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Moss RA, Murphy KM, Gardner ST, Watkins MM, Finger JW, Kelley MD, Elsey RM, Warner DA, Mendonça MT. Exposure to ecologically relevant estrogen levels do not influence morphology or immune parameters in hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109767. [PMID: 37827394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109767] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Human activity has increased concentrations of endocrine-disrupting contaminants (EDCs) in many ecological systems. Many EDCs are xenoestrogens, which imitate naturally derived estrogen like estradiol 17-β (E2). These pollutants can critically affect a broad range of biological functions, particularly in organisms inhabiting aquatic environments. E2 and associated receptors are involved in regulating innate immune responses, where documentation of exogenous E2 on immune parameters is important for understanding health consequences. In this study, we explore the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 on circulating glucocorticoid levels and several innate immune parameters in hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Twenty-three hatchling alligators were randomly placed in one of three groups that differed in dietary E2 concentration: control (no E2 exposure), low E2 (0.5 μg/kg E2), or high E2 (1 μg/kg E2) for 10 weeks. Following this period, several biomarkers were quantified to monitor the impact of E2: growth, change in body condition, white blood cell (WBC) counts, glucocorticoid levels, and general antibody response. Blood E2 concentrations were greater in individuals exposed to E2, but plasma corticosterone levels were reduced among the experimental groups. Morphology, growth, and immune parameters of E2 exposed animals did not differ from controls. These results suggest that acute exposure to increased environmental estrogen concentrations may alter plasma hormone concentrations but have little to no impact on immediate morphology or immune responses. Future studies may expand on this by monitoring biomarkers in wild populations across time, which will provide insight into how different ontogenetic stages are impacted by environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan A Moss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn M Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
| | - Steven T Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Madison M Watkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - John W Finger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America
| | - Meghan D Kelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America
| | - Ruth M Elsey
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, LA 70643, United States of America; 728 Saratoga Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States of America
| | - Daniel A Warner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
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2
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Bustamante-Barrientos FA, Méndez-Ruette M, Ortloff A, Luz-Crawford P, Rivera FJ, Figueroa CD, Molina L, Bátiz LF. The Impact of Estrogen and Estrogen-Like Molecules in Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration: Beneficial or Harmful? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:636176. [PMID: 33762910 PMCID: PMC7984366 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.636176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens and estrogen-like molecules can modify the biology of several cell types. Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) belong to the so-called classical family of estrogen receptors, while the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) represents a non-classical estrogen receptor mainly located in the plasma membrane. As estrogen receptors are ubiquitously distributed, they can modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in several tissues and organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). Estrogens can exert neuroprotective roles by acting as anti-oxidants, promoting DNA repair, inducing the expression of growth factors, and modulating cerebral blood flow. Additionally, estrogen-dependent signaling pathways are involved in regulating the balance between proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), thus influencing neurogenic processes. Since several estrogen-based therapies are used nowadays and estrogen-like molecules, including phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens, are omnipresent in our environment, estrogen-dependent changes in cell biology and tissue homeostasis have gained attention in human health and disease. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on the current knowledge of estrogen and estrogen-like molecules and their impact on cell survival and neurodegeneration, as well as their role in NSPCs proliferation/differentiation balance and neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Bustamante-Barrientos
- Immunology Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Cells for Cells, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maxs Méndez-Ruette
- Neuroscience Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexander Ortloff
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias y Salud Pública, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Patricia Luz-Crawford
- Immunology Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco J Rivera
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Carlos D Figueroa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Laboratory of Cellular Pathology, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Molina
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Luis Federico Bátiz
- Neuroscience Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
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3
