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Witt CC, Gadek CR, Cartron JLE, Andersen MJ, Campbell ML, Castro-Farías M, Gyllenhaal EF, Johnson AB, Malaney JL, Montoya KN, Patterson A, Vinciguerra NT, Williamson JL, Cook JA, Dunnum JL. Extraordinary levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in vertebrate animals at a New Mexico desert oasis: Multiple pathways for wildlife and human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118229. [PMID: 38325785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118229] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment pose persistent and complex threats to human and wildlife health. Around the world, PFAS point sources such as military bases expose thousands of populations of wildlife and game species, with potentially far-reaching implications for population and ecosystem health. But few studies shed light on the extent to which PFAS permeate food webs, particularly ecologically and taxonomically diverse communities of primary and secondary consumers. Here we conducted >2000 assays to measure tissue-concentrations of 17 PFAS in 23 species of mammals and migratory birds at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico, USA, where wastewater catchment lakes form biodiverse oases. PFAS concentrations were among the highest reported in animal tissues, and high levels have persisted for at least three decades. Twenty of 23 species sampled at Holloman AFB were heavily contaminated, representing middle trophic levels and wetland to desert microhabitats, implicating pathways for PFAS uptake: ingestion of surface water, sediments, and soil; foraging on aquatic invertebrates and plants; and preying upon birds or mammals. The hazardous long carbon-chain form, perfluorooctanosulfonic acid (PFOS), was most abundant, with liver concentrations averaging >10,000 ng/g wet weight (ww) in birds and mammals, respectively, and reaching as high 97,000 ng/g ww in a 1994 specimen. Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) averaged thousands of ng/g ww in the livers of aquatic birds and littoral-zone house mice, but one order of magnitude lower in the livers of upland desert rodent species. Piscivores and upland desert songbirds were relatively uncontaminated. At control sites, PFAS levels were strikingly lower on average and different in composition. In sum, legacy PFAS at this desert oasis have permeated local aquatic and terrestrial food webs across decades, severely contaminating populations of resident and migrant animals, and exposing people via game meat consumption and outdoor recreation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Witt
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Chauncey R Gadek
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Environmental Stewardship, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Jean-Luc E Cartron
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., 6020 Academy Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM, 87109, USA
| | - Michael J Andersen
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Mariel L Campbell
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Marialejandra Castro-Farías
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Ethan F Gyllenhaal
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew B Johnson
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jason L Malaney
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, USA
| | - Kyana N Montoya
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, CA, 95605, USA
| | - Nicholas T Vinciguerra
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jessie L Williamson
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Joseph A Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jonathan L Dunnum
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Gonkowski S, Martín J, Kortas A, Aparicio I, Santos JL, Alonso E, Sobiech P, Rytel L. Assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances concentration levels in wild bat guano samples. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22707. [PMID: 38123620 PMCID: PMC10733414 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are substances commonly used in the production of various everyday objects, including among others kitchen dishes, cosmetics, or clothes. They penetrate to the environment and living organisms causing disturbances in the functioning of many internal organs and systems. Due to environmental pollution, wildlife is also exposed to PFASs, but the knowledge about this issue is rather limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of wild greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis), living in Poland, to six selected PFASs: five perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (perfluorobutanoic acid-PFBuA, perfluoropentanoic acid-PFPeA, perfluorohexanoic acid-PFHxA, perfluoroheptanoic acid-PFHpA, perfluorooctanoic acid-PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) through the analysis of guano samples with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method. To our knowledge this is the first study concerning the PFASs levels in bats, as well as using guano samples to evaluate the exposure of wild mammals to these substances. A total of 40 guano samples were collected from 4 bats summer (nursery) colonies located in various parts of Poland. The presence of PFASs mentioned were detected in all colonies studied, and concentration levels of these substances were sampling dependent. The highest concentration levels were observed in the case of PFPeA [1.34 and 3060 ng/g dry weight (dw)] and PFHxA (8.30-314 ng/g dw). This study confirms the exposure of wild bats to PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawomir Gonkowski
