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King MD, Su G, Crump D, Farhat A, Marlatt V, Lee SL, Williams TD, Elliott JE. Contaminant biomonitoring augmented with a qPCR array indicates hepatic mRNA gene expression effects in wild-collected seabird embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166784. [PMID: 37666345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Birds can bioaccumulate persistent contaminants, and maternal transfer to eggs may expose embryos to concentrations sufficient to cause adverse effects during sensitive early-life stages. However, using tissue residue concentrations alone to infer whether contaminant effects are occurring suffers from uncertainty, and efficient, sensitive biomarkers remain limited in wildlife. We studied relationships between whole embryo contaminant concentrations (total mercury, organochlorine pesticides, perfluoroalkyl substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, and halogenated flame retardants) together with mRNA expression in embryonic liver tissue from a Pacific Ocean seabird, the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata). Fresh eggs were collected, incubated under controlled conditions, and from the pre-hatch embryo, hepatic RNA was extracted for qPCR array analysis to measure gene expression (2-∆Cq), while the remaining embryo was analyzed for contaminant residues. Contaminant and gene expression data were assessed with a combination of multivariate approaches and linear models. Results indicated correlations between embryonic total mercury and several genes such as sepp1, which encodes selenoprotein P. Correlation between the biotransformation gene cyp1a4 and the C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid PFHpA was also evident. This study demonstrates that egg collection from free-living populations for contaminant biomonitoring programs can relate chemical residues to in ovo mRNA gene expression effects in embryo hepatic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason D King
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Geoffrey Su
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Doug Crump
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Amani Farhat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Vicki Marlatt
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Sandi L Lee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Division, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Division, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
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Jouanneau W, Léandri-Breton DJ, Corbeau A, Herzke D, Moe B, Nikiforov VA, Gabrielsen GW, Chastel O. A Bad Start in Life? Maternal Transfer of Legacy and Emerging Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances to Eggs in an Arctic Seabird. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6091-6102. [PMID: 34874166 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In birds, maternal transfer is a major exposure route for several contaminants, including poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Little is known, however, about the extent of the transfer of the different PFAS compounds to the eggs, especially for alternative fluorinated compounds. In the present study, we measured legacy and emerging PFAS, including Gen-X, ADONA, and F-53B, in the plasma of prelaying black-legged kittiwake females breeding in Svalbard and the yolk of their eggs. We aimed to (1) describe the contaminant levels and patterns in both females and eggs, and (2) investigate the maternal transfer, that is, biological variables and the relationship between the females and their eggs for each compound. Contamination of both females and eggs were dominated by linPFOS then PFUnA or PFTriA. We notably found 7:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid─a precursor of long-chain carboxylates─in 84% of the egg yolks, and provide the first documented finding of ADONA in wildlife. Emerging compounds were all below the detection limit in female plasma. There was a linear association between females and eggs for most of the PFAS. Analyses of maternal transfer ratios in females and eggs suggest that the transfer is increasing with PFAS carbon chain length, therefore the longest chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were preferentially transferred to the eggs. The mean ∑PFAS in the second-laid eggs was 73% of that in the first-laid eggs. Additional effort on assessing the outcome of maternal transfers on avian development physiology is essential, especially for PFCAs and emerging fluorinated compounds which are under-represented in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jouanneau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Don-Jean Léandri-Breton
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3 V9, Canada
| | - Alexandre Corbeau
- ECOBIO (Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution), UMR 6553 CNRS - Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- NINA - Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vladimir A Nikiforov
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 17031 La Rochelle, France
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3
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Peripherally administered persistent organic pollutants distribute to the brain of developing chicken embryo in concentrations relevant for human exposure. Neurotoxicology 2021; 88:79-87. [PMID: 34757084 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can reach the fetal brain and contribute to developmental neurotoxicity. To explore the distribution of POPs to the fetal brain, we exposed chicken embryos to a POP mixture, containing 29 different compounds with concentrations based on blood levels measured in the Scandinavian human population. The mixture was injected into the allantois at embryonic day 13 (E13), aiming at a theoretical concentration of 10 times human blood levels. POPs concentrations in the brain were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after administration. Twenty-seven of the individual compounds were detected during at least one of the time-points analyzed. Generally, the concentrations of most of the measured compounds were within the order of magnitude of those reported in human brain samples. Differences in the speed of distribution to the brain were observed between the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which have protein binding potential, and the lipophilic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Based on pharmacokinetic modeling, PFASs were best described by a one compartment model. PFASs displayed relatively slow elimination (Kel) and persisted at high levels in the brain. Lipophilic OCPs and PCBs could be fitted to a 2-compartment model. These showed high levels in the brain relative to the dose administrated as calculated by area under the curve (AUC)/Dose. Altogether, our study showed that chicken is a suitable model to explore the distribution of POPs into the developing brain at concentrations which are relevant for humans.