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McArdle ME, Freeman EL, Staveley JP, Ortego LS, Coady KK, Weltje L, Weyers A, Wheeler JR, Bone AJ. Critical Review of Read-Across Potential in Testing for Endocrine-Related Effects in Vertebrate Ecological Receptors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020; 39:739-753. [PMID: 32030793 PMCID: PMC7154679 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4682] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent regulatory testing programs have been designed to evaluate whether a chemical has the potential to interact with the endocrine system and could cause adverse effects. Some endocrine pathways are highly conserved among vertebrates, providing a potential to extrapolate data generated for one vertebrate taxonomic group to others (i.e., biological read-across). To assess the potential for biological read-across, we reviewed tools and approaches that support species extrapolation for fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles. For each of the estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways, we considered the pathway conservation across species and the responses of endocrine-sensitive endpoints. The available data show a high degree of confidence in the conservation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis between fish and mammals and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis between amphibians and mammals. Comparatively, there is less empirical evidence for the conservation of other EATS pathways between other taxonomic groups, but this may be due to limited data. Although more information on sensitive pathways and endpoints would be useful, current developments in the use of molecular target sequencing similarity tools and thoughtful application of the adverse outcome pathway concept show promise for further advancement of read-across approaches for testing EATS pathways in vertebrate ecological receptors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:739-753. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa S. Ortego
- Environmental Safety, Bayer CropScienceChesterfieldMissouriUSA
| | - Katherine K. Coady
- Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, Dow ChemicalMidlandMichiganUSA
| | - Lennart Weltje
- BASF SE, Agricultural Solutions‐EcotoxicologyLimburgerhofGermany
| | - Arnd Weyers
- Crop Science DivisionBayerMonheim am RheinGermany
| | | | - Audrey J. Bone
- Environmental Safety, Bayer CropScienceChesterfieldMissouriUSA
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4
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Ye H, Dudley SZ, Shaw IC. Intimate estrogen receptor-α/ligand relationships signal biological activity. Toxicology 2018; 408:80-7. [PMID: 30018014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
How does estrogen receptor-α bind its natural ligands - estrogens? How can other molecules mimic estrogens and elicit different estrogenic responses? The answers lie in a complex and intimate chemical biology between ligands and receptor. This delicate interaction at the ligand binding cleft signals, via conformational change, exposure of a specific new charge topography at a second site (Activation Function-2). This, in turn, attracts a regulatory protein which modulates gene expression and controls biological activity.
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Wagner M, Kienle C, Vermeirssen ELM, Oehlmann J. Endocrine Disruption and In Vitro Ecotoxicology: Recent Advances and Approaches. In vitro Environmental Toxicology - Concepts, Application and Assessment 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/10_2016_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Guillette LJ, Parrott BB, Nilsson E, Haque MM, Skinner MK. Epigenetic programming alterations in alligators from environmentally contaminated lakes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:4-12. [PMID: 27080547 PMCID: PMC5064863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies examining the reproductive health of alligators in Florida lakes indicate that a variety of developmental and health impacts can be attributed to a combination of environmental quality and exposures to environmental contaminants. The majority of these environmental contaminants have been shown to disrupt normal endocrine signaling. The potential that these environmental conditions and contaminants may influence epigenetic status and correlate to the health abnormalities was investigated in the current study. The red blood cell (RBC) (erythrocyte) in the alligator is nucleated so was used as an easily purified marker cell to investigate epigenetic programming. RBCs were collected from adult male alligators captured at three sites in Florida, each characterized by varying degrees of contamination. While Lake Woodruff (WO) has remained relatively pristine, Lake Apopka (AP) and Merritt Island (MI) convey exposures to different suites of contaminants. DNA was isolated and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) was used to isolate methylated DNA that was then analyzed in a competitive hybridization using a genome-wide alligator tiling array for a MeDIP-Chip analysis. Pairwise comparisons of alligators from AP and MI to WO revealed alterations in the DNA methylome. The AP vs. WO comparison identified 85 differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) with ⩾3 adjacent oligonucleotide tiling array probes and 15,451 DMRs with a single oligo probe analysis. The MI vs. WO comparison identified 75 DMRs with the ⩾3 oligo probe and 17,411 DMRs with the single oligo probe analysis. There was negligible overlap between the DMRs identified in AP vs. WO and MI vs. WO comparisons. In both comparisons DMRs were primarily associated with CpG deserts which are regions of low CpG density (1-2CpG/100bp). Although the alligator genome is not fully annotated, gene associations were identified and correlated to major gene class functional categories and pathways of endocrine relevance. Observations demonstrate that environmental quality may be associated with epigenetic programming and health status in the alligator. The epigenetic alterations may provide biomarkers to assess the environmental exposures and health impacts on these populations of alligators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J Guillette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Eric Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - M M Haque
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA.