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Street Oczapowskiego 14, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Julia Martín
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África, 7, 41011, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Annemarie Kortas
- Department of Internal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Ul. Oczapowskiego 14, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Irene Aparicio
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África, 7, 41011, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Santos
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África, 7, 41011, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Esteban Alonso
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Virgen de África, 7, 41011, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Przemysław Sobiech
- Department of Internal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Ul. Oczapowskiego 14, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Liliana Rytel
- Department of Internal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Ul. Oczapowskiego 14, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Zhang Q, Wang Y, Shen X, Zhan M, Zhang J, Tian Y, Chen X. Environmental exposure to per- and perfluoroalkyl substances in early pregnancy and newborn anogenital distance: A prospective cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:99704-99712. [PMID: 37615915 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, ubiquitous pollutants, and the current epidemiological evidence regarding the impact of in utero exposure to PFAS on anogenital distance (AGD) is limited and inconclusive. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential associations between maternal exposure to PFAS during pregnancy and AGD in newborns. A total of 2273 mother-child pairs were recruited for this study, and both PFAS levels and AGD were measured. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to explore the relationships between individual PFAS and AGD. Additionally, quantile-based g-computation (QGC) was employed to assess the joint effects of mixtures of PFAS on AGD. Our findings showed that maternal exposure to PFOS (β = 0.518, 95% CI: 0.093, 0.942), PFNA (β = 0.487, 95% CI: 0.037, 0.937), PFDA (β = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.048, 0.838), PFUA (β = 0.434, 95% CI: 0.031, 0.838), and PFBS (β = 0.444, 95% CI: 0.124, 0.763) during early pregnancy had a significant positive association with AGD in boys. Similarly, in girls, maternal exposure to PFOS (β = 0.423, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.841), PFNA (β = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.207, 1.074), PFDA (β = 0.670, 95% CI: 0.306, 1.033), PFUA (β = 0.895, 95% CI: 0.509, 1.281), and PFBS (β = 0.474, 95% CI: 0.178, 0.770) had a positive association with AGD, while PFOA (β = -1.254, 95% CI: -1.786, -0.723) had a negative association. QGC models further confirmed that PFAS mixtures were positively associated with AGD. Moreover, PFBS was the primary contributor to the joint effects of PFAS mixtures on AGD. In summary, our study has provided further corroboration for the possibility that PFAS exposure can have an impact on AGD in both boys and girls. The use of AGD as a promising biomarker for endocrine disruption highlights the significance of our findings, which may have valuable clinical implications for reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ming Zhan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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Guo Y, Gui D, Liu W, Xie Q, Wu Y. Hormonal biomarkers provide insights into the reproductive biology and pollutants-associated health hazards of endangered dolphins. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 337:139328. [PMID: 37379981 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants are known to contribute to the reproductive health hazards of wildlife, but pollutants-associated detrimental impacts on the endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis, IPHD) are largely unknown due to a lack of reproductive parameters. Here we validated and applied blubber progesterone and testosterone as reproductive biomarkers to assess reproductive parameters of IPHD (n = 72). The gender-specific progesterone concentrations and progesterone/testosterone (P/T) supported progesterone and testosterone as valid biomarkers in identifying the genders of IPHD. Significant month-to-month variations of two hormones indicated a seasonal reproduction, in accordance with the observation of photo-identification approach, further supporting testosterone and progesterone as ideal reproductive biomarkers. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations showed significant differences between Lingding Bay and West-four region, possibly due to chronically geographic-specific pollutants differences. The significant relationships between sex hormones and multiple contaminants suggested that contaminants contribute to the disruption of testosterone and progesterone homeostasis. The best explanatory models between pollutants and hormones suggested that dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), lead (Pb) and selenium (Se) were the major risk factors jeopardizing the reproductive health of IPHD. This is the first study on the relationship between pollutant exposure and reproductive hormones in IPHD and represents a substantial advance in understanding the detrimental reproductive impacts of pollutants on endangered cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Guo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), China
| | - Duan Gui
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), China.
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), China
| | - Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), China.
