 days. Letrozole exposure from 9 dpf to 21 dpf persistently altered phenotypic sex development and induced the male-biased sex ratio. The transcriptome results showed that 1173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were present in the female control vs 1.5 μg/L letrozole-treated female comparison group and that 1576 DEGs were present in the 1.5 μg/L letrozole-treated female vs male control comparison group. Differentially expressed gene enrichment analysis revealed several crucial pathways, including the drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 pathway, the ErbB-PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and the calcium signalling pathway. Further analysis of these identified DEGs indicated that some key genes correlated with metabolism and epigenetic regulation were significantly affected by letrozole, such as UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugt), glutathione S-transferase omega-1 (Gsto1), lysine-specific demethylase 6bb (Kdm6bb, original name is Kdm6a), jumonji and AT-rich interaction domain containing 2 (Jarid2b, original name is Jarid2), growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gamma (Gadd45g), and chromobox protein 7 (Cbx7). The qRT-PCR validation results for twelve DEGs showed that the Pearson's correlation of the log10fold change values between the qPCR and RNA-Seq results was 0.90, indicating the accuracy and reliability of the RNA-Seq results. Our study is the first to report the effect of letrozole on the transcriptome of gonads from fish during early-stage sexual development. These findings will be useful for understanding the toxic effects and molecular mechanisms of letrozole exposure at the early stage of gonad development on the sexual development of aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Teng
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Ju Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Liang Yi Xue
- College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiang Shan Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China.
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4
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Liang YQ, Pan CG, Xie L, Huo J, Yang J, Lan T, Dong Z, Duan M. Histological and transcriptional effects of androstenedione in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Environ Toxicol 2021; 36:598-606. [PMID: 33247482 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As a natural androgen, androstenedione (AED) may pose potential risks to aquatic organisms due to its ubiquitousness in aquatic environments. Here we assessed the adverse effects of AED on histology of gonads, as well as mRNA expression levels of 34 genes concerned with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, germ-cell differentiation and sex differentiation in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult zebrafish were exposed to solvent control and three measured concentrations of 0.2, 2.3 and 23.7 μg/L AED for 60 days. The results showed that AED did not induce any obvious histological effects in the ovaries and testes. Of the investigated genes, transcriptional expression levels of amh and cyp11c1 genes in the ovaries of females were significantly increased by AED at 2.3 or 23.7 μg/L. However, different exposure concentrations of AED significantly inhibited mRNA expression of gnrh3, atf4b1 and cyp19a1b in the brain of males. In the testes of males, AED at 2.3 μg/L led to a significant induction of sox9b gene, but it at 23.7 μg/L down-regulated nr5a1b gene. These observed transcriptional changes indicated that AED could pose potential androgenic effects in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qiu Liang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Linchun Xie
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jialiang Huo
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jiahao Yang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Tianhong Lan
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhongdian Dong
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Meina Duan
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang, China
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5
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Castañeda-Cortés DC, Zhang J, Boan AF, Langlois VS, Fernandino JI. High temperature stress response is not sexually dimorphic at the whole-body level and is dependent on androgens to induce sex reversal. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113605. [PMID: 32866474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of the molecular and endocrine mechanisms behind environmentally-induced sex reversal in fish is of great importance in the context of predicting the potential effects of climate change, especially increasing temperature. Here, we demonstrate the global effects of high temperature on genome-wide transcription in medaka (Oryzias latipes) during early development. Interestingly, data analysis did not show sexual dimorphic changes, demonstrating that thermal stress is not dependent on genotypic sex. Additionally, our results revealed significant changes in several pathways under high temperature, such as stress response from brain, steroid biosynthesis, epigenetic mechanisms, and thyroid hormone biosynthesis, among others. These microarray data raised the question of what the exact molecular and hormonal mechanisms of action are for female-to-male sex reversal under high temperatures in fish. Complementary gene expression analysis revealed that androgen-related genes increase in females (XX) experiencing high water temperature. To test the involvement of androgens in thermal-induced sex reversal, an androgen antagonist was used to treat XX medaka under a high-temperature setup. Data clearly demonstrated failure of female-to-male sex reversal when androgen action is inhibited, corroborating the importance of androgens in environmentally-induced sex reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Castañeda-Cortés
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo - Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Argentina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Neurosciences & Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Agustín F Boan
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo - Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Argentina
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) - Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Juan I Fernandino
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo - Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, INTECH (CONICET-UNSAM), Argentina.
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Bernabò I, Guardia A, Macirella R, Sesti S, Tripepi S, Brunelli E. Tissues injury and pathological changes in Hyla intermedia juveniles after chronic larval exposure to tebuconazole. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 205:111367. [PMID: 32971454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole (TBZ), an azole pesticide, is one of the most frequently detected fungicides in surface water. Despite its harmful effects, mainly related to endocrine disturbance, the consequences of TBZ exposure in amphibians remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the adverse and delayed effects of TBZ chronic exposure on a native anuran species, often inhabiting cultivated areas, the Italian tree frog (Hyla intermedia). To disclose the multiple mechanisms of action through which TBZ exerts its toxicity we exposed tadpoles over the whole larval period to two sublethal TBZ concentrations (5 and 50 μg/L), and we evaluated histological alterations in three target organs highly susceptible to xenobiotics: liver, kidney, and gonads. We also assessed morphometric and gravimetric parameters: snout-vent length (SVL), body mass (BM), liver somatic index (LSI), and gonad-mesonephros complex index (GMCI) and determined sex ratio, gonadal development, and differentiation. Our results show that TBZ induces irreversible effects on multiple target organs in H. intermedia, exerting its harmful effects through several pathological pathways, including a massive inflammatory response. Moreover, TBZ markedly affects sexual differentiation also by inducing the appearance of sexually undetermined individuals and a general delay of germ cell maturation. Given the paucity of data on the effects of TBZ in amphibians, our results will contribute to a better understanding of the environmental risk posed by this fungicide to the most endangered group of vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Antonello Guardia
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Settimio Sesti
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Tripepi
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4/B, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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Stewart MK, Mattiske DM, Pask AJ. Exogenous Oestrogen Impacts Cell Fate Decision in the Developing Gonads: A Potential Cause of Declining Human Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218377. [PMID: 33171657 PMCID: PMC7664701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of testicular dysgenesis syndrome-related conditions and overall decline in human fertility has been linked to the prevalence of oestrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Ectopic activation of oestrogen signalling by EDCs in the gonad can impact testis and ovary function and development. Oestrogen is the critical driver of ovarian differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates, and in its absence a testis will form. In contrast, oestrogen is not required for mammalian ovarian differentiation, but it is essential for its maintenance, illustrating it is necessary for reinforcing ovarian fate. Interestingly, exposure of the bi-potential gonad to exogenous oestrogen can cause XY sex reversal in marsupials and this is mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of the testis-determining factor SOX9 (sex-determining region Y box transcription factor 9). Oestrogen can similarly suppress SOX9 and activate ovarian genes in both humans and mice, demonstrating it plays an essential role in all mammals in mediating gonad somatic cell fate. Here, we review the molecular control of gonad differentiation and explore the mechanisms through which exogenous oestrogen can influence somatic cell fate to disrupt gonad development and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining the effects of oestrogenic EDCs on the developing gonads and ultimately their impacts on human reproductive health.
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Abstract
Gonadal hormones contribute to the sexual differentiation of brain and behavior throughout the lifespan, from initial neural patterning to "activation" of adult circuits. Sexual behavior is an ideal system in which to investigate the mechanisms underlying hormonal activation of neural circuits. Sexual behavior is a hormonally regulated, innate social behavior found across species. Although both sexes seek out and engage in sexual behavior, the specific actions involved in mating are sexually dimorphic. Thus, the neural circuits mediating sexual motivation and behavior in males and females are overlapping yet distinct. Furthermore, sexual behavior is strongly dependent on circulating gonadal hormones in both sexes. There has been significant recent progress on elucidating how gonadal hormones modulate physiological properties within sexual behavior circuits with consequences for behavior. Therefore, in this mini-review we review the neural circuits of male and female sexual motivation and behavior, from initial sensory detection of pheromones to the extended amygdala and on to medial hypothalamic nuclei and reward systems. We also discuss how gonadal hormones impact the physiology and functioning of each node within these circuits. By better understanding the myriad of ways in which gonadal hormones impact sexual behavior circuits, we can gain a richer and more complete appreciation for the neural substrates of complex behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Jennings
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Correspondence: Kimberly J. Jennings, PhD, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS Building, Rm 154, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. E-mail:
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Court L, Vandries L, Balthazart J, Cornil CA. Key role of estrogen receptor β in the organization of brain and behavior of the Japanese quail. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104827. [PMID: 32735801 PMCID: PMC7541764 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a key role in the sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior. While early estrogen actions exert masculinizing effects on the brain of male rodents, a diametrically opposite effect is observed in birds where estrogens demasculinize the brain of females. Yet, the two vertebrate classes express similar sex differences in the brain and behavior. Although ERα is thought to play a major role in these processes in rodents, the role of ERβ is still controversial. In birds, the identity of the estrogen receptor(s) underlying the demasculinization of the female brain remains unclear. The aim of the present study was thus to determine in Japanese quail the effects of specific agonists of ERα (propylpyrazole triol, PPT) and ERβ (diarylpropionitrile, DPN) administered at the beginning of the sensitive period (embryonic day 7, E7) on the sexual differentiation of male sexual behavior and on the density of vasotocin-immunoreactive (VT-ir) fibers, a known marker of the organizational action of estrogens on the quail brain. We demonstrate that estradiol benzoate and the ERβ agonist (DPN) demasculinize male sexual behavior and decrease the density of VT-ir fibers in the medial preoptic nucleus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, while PPT has no effect on these measures. These results clearly indicate that ERβ, but not ERα, is involved in the estrogen-induced sexual differentiation of brain and sexual behavior in quail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Court
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laura Vandries
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte A Cornil
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Trudeau VL, Thomson P, Zhang WS, Reynaud S, Navarro-Martin L, Langlois VS. Agrochemicals disrupt multiple endocrine axes in amphibians. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 513:110861. [PMID: 32450283 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Concern over global amphibian declines and possible links to agrochemical use has led to research on the endocrine disrupting actions of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, metals, and mixtures. Amphibians, like other species, have to partition resources for body maintenance, growth, and reproduction. Recent studies suggest that metabolic impairments induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals, and more particularly agrichemicals, may disrupt physiological constraints associated with these limited resources and could cause deleterious effects on growth and reproduction. Metabolic disruption has hardly been considered for amphibian species following agrichemical exposure. As for metamorphosis, the key thyroid hormone-dependent developmental phase for amphibians, it can either be advanced or delayed by agrichemicals with consequences for juvenile and adult health and survival. While numerous agrichemicals affect anuran sexual development, including sex reversal and intersex in several species, little is known about the mechanisms involved in dysregulation of the sex differentiation processes. Adult anurans display stereotypical male mating calls and female phonotaxis responses leading to successful amplexus and spawning. These are hormone-dependent behaviours at the foundation of reproductive success. Therefore, male vocalizations are highly ecologically-relevant and may be a non-invasive low-cost method for the assessment of endocrine disruption at the population level. While it is clear that agrochemicals disrupt multiple endocrine systems in frogs, very little has been uncovered regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms at the basis of these actions. This is surprising, given the importance of the frog models to our deep understanding of developmental biology and thyroid hormone action to understand human health. Several agrochemicals were found to have multiple endocrine effects at once (e.g., targeting both the thyroid and gonadal axes); therefore, the assessment of agrochemicals that alter cross-talk between hormonal systems must be further addressed. Given the diversity of life-history traits in Anura, Caudata, and the Gymnophiona, it is essential that studies on endocrine disruption expand to include the lesser known taxa. Research under ecologically-relevant conditions will also be paramount. Closer collaboration between molecular and cellular endocrinologists and ecotoxicologists and ecologists is thus recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Paisley Thomson
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490 de la Couronne, Québec (Québec), G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Wo Su Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Stéphane Reynaud
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, UMR UGA-USMB-CNRS 5553, Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 40700, 38058, Grenoble cedex 9, France.