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7
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Ankley GT, LaLone CA, Gray LE, Villeneuve DL, Hornung MW. Evaluation of the scientific underpinnings for identifying estrogenic chemicals in nonmammalian taxa using mammalian test systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016; 35:2806-2816. [PMID: 27074246 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The US Environmental Protection Agency has responsibility for assessing endocrine activity of more than 10 000 chemicals, a task that cannot reasonably be achieved solely through use of available mammalian and nonmammalian in vivo screening assays. Hence, it has been proposed that chemicals be prioritized for in vivo testing using data from in vitro high-throughput assays for specific endocrine system targets. Recent efforts focused on potential estrogenic chemicals-specifically those that activate estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα)-have broadly demonstrated feasibility of the approach. However, a major uncertainty is whether prioritization based on mammalian (primarily human) high-throughput assays accurately reflects potential chemical-ERα interactions in nonmammalian species. The authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of cross-species comparability of chemical-ERα interactions based on information concerning structural attributes of estrogen receptors, in vitro binding and transactivation data for ERα, and the effects of a range of chemicals on estrogen-signaling pathways in vivo. Overall, this integrated analysis suggests that chemicals with moderate to high estrogenic potency in mammalian systems also should be priority chemicals in nonmammalian vertebrates. However, the degree to which the prioritization approach might be applicable to invertebrates is uncertain because of a lack of knowledge of the biological role(s) of possible ERα orthologs found in phyla such as annelids. Further, comparative analysis of in vitro data for fish and reptiles suggests that mammalian-based assays may not effectively capture ERα interactions for low-affinity chemicals in all vertebrate classes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2806-2816. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T Ankley
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota.
| | - Carlie A LaLone
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - L Earl Gray
- Toxicity Assessment Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - Michael W Hornung
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota
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8
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Van Der Kraak GJ, Hosmer AJ, Hanson ML, Kloas W, Solomon KR. Effects of atrazine in fish, amphibians, and reptiles: an analysis based on quantitative weight of evidence. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 44 Suppl 5:1-66. [PMID: 25375889 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.967836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative weight of evidence (WoE) approach was developed to evaluate studies used for regulatory purposes, as well as those in the open literature, that report the effects of the herbicide atrazine on fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The methodology for WoE analysis incorporated a detailed assessment of the relevance of the responses observed to apical endpoints directly related to survival, growth, development, and reproduction, as well as the strength and appropriateness of the experimental methods employed. Numerical scores were assigned for strength and relevance. The means of the scores for relevance and strength were then used to summarize and weigh the evidence for atrazine contributing to ecologically significant responses in the organisms of interest. The summary was presented graphically in a two-dimensional graph which showed the distributions of all the reports for a response. Over 1290 individual responses from studies in 31 species of fish, 32 amphibians, and 8 reptiles were evaluated. Overall, the WoE showed that atrazine might affect biomarker-type responses, such as expression of genes and/or associated proteins, concentrations of hormones, and biochemical processes (e.g. induction of detoxification responses), at concentrations sometimes found in the environment. However, these effects were not translated to adverse outcomes in terms of apical endpoints. The WoE approach provided a quantitative, transparent, reproducible, and robust framework that can be used to assist the decision-making process when assessing environmental chemicals. In addition, the process allowed easy identification of uncertainty and inconsistency in observations, and thus clearly identified areas where future investigations can be best directed.