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5
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Martín J, Gonkowski S, Kortas A, Sobiech P, Rytel L, Santos JL, Aparicio I, Alonso E. Multiclass method to determine emerging pollutants in bats using a non-invasive approach based on guano matrix. Microchem J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2023.108486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Does environmental pollution affect male reproductive system in naturally exposed vertebrates? A systematic review. Theriogenology 2023; 198:305-316. [PMID: 36634444 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to environmental contamination, the environment constantly receives pollutants from various anthropic actions. These pollutants put ecological health at risk due to contamination and accumulation in living organisms, including wild animals and humans. Exposure can cause physiological, morphological, and behavioral changes in living beings. In this context, laboratory studies have frequently investigated how environmental contaminants affect the male reproductive system and gametes. However, few studies have examined how these contaminants affect male reproduction in naturally exposed animals. To better understand this topic, we conducted a systematic review of the effects of exposing male vertebrate animals to polluted environments on their reproductive functions. After an extensive search using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 39 studies met our inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review. This study showed that reproductive damages were frequent in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals exposed to contaminated environments. Wild animals are exposed mainly to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), toxic metals, and radiation. Exposure to pollutants causes a reduction in androgen levels, impaired spermatogenesis, morphological damage to reproductive organs, and decreased sperm quality, leading to reduced fertility and population decline. Although several species have been studied, the number of studies is limited for some groups of vertebrates. Wildlife has proven valuable to our understanding of the potential effects of environmental contaminants on human and ecosystem health. Thus, some recommendations for future investigations are provided. This review also creates a baseline for the understanding state of the art in reproductive toxicology studies.
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Herzke D, Nikiforov V, Yeung LWY, Moe B, Routti H, Nygård T, Gabrielsen GW, Hanssen L. Targeted PFAS analyses and extractable organofluorine - Enhancing our understanding of the presence of unknown PFAS in Norwegian wildlife. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107640. [PMID: 36525896 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107640] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the current possible presence of thousands of PFAS compounds in industrial emissions, there is an increasing need to assess the impacts of PFAS regulation of conventional PFAS on one hand and the exposure to emerging and yet unknown PFAS on the other. Today's analytical methodologies using targeted approaches are not sufficient to determine the complete suite of PFAS present. To evaluate the presence of unknown PFAS, we investigated in this study the occurrence of an extended range of target PFAS in various species from the marine and terrestrial Norwegian environment, in relation to the extractable organofluorine (EOF), which yields the total amount of organofluorine. The results showed a varying presence of extractable fluorinated organics, with glaucous gull eggs, otter liver and polar bear plasma showing the highest EOF and a high abundance of PFAS as well. The targeted PFAS measurements explained 1% of the organofluorine for moose liver as the lowest and 94% for otter liver as the highest. PFCAs like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, reported semi-quantitatively), played a major role in explaining the organic fluorine present. Emerging PFAS as the perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), was found in polar bear plasma in quantifiable amounts for the first time, confirming earlier detection in arctic species far removed from emission sources. To enable a complete organic fluorine mass balance in wildlife, new approaches are needed, to uncover the presence of new emerging PFAS as cyclic- or ether PFAS together with chlorinated PFAS as well as fluorinated organic pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Vladimir Nikiforov
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Børge Moe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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Schäffer A, Fenner K, Wang Z, Scheringer M. To be or not to be degraded: in defense of persistence assessment of chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1104-1109. [PMID: 35822690 PMCID: PMC9384790 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00213b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing the degradation behavior of chemicals in the environment is a key component of chemical hazard and risk assessment. Persistence has been successfully characterized for readily and for slowly degradable chemicals using standardized tests, but for the third group of chemicals with intermediate degradability ("middle group"), the assessment is less straightforward. Whether chemicals of this group behave as persistent or not in a given environment depends on environmental factors such as the presence of sorbents that can limit the bioavailability of chemicals. Uncertainties associated with current persistence assessments of chemicals in the middle group do not imply that persistence assessment is generally inconsistent, too ambiguous for regulatory use, and not useful in chemical hazard and risk assessment. Given the complexity of the environmental factors influencing chemical degradation, and the diversity of commercial chemicals, it has to be accepted though that for chemicals in the middle group even improved