Ovarian luteal cell toxicity of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and methoxy acetic acid in vivo and in vitro

Luteal toxicity evaluation in rats

The corpora lutea (CL) are endocrine glands that form in the ovary after ovulation and secrete the steroid hormone, progesterone (P4). P4 plays a critical role in estrous and menstrual cycles, implantation, and pregnancy. The incomplete rodent estrous cycle stably lasts 4–5 days and its morphological features can be distinguished during each estrous cycle stage. In rat ovaries, there are two main types of CL: newly formed ones due to the current ovulation (new CL), and CL remaining from prior estrous cycles (old CL). In the luteal regression process, CL were almost fully regressed after four estrous cycles in Sprague-Dawley rats. P4 secretion from CL in rodents is regulated by the balance between synthesis and catabolism. In general, luteal toxicity should be evaluated by considering antemortem and postmortem data. Daily vaginal smear observations provided useful information on luteal toxicity. In histopathological examinations, not only the ovaries and CL but also other related tissues and organs including the uterus, vagina, mammary gland, and adrenal glands, must be carefully examined for exploring luteal changes. In this review, histological and functional characteristics of CL in rats are summarized, and representative luteal toxicity changes are presented for improved luteal toxicity evaluation in preclinical toxicity research.

Ethylene oxide derived glycol ethers: A review of the alkyl glycol ethers potential to cause endocrine disruption

The 'ethylene glycol ethers' (EGE) are a broad family of solvents and hydraulic fluids produced through the reaction of ethylene oxide and a monoalcohol. Certain EGE derived from methanol and ethanol are well known to cause toxicity to the testes and fetotoxicity and that this is caused by the common metabolites methoxy and ethoxyacetic acid, respectively. There have been numerous published claims that EGE fall into the category of 'endocrine disruptors' often without substantiated evidence. This review systematically evaluates all of the available and relevant in vitro and in vivo data across this family of substances using an approach based around the EFSA/ECHA 2018 guidance for the identification of endocrine disruptors. The conclusion reached is that there is no significant evidence to show that EGE target any endocrine organs or perturb endocrine pathways and that any toxicity that is seen occurs by non-endocrine modes of action.

Hepatic oxidative stress, up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic and oncogenic markers following 2-methoxyethanol administrations in rats

2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) is an organic solvent widely used in the manufacture of brake fluids, paints, resins, varnish, nail polish, acetate cellulose, wood coloring, and as a plasticizer in plastics manufacturing. We therefore, investigated its effect on the liver, in a time-course study in male Wistar rats. Animals were orally administered 50 mg/kg body weight of 2-ME for a period of 7, 14, and 21 days. Following 7 days of administration of 2-ME, there was a significant increase in the level of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and GPx activity, while the levels of Bcl-2, NO and GSH were significantly reduced compared with control. At the end of 14 days exposure, Bcl-2, and GSH levels, as well as GST activity, were significantly decreased, while levels of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, caspase-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and NO were significantly increased compared with control. After 21 days of 2-ME administration, Bcl-2, IL-10, and GSH levels, as well as SOD and GST activities, were significantly decreased, while levels of Bax, c-Myc, K-Ras, caspase-3, p53, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and NO were significantly increased compared with control. Lastly, liver histopathology confirmed and corroborated the biochemical findings reported above. We therefore, advised that exposures to 2-ME should be strictly avoided as it could trigger hepatic damage through the disorganization of the antioxidant system, up-regulation of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oncogenic markers in rats.