| | - Laia Navarro-Martin
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Valérie S Langlois
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490 de la Couronne, Québec (Québec), G1K 9A9, Canada.
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11
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Bizzozzero-Hiriart M, Di Giorgio NP, Libertun C, Lux-Lantos V. GABAergic input through GABA B receptors is necessary during a perinatal window to shape gene expression of factors critical to reproduction such as Kiss1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 318:E901-E919. [PMID: 32286880 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00547.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Lack of GABAB receptors in GABAB1 knockout mice decreases neonatal ARC kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1) expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) in females, which show impaired reproduction as adults. Our aim was to selectively impair GABAB signaling during a short postnatal period to evaluate its impact on the reproductive system. Neonatal male and female mice were injected with the GABAB antagonist CGP 55845 (CGP, 1 mg/kg body wt sc) or saline from postnatal day 2 (PND2) to PND6, three times per day (8 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM). One group was killed on PND6 for collection of blood samples (hormones by radioimmunoassay), brains for gene expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus-periventricular nucleus continuum (AVPV/PeN), and ARC micropunches [quantitative PCR (qPCR)] and gonads for qPCR, hormone contents, and histology. A second group of mice was injected with CGP (1 mg/kg body wt sc) or saline from PND2 to PND6, three times per day (8 AM, 1 PM, and 6 PM), and left to grow to adulthood. We measured body weight during development and parameters of sexual differentiation, puberty onset, and estrous cycles. Adult mice were killed, and trunk blood (hormones), brains for qPCR, and gonads for qPCR and hormone contents were obtained. Our most important findings on PND6 include the CGP-induced decrease in ARC Kiss1 and increase in neurokinin B (Tac2) in both sexes; the decrease in AVPV/PeN tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) only in females; the increase in gonad estradiol content in both sexes; and the increase in primordial follicles and decrease in primary and secondary follicles. Neonatally CGP-treated adults showed decreased ARC Kiss1 and ARC gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh1) and increased ARC glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (Gad1) only in males; increased ARC GABAB receptor subunit 1 (Gabbr1) in both sexes; and decreased AVPV/PeN Th only in females. We demonstrate that ARC Kiss1 expression is chronically downregulated in males and that the normal sex difference in AVPV/PeN Th expression is abolished. In conclusion, neonatal GABAergic input through GABAB receptors shapes gene expression of factors critical to reproduction.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus/drug effects
- Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Estradiol/metabolism
- Female
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism
- GABA-B Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/physiology
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/genetics
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/metabolism
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Hypothalamus, Anterior/drug effects
- Hypothalamus, Anterior/metabolism
- Kisspeptins/genetics
- Kisspeptins/metabolism
- Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/metabolism
- Phosphinic Acids/pharmacology
- Propanolamines/pharmacology
- Protein Precursors/genetics
- Protein Precursors/metabolism
- Puberty/drug effects
- Puberty/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, GABA-B/genetics
- Receptors, GABA-B/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Reproduction/drug effects
- Reproduction/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sex Differentiation/drug effects
- Sex Differentiation/genetics
- Tachykinins/genetics
- Tachykinins/metabolism
- Testis/drug effects
- Testis/metabolism
- Testosterone/metabolism
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/genetics
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Bizzozzero-Hiriart
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Noelia P Di Giorgio
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Libertun
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Lux-Lantos
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Bereketoglu C, Pradhan A, Olsson PE. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause male-biased sex differentiation in zebrafish. Aquat Toxicol 2020; 223:105476. [PMID: 32315829 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used pharmaceuticals to treat pain, fever and inflammation. NSAIDs are also known to have many side effects including adverse effects on reproduction in both humans and animals. As NSAIDs usage is not regulated they are frequently detected at high concentrations in the environment. In order to understand the effect of NSAIDs on zebrafish sex differentiation, we used seven different NSAIDs which were either Cox-1 selective, Cox-1 biased, non-selective or COX-2 selective. We show that at higher concentration, NSAIDs are toxic to zebrafish embryo as they lead to mortality and hatching delay. Gene expression analysis following short term exposure of NSAIDs led to downregulation of female specific genes including zp2, vtg2 foxl2 and wnt4. Long term exposure of larvae to environmentally relevant concentrations of Cox-2 selective and non-selective NSAIDs resulted in male-biased sex ratio which confirmed the qRT-PCR analysis. However, the Cox-1 selective acetylsalicylic acid and the Cox-1 biased ketoprofen did not alter sex ratio. The observed male-biased sex ratio could also be due to induction of apoptosis process as the genes including p21 and casp8 were significantly upregulated following exposure to the Cox-2 selective and the non-selective NSAIDs. The present study indicates that NSAIDs alter sex differentiation in zebrafish, primarily through inhibition of Cox-2. This study clearly demonstrates that the use of NSAIDs and their release into the aquatic environment should be carefully monitored to avoid adverse effects to the aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceyhun Bereketoglu
- Biology, The LifeScience Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The LifeScience Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The LifeScience Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
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13
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Kohno S, Vang D, Ang E, Brunell AM, Lowers RH, Schoenfuss HL. Estrogen-induced ovarian development is time-limited during the temperature-dependent sex determination of the American alligator. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 291:113397. [PMID: 31991099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many reptiles, including the American alligator, exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), whose thermo-sensitive period for the female alligator begins at stages-15 and ends at stage-24. Estrogen signaling plays a central role in TSD, which can be overridden by an estrogen-exposure during the thermo-sensitive period. As some environmental contaminants are estrogenic, there is growing concern about their effects on the sex ratio and reproductive health of TSD-species. It is crucial to identify the timing of gonadal commitment to either ovary or testis for a better understanding of TSD and estrogen-signals. In the current study, eggs were exposed to 5 µg/g egg of 17β-estradiol (E2) or vehicle ethanol alone at three developmental stages-22, 24, and 26 at a male-promoting temperature, which produced 81% testis in all controls. E2-exposure at stages-22 and 24 induced more ovaries than the control group, whereas the exposure at stage-26 did not induce the same outcome. These results indicated that there is a critical commitment in the testicular development between the developmental stage 24 (100% ovary in E2 Exposure) and 26 (39% ovary with E2). Based on these results, we estimated a pivotal stage as stage-25.28. Thus, a gonadal commitment to testis could be later than a known temperature-sensitive period for promoting male in TSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kohno
- Aquatic Toxicology Lab, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, USA.
| | - Donna Vang
- Aquatic Toxicology Lab, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, USA; School of Health Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Edric Ang
- Aquatic Toxicology Lab, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN, USA
| | - Arnold M Brunell
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Eustis, FL, USA
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14
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Li JB, Li YY, Shen YP, Zhu M, Li XH, Qin ZF. 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodipheny ether (BDE-47) disrupts gonadal development of the Africa clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). Aquat Toxicol 2020; 221:105441. [PMID: 32045789 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that BDE-47, one of the most abundant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners, has a weak estrogenic activity, but it has remained unclear whether BDE-47 disrupts gonadal development and causes male-to-female sex reversal in lower vertebrates, with limited and controversial data. The present study aimed to determine the effects of BDE-47 on gonadal development in Xenopus laevis, a model amphibian species for studying adverse effects of estrogenic chemicals on reproductive development. X. laevis at stage 45/46 were exposed to BDE-47 (0.5, 5, 50 nM) in semi-static system, with 1 nM 17β-estradiol (E2) as the positive control. When reaching stage 53, tadpoles were examined for gonadal morphology, histology and sex-dimorphic gene expression. The phenotypic sex (gonadal morphology and histology) of each BDE-47-treated tadpole matched its genetic sex, showing no sex-reversal, whereas one half of genetic males treated with E2 displayed ovarian-like features. However, some genetic males (26%) in the 50 nM BDE-47 treatment group were found to contain more germ cells clumping together in the medulla, along with an increasing tendency of the gonad length/kidney length ratio in males, resembling feminizing outcomes of E2. These observations seem to suggest that BDE-47 exerted weak feminizing effects. However, BDE-47 induced increases in expression of both female-biased genes and male-biased genes in two sexes, which disagrees with feminizing outcomes, suggesting complicated effects of BDE-47 on gonadal development. Taken together, all results demonstrate that nanomolar BDE-47 disrupted gonadal development and exerted weak feminizing effects, but not resulted in male-to-female sex reversal in X. laevis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yan-Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xing-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhan-Fen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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15
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Liang YQ, Jing Z, Pan CG, Lin Z, Zhen Z, Hou L, Dong Z. The progestin norethindrone alters growth, reproductive histology and gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Chemosphere 2020; 242:125285. [PMID: 31896209 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of synthetic progestin norethindrone (NET) on the growth, reproductive histology, and transcriptional expression profiles of genes associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and germ cells in adult zebrafish. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 7, 84 and 810 ng/L NET for 90 days. The results showed that exposure to 810 ng/L NET caused a significant decrease in growth of females and males. The ovary weight and GSI was significantly reduced by NET at concentrations of 84 or 810 ng/L, which came along with the delay of ovary maturation in females. However, NET at all treatments resulted in acceleration of sperm maturation in males. In the ovaries of females, a strong inhibition of cyp19a1a gene was observed following exposure to NET at 810 ng/L. Similarly, NET at the highest treatment led to a significant down-regulation of cyp17, cyp19a1a, vasa, nanos1, dazl and dmc1 genes in the testes of males. Taken together, the overall results demonstrated that NET could impact growth and gonadal maturation, with significant alterations of transcriptional expression genes along HPG axis and germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qiu Liang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Zhanxin Jing
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Chang-Gui Pan
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Zhen Zhen
- Agriculture College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China
| | - Liping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Zhongdian Dong
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, PR China.