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9
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Cruze L, Roark AM, Rolland G, Younas M, Stacy N, Guillette LJ. Endogenous and exogenous estrogens during embryonic development affect timing of hatch and growth in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 184:10-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Tubbs C, McDonough CE, Felton R, Milnes MR. Advances in conservation endocrinology: the application of molecular approaches to the conservation of endangered species. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 203:29-34. [PMID: 24613137 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Among the numerous societal benefits of comparative endocrinology is the application of our collective knowledge of hormone signaling towards the conservation of threatened and endangered species - conservation endocrinology. For several decades endocrinologists have used longitudinal hormone profiles to monitor reproductive status in a multitude of species. Knowledge of reproductive status among individuals has been used to assist in the management of captive and free-ranging populations. More recently, researchers have begun utilizing molecular and cell-based techniques to gain a more complete understanding of hormone signaling in wildlife species, and to identify potential causes of disrupted hormone signaling. In this review we examine various in vitro approaches we have used to compare estrogen receptor binding and activation by endogenous hormones and phytoestrogens in two species of rhinoceros; southern white and greater one-horned. We have found many of these techniques valuable and practical in species where access to research subjects and/or tissues is limited due to their conservation status. From cell-free, competitive binding assays to full-length receptor activation assays; each technique has strengths and weaknesses related to cost, sensitivity, complexity of the protocols, and relevance to in vivo signaling. We then present a novel approach, in which receptor activation assays are performed in primary cell lines derived from the species of interest, to minimize the artifacts of traditional heterologous expression systems. Finally, we speculate on the promise of next generation sequencing and transcriptome profiling as tools for characterizing hormone signaling in threatened and endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Tubbs
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States.
| | - Caitlin E McDonough
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
| | - Rachel Felton
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
| | - Matthew R Milnes
- Mars Hill University, PO Box 6671, 100 Athletic Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, United States.
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Finger JW, Gogal RM. Endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure and the American alligator: a review of the potential role of environmental estrogens on the immune system of a top trophic carnivore. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2013; 65:704-714. [PMID: 24051988 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) alter cellular and organ system homeostasis by interfering with the body's normal physiologic processes. Numerous studies have identified environmental estrogens as modulators of EDC-related processes in crocodilians, notably in sex determination. Other broader studies have shown that environmental estrogens dysregulate normal immune function in mammals, birds, turtles, lizards, fish, and invertebrates; however, the effects of such estrogenic exposures on alligator immune function have not been elucidated. Alligators occupy a top trophic status, which may give them untapped utility as indicators of environmental quality. Environmental estrogens are also prevalent in the waters they occupy. Understanding the effects of these EDCs on alligator immunity is critical for managing and assessing changes in their health and is thus the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Finger
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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12
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Kolpin DW, Blazer VS, Gray JL, Focazio MJ, Young JA, Alvarez DA, Iwanowicz LR, Foreman WT, Furlong ET, Speiran GK, Zaugg SD, Hubbard LE, Meyer MT, Sandstrom MW, Barber LB. Chemical contaminants in water and sediment near fish nesting sites in the Potomac River basin: determining potential exposures to smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Sci Total Environ 2013; 443:700-16. [PMID: 23228716 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The Potomac River basin is an area where a high prevalence of abnormalities such as testicular oocytes (TO), skin lesions, and mortality has been observed in smallmouth bass (SMB, Micropterus dolomieu). Previous research documented a variety of chemicals in regional streams, implicating chemical exposure as one plausible explanation for these biological effects. Six stream sites in the Potomac basin (and one out-of-basin reference site) were sampled to provide an assessment of chemicals in these streams. Potential early life-stage exposure to chemicals detected was assessed by collecting samples in and around SMB nesting areas. Target chemicals included those known to be associated with important agricultural and municipal wastewater sources in the Potomac basin. The prevalence and severity of TO in SMB were also measured to determine potential relations between chemistry and biological effects. A total of 39 chemicals were detected at least once in the discrete-water samples, with atrazine, caffeine, deethylatrazine, simazine, and iso-chlorotetracycline being most frequently detected. Of the most frequently detected chemicals, only caffeine was detected in water from the reference site. No biogenic hormones/sterols were detected in the discrete-water samples. In contrast, 100 chemicals (including six biogenic hormones/sterols) were found in a least one passive-water sample, with 25 being detected at all such samples. In addition, 46 chemicals (including seven biogenic hormones/sterols) were found in the bed-sediment samples, with caffeine, cholesterol, indole, para-cresol, and sitosterol detected in all such samples. The number of herbicides detected in discrete-water samples per site had a significant positive relation to TO(rank) (a nonparametric indicator of TO), with significant positive relations between TO(rank) and atrazine concentrations in discrete-water samples and to total hormone/sterol concentration in bed-sediment samples. Such significant correlations do not necessarily imply causation, as these chemical compositions and concentrations likely do not adequately reflect total SMB exposure history, particularly during critical life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana W Kolpin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Water Science Center, 400 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52244, USA.