testing methods will not remove all of the immanent heterogeneity in their persistence data. For cases with widely different but technically valid persistence data, a weight-of-evidence approach is necessary and the "benefit of the doubt" should follow the precautionary principle in order to protect human and ecosystem health. We maintain that technically valid persistence data, although they might be considered dissatisfying from a scientific point of view because of high variability or even inconclusiveness, can well be sufficient for regulatory purposes. As with anything, also in persistence assessment, the scientific logic aims for a mechanistic description of the processes involved, low uncertainty, and a comprehensive understanding derived from a broad empirical basis. If the scientific logic is used as a benchmark in the regulatory context, this may easily lead to "paralysis by analysis". While regulatory decisions should be based on sound science, discrepancies between scientific goals and regulatory needs and, consequently, different levels of requirements (must-have versus nice-to-have) for degradation studies need to be recognized and appreciated. We further advocate for enhancing consistency between regulatory persistence assessments ("one substance-one assessment"), which is currently not the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schäffer
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, 163 Xianling Road, 210023 Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street Shapingba, 400045, Chongqing, China
| | - Kathrin Fenner
- University of Zürich, Department of Chemistry, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Environmental Engineering and National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin Scheringer
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
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9
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Marlatt VL, Bayen S, Castaneda-Cortès D, Delbès G, Grigorova P, Langlois VS, Martyniuk CJ, Metcalfe CD, Parent L, Rwigemera A, Thomson P, Van Der Kraak G. Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction in wildlife and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112584. [PMID: 34951986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The main objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge of the impacts of EDCs on reproductive success in wildlife and humans. The examples selected often include a retrospective assessment of the knowledge of reproductive impacts over time to discern how the effects of EDCs have changed over the last several decades. Collectively, the evidence summarized here within reinforce the concept that reproduction in wildlife and humans is negatively impacted by anthropogenic chemicals, with several altering endocrine system function. These observations of chemicals interfering with different aspects of the reproductive endocrine axis are particularly pronounced for aquatic species and are often corroborated by laboratory-based experiments (i.e. fish, amphibians, birds). Noteworthy, many of these same indicators are also observed in epidemiological studies in mammalian wildlife and humans. Given the vast array of reproductive strategies used by animals, it is perhaps not surprising that no single disrupted target is predictive of reproductive effects. Nevertheless, there are some general features of the endocrine control of reproduction, and in particular, the critical role that steroid hormones play in these processes that confer a high degree of susceptibility to environmental chemicals. New research is needed on the implications of chemical exposures during development and the potential for long-term reproductive effects. Future emphasis on field-based observations that can form the basis of more deliberate, extensive, and long-term population level studies to monitor contaminant effects, including adverse effects on the endocrine system, are key to addressing these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - S Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - D Castaneda-Cortès
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - G Delbès
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - V S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - C J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - C D Metcalfe
- School of Environment, Trent University, Trent, Canada
| | - L Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - A Rwigemera
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P Thomson
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - G Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Sprinkle RH, Payne-Sturges DC. Mixture toxicity, cumulative risk, and environmental justice in United States federal policy, 1980-2016 : Why, with much known, was little done? Environ Health 2021; 20:104. [PMID: 34535123 PMCID: PMC8449500 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxic chemicals - "toxicants" - have been studied and regulated as single entities, and, carcinogens aside, almost all toxicants, single or mixed and however altered, have been thought harmless in very low doses or very weak concentrations. Yet much work in recent decades has shown that toxicants can injure wildlife, laboratory animals, and humans following exposures previously expected to be harmless. Additional work has shown that toxicants can act not only individually and cumulatively but also collectively and even synergistically and that they affect disadvantaged communities inordinately - and therefore, as argued by reformers, unjustly. As late as December 2016, the last full month before the inauguration of a president promising to rescind major environmental regulations, the United States federal environmental-health establishment, as led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had not developed coherent strategies to mitigate such risks, to alert the public to their plausibility, or to advise leadership in government and industry about their implications. To understand why, we examined archival materials, reviewed online databases, read internal industry communications, and