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4
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Death C, Bell C, Champness D, Milne C, Reichman S, Hagen T. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in livestock and game species: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:144795. [PMID: 33609849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic, organic chemicals that resist environmental breakdown. The properties that made PFAS into an industrial success also led to their persistence and bioaccumulation. As PFAS were widely used for many decades their presence is evident globally, and their persistence and potential for toxicity create concern for human, animal and environmental health. Following the precautionary principle, a reduction in human exposure is generally recommended. The most significant source of human exposure to PFAS is dietary intake (food and water) with additional exposure via dust. As PFAS concentrations have been more frequently studied in aquatic food sources, there is less understanding of exposure via terrestrial animals. To further define human exposure via animal products, it is necessary to determine PFAS concentrations and persistence in terrestrial livestock and game species. Studies assessing ambient concentrations of PFAS have noted that, aside from point sources of contamination, there is generally low input of PFAS into terrestrial agricultural food chains. However, livestock and game species may be exposed to PFAS via contaminated water, soil, substrate, air or food, and the contribution of these exposures to PFAS concentrations in food products is less well studied. This review focuses on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAAs) and compiles information from terrestrial livestock and game species as a source of dietary exposure in humans, and discusses toxicokinetics and health effects in animals, while identifying future focus areas. Publications describing the transfer of PFAAs to farmed and hunted animals are scarce, and demonstrate large variability in distribution and elimination. We outline several relatively small, short-term studies in cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. While negative effects have not been noted, the poultry investigations were the only studies to explicitly assess health effects. Comparative information is presented on PFAA concentrations in livestock products and edible tissues of game animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Death
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia.
| | - Cameron Bell
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia
| | - David Champness
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia
| | - Charles Milne
- Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria 3049, Australia
| | - Suzie Reichman
- Centre for Anthropogenic Pollution Impact and Management (CAPIM), School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Tarah Hagen
- SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd, Lvl 11, 176 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia
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Briels N, Ciesielski TM, Herzke D, Jaspers VLB. Developmental Toxicity of Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and Its Chlorinated Polyfluoroalkyl Ether Sulfonate Alternative F-53B in the Domestic Chicken. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:12859-12867. [PMID: 30351028 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate F-53B is used as a mist suppressant in the Chinese electroplating industry. Because of the regulations on perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), its use is expected to increase. Until now, F-53B toxicity data have been scarce and are, to our knowledge, lacking for birds. This study therefore investigated the effects of PFOS and F-53B, separately and as mixtures, on the development of the chicken ( Gallus gallus domesticus). Compounds were injected in ovo, before incubation, at 150 and 1500 ng/g egg. At embryonic day 20, a significantly lower heart rate was observed in all treated groups compared to the control group and hatchlings exposed to the high dose of F-53B had a significantly enlarged liver (8%). Embryonic survival was not affected and no significant effects on hatchling body mass or oxidative stress parameters were found. Our results suggest that these compounds likely have different toxicity thresholds for the investigated endpoints, and/or different modes of action. This study thereby underlines the potential developmental toxicity of PFOS and F-53B at environmentally relevant concentrations. Assessment of PFOS alternatives should therefore continue, preferably prior to their large scale use, as they should be ensured to be less harmful than PFOS itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Briels
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Biology , 7491 Trondheim , Norway
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Biology , 7491 Trondheim , Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), FRAM centre , 9007 Tromsø , Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Department of Biology , 7491 Trondheim , Norway
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Online Solid-Phase Extraction LC-MS/MS: A Rapid and Valid Method for the Determination of Perfluorinated Compounds at Sub ng·L−1 Level in Natural Water. J CHEM-NY 2018. [DOI: 10.1155/2018/3780825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this research paper, we report a method able to detect perfluorinated compound at pg·L−1 levels in superficial and underground water samples. An online solid phase extraction HPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the analysis of 12 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFASs). The method is based on injection of 5000 µL of water sample in SPE online WAX column followed by chromatography separation and mass spectrometry determination. SPE online elution was performed by water + 0.05% NH4OH and methanol + 0.05% NH4OH, while separation of target compounds was achieved within 10 min by Gemini chromatographic column operating from 1 to 12 pH range and using a mixture of water-methanol + 0.05% NH4OH. Sub ng·L−1 method detection limits (from 0.2 to 5 ng·L−1), linearity (from 0.2 to 250 ng·L−1), accuracy (from 80 to 120%), and precision (RSD less than 15% at LOQs levels) were achieved. The method is capable of measuring PFAS at trace levels, but above all it can reach the limit of 200 pg·L−1 required by European regulation for PFOS determination in surface and underground waters. The method was validated for quantitative analysis of PFASs in real water samples.