Effects of sulpiride and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether on endometrial carcinogenicity in Donryu rats

Sulpiride and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) are known ovarian toxicants that stimulate prolactin (PRL) secretion, resulting in hypertrophy of the corpora lutea and increased progesterone (P4) production. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how the PRL stimulatory agents affected uterine carcinogenesis and to clarify the effects of PRL on endometrial adenocarcinoma progression in rats. Ten-week-old female Donryu rats were treated once with N-ethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (20 mg kg(-1) ), followed by treatment with sulpiride (200 ppm) or EGME (1250 ppm) from 11 weeks of age to 12 months of age. Sulpiride treatment inhibited the incidence of uterine adenocarcinoma and precancerous lesions of atypical endometrial hyperplasia, whereas EGME had no effect on uterine carcinogenesis. Sulpiride markedly prevented the onset of persistent estrus throughout the study period, and EGME delayed and inhibited the onset of persistent estrus. Moreover, sulpiride-treated animals showed high PRL and P4 serum levels without changes in the levels of estradiol-17β, low uterine weights and histological luteal cell hypertrophy. EGME did not affect serum PRL and P4 levels. These results suggest that the prolonged low estradiol-17β to P4 ratio accompanied by persistent estrous cycle abnormalities secondary to the luteal stimulatory effects of PRL may explain the inhibitory effects of sulpiride on uterine carcinogenesis in rats. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[National survey on eyelash extensions and their related health problems]

BACKGROUND

Eyelash extensions involve the attachment of synthetic eyelashes made of chemical fibers or other materials individually onto natural lashes. However, there are no uniform or well-established guidelines for this procedure. Consultations with ophthalmologists and local consumer centers regarding eyelash-extension-related skin and eye disorders have been increasing yearly throughout Japan. This study was conducted to obtain epidemiologic data on eyelash extensions and their related health problems among the Japanese.

METHODS

A web-based survey was prepared and conducted with questions regarding the basic characteristics of the study participants, their experience with eyelash extensions (including the number of procedures, frequency of extension, year of first extension, and years since the first extension), and any extension-related health problems. Data from 2000 women, aged 15 to 59 years and randomly selected from across the country in accordance with the demographic composition of Japan, were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 205 (10.3%) respondents reported having experienced eyelash extensions (average, 6.2 procedures; median, 3.0), with a peak among those aged 25 to 29 years and a larger proportion of those living in urban areas than in rural areas. Of these women, 55 (26.8%) experienced health problems such as ocular hyperemia, pain, and itchy swollen eyelids. Multivariate analysis revealed that short intervals of extensions were associated with health problems (multiadjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval); 2.88 (1.09-7.61)).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyelash extensions are a popular procedure, especially among urban, young women. However, attention must be paid to the potential health risks of the procedure.

Ethylene glycol ethers induce oxidative stress in the rat brain

Ethylene glycol ethers (EGEs) are components of many industrial and household products. Their hemolytic and gonadotoxic effects are relatively well known while their potential adverse effects on the central nervous system have not yet been clearly demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of 4-week administration of 2-buthoxyethanol (BE), 2-phenoxyethanol (PHE) and 2-ethoxyethanol (EE) on the total antioxidant capacity, activity of some antioxidant enzymes, such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase and lipid peroxidation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in the rat. These studies showed that BE and PHE decreased the total antioxidant activity, SOD and GPX activity, while increased lipid peroxidation in the frontal cortex. Like in the frontal cortex, also in the hippocampus BE and PHE attenuated the total antioxidant activity, however, lipid peroxidation was increased only in animals which received BE while reduction in GPX activity was present in rats administered PHE. The obtained data indicated that 4-week administration of BE and PHE, but not EE, reduced the total antioxidant activity and enhanced lipid peroxidation in the brain. In the frontal cortex, adverse effects of PHE and BE on lipid peroxidation probably depended on reduction in SOD and GPX activity, however, in the hippocampus the changes in the total antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation were not connected with reduction of the investigated antioxidant enzyme activity.

Nonproliferative and proliferative lesions of the rat and mouse female reproductive system

The INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) Project (www.toxpath.org/inhand.asp) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicological Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP) and North America (STP) to develop an internationally accepted nomenclature for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying microscopic lesions observed in the female reproductive tract of laboratory rats and mice, with color photomicrographs illustrating examples of some lesions. The standardized nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the internet (http://www.goreni.org/). Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous and aging lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. There is also a section on normal cyclical changes observed in the ovary, uterus, cervix and vagina to compare normal physiological changes with pathological lesions. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for female reproductive tract lesions in laboratory animals will decrease confusion among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different countries and provide a common language to increase and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.