interviewed experts. We confirmed that external constraints, statutory and judicial, had been in place prior to EPA's earliest interest in mixture toxicity, but we found no overt effort, certainly no successful effort, to loosen those constraints. We also found internal constraints: concerns that fully committing to the study of complex mixtures involving numerous toxicants would lead to methodological drift within the toxicological community and that trying to act on insights from such study could lead only to regulatory futility. Interaction of these constraints, external and internal, shielded the EPA by circumscribing its responsibilities and by impeding movement toward paradigmatic adjustment, but it also perpetuated scientifically dubious policies, such as those limiting the evaluation of commercial chemical formulations, including pesticide formulations, to only those ingredients said by their manufacturers to be active. In this context, regulators' disregard of synergism contrasted irreconcilably with biocide manufacturers' understanding that synergism enhanced lethality and patentability. In the end, an effective national response to mixture toxicity, cumulative risk, and environmental injustice did not emerge. In parallel, though, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which was less constrained, pursued with scientific investigation what the EPA had not pursued with regulatory action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devon C Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Christensen JVR, Bangash KK, Weihe P, Grandjean P, Nielsen F, Jensen TK, Petersen MS. Maternal exposure to perfluoroalkyl chemicals and anogenital distance in the offspring: A Faroese cohort study. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 104:52-57. [PMID: 34182087 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has in some studies been associated with reduced anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns as a sensitive indicator of prenatal anti-androgenic exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal PFAS exposure and offspring AGD in a population with wide ranges of PFAS exposures. Participants were recruited in the Faroe Islands in 2007-2009, and information on AGD and PFAS exposure was obtained from 463 mother-infant pairs. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were measured in maternal serum. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for birth weight, child age at examination, parity, and maternal education level. Among boys, higher maternal serum concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA were significantly associated with a longer AGD, both with the exposure entered as a continuous variable and as quartiles. Boys in the highest quartile of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA exposure had an increase in AGD of 1.2 mm (95 % CI 0.1;2.2), 1.3 mm (95 % CI 0.3;2.3), 1.0 mm (95 % CI 0.0:2.0) and 1.3 mm (95 % CI 0.3;2.4), respectively, when compared to boys in the lowest quartile of exposure (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between male AGD and PFHxS. No association was found for girls. In conclusion, elevated maternal exposure to major PFASs was significantly associated with a longer AGD in boys. No significant associations were found among girls, thus suggesting a sex-dimorphic effect of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khushal Khan Bangash
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroes Hospital System, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Center of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Phillippe Grandjean
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroes Hospital System, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Center of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
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Thomas PJ, Newell EE, Eccles K, Holloway AC, Idowu I, Xia Z, Hassan E, Tomy G, Quenneville C. Co-exposures to trace elements and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) impacts North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) baculum. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:128920. [PMID: 33213878 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental loadings of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and trace elements are increasing in areas with marked oil and gas extraction, such as in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta, Canada. Some of these chemicals are recognized as potent endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). The impacts of co-exposure to PACs and metals on free-ranging wildlife is of considerable concern. River otters (Lontra canadensis) are sentinel species of aquatic ecosystem health. The baculum (penile bone) is an important part of the reproductive system in otters that ensures successful copulation. Although baculum health is critical to male reproductive success and is sensitive to exposure to EDCs, there is no information available regarding the impact of PAC and metal exposures on measures of baculum health. River otter baculum and livers were dissected from carcasses obtained from the fur trade. Trace element and PAC analyses were carried out in liver with matching baculums subjected to dimensional analysis, bone mineral density (BMD) and mechanical loading testing. Trace elements and select PACs exhibited both protective and deleterious effects on baculum bone health metrics. Alkylated four ring PACs were negatively associated with baculum bone material properties (ex: C4-Chrysene and C4-pyrene). The same compounds have been shown to exhibit strong anti-androgenic activities. Few comparable studies exist related to contamination and adverse effects of PACs in wild terrestrial mammals. Baculum health metrics may be an important tool to include in biomonitoring studies as to date, there are limited means to assess male reproductive performance in wildlife biomonitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe J Thomas
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Center, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0H3.