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7
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Jacobsen AV, Nordén M, Engwall M, Scherbak N. Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate on genes controlling hepatic fatty acid metabolism in livers of chicken embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:23074-23081. [PMID: 29860686 PMCID: PMC6096545 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2358-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic surfactants with a wide variety of applications; however, due to their stability, they are particularly resistant to degradation and, as such, are classed as persistent organic pollutants. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is one such PFAS that is still detectable in a range of different environmental settings, despite its use now being regulated in numerous countries. Elevated levels of PFOS have been detected in various avian species, and the impact of this on avian health is of interest when determining acceptable levels of PFOS in the environment. Due to its similarities to naturally occurring fatty acids, PFOS has potential to disrupt a range of biological pathways, particularly those associated with lipid metabolism, and this has been shown in various species. In this study, we have investigated how in ovo exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PFOS affects expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism of developing chicken embryos. We have found a broad suppression of transcription of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and PPAR-mediated transcription with more significant effects apparent at lower doses of PFOS. These results highlight the need for more research investigating the biological impacts of low levels of PFAS to properly inform environmental policy governing their regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette V Jacobsen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
- The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Marcus Nordén
- MTM Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Magnus Engwall
- MTM Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Scherbak
- The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- MTM Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
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8
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Parolini M, Colombo G, Valsecchi S, Mazzoni M, Possenti CD, Caprioli M, Dalle-Donne I, Milzani A, Saino N, Rubolini D. Potential toxicity of environmentally relevant perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations to yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:426-437. [PMID: 26310703 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Perfluooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is considered an emerging pollutant because of its wide distribution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as its potential toxicity to living organisms. Although PFOS environmental levels and the adverse effects on classical model organisms in toxicological studies are well known, including developmental alterations and alteration of oxidative status, its toxicity to free-living species has been seldom investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the potential toxicity of environmental levels of PFOS to yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) embryos under field experimental conditions. In a within-clutch experimental design, we injected two PFOS concentrations (100 ng PFOS/g egg weight and 200 ng PFOS/g egg weight) in ovo soon after laying. Eggs were collected when they reached the cracking stage. We investigated the effects of PFOS treatment, laying order and sex on both morphological and biochemical endpoints of embryos. Specifically, we assessed changes in embryo body mass and tarsus length, as well as in liver and brain mass. Moreover, the imbalance of oxidative status was evaluated in both liver and brain from embryos by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS), while the levels of protein carbonyl content (PCO) and DNA fragmentation were measured as oxidative and genetic damage endpoints, respectively. The concentrations of PFOS we tested did not significantly alter the morphological endpoints, independently of laying order and sex. Similarly, embryo oxidative status and oxidative and genetic damage were not significantly affected by PFOS in ovo exposure. These findings suggest that current environmental PFOS levels do not affect early development of yellow-legged gull embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Graziano Colombo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- IRSA-CNR-Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Via Mulino 19, I-20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | - Michela Mazzoni
- IRSA-CNR-Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Via Mulino 19, I-20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Caprioli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Dalle-Donne
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Aldo Milzani
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Saino
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133, Milan, Italy