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16
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Martini M, Corces VG, Rissman EF. Mini-review: Epigenetic mechanisms that promote transgenerational actions of endocrine disrupting chemicals: Applications to behavioral neuroendocrinology. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104677. [PMID: 31927019 PMCID: PMC9942829 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It is our hope this mini-review will stimulate discussion and new research. Here we briefly examine the literature on transgenerational actions of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on brain and behavior and their underlying epigenetic mechanisms including: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. We stress that epigenetic modifications need to be examined in a synergistic manner, as they act together in situ on chromatin to change transcription. Next we highlight recent work from one of our laboratories (VGC). The data provide new evidence that the sperm genome is poised for transcription. In developing sperm, gene enhancers and promoters are accessible for transcription and these activating motifs are also found in preimplantation embryos. Thus, DNA modifications associated with transcription factors during fertilization, in primordial germ cells (PGCs), and/or during germ cell maturation may be passed to offspring. We discuss the implications of this model to EDC exposures and speculate on whether natural variation in hormone levels during fertilization and PGC migration may impart transgenerational effects on brain and behavior. Lastly we discuss how this mechanism could apply to neural sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Martini
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States of America
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America.
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Liu Y, Wang L, Zhu L, Ran B, Wang Z. Bisphenol A disturbs transcription of steroidogenic genes in ovary of rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus via the abnormal DNA and histone methylation. Chemosphere 2020; 240:124935. [PMID: 31563720 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing studies have established the toxic effects of BPA on development and reproduction in animals. In present study, we investigated epigenetic effects on the transcription of several ovarian steroidogenic genes in rare minnows Gobiocypris rarus after BPA exposure at 15 μgL-1 for 21, 42 and 63 d. Results showed that short term BPA exposure (21 d) caused significant increase of both estradiol and testerone levels whereas long term exposure (63 d) led to significant decrease of them. The oocytes development was hindered after BPA exposure. BPA treatments for 21 and 42 d resulted in significant increase of genome DNA methylation in ovary while 63-d exposure caused marked decrease. The histone trimethylation levels (H3K4me3, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) in the ovary were also disturbed by BPA. H3K9me3 was significantly decreased after 21 d whereas it was markedly increased after 42 and 63 d. The 42-d exposure caused significant decrease for H3K4me3. Meanwhile, 42- and 63-d BPA exposure led to significant decrease of H3K27me3. DNA methylation could involve in gene expression regulation of cyp17a1 and cyp19a1a after BPA exposure. After short (21 d) and long term (63 d) BPA exposure, the respective mRNA expression down-regulation and up-regulation of star, cyp11a1, and cyp17a1 were mediated by H3K9me3. This study suggests that epigenetic modulation including DNA and histone methylation could be responsible for the detrimental effects on ovary development upon BPA exposure in G. rarus. It is speculated that BPA exposures for short or long term duration could disturb the steroidogenesis in entirely different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Benhui Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zaizhao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Yuan C, Zhang C, Qi Y, Li D, Hu Y, Huang D. 2,4-Dichlorophenol induced feminization of zebrafish by down-regulating male-related genes through DNA methylation. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 189:110042. [PMID: 31816500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is ubiquitous in aquatic environment and has potential estrogenic effect on fish. However, the effect of 2,4-DCP on sex differentiation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the underlying mechanism are largely unknown. To address these questions, zebrafish larvae at 20 or 30 days post fertilization (dpf) were exposed to 2,4-DCP (0, 80 and 160 μg L-1) with/without 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5AZA, 50 μg L-1) for 10 days. The sex ratios and the expressions of male-related genes including amh, gata4, nr5a1a, nr5a2 and sox9a were analyzed. In addition, the DNA methylation levels of amh, nr5a2 and sox9a were examined. The results showed that 2,4-DCP exposure resulted in significant increase of female ratios both in 20-30 and 30-40 dpf groups. Correspondingly, the expressions of gata4, nr5a1a, nr5a2 and sox9a were decreased by 2,4-DCP exposure in two treatment periods. However, the transcript of amh was decreased by 2,4-DCP exposure only from 30 to 40 dpf. The DNA methylation levels of amh, nr5a2 and sox9a were increased following 2,4-DCP exposure. Moreover, the addition of 5AZA could counteract the effects including feminization, disturbance of gene expression and DNA hypermethylation caused by 2,4-DCP. These results indicated that the feminizing effect of 2,4-DCP was accomplished by regulating the expression of male-related genes through DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yuan
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yongmei Qi
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Dong Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Dejun Huang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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19
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Šauer P, Tumová J, Steinbach C, Golovko O, Komen H, Maillot-Maréchal E, Máchová J, Grabic R, Aït-Aïssa S, Kocour Kroupová H. Chronic simultaneous exposure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from embryonic to juvenile stage to drospirenone and gestodene at low ng/L level caused intersex. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 188:109912. [PMID: 31706240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic progestins are emerging contaminants of the aquatic environment with endocrine disrupting potential. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the synthetic progestins gestodene, and drospirenone on sex differentiation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by histological analysis. To gain insights into the mechanisms behind the observations from the in vivo experiment on sex differentiation, we analyzed expression of genes involved in hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axes, histology of hepatopancreas, and in vitro bioassays. Carp were continuously exposed to concentrations of 2 ng/L of single progestins (gestodene or drospirenone) or to their mixture at concentration 2 ng/L of each. The exposure started 24 h after fertilization of eggs and concluded 160 days post-hatching. Our results showed that exposure of common carp to a binary mixture of drospirenone and gestodene caused increased incidence of intersex (32%) when compared to clean water and solvent control groups (both 3%). Intersex most probably was induced by a combination of multiple modes of action of the studied substances, namely anti-gonadotropic activity, interference with androgen receptor, and potentially also with HPT axis or estrogen receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Šauer
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Jitka Tumová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Christoph Steinbach
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Oksana Golovko
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7050, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Komen
- Wageningen University, Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Emmanuelle Maillot-Maréchal
- Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Unité d'Ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, UMR-I 02 SEBIO, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Jana Máchová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Grabic
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Selim Aït-Aïssa
- Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Unité d'Ecotoxicologie in vitro et in vivo, UMR-I 02 SEBIO, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Hana Kocour Kroupová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Vodňany, Czech Republic.
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20
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Chen Y, Renfree MB. Hormonal and Molecular Regulation of Phallus Differentiation in a Marsupial Tammar Wallaby. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010106. [PMID: 31963388 PMCID: PMC7017150 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies in phalluses caused by endocrine disruptors have gained a great deal of attention due to its annual increasing rate in males. However, the endocrine-driven molecular regulatory mechanism of abnormal phallus development is complex and remains largely unknown. Here, we review the direct effect of androgen and oestrogen on molecular regulation in phalluses using the marsupial tammar wallaby, whose phallus differentiation occurs after birth. We summarize and discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying phallus differentiation mediated by sonic hedgehog (SHH) at day 50 pp and phallus elongation mediated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), as well as multiple phallus-regulating genes expressed after day 50 pp. We also identify hormone-responsive long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are co-expressed with their neighboring coding genes. We show that the activation of SHH and IGF1, mediated by balanced androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) signalling, initiates a complex regulatory network in males to constrain the timing of phallus differentiation and to activate the downstream genes that maintain urethral closure and phallus elongation at later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (M.B.R.)
| | - Marilyn B. Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (M.B.R.)