| | - Emily E Newell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Kristin Eccles
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada, L5L 1C6
| | - Alison C Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Ifeoluwa Idowu
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 584 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Zhe Xia
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 584 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Hassan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Gregg Tomy
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 584 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cheryl Quenneville
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8; School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
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13
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Tian Y, Liang H, Miao M, Yang F, Ji H, Cao W, Liu X, Zhang X, Chen A, Xiao H, Hu H, Yuan W. Maternal plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances during pregnancy and anogenital distance in male infants. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1356-1368. [PMID: 31242507 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are maternal plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) during pregnancy associated with anogenital distance (AGD) in male infants at birth, 6, and 12 months of age? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher maternal plasma concentrations of some PFASs were associated with shorter AGD in male infants at birth and 6 months of age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two animal studies have found that exposure to PFASs was associated with shorter AGD in male rat fetuses and wild male minks. There is only one human study on the topic that did not identify consistent patterns between maternal serum concentrations of PFASs during pregnancy and AGD in male infants. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In the prospective cohort study, a total of 1292 eligible pregnant women were recruited at 12-16 weeks of gestation between April and December 2012 at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Minhang district in Shanghai, China. At delivery, 667 male singletons were born. They were then followed up at birth (n = 439) and at 6 (n = 411) and 12 months (n = 376) of age when anopenile distance (AGDAP) and anoscrotal distance (AGDAS) were measured. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 500 male infants who had both maternal plasma concentrations of PFASs and at least one AGD measurement of at three time points were included in the present study. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the potential linear associations between maternal concentrations of PFASs and AGD. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Maternal plasma concentrations (ln-transformed) of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA) were inversely associated with AGDAS or AGDAP at birth (AGDAS: per ln unit increase in PFAS concentrations: β (95% CI): -0.65 (-1.27 to -0.02) mm for PFOS; -0.58 (-1.11 to -0.06) mm for PFDA; and -0.57 (-1.09 to -0.06) mm for PFUdA; AGDAP: per ln unit increase in PFAS concentrations: β (95% CI): -0.63 (-1.24 to -0.01) mm for PFDA and - 0.76 (-1.36 to -0.16) mm for PFUdA). At 6 months of age, per unit increase in maternal ln concentrations of PFOS and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), AGDAS decreased on average by -2.21 (95% CI: -4.28 to -0.14) and -1.11 (95% CI: -2.17 to -0.06) mm, respectively. Additionally, ln-transformed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) showed nonsignificant but inverse associations with both AGDAS and AGDAP at 6 months of age. We found no significant associations between ln-transformed maternal concentrations of PFASs and either AGDAS or AGDAP at 12 months of age. However, significantly inverse association of ln-transformed PFOA with AGDAP was observed in male infants who never or shortly breastfed (<3 months) at 12 months of age. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION AGD measurements were performed by different examiners at each follow-up visit, and the intra-examiner variation was not assessed, which might cause intra-rater and inter-rater measurement errors. Additionally, our study may have selection bias since a considerable number of participants withdrew from the cohort although the differences in demographic characteristics were not statistically significant between included mother-infant pairs and those excluded. No statistical correction was made for multiple comparisons. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings may have important implications for the early development of genital health in male infants since PFASs can be detected in almost all pregnant women and infants worldwide. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development program of China (2018YFC1002801 and 2016YFC1000505), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (16ZR1430100), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81428011), and the Innovation-Oriented Science and Technology Grant from National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (CX2017-06). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youping Tian
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Fen Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencheng Cao
- National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Institute of Health Inspection and Detection, Hubei Provincial Academy of Preventive Medicine, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Institute of Health Inspection and Detection, Hubei Provincial Academy of Preventive Medicine, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Institute of Health Inspection and Detection, Hubei Provincial Academy of Preventive Medicine, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hong Xiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Yuan
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
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14