Differential morphological effects in rat corpora lutea among ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, atrazine, and bromocriptine

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) or atrazine induces luteal cell hypertrophy in rats. Our previous study suggested that EGME stimulates both new and old corpora lutea (CL), while atrazine stimulates new CL. Bromocriptine (BRC) is known to suppress the luteolysis in rats. This study investigated the light- and electron-microscopic luteal changes induced by EGME, atrazine, or BRC. Female rats were treated with EGME (300 mg/kg/day), BRC (2 mg/kg/day), EGME and BRC (EGME + BRC), or atrazine (300 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Luteal cell hypertrophy induced by EGME, EGME + BRC, and atrazine was subclassified into the following two types: CL hypertrophy, vacuolated type (CL-V) characterized by intracytoplasmic fine vacuoles, and CL hypertrophy, eosinophilic type (CL-E) characterized by eosinophilic and abundant cytoplasm. The proportions of CL-V and CL-E were different among the treatments. BRC-treated old CL showed lower proportion of endothelial cells and fibroblasts than normal old CL. Ultrastructural observation revealed that the luteal cells of CL-V contained abundant lipid droplets, whereas those of CL-E in EGME and EGME + BRC groups showed uniformly well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum. No clear ultrastructural difference was observed between the control CL and atrazine-treated CL-E. These results indicate that EGME, atrazine, and BRC have differential luteal morphological effects.

Effects of ethylene glycol ethers on cell viability in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line

Ethylene glycol ethers (EGEs) are a class of chemicals used extensively in the manufacture of a wide range of domestic and industrial products, which may result in human exposure and toxicity. Hematologic and reproductive toxicity of EGEs are well known whereas their action on neuronal cell viability has not been studied so far. In the present study, we investigated the effects of some EGEs on cell viability and on the hydrogen peroxide-induced damage in the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. It has been found that 2-phenoxyethanol in a concentration-dependent manner (5-25 mM, 24 h) increased the basal and H(2)O(2)-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction. 2-Butoxyethanol given alone did not affect LDH release and MTT reduction but concentration-dependently enhanced the cytotoxic effect of H(2)O(2). 2-Isopropoxyethanol significantly and concentration-dependently (1-25 mM) increased the basal LDH release and attenuated MTT reduction, but did not potentiate the cytotoxic effect of H(2)O(2). Contrary to this, 2-methoxyethanol did not show a cytotoxic effect while 2-ethoxyethanol at high concentrations intensified the hydrogen peroxide action. This study demonstrated that among the EGEs studied, 2-phenoxyethanol showed the most consistent cytotoxic effect on neurons in in vitro conditions and enhanced the hydrogen peroxide action. 2-Isopropoxyethanol had also a potent cytotoxic effect, but it did not enhance the hydrogen peroxide action, whereas 2-butoxyethanol only potentiated cytotoxic effect of H(2)O(2). It is concluded that the results of the present study should be confirmed in in vivo conditions and that some EGEs, especially 2-phenoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol and 2-isopropoxyethanol, may be responsible for initiation or exacerbation of neuronal cell damage.

Ashwagandha leaf derived withanone protects normal human cells against the toxicity of methoxyacetic acid, a major industrial metabolite

The present day lifestyle heavily depends on industrial chemicals in the form of agriculture, cosmetics, textiles and medical products. Since the toxicity of the industrial chemicals has been a concern to human health, the need for alternative non-toxic natural products or adjuvants that serve as antidotes are in high demand. We have investigated the effects of Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaf extract on methoxyacetic acid (MAA) induced toxicity. MAA is a major metabolite of ester phthalates that are commonly used in industry as gelling, viscosity and stabilizer reagents. We report that the MAA cause premature senescence of normal human cells by mechanisms that involve ROS generation, DNA and mitochondrial damage. Withanone protects cells from MAA-induced toxicity by suppressing the ROS levels, DNA and mitochondrial damage, and induction of cell defense signaling pathways including Nrf2 and proteasomal degradation. These findings warrant further basic and clinical studies that may promote the use of withanone as a health adjuvant in a variety of consumer products where the toxicity has been a concern because of the use of ester phthalates.