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21
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Balin PDS, Jorge BC, Leite ARR, Borges CS, Oba E, Silva EJR, de Barros AL, Horta-Júnior JDAC, Arena AC. Maternal exposure to ibuprofen can affect the programming of the hypothalamus of the male offspring. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 111:104576. [PMID: 31911196 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme, leading to reduction in Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Due to the importance of PGE2 in promoting the brain masculinization in male fetus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to ibuprofen and their late repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to ibuprofen (10, 30 or 60 mg/kg) or vehicle (control group) per gavage daily from gestational day 15 to day 21 after birth, and late reproductive effects were assessed during the sexual development and in the reproductive adult life in the male offspring. Males exposed to ibuprofen had a decrease in body weight and anogenital distance, as well as a delay in the ages of testicular descent and preputial separation. In adulthood, there was a decrease in the Leydig cells nuclei volume, testosterone levels and percentage of normal sperm morphology. All animals exposed to ibuprofen presented male copulatory behavior, however, in the presence of another male, they also presented a female-typical behavior. Maternal exposure to ibuprofen during the sensitive windows of brain development adversely impacted the reproductive parameters of male rats, suggesting an incomplete masculinization of the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola da Silva Balin
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Campos Jorge
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Andressa Rejani Ribeiro Leite
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Cibele Santos Borges
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Eunice Oba
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Erick José Ramo Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Aline Lima de Barros
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil; Center of Toxicological Assistance (CEATOX), Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
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22
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Cisternas CD, Cortes LR, Golynker I, Castillo-Ruiz A, Forger NG. Neonatal Inhibition of DNA Methylation Disrupts Testosterone-Dependent Masculinization of Neurochemical Phenotype. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5631853. [PMID: 31742329 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many neural sex differences are differences in the number of neurons of a particular phenotype. For example, male rodents have more calbindin-expressing neurons in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and females have more neurons expressing estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and kisspeptin in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), respectively. These sex differences depend on neonatal exposure to testosterone, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. DNA methylation is important for cell phenotype differentiation throughout the developing organism. We hypothesized that testosterone causes sex differences in neurochemical phenotype via changes in DNA methylation, and tested this by inhibiting DNA methylation neonatally in male and female mice, and in females given a masculinizing dose of testosterone. Neonatal testosterone treatment masculinized calbindin, ERα and kisspeptin cell number of females at weaning. Inhibiting DNA methylation with zebularine increased calbindin cell number only in control females, thus eliminating sex differences in calbindin in the mPOA and BNST. Zebularine also reduced the sex difference in ERα cell number in the VMH, in this case by increasing ERα neuron number in males and testosterone-treated females. In contrast, the neonatal inhibition of DNA methylation had no effect on kisspeptin cell number. We conclude that testosterone normally increases the number of calbindin cells and reduces ERα cells in males through orchestrated changes in DNA methylation, contributing to, or causing, the sex differences in both cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura R Cortes
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ilona Golynker
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Nancy G Forger
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
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23
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Chen J, Peng C, Yu Z, Xiao L, Yu Q, Li S, Zhang H, Lin H, Zhang Y. The Administration of Cortisol Induces Female-to-Male Sex Change in the Protogynous Orange-Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:12. [PMID: 32082256 PMCID: PMC7005586 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we injected cortisol into the protogynous orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) to investigate the role of this hormone in sex change. Following injection, we evaluated gonadal changes, serum levels of steroid hormones, and sex-related gene expression during the processes of cortisol-induced sex change and cortisol withdrawal in the orange-spotted grouper. Cortisol treatment caused the degeneration of oocytes and induced sex change in a dose-dependent manner. Over the long-term, we observed a significant increase in serum 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels in all cortisol-treated groups, although levels of 17β-estradiol did not change significantly. Consistent with the elevation of serum 11-KT levels, the expression of genes related to testicular development was also significantly up-regulated in the cortisol-treated groups. Based on our results, we propose that cortisol may trigger masculinization by inducing the synthesis of 11-KT and by directly activating the expression of sex-related genes. Furthermore, we found that cortisol-induced sex change was not permanent and could be reversed after the withdrawal of cortisol treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeshu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuisheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Shuisheng Li
| | - Haifa Zhang
- Marine Fisheries Development Center of Guangdong Province, Huizhou, China
| | - Haoran Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- Marine Fisheries Development Center of Guangdong Province, Huizhou, China
- Yong Zhang
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24
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Abstract
There is perhaps no endocrine disrupting chemical more controversial than bisphenol A (BPA). Comprising a high-volume production chemical used in a variety of applications, BPA has been linked to a litany of adverse health-related outcomes, including effects on brain sexual differentiation and behaviour. Risk assessors preferentially rely on classical guideline-compliant toxicity studies over studies published by academic scientists, and have generally downplayed concerns about the potential risks that BPA poses to human health. It has been argued, however, that, because traditional toxicity studies rarely contain neural endpoints, and only a paucity of endocrine-sensitive endpoints, they are incapable of fully evaluating harm. To address current controversies on the safety of BPA, the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the US Food and Drug Administration established the Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity (CLARITY-BPA). CLARITY-BPA performed a classical regulatory-style toxicology study (Core study) in conjunction with multiple behavioural, molecular and cellular studies conducted by academic laboratories (grantee studies) using a collaboratively devised experimental framework and the same animals and tissues. This review summarises the results from the grantee studies that focused on brain and behaviour. Evidence of altered neuroendocrine development, including age- and sex-specific expression of oestrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ, and the abrogation of brain and behavioural sexual dimorphisms, supports the conclusion that developmental BPA exposure, even at doses below what regulatory agencies regard as "safe" for humans, contribute to brain and behavioural change. The consistency and the reproducibility of the effects across CLARITY-BPA and prior studies using the same animal strain and almost identical experimental conditions are compelling. Combined analysis of all of the data from the CLARITY-BPA project is underway at the NTP and a final report expected in late 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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25
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Ponti G, Farinetti A, Marraudino M, Panzica G, Gotti S. Postnatal genistein administration selectively abolishes sexual dimorphism in specific hypothalamic dopaminergic system in mice. Brain Res 2019; 1724:146434. [PMID: 31491419 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As demonstrated in previous studies, early postnatal genistein (GEN) administration to mice pups of both sexes, at doses similar to that of infant soy-based formulas, may affect the development of some steroid-sensitive neuronal circuits (i.e. nitrergic and vasopressinergic systems), causing irreversible alterations in adults. Here, we investigated the hypothalamic and mesencephalic dopaminergic system (identified with tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry). GEN administration (50 mg/kg) to mice of both sexes during the first week of postnatal life specifically affected tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry in the hypothalamic subpopulation of neurons, abolishing their sexual dimorphism. On the contrary, we did not observe any effects in the mesencephalic groups. Due to the large involvement of dopamine in circuits controlling rodent sexual behavior and food intake, these results clearly indicate that the early postnatal administration of GEN may irreversibly alter the control of reproduction, of energetic metabolism, and other behaviors. These results suggest the need for a careful evaluation of the use of soy products in both human and animal newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Ponti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (T0), Italy.
| | - Alice Farinetti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Marilena Marraudino
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - GianCarlo Panzica
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Stefano Gotti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
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26
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Kim SM, Yokoyama T, Ng D, Ulu F, Yamazaki Y. Retinoic acid-stimulated ERK1/2 pathway regulates meiotic initiation in cultured fetal germ cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224628. [PMID: 31682623 PMCID: PMC6827903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In murine fetal germ cells, retinoic acid (RA) is an extrinsic cue for meiotic initiation that stimulates transcriptional activation of the Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), which is required for entry of germ cells into meiotic prophase I. Canonically, the biological activities of RA are mediated by nuclear RA receptors. Recent studies in somatic cells found that RA noncanonically stimulates intracellular signal transduction pathways to regulate multiple cellular processes. In this study, using a germ cell culture system, we investigated (1) whether RA treatment activates any mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in fetal germ cells at the time of sex differentiation, and (2) if this is the case, whether the corresponding RA-stimulated signaling pathway regulates Stra8 expression in fetal germ cells and their entry into meiosis. When XX germ cells at embryonic day (E) 12.5 were cultured with RA, the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway was predominantly activated. MEK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) treatment suppressed the mRNA expressions of RA-induced Stra8 and meiotic marker genes (Rec8, Spo11, Dmc1, and Sycp3) in both XX and XY fetal germ cells. Furthermore, U0126 treatment dramatically reduced STRA8 protein levels and numbers of meiotic cells among cultured XX and XY fetal germ cells even in the presence of RA. Taken together, our results suggest the novel concept that the RA functions by stimulating the ERK1/2 pathway and that this activity is critical for Stra8 expression and meiotic progression in fetal germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kim
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Toshifumi Yokoyama
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
- Department of Animal Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Dylan Ng
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Ferhat Ulu
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Yukiko Yamazaki
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Xia X, Wang P, Wan R, Chang Z, Du Q. Progesterone affects sex differentiation and alters transcriptional of genes along circadian rhythm signaling and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes in juvenile Yellow River Carp (Cyprinus carpio var.). Environ Toxicol 2019; 34:1255-1262. [PMID: 31298479 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) is a biologically active steroid hormone that is involved in the regulation of oocyte growth and maturation, as well as development of the endometrium and implantation in the uterus of humans. It can also stimulate oocyte maturation in female fish, as well as spermatogenesis and sperm motility in male fish. Thus, P4 has been extensively used in human and animal husbandry as a typical progestin. However, P4 remaining in the water environment will pose a potential hazard to aquatic organisms. For example, it can interfere with sex differentiation and reproduction in aquatic vertebrates such as fish. Therefore, we investigated the effects of prolonged progesterone exposure on the expression of genes related to circadian rhythm signaling and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes in Yellow River Carp, which may have a potential impact on their sex differentiation. Our results suggested that P4 exposure altered the expression of genes related to circadian rhythm signaling, which can lead to disorders in the endocrine system and regulate the HPG axes-related activities. Furthermore, the expression of genes related to the HPG axes was also altered, which might affect gonadal development and the reproductive systems of Yellow River Carp. In addition, these changes may provide a plausible mechanism for the observed shifts in their sex ratio toward females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Xia
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Peijin Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ruyan Wan
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhongjie Chang
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qiyan Du
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
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28
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Bertotto LB, Bruce R, Li S, Richards J, Sikder R, Baljkas L, Giroux M, Gan J, Schlenk D. Effects of bifenthrin on sex differentiation in Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes). Environ Res 2019; 177:108564. [PMID: 31306987 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bifenthrin (BF) is a pyrethroid insecticide used in urban and agricultural applications. Previous studies in early life stages of fish have indicated anti-estrogenic activity; however, estrogenic activity has been observed in adults. To test the hypothesis that BF impairs sex differentiation, larval Japanese Medaka were exposed to BF during a critical developmental window for phenotypic sexual differentiation. Fish were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of BF (0.15 μg/L and 1.5 μg/L), a single concentration (0.3 mg/L) of an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist (ICI 182,780), and an ER agonist (0.2 ug/L) (17β-estradiol). Fish were exposed at 8 days post hatch (dph) larvae for 30 days. Phenotypic sex, secondary sexual characteristics (SSC) and genotypic sex were investigated at sexual maturity (8 weeks). A trend towards masculinization (p = 0.06) based on the presence of papillary processes in anal fin rays of Japanese Medaka was observed in fish exposed to the lowest concentration of BF. However, genotypic gender ratios were not altered. These results show sex differentiation was not significantly altered by larval exposure to BF in Japanese medaka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Becker Bertotto
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - Richard Bruce
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Shuying Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Jaben Richards
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Rafid Sikder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Luka Baljkas
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Marissa Giroux
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jay Gan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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Palma P, Nocillado J, Superio J, de Jesus-Ayson EG, Ayson F, Takemura A, Lu MW, Elizur A. Induction of Gonadal Development in Protogynous Grouper with Orally Delivered FSH DNA. Mar Biotechnol (NY) 2019; 21:697-706. [PMID: 31372794 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-019-09914-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The availability of sexually mature fish often dictates the success of its captive breeding. In this study, we induced reproductive development in juvenile protogynous tiger grouper through oral administration of a plasmid (p) containing an engineered follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). An expression construct (pcDNA3.1) was designed to express a single-chain FSH consisting of giant grouper FSH β-subunit and glycoprotein subunit-α (CGα), linked by the carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) sequence from the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Single oral delivery of pFSH encapsulated in liposome and chitosan to tiger grouper yielded a significant increase in plasma FSH protein level after 4 days. Weekly pFSH feeding of juvenile tiger groupers for 8 weeks stimulated ovarian development as indicated by a significant increase in oocyte diameter and progression of oocytes to cortical alveolar stage. As the pFSH treatment progressed from 20 to 38 weeks, female to male sex change was initiated, characterized by oocyte regression, proliferation of spermatogonial cells, and occurrence of spermatogenic cysts. It was also associated with significantly lower mRNA expression of steroidogenic genes (cyp11b, cyp19a1a, and foxl2) and basal plasma levels of sex steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT). Results suggest that pFSH stimulates ovarian development up to cortical alveolar stage and then initiates sex change in tiger grouper. These findings significantly contribute to our knowledge on the role of FSH in the development of protogynous hermaphroditic fish. This study is the first to demonstrate induction of reproductive development in fish through oral delivery of plasmid gonadotropin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Palma
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia
- Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), Tigbauan, 5021, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Josephine Nocillado
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia
| | - Joshua Superio
- Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), Tigbauan, 5021, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Evelyn Grace de Jesus-Ayson
- Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), Tigbauan, 5021, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Felix Ayson
- Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), Tigbauan, 5021, Iloilo, Philippines
| | - Akihiro Takemura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan
| | - Ming Wei Lu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, 202, Taiwan
| | - Abigail Elizur
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia.