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Wang L, Wang Y, Liang Y, Li J, Liu Y, Zhang J, Zhang A, Fu J, Jiang G. PFOS induced lipid metabolism disturbances in BALB/c mice through inhibition of low density lipoproteins excretion. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4582. [PMID: 24694979 PMCID: PMC3974142 DOI: 10.1038/srep04582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Male BALB/c mice fed with either a regular or high fat diet were exposed to 0, 5 or 20 mg/kg perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) for 14 days. Increased body weight, serum glucose, cholesterol and lipoprotein levels were observed in mice given a high fat diet. However, all PFOS-treated mice got reduced levels of serum lipid and lipoprotein. Decreasing liver glycogen content was also observed, accompanied by reduced serum glucose levels. Histological and ultrastructural examination detected more lipid droplets accumulated in hepatocytes after PFOS exposure. Moreover, transcripitonal activity of lipid metabolism related genes suggests that PFOS toxicity is probably unrelevant to PPARα's transcription. The present study demonstrates a lipid disturbance caused by PFOS and thus point to its role in inhibiting the secretion and normal function of low density lipoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, P. R. China [2] Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- 1] Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China [2] Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Yong Liang
- 1] School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, P. R. China [2] Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Chemical Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, P. R. China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Subtropical Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P. O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
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10
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Cassone CG, Taylor JJ, O'Brien JM, Williams A, Yauk CL, Crump D, Kennedy SW. Transcriptional profiles in the cerebral hemisphere of chicken embryos following in ovo perfluorohexane sulfonate exposure. Toxicol Sci 2012; 129:380-91. [PMID: 22790973 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In a recent egg injection study, we showed that in ovo exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) affects the pipping success of developing chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos. We also found evidence of thyroid hormone (TH) pathway interference at multiple levels of biological organization (i.e., somatic growth, messenger RNA expression, and circulating free thyroxine levels). Based on these findings, we hypothesize that PFHxS exposure interferes with TH-dependent neurodevelopmental pathways. This study investigates global transcriptional profiles in cerebral hemispheres of chicken embryos following exposure to a solvent control, 890 or 38,000 ng PFHxS/g egg (n = 4-5 per group); doses that lead to the adverse effects indicated above. PFHxS significantly alters the expression (≥ 1.5-fold, p ≤ 0.001) of 11 transcripts at the low dose (890 ng/g) and 101 transcripts at the high dose (38,000 ng/g). Functional enrichment analysis shows that PFHxS affects genes involved in tissue development and morphology, cellular assembly and organization, and cell-to-cell signaling. Pathway and interactome analyses suggest that genes may be affected through several potential regulatory molecules, including integrin receptors, myelocytomatosis viral oncogene, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein. This study identifies key functional and regulatory modes of PFHxS action involving TH-dependent and -independent neurodevelopmental pathways. Some of these TH-dependent mechanisms that occur during embryonic development include tight junction formation, signal transduction, and integrin signaling, whereas TH-independent mechanisms include gap junction intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina G Cassone
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
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11
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Strömqvist M, Olsson JA, Kärrman A, Brunström B. Transcription of genes involved in fat metabolism in chicken embryos exposed to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist GW7647 or to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2012; 156:29-36. [PMID: 22465071 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are developmental toxicants in various animal classes, including birds. Both compounds interact with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), but it is not known whether activation of PPARs is involved in their embryo toxicity in birds. We exposed chicken embryos via egg injection at a late developmental stage to GW7647, a potent PPARα agonist in mammals, and to PFOS or PFOA. Mortality was induced by PFOS and PFOA but not by GW7647. Transcripts of a number of genes activated by PPARα agonists in mammals were analyzed in liver and kidney of 18-day-old embryos. Several of the genes were induced in both liver and kidney following exposure to GW7647. Treatment with PFOA resulted in induction of acyl-coenzyme A oxidase mRNA in liver, whereas none of the genes were significantly induced by PFOS treatment. No up-regulation of gene transcription was found in kidney following treatment with PFOS or PFOA. Principal component analysis showed that PFOA caused an mRNA expression pattern in liver more similar to the pattern induced by GW7647 than PFOS did. Our findings do not support that the embryo mortality by PFOS and PFOA in chicken embryos involves PPARα activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Strömqvist
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
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12