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McComb J, Mills IG, Muller M, Berntsen HF, Zimmer KE, Ropstad E, Verhaegen S, Connolly L. Human blood-based exposure levels of persistent organic pollutant (POP) mixtures antagonise androgen receptor transactivation and translocation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 132:105083. [PMID: 31470217 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been linked to genitourinary health-related conditions such as decreased sperm quality, hypospadias, and prostate cancer (PCa). Conventional risk assessment of POPs focuses on individual compounds. However, in real life, individuals are exposed to many compounds simultaneously. This might lead to combinatorial effects whereby the global effect of the mixture is different from the effect of the single elements or subgroups. POP mixtures may act as endocrine disruptors via the androgen receptor (AR) and potentially contribute to PCa development. AIM To determine the endocrine disrupting activity of a POP mixture and sub-mixtures based upon exposure levels detected in a human Scandinavian population, on AR transactivation and translocation in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Total POP mixture combined 29 chemicals modelled on the exposure profile of a Scandinavian population and 6 sub-mixtures: brominated (Br), chlorinated (Cl), Cl + Br, perfluorinated (PFAA), PFAA + Br, PFAA + Cl, ranging from 1/10× to 500× relative to what is found in human blood. Transactivation was measured by reporter gene assay (RGA) and translocation activity was measured by high content analysis (HCA), each using stably transfected AR model cell lines. RESULTS No agonist activity in terms of transactivation and translocation was detected for any POP mixtures. In the presence of testosterone the Cl + Br mixture at 100× and 500× blood level antagonised AR transactivation, whereas the PFAA mixture at blood level increased AR transactivation (P < 0.05). In the presence of testosterone the Cl and PFAA + Br mixtures at 1/10×, 1×, and 50× blood level antagonised AR translocation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Taken together, some combinations of POP mixtures can interfere with AR translocation. However, in the transactivation assay, these combinations did not affect gene transactivation. Other POP combinations were identified here as modulators of AR-induced gene transactivation without affecting AR translocation. Thus, to fully evaluate the effect of environmental toxins on AR signalling, both types of assays need to be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- J McComb
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - I G Mills
- Prostate Cancer UK/Movember Centre of Excellence, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Level 6, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - M Muller
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - H F Berntsen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Post-box 369 sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway; Department of Administration, Lab Animal Unit, National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330, Oslo, Norway
| | - K E Zimmer
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Post-box 369 sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - E Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Post-box 369 sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - S Verhaegen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Post-box 369 sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - L Connolly
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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15
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Liang X, Xie G, Wu X, Su M, Yang B. Effect of prenatal PFOS exposure on liver cell function in neonatal mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:18240-18246. [PMID: 31041707 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a hepatotoxic pollutant, is detected in the human cord blood, and it may induce health risk to an embryo. In this study, we established intrauterine exposure to PFOS in mice to evaluate potential impacts of PFOS on postnatal day 1 (PND1) offspring through conducting biochemical tests, quantitative PCR, and immunostaining. As results, PFOS-exposed maternal mice showed marked hepatomegaly and induced liver steatosis in a high dose of 5 mg PFOS/kg. In PND1 mice, intrahepatic contents of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL were elevated by high-dose PFOS exposure, while intracellular HDL content was decreased. As shown in quantitative PCR, functional messenger RNAs of cytochrome P4A14 (CYP4A14) for fatty acid oxidation, CD36 for hepatic fatty acid uptake, and apolipoprotein B100 (APOB) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) for hepatic export of lipids in PND1 livers were changed when compared to those in PFOS-free controls. In further validations, immunofluorescence stains showed that hepatic CYP4A14 and CD36 immunoreactive cells were increased in PFOS-exposed PND1 mice. In addition, reduced immunofluorescence-positive cells of APOB and FGF21 were observed in PND1 livers. Collectively, these preliminary findings demonstrate that prenatal exposure to PFOS may affect lipid metabolism in liver cells of PND1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliu Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Guojie Xie
- Department of Gynecology, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmou Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Su
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Huan Cheng North 2nd Road 109, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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16
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Elliott JE, Kirk DA, Martin PA, Wilson LK, Kardosi G, Lee S, McDaniel T, Hughes KD, Smith BD, Idrissi AM. Effects of halogenated contaminants on reproductive development in wild mink (Neovison vison) from locations in Canada. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:539-555. [PMID: 29623614 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The concept of the Anthropocene, that humans are now re-engineering global ecosystems, is in part evidenced by the pervasive pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Certain POPs are hormone mimics and can disrupt endocrine and hence reproductive processes, shown mainly by laboratory studies with model species. There are, in contrast, fewer confirmations of such disruption from eco-epidemiological studies of wild mammals. Here we used the American mink (Neovison vison) as a sentinel species for such a study. Over the period 1998-2006, 161 mink carcasses were obtained from commercial trappers in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. Mink were aged, sexed, measured, and body condition assessed. Livers were analyzed either individually or pooled for organochlorine (OC) pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and subsets for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). We primarily addressed whether contaminants affected male reproductive development by measuring baculum size and assessing the influences of age and body condition. We also considered the influence of spatial variation on relative exposure and size of baculum. Statistical models separated by age class revealed that significant relationships between baculum length or mass and juvenile mink were mostly positive, whereas for adults and first year mink they were mostly negative. A significant negative relationship for adult mink was determined between DDE and both baculum length and mass. For juvenile mink we found significant positive relationships between ∑PCBs, DDE and ∑PBDEs with baculum length. Our results provide some indication of negative effects of halogenated contaminants on male reproductive development in wild mink, and the most likely candidate chemical is the confirmed anti-androgenic compound, DDE, rather than PCBs or other compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Delta, BC, Canada.