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Lin CJ, Wu GC, Dufour S, Chang CF. Activation of the brain-pituitary-gonadotropic axis in the black porgy Acanthopagrus schlegelii during gonadal differentiation and testis development and effect of estradiol treatment. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 281:17-29. [PMID: 31085192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies revealed an estradiol (E2)-dependent peak in brain activity, including neurosteroidogenesis and neurogenesis in the black porgy during the gonadal differentiation period. The brain-pituitary-gonadotropic axis is a key regulator of reproduction and may also be involved in gonadal differentiation, but its activity and potential role in black porgy during the gonadal differentiation period is still unknown. The present study analyzed the expression of regulatory factors involved in the gonadotropic axis at the time of gonadal differentiation (90, 120, 150 days after hatching [dah]) and subsequent testicular development (180, 210, 300 dah). In agreement with previous studies, expression of brain aromatase cyp19a1b peaked at 120 dah, and this was followed by a gradual increase during testicular development. The expression of gonadotropin subunits increased slightly but not significantly during gonadal differentiation and then increased significantly at 300 dah. In contrast, the expression of brain gnrh1 and pituitary gnrh receptor 1 (gnrhr1) exhibited a pattern with two peaks, the first at 120 dah, during the period of gonadal differentiation, and the second peak during testicular development. Gonad fshr and lhcgr increased during gonadal differentiation period with highest transcript level in prespawning season during testicular development. This suggests that the early activation of brain gnrh1, pituitary gnrhr1 and gths, and gonad gthrs might be involved in the control of gonadal differentiation. E2 treatment increased brain cyp19a1b expression at each sampling time, in agreement with previous studies in black porgy and other teleosts. E2 also significantly stimulated the expression of pituitary gonadotropin subunits at all sampling times, indicating potential E2-mediated steroid feedback. In contrast, no significant effect of E2 was observed on gnrh1. Moreover, treatment of AI or E2 had no statistically significant effect on brain gnrh1 transcription levels during gonadal differentiation. This indicated that the early peak of gnrh1 expression during the gonadal differentiation period is E2-independent and therefore not directly related to the E2-dependent peak in brain neurosteroidogenesis and neurogenesis also occurring during this period in black porgy. Both E2-independent and E2-dependent mechanisms are thus involved in the peak expression of various genes in the brain of black porgy at the time of gonadal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ju Lin
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Chung Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- Laboratory Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France.
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
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Jiang YX, Shi WJ, Ma DD, Zhang JN, Ying GG, Zhang H, Ong CN. Male-biased zebrafish sex differentiation and metabolomics profile changes caused by dydrogesterone. Aquat Toxicol 2019; 214:105242. [PMID: 31319296 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Some progestins, including the widely used dydrogesterone (DDG), have been shown to cause male-biased sex ratio in teleost. However, there is a gap to fully understand the mechanisms of the sex differentiation disturbance by progestins, particularly from the metabolic aspect. We thus aimed to examine the sex changes by exposing zebrafish embryos to 4.4 (L), 44 (M) and 440 (H) ng/L DDG for up to 140 days, and investigated metabolomic profile changes during the critical period of sex differentiation at fry stage (35 dpf). DDG increased the percentage of male zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner, with 98% male fish in the high concentration group. In zebrafish fry, DDG increased the levels of some free fatty acids, monoglycerides, acylcarnitines, organic acids, free amino acids, while decreased lysophospholipids, uric acid and bile acids. DDG exposure also decreased the nucleoside monophosphates and UDP-sugars while increased nucleosides and their bases. These metabolite changes, namely increase in n-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), myo-inositol, taurine, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, and uracil, and decrease in uric acid and bile acids, might account for the male-biased sex ratio in zebrafish. It appears that many of these metabolites could inhibit several pathways that regulate zebrafish gonad differentiation, including NF-κB/COX-2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and activate p53 pathway. Thus we proposed a hypothesis that DDG might induce oocytes apoptosis through the above pathways and finally lead to female-to-male sex reversal. The results from this study suggest that DDG at environmentally relevant concentrations could affect zebrafish metabolomic profiles and finally disturb fish sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin-Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Choon-Nam Ong
- School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, 117547, Singapore.
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John N, Rehman H, Razak S, David M, Ullah W, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Alam I, Jahan S. Comparative study of environmental pollutants bisphenol A and bisphenol S on sexual differentiation of anteroventral periventricular nucleus and spermatogenesis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:53. [PMID: 31292004 PMCID: PMC6621953 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0491-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A is well known endocrine-disrupting chemical while Bisphenol S was considered a safe alternative. The present study aims to examine the comparative effects of xenobiotic bisphenol-A (BPA) and its substitute bisphenol-S (BPS) on spermatogenesis and development of sexually dimorphic nucleus population of dopaminergic neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of the hypothalamus in male pups. METHODS Sprague Dawley rat's pups were administered subcutaneously at the neonatal stage from postnatal day PND1 to PND 27. Thirty animals were divided into six experimental groups (6 animals/group). The first group served as control and was provided with normal olive oil. The four groups were treated with 2 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg of BPA and BPS, respectively. The sixth group was given with 50 μg/kg of estradiol dissolved in olive oil as a standard to find the development of dopaminergic tyrosine hydroxylase neurons in AVPV regions. Histological analysis for testicular tissues and immunohistochemistry for brain tissues was performed. RESULTS The results revealed adverse histopathological changes in testis after administration of different doses of BPA and BPS. These degenerative changes were marked by highly significant (p < 0.001) decrease in tubular and luminal diameters of seminiferous tubule and epithelial height among bisphenols treated groups as compared to control. Furthermore, significantly increased (p < 0.001) TH-ir cell bodies in the AVPV region of the brain with 200 μg/kg dose of BPA and BPS was evident. CONCLUSION It is concluded that exposure of BPA and BPS during a critical developmental period can structural impairments in testes and affects sexual differentiation of a dimorphic dopaminergic population of AVPV region of hypothalamus in the male brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naham John
- 0000 0001 2215 1297grid.412621.2Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid- i- Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
| | - Humaira Rehman
- 0000 0001 2215 1297grid.412621.2Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid- i- Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
| | - Suhail Razak
- 0000 0001 2215 1297grid.412621.2Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid- i- Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
- 0000 0004 1773 5396grid.56302.32Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mehwish David
- 0000 0001 2215 1297grid.412621.2Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid- i- Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
| | - Waheed Ullah
- 0000 0001 2215 1297grid.412621.2Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid- i- Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- 0000 0004 1773 5396grid.56302.32Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almajwal
- 0000 0004 1773 5396grid.56302.32Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Iftikhar Alam
- 0000 0004 1773 5396grid.56302.32Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- 0000 0001 2215 1297grid.412621.2Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid- i- Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320 Pakistan
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Shi WJ, Ma DD, Jiang YX, Xie L, Zhang JN, Huang GY, Chen HX, Hou LP, Liu YS, Ying GG. Medroxyprogesterone acetate affects sex differentiation and spermatogenesis in zebrafish. Aquat Toxicol 2019; 212:70-76. [PMID: 31077968 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a widely used synthetic progestin and it has been frequently detected in aquatic environments. However, its effects on aquatic organisms remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the chronic effects of MPA on sex differentiation and gonad development in zebrafish. Zebrafish larvae at 20 days post fertilization (dpf) were exposed to 4.32, 42.0, and 424 ng L-1 of MPA until they reached 140 dpf. The results showed that chronic exposure to 42.0 ng L-1 of MPA caused 60% proportion of males as well as significant up-regulation of dmrt1 (˜1.79 fold) and hsd17b3 (˜1.92 fold). Histological analysis showed MPA significantly increased the frequency of immature spermatocytes accompanied with the increased transcription of dmrt1 (˜2.06 fold) and ar (˜1.73 fold) in the testes. Meanwhile, MPA exposure significantly increased the transcription of lhb at all exposure concentrations in the males. In contrast, it significantly suppressed the transcription of lhb (˜-8.06-fold) and fshb (˜-6.35-fold) at 42.0 ng L-1 in the females. Collectively our results demonstrated that MPA had androgenic activity, and could affect sex differentiation and spermatogenesis in zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations. The findings from this study suggest that MPA in the aquatic environment may pose potential androgenic risks to fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu-Xia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jin-Na Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Guo-Yong Huang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hong-Xing Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Li-Ping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Templin JS, Wyrosdic JC, David CD, Wyrosdic BN, Lapp HE, Bala A, Bartlett A, Khan Z, Rokicki A, Park JH. Peripubertal gonadal steroids are necessary for steroid-independent male sexual behavior in castrated B6D2F1 male mice. Horm Behav 2019; 113:38-46. [PMID: 31047887 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal steroids play an integral role in male sexual behavior, and in most rodent models, this relationship is tightly coupled. However, many other species, including humans, continue to demonstrate male sex behavior in the absence of gonadal steroids, and the mechanisms that regulate steroid-independent male sex behavior are not well understood. Approximately 30% of castrated male B6D2F1 hybrid mice display male sex behavior many months after castration, allowing for the investigation of individual variation in steroidal regulation of male sex behavior. During both the perinatal and peripubertal periods of development, the organizational effects of gonadal steroids on sexual differentiation of the neural circuits controlling male sex behavior are well-documented. Several factors can alter the normal range of gonadal steroids or their receptors which may lead to the disruption of the normal processes of masculinization and defeminization. It is unknown whether the organizational effects of gonadal hormones during puberty are necessary for steroid-independent male sex behavior. However, gonadal steroids during puberty were not necessary for either testosterone or estradiol to activate male sex behavior in adulthood. Furthermore, activation of male sex behavior was initiated sooner in hybrid male mice castrated prior to puberty that were administered estradiol in adulthood compared to those that were provided testosterone. The underlying mechanisms by which gonadal hormones, during both the perinatal and peripubertal developmental periods of sexual differentiation, organize the normal maturation of neural circuitry that regulates steroid-independent male sex behavior in adult castrated B6D2F1 male mice warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Scott Templin
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America.