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Nordén M, Westman O, Venizelos N, Engwall M. Perfluorooctane sulfonate increases β-oxidation of palmitic acid in chicken liver. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 19:1859-1863. [PMID: 22441698 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-0869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) belongs to a group of chemicals called perfluoroalkyl acids that have been extensively used in various applications such as stain and oil resistant treatments for fabrics, fire-fighting foams, and insecticides. These chemicals present an environmental and health risk being present in many samples both in wildlife and humans. In this study, we investigate the effect of PFOS on fatty acid β-oxidation in developing chicken embryos. METHODS Fertilized chicken eggs were exposed in ovo to PFOS at day 4 of incubation. On day 10, the eggs were dissected and livers were incubated in vitro with (3)H-palmitic acid for 2 h. The media were collected, and after clean up, the amount of tritiated water was measured with liquid scintillation counting to determine the rate of palmitic acid β-oxidation. RESULTS PFOS was found to induce fatty acid β-oxidation at doses starting from a lowest observed effect level (LOEL) of 0.1 μg/g egg weight. Maximum induction of 77% compared to control was seen at 0.3 μg/g. CONCLUSIONS The administered doses in which effects are seen are around and even lower than the levels that can be found in wild populations of birds. General population human levels are a factor of two to three times lower than the LOEL value of this study. The environmental contamination of PFOS therefore presents a possibility of effects in wild populations of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Nordén
- MTM Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Cassone CG, Vongphachan V, Chiu S, Williams KL, Letcher RJ, Pelletier E, Crump D, Kennedy SW. In Ovo Effects of Perfluorohexane Sulfonate and Perfluorohexanoate on Pipping Success, Development, mRNA Expression, and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Chicken Embryos. Toxicol Sci 2012; 127:216-24. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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O'Brien JM, Austin AJ, Williams A, Yauk CL, Crump D, Kennedy SW. Technical-grade perfluorooctane sulfonate alters the expression of more transcripts in cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes than linear perfluorooctane sulfonate. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:2846-2859. [PMID: 21994020 DOI: 10.1002/etc.700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently it was discovered that the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) detected in wildlife, such as fish-eating birds, had a greater proportion of linear PFOS (L-PFOS) than the manufactured technical product (T-PFOS), which contains linear and branched isomers. This suggests toxicological studies based on T-PFOS data may inaccurately assess exposure risk to wildlife. To determine whether PFOS effects were influenced by isomer content, we compared the transcriptional profiles of cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes (CEH) exposed to either L-PFOS or T-PFOS using Agilent microarrays. At equal concentrations (10 µM), T-PFOS altered the expression of more transcripts (340, >1.5-fold change, p < 0.05) compared with L-PFOS (130 transcripts). Higher concentrations of L-PFOS (40 µM) were also less transcriptionally disruptive (217 transcripts) than T-PFOS at 10 µM. Functional analysis showed that L-PFOS and T-PFOS affected genes involved in lipid metabolism, hepatic system development, and cellular growth and proliferation. Pathway and interactome analysis suggested that genes may be affected through the RXR receptor, oxidative stress response, TP53 signaling, MYC signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and PPARγ and SREBP receptors. In all functional categories and pathways examined, the response elicited by T-PFOS was greater than that of L-PFOS. These data show that T-PFOS elicits a greater transcriptional response in CEH than L-PFOS alone and demonstrates the importance of considering the isomer-specific toxicological properties of PFOS when assessing exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M O'Brien
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Mortensen AS, Letcher RJ, Cangialosi MV, Chu S, Arukwe A. Tissue bioaccumulation patterns, xenobiotic biotransformation and steroid hormone levels in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed a diet containing perfluoroactane sulfonic or perfluorooctane carboxylic acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 83:1035-44. [PMID: 21354591 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, groups of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were fed gelatine capsules containing fish-food spiked with PFOA or PFOS (0.2 mg kg(-1) fish) and solvent (methanol). The capsules were given at days 0, 3 and 6. Blood, liver and whole kidney samples were collected prior to exposure (no solvent control), and at days 2, 5, 8 and 14 after exposure (Note: that day 14 after exposure is equal to 7d recovery period). We report on the differences in the tissue bioaccumulation patterns of PFOS and PFOA, in addition to tissue and compound differences in modulation pattern of biotransformation enzyme genes. We observed that the level of PFOS and PFOA increased in the blood, liver and kidney during the exposure period. Different PFOS and PFOA bioaccumulation patterns were observed in the kidney and liver during exposure- and after the recovery periods. Particularly, after the recovery period, PFOA levels in the kidney and liver tissues were almost at the control level. On the contrary, PFOS maintained an increase with tissue-specific differences, showing a higher bioaccumulation potential (also in the blood), compared with PFOA. While PFOS and PFOA produced an apparent time-dependent increase in kidney CYP3A, CYP1A1 and GST expression, similar effects were only temporary in the liver, significantly increasing at sampling day 2. PFOA and PFOS exposure resulted in significant decreases in plasma estrone, testosterone and cortisol levels at sampling day 2, and their effects differed with 17α-methyltestostrerone