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Zhuang S, Zhang J, Wen Y, Zhang C, Liu W. Distinct mechanisms of endocrine disruption of DDT-related pesticides toward estrogen receptor α and estrogen-related receptor γ. Environ Toxicol Chem 2012; 31:2597-2605. [PMID: 22890857 DOI: 10.1002/etc.1986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is ubiquitous in the environment, and the exposure to DDT and its related pesticides has long been linked to endocrine disruption. The mechanism of endocrine disruption toward targeted receptors, however, remains unclear. Probing the molecular recognition of DDT analogs by targeted receptors at the atomic level is critical for deciphering this mechanism. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to probe the molecular recognition process of DDT and its five analogs, including dichlordiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), methoxychlor (MXC), p,p'-hydroxy-DDT (HPTE), and dicofol by human estrogen receptor (ER) α and human ER-related receptor (ERR) γ. Van der Waals interactions mainly drive the interactions of DDT analogs with ERα ligand-binding domain (LBD) and ERRγ LBD. Minor structural changes of DDT analogs in the number and position of chlorine and phenolic hydroxyl moiety cause differences in binding modes through aromatic stacking and hydrogen bonding and thus affect differently conformational changes of ERα LBD and ERRγ LBD. The binding of DDT analogs affects the helix 12 orientation of ERα LBD but causes no rearrangement of helix 12 of ERRγ LBD. These results extend our understanding of how DDT analogs exert their estrogen-disrupting effects toward different receptors via multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Zhuang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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14
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Lee W, Kang CW, Su CK, Okubo K, Nagahama Y. Screening estrogenic activity of environmental contaminants and water samples using a transgenic medaka embryo bioassay. Chemosphere 2012; 88:945-952. [PMID: 22497783 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Many natural or synthetic chemicals may act as exogenous estrogens and affect the reproductive health of humans and wildlife. Since these xenoestrogens are ubiquitous, it is essential to monitor their presence in the environment. Hence, we developed a bioassay using the transgenic medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryo, in which the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was placed under the control of the gnrh3 promoter, one of the three paralogous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) genes that regulate reproductive function and behavior. As medaka embryos are transparent, the fluorescent expression of GFP can be easily observed in vivo during development. We exposed newly fertilized medaka embryos to varying solutions of bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), 17β-estradiol (E2), or a river water sample, and monitored their development. During embryonic development, the mRNA levels of GnRHs, GnRH receptors, and estrogen receptors (ERs) were measured with quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Our results showed that the chemicals and the river water significantly decreased the fluorescent intensity of the GnRH3 neurons, postponed the eye development, and retarded the growth of the embryos. The three xenoestrogens also lowered the heart rate, lengthened the time to hatch, suppressed the expression of the three GnRH genes, and up-regulated the ERα mRNA level. In addition, the GnRH3 mRNA level was significantly correlated with the fluorescence intensity of the GnRH neurons. We concluded that the transgenic medaka embryo is a rapid and sensitive bioassay for screening environmental water samples. We also found that xenoestrogens had significant effects on GnRH gene expression and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjau Lee
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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