| | - Joshua C Wyrosdic
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America; Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Caroline D David
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Brianna N Wyrosdic
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Hannah E Lapp
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Andis Bala
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Alexander Bartlett
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Zara Khan
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Alicia Rokicki
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
| | - Jin Ho Park
- Psychology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States of America
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Wu GC, Jeng SR, Pan YT, Li HW, Ku WL, Lin CJ, Chang CF. The germline-specific expression of Foxl3a and its paralogous Foxl3b are associated with male gonadal differentiation in the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 277:56-65. [PMID: 30878349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Unlike its paralog Foxl2, which is well known for its role in ovarian development in vertebrates, the function of Foxl3 is still unclear. Foxl3 is an ancient duplicated copy of Foxl2. It is present as a single copy in ray-finned fish. But, due to repeated losses, it is absent in most tetrapods. Our transcriptomic data, however, show that two Foxl3s (Foxl3a and its paralog Foxl3b) are present in Japanese eel. Foxl3a is predominantly expressed in the pituitary, and Foxl3b is predominantly expressed in the gills. Both Foxl3s show a sex-dimorphic expression, being higher expression in testes than in ovaries. Moreover, Foxl3a and Foxl3b were exclusively expressed during gonadal differentiation in control eels (100% male). Conversely, Foxl3a and Foxl3b significantly decreased after gonadal differentiation in E2-treated eels (100% female). Furthermore, in accordance the difference in adhesive ability between somatic cells and germline cells in testes, Foxl3s showed a high expression in suspension cells (putative germline cells) and low expression in adhesive cells (putative somatic cells). In situ hybridization further showed that Foxl3a and Foxl3b were expressed in the testicular germline cells. In addition, Foxl3s expression was not changed by sex steroids in in vitro testes culture. Taken together, our results suggest that the teleost-specific Foxl3 paralog was repeatedly lost in most fish after the third round of whole genome duplication. The two germline-expressed Foxl3s had higher expression levels in males than in females during gonadal differentiation in Japanese eel. These results demonstrated that Foxl3s might play an important role in germline sexual fate determination from ancient fish to modern fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Chung Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
| | - Shan-Ru Jeng
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tin Pan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Hau-Wen Li
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Ku
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Lin
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan.
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Li S, Sun Q, Wu Q, Gui W, Zhu G, Schlenk D. Endocrine disrupting effects of tebuconazole on different life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Environ Pollut 2019; 249:1049-1059. [PMID: 31146311 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole is a widely used fungicide that has been detected in water ecosystems, of which the concentrations may affect the endocrine function of aquatic organisms. At present study, tissue-specific bioaccumulation of tebuconazole was found in ovary of adult zebrafish, indicating a potential risk of endocrine disruption. In order to evaluate the potential endocrine disrupting effects, three life stages (2 hpf (hours post-fertilization) -60 dpf (days post-fertilization), Stage I; 60-120 dpf, Stage II; 180-208 dpf, Stage III) of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were chronically exposed to tebuconazole at the concentrations ranging from 0.05 mg/L to 1.84 mg/L. Result showed that exposed to tebuconazole could lead to a male-biased sex differentiation in juvenile zebrafish and significant decrease of the percentage of germ cells in sexually-mature zebrafish. Egg production was significantly inhibited by 57.8% and 19.2% after Stage II- and Stage III-exposures, respectively. The contents of 17β-estradiol in gonad decreased by 63.5% when exposed to 0.20 mg/L tebuconazole at Stage II and by 49.5% after exposed to 0.18 mg/L tebuconazole at Stage III, respectively. For all stages exposure, reductions in 17β-estradiol/testosterone ratio were observed, indicating an imbalance in steroids synthesis. Additionally, tebuconazole reduced the expression of cyp19a, which was consistent with the decrease of E2 level. In overall, the present findings indicated that, playing as an anti-estrogen-like chemical, tebuconazole inhibited the expression of Cyp19, thereby impairing steroid hormones biosynthesis, leading to a diminished fecundity of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR, China; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States
| | - Qianqian Sun
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR, China
| | - Wenjun Gui
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR, China.
| | - Guonian Zhu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR, China
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States
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Abstract
For nearly 60 years since the seminal paper from W.C Young and colleagues (Phoenix et al., 1959), the principles of sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior have maintained that female-typical sexual behaviors (e.g., lordosis) and sexual preferences (e.g., attraction to males) are the result of low androgen levels during development, whereas higher androgen levels promote male-typical sexual behaviors (e.g., mounting and thrusting) and preferences (e.g., attraction to females). However, recent reports suggest that the relationship between androgens and male-typical behaviors is not always linear - when androgen signaling is increased in male rodents, via exogenous androgen exposure or androgen receptor overexpression, males continue to exhibit male-typical sexual behaviors, but their sexual preferences are altered such that their interest in same-sex partners is increased. Analogous to this rodent literature, recent findings indicate that high level androgen exposure may contribute to the sexual orientation of a subset of gay men who prefer insertive anal sex and report more male-typical gender traits, whereas gay men who prefer receptive anal sex, and who on average report more gender nonconformity, present with biomarkers suggestive of low androgen exposure. Together, the evidence indicates that for both mice and men there is an inverted-U curvilinear relationship between androgens and sexual preferences, such that low and high androgen exposure increases androphilic sexual attraction, whereas relative mid-range androgen exposure leads to gynephilic attraction. Future directions for studying how individual differences in biological development mediate sexual behavior and sexual preferences in both mice and humans are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn Swift-Gallant
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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Zhang H, Chen ZF, Qi Z, Yan SC, Wei WW, Liu G, Cai Z. Analysis of transcriptional response in zebrafish eleutheroembryos exposed to climbazole: Signaling pathways and potential biomarkers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019; 38:794-805. [PMID: 30614048 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Climbazole is an antifungal active ingredient used in personal care products. After application this chemical reaches the aquatic environment and may pose a risk to fish. In the present study, we measured the transcriptional effects of essential genes related to a wide range of signaling pathways on zebrafish eleutheroembryos exposed to climbazole at environmentally relevant and predicted worst-case environmental concentrations, and explored the potential biomarkers via partial least squares discriminant analysis. Transcription analysis covering up to 73 genes revealed significant down-regulation of circadian rhythm- and steroidogenesis-related genes in zebrafish embryos and larvae after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of climbazole. This topical antifungal agent also modulated the transcripts of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, oocyte maturation, and sexual differentiation at predicted worst-case environmental concentrations. In addition, mprα, igf3, nr1d1, nr1d2b, cyp19a1a, vtg1, il-1β, and il-8 were chosen as potential biomarkers in embryonic zebrafish following exposure to climbazole. These findings can help us understand the remarkable transcriptional response to climbazole in the early life stage of zebrafish. Future research should elucidate whether the transcriptional modulation translates into metabolic phenotypes associated with the corresponding signaling pathways. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:794-805. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zenghua Qi
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Chao Yan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Wen Wei
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoguang Liu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Strynar MJ, McCord J, McIntyre BS, Travlos GS, Cardon MC, Medlock-Kakaley E, Hartig PC, Wilson VS, Gray LE. Adverse Maternal, Fetal, and Postnatal Effects of Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (GenX) from Oral Gestational Exposure in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Environ Health Perspect 2019; 127:37008. [PMID: 30920876 PMCID: PMC6768323 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid [(HFPO-DA), GenX] is a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemical class, and elevated levels of HFPO-DA have been detected in surface water, air, and treated drinking water in the United States and Europe. OBJECTIVES We aimed to characterize the potential maternal and postnatal toxicities of oral HFPO-DA in rats during sexual differentiation. Given that some PFAS activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), we sought to assess whether HFPO-DA affects androgen-dependent development or interferes with estrogen, androgen, or glucocorticoid receptor activity. METHODS Steroid receptor activity was assessed with a suite of in vitro transactivation assays, and Sprague-Dawley rats were used to assess maternal, fetal, and postnatal effects of HFPO-DA exposure. Dams were dosed daily via oral gavage during male reproductive development (gestation days 14-18). We evaluated fetal testes, maternal and fetal livers, maternal serum clinical chemistry, and reproductive development of F1 animals. RESULTS HFPO-DA exposure resulted in negligible in vitro receptor activity and did not impact testosterone production or expression of genes key to male reproductive development in the fetal testis; however, in vivo exposure during gestation resulted in higher maternal liver weights ([Formula: see text]), lower maternal serum thyroid hormone and lipid profiles ([Formula: see text]), and up-regulated gene expression related to PPAR signaling pathways in maternal and fetal livers ([Formula: see text]). Further, the pilot postnatal study indicated lower female body weight and lower weights of male reproductive tissues in F1 animals. CONCLUSIONS HFPO-DA exposure produced multiple effects that were similar to prior toxicity evaluations on PFAS, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), but seen as the result of higher oral doses. The mean dam serum concentration from the lowest dose group was 4-fold greater than the maximum serum concentration detected in a worker in an HFPO-DA manufacturing facility. Research is needed to examine the mechanisms and downstream events linked to the adverse effects of PFAS as are mixture-based studies evaluating multiple PFAS. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4372.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Conley