Histopathological Characteristics of Luteal Hypertrophy Induced by Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether with a Comparison to Normal Luteal Morphology in Rats

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) is a known reproductive toxicant that induces luteal hypertrophy in rat ovaries. In this study, we characterized the histopathological features of corpora lutea (CL) from EGME–treated rats and compared them with normal CL formation and regression. Normally cycling female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) intraperitoneally on the morning of estrus and their ovaries were examined 1 (metestrus), 4 (estrus), 8 (estrus), or 12 (estrus) days later to observe the transition of BrdU-labeled cells within in the CL. CL at each time point of estrus stage were classified into 4 types: Type I (newly formed CL), Type II (mature CL), Type III (regressing CL), and Type IV (residual CL). CL almost fully regressed within 4 estrus cycles. In contrast, in female rats given EGME orally (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg for 2 or 4 weeks), luteal cells were hypertrophic with abundant cytoplasm. Although the size of CL varied, all CL in EGME–treated rats had histological features similar to Type II CL, but they were more hypertrophic with less apoptosis. These results suggest that EGME has a luteal hypertrophic effect on all CL phases, including regression.

The short-chain fatty acid methoxyacetic acid disrupts endogenous estrogen receptor-alpha-mediated signaling

BACKGROUND

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) exposure is associated with impaired reproductive function. The primary metabolite of EGME is methoxyacetic acid (MAA), a short-chain fatty acid that inhibits histone deacetylase activity and alters gene expression.

OBJECTIVE

Because estrogen signaling is necessary for normal reproductive function and modulates gene expression, the estrogen-signaling pathway is a likely target for MAA; however, little is known about the effects of MAA in this regard.

METHODS

We evaluated the mechanistic effects of MAA on estrogen receptor (ER) expression and estrogen signaling using in vitro and in vivo model systems.

RESULTS

MAA potentiates 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) stimulation of an estrogen-responsive reporter plasmid in HeLa cells transiently transfected with either a human ERalpha or ERbeta expression vector containing a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. This result is attributed to increased exogenous ER expression due to MAA-mediated activation of the CMV promoter. In contrast to its effects on exogenous ER, MAA decreases endogenous ERalpha expression and attenuates E(2)-stimulated endogenous gene expression in both MCF-7 cells and the mouse uterus.

CONCLUSIONS

These results illustrate the importance of careful experimental design and analysis when assessing the potential endocrine-disrupting properties of a compound to ensure biological responses are in concordance with in vitro analyses. Given the established role of the ER in normal reproductive function, the effects of MAA on the endogenous ER reported here are consistent with the reproductive abnormalities observed after EGME exposure and suggest that these toxicities may be due, at least in part, to attenuation of endogenous ER-mediated signaling.

Collaborative work on evaluation of ovarian toxicity by repeated-dose and fertility studies in female rats

The National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) and 18 pharmaceutical companies of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) have conducted a validation study intended to evaluate whether a 2-week repeated general toxicity period with histopathological examination is sufficient to detect ovarian toxicity or not. The current repeated dose general toxicity study is considered to be insufficient in terms of evaluating female reproductive function due to a lack of evidence indicating that it is adequate. Evaluation of ovarian toxicity by comprehensive histopathological examination of the female reproductive organs based on the underlying morphology of a normal cycle of the reproductive tract including the ovary and additional immunohistochemical staining with proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) to identify small follicles may be a good tool to assess female reproductive function. In the collaborative study, 2- or 4-week repeated dose toxicity studies with ovarian histopathological examinations were conducted. A female fertility study was also conducted to compare the results with those of the ovarian histopathological findings. A total of 17 test substances were evaluated and categorized into hormone analogues, primordial follicle damaging agents, metabolite imbalance inducers, and endocrine imbalance inducers. Based on the results, ovarian toxicity could be detected by a careful histopatholgical examination. A 2-week dosing period may be sufficient for the evaluation of ovarian toxicity, except for cytotoxic compounds such as alkylating agents. The pathological findings of ovarian toxicity (decreases in follicles, increases in atretic follicles, increases in currently formed corpora lutea, etc) reflected the female fertility parameters (irregular estrous cycle, pre-implantation loss).