showing significant decrease by PFOA (also for cholesterol) and increase by PFOS. PFOA significantly increased estrone and testosterone, and no effects were observed for cortisol, 17α-methyltestosterone and cholesterol at sampling day 5. Overall, the changes in plasma steroid hormone levels parallel changes in CYP3A mRNA levels. Given that there are no known studies that have demonstrated such tissue differences in bioaccumulation patterns with associated differences in toxicological responses in any fish species or lower vertebrate, the present findings provide some potential insights and basis for a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of PFCs toxicity that need to be studied in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Mortensen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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Vongphachan V, Cassone CG, Wu D, Chiu S, Crump D, Kennedy SW. Effects of perfluoroalkyl compounds on mRNA expression levels of thyroid hormone-responsive genes in primary cultures of avian neuronal cells. Toxicol Sci 2011; 120:392-402. [PMID: 21212296 PMCID: PMC3061477 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in assessing the neurotoxic and endocrine disrupting potential of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs). Several studies have reported in vitro and in vivo effects related to neuronal development, neural cell differentiation, prenatal and postnatal development and behavior. PFC exposure altered hormone levels and the expression of hormone-responsive genes in mammalian and aquatic species. This study is the first to assess the effects of PFCs on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in primary cultures of neuronal cells in two avian species: the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus) and herring gull (Larus argentatus). The following thyroid hormone (TH)–responsive genes were examined using real-time reverse transcription-PCR: type II iodothyronine 5′-deiodinase (D2), D3, transthyretin (TTR), neurogranin (RC3), octamer motif–binding factor (Oct-1), and myelin basic protein. Several PFCs altered the mRNA expression levels of genes associated with the TH pathway in avian neuronal cells. Short-chained PFCs (less than eight carbons) altered the expression of TH-responsive genes (D2, D3, TTR, and RC3) in chicken embryonic neuronal cells to a greater extent than long-chained PFCs (more than or equal to eight carbons). Variable transcriptional changes were observed in herring gull embryonic neuronal cells exposed to short-chained PFCs; mRNA levels of Oct-1 and RC3 were upregulated. This is the first study to report that PFC exposure alters mRNA expression in primary cultures of avian neuronal cells and may provide insight into the possible mechanisms of action of PFCs in the avian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viengtha Vongphachan
- Department of Biology, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
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O'Brien JM, Kennedy SW, Chu S, Letcher RJ. Isomer-specific accumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonate in the liver of chicken embryos exposed in ovo to a technical mixture. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:226-231. [PMID: 20928918 DOI: 10.1002/etc.368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Prior to its recent phaseout, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was produced by electrochemical fluorination processes, which yielded technical mixtures composed of linear isomer (∼65-79%) and several branched isomers (∼21-35%). Because PFOS can biomagnify in wildlife, birds that occupy higher trophic levels are at increased risk of exposure. We hypothesized that the pharmacokinetic properties of PFOS are isomer-specific in developing chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos exposed to technical grade PFOS (T-PFOS). In the present study, T-PFOS was composed of 62.7% linear isomer (L-PFOS), and 37.3% branched isomer, including six mono(trifluoromethyl)-branched isomers and four bis(trifluoromethyl)-branched isomers. Concentrations of 0.1, 5, or 100 µg/g of T-PFOS were injected into the air cell of chicken eggs prior to incubation. After pipping, compared with T-PFOS, the PFOS isomer profile in embryonic liver tissue for the 0.1 µg/g dose group showed 21% enrichment in the proportion of L-PFOS with a corresponding decrease in the proportion of branched isomers. Not all branched isomers were discriminated against at equal rates. The proportion of two mono(trifluoromethyl)-branched isomers and three bis(trifluoromethyl)-branched isomers decreased to a greater degree than other branched isomers. In contrast, the mono-branched isomer, P6MHpS, was overrepresented in the low-dose group. In the higher dose groups, L-PFOS was still enriched but only by approximately 10%, which indicated a dose-dependent change in isomer composition relative to T-PFOS. These results show that accumulation of PFOS in chicken embryo livers is dependent on the presence and position of branches on the alkyl backbone. This supports the hypothesis that the pharmacokinetics of PFOS are isomer-specific in biota, and may help explain why wildlife PFOS burdens are dominated by L-PFOS relative to T-PFOS mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M O'Brien
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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O’Brien JM, Crump D, Mundy LJ, Chu S, McLaren KK, Vongphachan V, Letcher RJ, Kennedy SW. Pipping success and liver mRNA expression in chicken embryos exposed in ovo to C8 and C11 perfluorinated carboxylic acids and C10 perfluorinated sulfonate. Toxicol Lett 2009; 190:134-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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