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christy S. Lambright
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicola Evans
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark J. Strynar
- Exposure Methods and Measurements Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - James McCord
- Exposure Methods and Measurements Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barry S. McIntyre
- Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gregory S. Travlos
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, NTP, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mary C. Cardon
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Phillip C. Hartig
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vickie S. Wilson
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - L. Earl Gray
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Abdelmoneim A, Abdu A, Chen S, Sepúlveda MS. Molecular signaling pathways elicited by 17α-ethinylestradiol in Japanese medaka male larvae undergoing gonadal differentiation. Aquat Toxicol 2019; 208:187-195. [PMID: 30682621 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Estrogenic contaminants released into water bodies are potentially affecting the reproduction of aquatic organisms. Exposure to 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen agonist commonly found in sewage effluents, has been shown to cause gonadal changes in male gonochoristic fish ranging from gonadal intersex to complete sex reversal. Although these gonadal changes have been well studied in Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes, the molecular mechanisms behind them are poorly understood. Our objective was to study the signaling pathways elicited by exposure to different concentrations of EE2 in this species. Embryos and larvae were sexed by the presence of leucophores and dmy expression (only in males). Male medaka were exposed to two EE2 concentrations (30 and 300 ng/L) during their gonadal differentiation period (7-22 dpf). The transcriptome of larvae was analyzed using RNA sequencing followed by pathway analysis. Genes involved in sex differentiation and gonadal development (e.g., cldn19, ctbp1, hsd17b4) showed a female-like expression pattern in EE2-exposed males with some genes changing in expression in an EE2 concentration-dependent manner. However, not all genes known to be involved in sex differentiation and gonadal development (e.g., wnt4b) were altered by EE2. Several of the prominently affected signaling pathways involved genes associated with steroidogenesis, steroid receptor signaling and steroid metabolism, such as cyp2b3, cyp3b40, cyp1a, hsd17b4. We also report on novel genes and pathways affected that might play a role in gonadal changes, including several genes associated with FXR/RXR and LXR/RXR activation networks. This study is the first to examine the transcriptomic changes in male fish resulting from exposure to EE2 during the gonadal differentiation period, providing new insights on the signaling pathways involved in the development of gonadal changes in gonochoristic fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelmoneim
- Department of Forestry & Natural Resources and Bindley Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Veterinary Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amira Abdu
- Department of Forestry & Natural Resources and Bindley Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Department of Parasitology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Forestry & Natural Resources and Bindley Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Maria S Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry & Natural Resources and Bindley Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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Parrott JL, Metcalfe CD. Assessing the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of antidepressant mixtures to fathead minnows exposed over a full life cycle. Sci Total Environ 2019; 648:1227-1236. [PMID: 30340268 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressant drugs have been detected in municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) at ng/L to low μg/L concentrations. We exposed fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) over a full lifecycle to a mixture of five antidepressants at concentrations similar to a MWWE (1× AntiD Mix); venlafaxine at 2400 ng/L, citalopram at 240 ng/L, fluoxetine at 90 ng/L, sertraline at 20 ng/L, and bupropion at 90 ng/L, and 10× these concentrations (i.e. 10× AntiD Mix). Mean measured concentrations of venlafaxine, citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, and bupropion were 2300, 160, 110, 7 ng/L, and below detection limits, respectively, for the 1× AntiD Mix, and 33,000, 2900, 1000, 210, and 100 ng/L, respectively for the 10× AntiD Mix. During the life-cycle exposure, no significant changes were observed in survival of fathead minnows. When male fish from the exposed treatments reached maturity, their weights were increased compared to control males. There were no significant differences in condition factor, gonadosomatic index, or liver-somatic index in the exposed fish. Exposed fathead minnows produced similar numbers of eggs as control fish, and there were no changes in nest-defense behaviours of male minnows. Egg quality, % fertilization, and % hatching in F1 fry were unaffected by exposure to the antidepressants. Eggs hatched 0.5 d earlier, deformities in fry were 50% lower, and there were transient decreases in length of F1 larvae at 8 days post-hatch in offspring from the treatment with the 10× AntiD Mix. Overall, exposure to the antidepressant mixture at environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e. 1× AntiD Mix) caused no adverse effects in fathead minnows. Exposure to the 10× AntiD Mix increased the weight of adult male minnows and caused subtle effects in F1 offspring. This study is the first to assess sublethal effects in fish exposed to mixtures of antidepressants over a full lifecycle. CAPSULE: No effects were observed in fathead minnow exposed for a lifecycle to antidepressant mixtures at environmentally-relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L Parrott
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Chris D Metcalfe
- Water Quality Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
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Breton TS, Kenter LW, Greenlaw K, Montgomery J, Goetz GW, Berlinsky DL, Luckenbach JA. Initiation of sex change and gonadal gene expression in black sea bass (Centropristis striata) exposed to exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2018; 228:51-61. [PMID: 30414915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many teleost fishes exhibit sequential hermaphroditism, where male or female gonads develop first and later undergo sex change. Model sex change species are characterized by social hierarchies and coloration changes, which enable experimental manipulations to better understand these processes. However, other species such as the protogynous black sea bass (Centropristis striata) do not exhibit these characteristics and instead receive research attention due to their importance in fisheries or aquaculture. Black sea bass social structure is unknown, which makes sex change sampling difficult, and few molecular resources are available. The purpose of the present study was to induce sex change using exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, and assess gonadal gene expression using sex markers (amh, zpc2) and genes involved in steroidogenesis (cyp19a1a, cyp11b), estrogen signaling (esr1, esr2b), and apoptosis or atresia (aen, casp9, fabp11, parg, pdcd4, rif1). Overall, dietary exemestane treatment was effective, and most exposed females exhibited early histological signs of sex change and significantly higher rates of ovarian atresia relative to control females. Genes associated with atresia did not reflect this, however, as expression patterns in sex changing gonads were overall similar to those of ovaries, likely due to a whole ovary dilution effect of the RNA. Still, small but insignificant expression decreases during early sex change were detected for ovary-related genes (aen, casp9, fabp11, zpc2) and anti-apoptotic factors (parg, rif1). Exemestane treatment did not impact spermatogenesis or testicular gene expression, but testes were generally characterized by elevated steroidogenic enzyme and estrogen receptor mRNAs. Further research will be needed to understand these processes in black sea bass, using isolated ovarian follicles and multiple stages of sex change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Breton
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, 173 High Street, Farmington, ME 04938, USA.
| | - Linas W Kenter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, 38 College Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Katherine Greenlaw
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, 173 High Street, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Jacob Montgomery
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, 173 High Street, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Giles W Goetz
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David L Berlinsky
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - J Adam Luckenbach
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA 98112, USA; Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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van Gessellen N, Bouwman H, Averbuj A. Imposex assessment and tributyltin levels in sediments along the Atlantic coast of South Africa. Mar Environ Res 2018; 142:32-39. [PMID: 30262123 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Female marine gastropods develop imposex (growth of penis/vas deferens) when exposed to TBT (tributyltin). Ours, is the first report of an imposex survey associated with TBT in sediment along 920 km of South Africa's Atlantic coastline. We sampled and analysed 1389 individuals of 13 caenogastropod species, and sediment samples from 25 sites, presumed impacted and not impacted by TBT pollution. Imposex was detected in six species not previously reported to suffer from this phenomenon, at eight sites, with up to 100% of females affected. Butyltins were found at quantifiable concentrations at four sites, with TBT and DBT (dibutyltin) concentrations in sediments up to 20 000 μg/kg dry mass (dm) and 3740 μg/kg dm, respectively. These findings are of major concern considering that TBT has been banned globally since 2008 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) - more extensive research is required in areas affected by TBT and where aquaculture is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole van Gessellen
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Mafikeng, South Africa.