Collaborative work on evaluation of ovarian toxicity. 11) Two- or four-week repeated-dose studies and fertility study of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether in female rats

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal period of administration for detection of ovarian toxicity in rat repeated-dose toxicity studies. A well-known ovarian toxicant, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME), was administered to female rats at dose levels of 0, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg for 2 or 4 weeks (repeated-dose toxicity studies). The same doses were administered to female rats for 2 weeks prior to mating, during mating, and until Day 6 of pregnancy (fertility study). In the repeated-dose toxicity studies, continuous diestrus was observed at > or = 100 mg/kg regardless of period of administration. The alterations of ovarian morphology observed at > or = 100 mg/kg after 2 or 4 weeks of administration were characterized by hypertrophy of the corpora lutea with decreased cellular debris indicating apoptosis, and increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-negative large atretic follicles. The finding that newly-formed basophilic corpora lutea were scarce in affected animals exhibiting continuous diestrus suggested suppression of ovulation due to hypertrophic corpora lutea. In the fertility study, irregular estrous cycles, prolonged mating periods, lower pregnancy rates and decreased corpora lutea of pregnancy were observed at > or = 100 mg/kg. The irregularities of estrous cycle observed in some animals at 30 mg/kg were minimal. The ovarian histopathological changes in repeated-dose toxicity studies correlated well with impairment of female fertility found in the fertility study. It is concluded that a repeated-dose toxicity study with a treatment period for 2 weeks or longer is sufficient for evaluation of ovarian toxicity induced by EGME.

Prolonged menstrual cycles in female workers exposed to ethylene glycol ethers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that female workers exposed to ethylene glycol ethers (EGEs) in the semiconductor industry have higher risks of spontaneous abortion, subfertility, and menstrual disturbances, and prolonged waiting time to pregnancy.

AIMS

To examine whether EGEs or other chemicals are associated with long menstrual cycles in female workers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

METHODS

Cross-sectional questionnaire survey during the annual health examination at a wafer manufacturing company in Taiwan in 1997. A three tiered exposure-assessment strategy was used to analyse the risk. A short menstrual cycle was defined to be a cycle less than 24 days and a long cycle to be more than 35 days.

RESULTS

There were 606 valid questionnaires from 473 workers in fabrication jobs and 133 in non-fabrication areas. Long menstrual cycles were associated with workers in fabrication areas compared to those in non-fabrication areas. Using workers in non-fabrication areas as referents, workers in photolithography and diffusion areas had higher risks for long menstrual cycles. Workers exposed to EGEs and isopropanol, and hydrofluoric acid, isopropanol, and phosphorous compounds also showed increased risks of a long menstrual cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to multiple chemicals, including EGEs in photolithography, might be associated with long menstrual cycles, and may play an important role in a prolonged time to pregnancy in the wafer manufacturing industry; however, the prevalence in the design, possible exposure misclassification, and chance should be considered.

Inhalation toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether in rats and mice

Propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether (PGMBE) is used as a solvent in a variety of commercial applications. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F(1) mice were exposed to PGMBE by whole-body inhalation for 2 or 14 weeks (0, 75, 150, 300, 600, or 1200 ppm) or 2 years (0, 75, 300, or 1200 ppm); male NBR rats were exposed for 2 weeks. The kidney and the liver were targets of PGMBE toxicity in rats. Renal lesions suggestive of alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy were observed in male F344/N, in the 2 and 14-week studies, no kidney lesions were seen in NBR rats. In the 2-year study, male rats displayed exposure-related nonneoplastic lesions in the kidney, and may have shown marginal increases in tubular neoplasms. In the liver, the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas occurred with a positive trend in male rats, and may have been related to PGMBE exposure. In mice of both sexes, the major target of PGMBE toxicity was the liver. In the 2-week study, liver weights and in the 14-week study, liver weights and the incidences of centrilobular hypertrophy were increased. In the 2-year study, the incidences of exposure-related hepatocellular adenoma, adenoma or carcinoma combined, and hepatoblastoma occurred with a positive trend, and were significantly increased in 1200 ppm groups. In summary, exposure to PGMBE resulted in nonneoplastic lesions of the kidney characteristic of alpha(2u)-globulin nephropathy, and may have increased renal tubular neoplasms in male rats. Exposure to PGMBE also produced increases in hepatic tumors in male and female mice.

Prolonged time to pregnancy in female workers exposed to ethylene glycol ethers in semiconductor manufacturing

BACKGROUND

Previous research on reproductive effects of working in the semiconductor industry is limited and has produced conflicting results.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was designed to investigate the risk factors for female fertility in a wafer-manufacturing company of Taiwan in 1997. Waiting time to pregnancy and potential confounders were collected by face-to-face interview. Exposure was assessed by directors and senior engineers in manufacturing, administrative, and safety and health departments according to safety records, personnel records, and job histories from questionnaires, using a tiered exposure-assessment approach. Of a total 842 female workers, 720 (85.5%) participated. There were 292 pregnancies from 173 workers eligible for analysis. Relative fecundability (fecundability ratio, or FR) was calculated using Cox's proportional hazard models to evaluate the effect of occupational exposure to ethylene glycol ethers on female fertility.

RESULTS

Waiting time to pregnancy of female workers in the photolithography area was longer than that of those in the nonfabrication area (FR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.45-1.32), and those who were potentially exposed to ethylene glycol ethers showed longer time to pregnancy compared with those not exposed (FR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.37-0.94).

CONCLUSION

This study provides further evidence that ethylene glycol ethers may cause female subfertility.

Proposed occupational exposure limits for select ethylene glycol ethers using PBPK models and Monte Carlo simulations

Methoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, EGME), ethoxyethanol (ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, EGEE), and ethoxyethyl acetate (ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, EGEEA) are all developmental toxicants in laboratory animals. Due to the imprecise nature of the exposure data in epidemiology studies of these chemicals, we relied on human and animal pharmacokinetic data, as well as animal toxicity data, to derive 3 occupational exposure limits (OELs). Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for EGME, EGEE, and EGEEA in pregnant rats and humans have been developed (M. L. Gargas et al., 2000, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 165, 53-62; M. L. Gargas et al., 2000, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 165, 63-73). These models were used to calculate estimated human-equivalent no adverse effect levels (NAELs), based upon internal concentrations in rats exposed to no observed effect levels (NOELs) for developmental toxicity. Estimated NAEL values of 25 ppm for EGEEA and EGEE and 12 ppm for EGME were derived using average values for physiological, thermodynamic, and metabolic parameters in the PBPK model. The uncertainties in the point estimates for the NOELs and NAELs were estimated from the distribution of internal dose estimates obtained by varying key parameter values over expected ranges and probability distributions. Key parameters were identified through sensitivity analysis. Distributions of the values of these parameters were sampled using Monte Carlo techniques and appropriate dose metrics calculated for 1600 parameter sets. The 95th percentile values were used to calculate interindividual pharmacokinetic uncertainty factors (UFs) to account for variability among humans (UF(h,pk)). These values of 1.8 for EGEEA/EGEE and 1.7 for EGME are less than the default value of 3 for this area of uncertainty. The estimated human equivalent NAELs were divided by UF(h,pk) and the default UFs for pharmacodynamic variability among animals and among humans to calculate the proposed OELs. This methodology indicates that OELs (8-h time-weighted average) that should protect workers from the most sensitive adverse effects of these chemicals are 2 ppm EGEEA and EGEE (11 mg/m(3) EGEEA, 7 mg/m(3) EGEE) and 0.9 ppm (3 mg/m(3)) EGME. These recommendations assume that dermal exposure will be minimal or nonexistent.

Reproductive endocrinology and toxicological pathology over the life span of the female rodent

Understanding the pathology of the female reproductive system with respect to toxicology requires a basic understanding of morphology and function of the system over time because the nature of the female reproductive system is cyclical. Thus, the morphology and the endocrinology is dependent on age and time, as form follows function and function follows form. The life span of the rodent is used as an outline to present an overview of key morphological and endocrinological events important for toxicologic pathologists to consider in study evaluations. Environmental and pharmaceutical compounds differentially impact the organs individually and/or the system in its entirety in a time- and dose-dependent way. Examples are used to illustrate the consequences of exposures at different times and with different outcomes.

Toxicity review of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and its acetate ester

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) and its acetate ester (EGMEA) are highly flammable, colorless, moderately volatile liquids with very good solubility properties. They are used in paints, lacquers, stains, inks and surface coatings, silk-screen printing, photographic and photo lithographic processes, for example, in the semiconductor industry, textile and leather finishing, production of food-contact plastics, and as an antiicing additive in hydraulic fluids and jet fuel. EGME and EGMEA are efficiently absorbed by inhalation as well as via dermal penetration. Dermal absorption may contribute substantially to the total uptake following skin contact with liquids or vapours containing EGME or EGMEA. EGMEA is rapidly converted to EGME in the body and the two substances are equally toxic in animals. Therefore, the two substances should be considered as equally hazardous to man. Effects on peripheral blood, testes, and sperm have been reported at occupational exposure levels ranging between 0.4 and 10 ppm EGME in air, and with additional, possibly substantial, dermal exposure. Severe malformations and disturbed hematopoiesis have been linked with exposure to EGME and EGMEA at unknown, probably high, levels. Embryonic deaths in monkeys and impaired spermatogenesis in rabbits have been reported after daily oral doses of 12 and 25 mg per kg body weight, respectively. In several studies, increased frequency of spontaneous abortions, disturbed menstrual cycle, and subfertility have been demonstrated in women working in the semiconductor industry. The contribution of EGME in relation to other exposure factors in the semiconductor industry is unclear.

2-Bromopropane causes ovarian dysfunction by damaging primordial follicles and their oocytes in female rats

Ovarian dysfunction induced by 2-bromopropane (2-BP) has been described in female factory workers and experimental animals. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. To establish the reproductive target site and define mechanisms of 2-BP toxicity in adult female rats, we examined the effects of different doses and duration of exposure to 2-BP in female rats. In the dose-dependent experiments, female rats were exposed to 2-BP at 100, 300, or 1000 ppm or fresh air (n = 9 each) in exposure chambers for 8 h/day for 9 weeks. In the time-course experiments, female rats were exposed to 2-BP at 3000 ppm for 8 h (n = 7 each). The rats were then euthanized 1, 3, 5, and 17 days after exposure. Differential follicle counts and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay were used to evaluate 2-BP effect on primordial, growing, and antral follicles. Exposure to 2-BP at 300 and 1000 ppm produced a significant reduction in the percentage of primordial, growing, and antral follicles in a dose-dependent manner. Significant reduction in the percentage of primordial follicles at 17 days after exposure was observed in time-course experiments. Exposure to 2-BP at 3000 ppm for 8 h resulted in histological changes in primordial follicles complex at 5 and 17 days after exposure. These changes consisted of distortion of the symmetry of oocytes and their nuclei at Day 5 after exposure and appearance of eccentric pyknotic cells and shrinkage of oocyte nuclei at Day 17 after exposure. In situ end labeling showed increased numbers of apoptotic oocytes and granulosa cells in primordial follicles at Days 5 and 17 after exposure. Our results suggested that ovarian dysfunction induced by 2-BP was caused by the destruction of primordial follicle and its oocyte due to the induction of apoptosis. Our studies also show that the follicle differential count is a more sensitive method than the vaginal smear in monitoring the female reproductive disorders induced by 2-BP.