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Andres Averbuj
- LARBIM - IBIOMAR, CCT - CONICET-CENPAT, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
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Lenz KM, Pickett LA, Wright CL, Davis KT, Joshi A, McCarthy MM. Mast Cells in the Developing Brain Determine Adult Sexual Behavior. J Neurosci 2018; 38:8044-8059. [PMID: 30093566 PMCID: PMC6136154 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1176-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many sex differences in brain and behavior are programmed during development by gonadal hormones, but the cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. We found that immune-system-derived mast cells are a primary target for the masculinizing hormone estradiol and that mast cells are in turn primary mediators of brain sexual differentiation. Newborn male rats had greater numbers and more activated mast cells in the preoptic area (POA), a brain region essential for male copulatory behavior, than female littermates during the critical period for sexual differentiation. Inhibiting mast cells with a stabilizing agent blunted the masculinization of both POA neuronal and microglial morphology and adult sex behavior, whereas activating mast cells in females, even though fewer in number, induced masculinization. Treatment of newborn females with a masculinizing dose of estradiol increased mast cell number and induced mast cells to release histamine, which then stimulated microglia to release prostaglandins and thereby induced male-typical synaptic patterning. These findings identify a novel non-neuronal origin of brain sex differences and resulting motivated behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We found that immune-system-derived mast cells are a primary target for the masculinizing hormone estradiol and that mast cells are in turn primary mediators of brain sexual differentiation. These findings identify a novel non-neuronal origin of brain sex differences and resulting motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology,
- Department of Neuroscience, and
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210; and
| | - Lindsay A Pickett
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Christopher L Wright
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Katherine T Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | | | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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Tovo-Neto A, da Silva Rodrigues M, Habibi HR, Nóbrega RH. Thyroid hormone actions on male reproductive system of teleost fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 265:230-236. [PMID: 29678724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play important roles in the regulation of many biological processes of vertebrates, such as growth, metabolism, morphogenesis and reproduction. An increasing number of studies have been focused on the involvement of THs in the male reproductive system of vertebrates, in particular of fish. Therefore, this mini-review aims to summarize the main findings on THs role in male reproductive system of fish, focusing on sex differentiation, testicular development and spermatogenesis. The existing data in the literature have demonstrated that THs exert their roles at the different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In general a positive correlation has been shown between THs and fish reproductive status; where THs are associated with testicular development, growth and maturation. Recently, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of THs in spermatogenesis have been unraveled in zebrafish testis. THs promote germ cell proliferation and differentiation by increasing a stimulatory growth factor of spermatogenesis produced by Sertoli cells. In addition, THs enhanced the gonadotropin-induced androgen release in zebrafish testis. Next to their functions in the adult testis, THs are involved in the gonadal sex differentiation through modulating sex-related gene expression, and testicular development via regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation. In conclusion, this mini-review showed that THs modulate the male reproductive system during the different life stages of fish. The physiological and molecular mechanisms showed a link between the thyroid and reproduction, suggesting a possibly co-evolution and interdependence of these two systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Tovo-Neto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Aquaculture Program, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Departament of Morphology, Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maira da Silva Rodrigues
- Aquaculture Program, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Departament of Morphology, Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rafael Henrique Nóbrega
- Departament of Morphology, Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Li YY, Meng T, Gao K, Qin ZF. Gonadal differentiation and its sensitivity to androgens during development of Pelophylax nigromaculatus. Aquat Toxicol 2018; 202:188-195. [PMID: 30056249 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous observations proposed Pelophylax nigromaculatus as a model species for studying the masculinizing effects of androgenic EDCs in amphibians. To better develop this model species, we studied the process of the gonadal differentiation/development and the sensitive stage to androgens. We found that the earliest sexual dimorphism in gonads at morphological and histological levels occurred at stages 38-40 and stage 36 respectively. Further examination of molecular markers for testicular and ovarian differentiation during development revealed that the cyp17 and cyp19 expressions were sexually dimorphic from stage 32 and stage 36 respectively. Further, we investigated the sex-reversal induced by 100 ng/L 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) when exposures were initiated at stages 24, 26 and 28. We found that when exposed from stage 24, DHT resulted masculinization of all tadpoles with no typical ovaries, whereas exposures from stage 26 or 28 dramatically reduced the effect of DHT. Our findings show that gonads of P. nigromaculatus are bipotential at stage 24, in the process of differentiation at stage 26 and determined to become either testis or ovary at stage 28. Altogether, exposure of P. nigromaculatus should begin at stage 24 in order to sensitively detect masculinizing effects of EDCs. Present study provides useful information about the gonadal differentiation and development in P. nigromaculatus for effectively evaluating masculinizing effects of EDCs on gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Kun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Zhan-Fen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Hou LP, Chen H, Tian CE, Shi WJ, Liang Y, Wu RR, Fang XW, Zhang CP, Liang YQ, Xie L. The progestin norethindrone affects sex differentiation and alters transcriptional profiles of genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes in juvenile zebrafish Dario renio. Aquat Toxicol 2018; 201:31-39. [PMID: 29859405 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural and synthetic progestins may pose a threat to wild fish populations living in receiving waters. In this study, the effects of norethindrone (NET) on the sex differentiation of zebrafish (Dario renio) and the mechanisms underlying these effects were investigated. Juvenile zebrafish (20 days post fertilization, pdf) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (5, 50, 500, and 1000 ng L-1) for 45 d. Sex ratio of the NET-exposed populations, the histology of the gonads and the transcriptional profile of the regulatory genes involved in sex differentiation and steroidogenesis were examined. The results showed that a significantly higher ratio of male/female was induced in the zebrafish populations exposed to NET at concentrations higher than 32.3 ng L-1. Exposure to NET caused acceleration of sexual mature in males and a delay in ovary maturation in female zebrafish. Among the genes regulating sexual differentiation, transcripts of Dmrt1 showed a dose-dependent increase while transcripts of Figa and Fox12 showed a dose-dependent decrease in response to exposure to NET. For genes regulating the steroidogenesis, the expressions of Cyp11a1, Cyp17, Cyp19a1a, and Cyp11b were significantly down-regulated by exposure to NET, while Hsd17b3 expression was significantly up-regulated by exposure to NET at 421.3 and 892.9 ng L-1. For the receptor genes in the gonads, the transcriptional expression of Pgr, Ar, and Mr was significantly up-regulated at 421.3 and 892.9 ng L-1 of NET. For genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the transcriptional expression of Gnrh3 and Pomc was significantly up-regulated by exposure to NET with the exception for Gnrh3 at 4.2 ng L-1. The results demonstrated that exposure to NET at the juvenile stage could affect gonad differentiation and sex ratio, which might be accounted for by the alterations of the transcriptional expressions of genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hongxing Chen
- The Environmental Research Institute, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chang-En Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Shi
- The Environmental Research Institute, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ye Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Rong-Rong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xu-Wen Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Cui-Ping Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Liang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Guangdong Ocean Universtiy, Zhangjiang, 524088, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- The Environmental Research Institute, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Yang Q, Yang X, Liu J, Chen Y, Shen S. Effects of exposure to BPF on development and sexual differentiation during early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 210:44-56. [PMID: 29758382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol F (BPF) has become a predominant bisphenol contaminant in recent years. It has significant estrogenic properties in both in vivo and in vitro studies. We have previously studied the disrupting mechanisms of BPF on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of adult zebrafish. However, the effects of BPF exposure on development and sexual differentiation of zebrafish embryos/larvae remain unclear. To determine the effects of BPF on the critical stage of sex differentiation in zebrafish, zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/L BPF from fertilization to 60 days post-fertilization (dpf). Developmental malformations were induced by exposure to BPF from 2 h post-fertilization (hpf), with a LC50 of 10,030 μg/L at 96 hpf and 9391 μg/L at 120 hpf. Long-term exposure during sex differentiation tended to result in a female sex ratio bias. Histological analyses at 60 dpf indicated that the development of ovo-testes and immature ovaries was induced by 100 and 1000 μg/L BPF. Homogenate testosterone levels decreased and 17β-estradiol levels increased in zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner. BPF exposure suppressed gene expression of double sex, Mab3-related transcription factor 1(dmrt1), fushi tarazu factor 1d (ff1d), sry-box containing gene 9a (sox9a) and anti-Mullerian hormone (amh); induced expression of the forkhead box L2 transcription factor (foxl2), leading to increased expression of aromatase (cyp19a1a), which promoted production of estrogens, and further caused phenotypic feminization of zebrafish. These results suggest that developmental exposure to BPF has adverse effects on sexual differentiation, and the results were useful for a BPF risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China; The College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xianhai Yang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jining Liu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Yingwen Chen
- The College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Shubao Shen
- The College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Horie Y, Yamagishi T, Shintaku Y, Iguchi T, Tatarazako N. Effects of tributyltin on early life-stage, reproduction, and gonadal sex differentiation in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Chemosphere 2018; 203:418-425. [PMID: 29631114 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tributyltin, an organotin compound, was used worldwide as an antifouling agent in aquatic environments and there has been much concern about the toxicological and ecotoxicological properties of organotin compounds. Even though it has been prohibited worldwide, tributyltin is still detected at low concentrations in aquatic environments. Here we investigated the effects of tributyltin on the early life-stage, reproduction, and gonadal sex differentiation in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). In adults, exposure to tributyltin at 3.82 μg/L suppressed fecundity and fertility and increased mortality. At 10.48 μg/L all medaka died by the sixth day of exposure. Exposure to tributyltin during early life-stages induced no significant differences in mortality or embryonic development, but growth was suppressed in groups exposed to 0.13 and 0.68 μg/L. Furthermore, there was no abnormal gonadal development in Japanese medaka exposed to tributyltin. These results provide evidence of the negative effects of tributyltin on reproduction in a teleost fish. Tributyltin did not affect gonadal sex differentiation in Japanese medaka, but fecundity and fertility were suppressed, although it is not clear whether this suppression resulted from the endocrine-disrupting action of tributyltin or its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Horie
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan; Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, 241-438 Kaidobata-Nishi, Nakano Simoshinjo, Akita 010-0195, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamagishi
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Yoko Shintaku
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | - Norihisa Tatarazako
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan; Department of Science and Technology for Biological Resources and Environment, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, Tarumi 3-5-7, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan.
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Rimayi C, Odusanya D, Weiss JM, de Boer J, Chimuka L, Mbajiorgu F. Effects of environmentally relevant sub-chronic atrazine concentrations on African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) survival, growth and male gonad development. Aquat Toxicol 2018; 199:1-11. [PMID: 29602044 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sub-chronic toxicity of environmentally relevant atrazine concentrations on exposed tadpoles and adult male African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) was evaluated in a quality controlled laboratory for 90 days. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of atrazine on the survival, growth and gonad development of African clawed frogs. After exposure of tadpoles to atrazine concentrations of 0 (control), 0.01, 200 and 500 μg L-1 in water, mortality rates of 0, 0, 3.3 and 70% respectively were recorded for the 90 day exposure period. Morphometry showed significantly reduced tadpole mass in the 500 μg L-1 atrazine exposed tadpoles (p < 0.05). Light microscopy on testes of adult frogs exposed to the same atrazine concentrations using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Van Gieson staining techniques revealed gonadal atrophy, disruption of germ cell lines, seminiferous tubule structure damage and formation of extensive connective tissue around seminiferous tubules of frogs exposed to 200 μg L-1 and 500 μg L-1 atrazine concentrations. Ultrastructural analysis of the cellular organelles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed significant amounts of damaged mitochondria in testosterone producing Leydig cells as well as Sertoli cells. Biochemical analysis revealed reduced serum testosterone levels in adult frogs at all exposure levels as well as presence of six atrazine metabolites in frog serum and liver. The results indicate that atrazine concentrations greater than the calculated LC50 of 343.7 μg L-1 cause significant mortality in tadpoles, while concentrations ≥200 μg L-1 adversely affect reproductive health of adult frogs and development of tadpoles sub-chronically exposed to atrazine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Rimayi
- Department of Water and Sanitation, Resource Quality Information Services (RQIS), Roodeplaat, P. Bag X313, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemistry, P. Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - David Odusanya
- Department of Water and Sanitation, Resource Quality Information Services (RQIS), Roodeplaat, P. Bag X313, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jana M Weiss
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Arrhenius Laboratory, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacob de Boer
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luke Chimuka
- University of the Witwatersrand, School of Chemistry, P. Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Felix Mbajiorgu
- University of the Witwatersrand, School of Anatomical Sciences, P. Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
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