| | - David Anthony Kirk
- Aquila Conservation & Environment Consulting, 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela A Martin
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Laurie K Wilson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Gabriela Kardosi
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Tana McDaniel
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberley D Hughes
- Broadwing Biological Consulting, 1944 Parkside Drive, Pickering, ON, Canada
| | - Barry D Smith
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Abde Miftah Idrissi
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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17
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Huang AC, Nelson C, Elliott JE, Guertin DA, Ritland C, Drouillard K, Cheng KM, Schwantje HM. River otters (Lontra canadensis) "trapped" in a coastal environment contaminated with persistent organic pollutants: Demographic and physiological consequences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:306-316. [PMID: 29573713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Productive coastal and estuarine habitats can be degraded by contaminants including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PCBs, dioxins, and organochlorine insecticides to the extent of official designation as contaminated sites. Top-predatory wildlife may continue to use such sites as the habitat often appears suitable, and thus bioaccumulate POPs and other contaminants with potential consequences on their health and fitness. Victoria and Esquimalt harbours are located on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC) and are federally designated contaminated sites due mainly to past heavy industrial activities, such as from shipyards and sawmills. We collected scat samples from river otters (Lontra canadensis) throughout an annual cycle, and combined chemical analysis with DNA genotyping to examine whether the harbour areas constituted a contaminant-induced ecological trap for otters. We confirmed spatial habitat use by radio telemetry of a subsample of otters. Fifteen percent of otter scat contained PCB concentrations exceeding levels considered to have adverse effects on the reproduction of mink (Neovison vison), and there were significant positive correlations between concentrations of PCBs and of thyroid (T3) and sex (progesterone) hormones in fecal samples. Radio telemetry data revealed that otters did not show directional movement away from the harbours, indicating their inability to recognize the contaminated site as a degraded habitat. However, analysis and modeling of the DNA genotyping data provided no evidence that the harbour otters formed a sink population and therefore were in an ecological trap. Despite the highly POP-contaminated habitat, river otters did not appear to be adversely impacted at the population level. Our study demonstrates the value of combining chemical and biological technologies with ecological theory to investigate practical conservation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Huang
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Cait Nelson
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada; Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Daniel A Guertin
- Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Carol Ritland
- Genetic Data Centre, Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ken Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberly M Cheng
- Avian Research Centre, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen M Schwantje
- British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Tipton JJ, Guillette LJ, Lovelace S, Parrott BB, Rainwater TR, Reiner JL. Analysis of PFAAs in American alligators part 1: Concentrations in alligators harvested for consumption during South Carolina public hunts. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 61:24-30. [PMID: 29191311 PMCID: PMC6582648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination resulting from the production or release of harmful chemicals can lead to negative consequences for wildlife and human health. Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) were historically produced as protective coatings for many household items and currently persist in the environment, wildlife, and humans. PFAAs have been linked to immune suppression, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity in wildlife and laboratory studies. This study examines the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, as an important indicator of ecosystem contamination and a potential pathway for PFAA exposure in humans. Alligator meat harvested in the 2015 South Carolina (SC) public hunt season and prepared for human consumption was collected and analyzed for PFAAs to determine meat concentrations and relationships with animal body size (total length), sex, and location of harvest. Of the 15 PFAAs analyzed, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found in all alligator meat samples and at the highest concentrations (median 6.73ng/g). No relationship was found between PFAA concentrations and total length or sex. Concentrations of one or all compounds varied significantly across sampling locations, with alligators harvested in the Middle Coastal hunt unit having the highest PFOS concentrations (median 16.0ng/g; p=0.0001). Alligators harvested specifically from Berkley County, SC (located in the Middle Coastal hunt unit) had the highest PFOS concentrations and the greatest number of PFAAs detected (p<0.0001). The site-specific nature of PFAA concentrations in alligator meat observed in this study suggests a source of PFAA contamination in Berkley County, SC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Benjamin B Parrott
- University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Jackson, SC 29831, USA
| | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center & Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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Tipton JJ, Guillette LJ, Lovelace S, Parrott BB, Rainwater TR, Reiner JL. Analysis of PFAAs in American alligators part 2: Potential dietary exposure of South Carolina hunters from recreationally harvested alligator meat. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 61:31-38. [PMID: 29191313 PMCID: PMC6526952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) has been linked to many harmful health effects including reproductive disorders, developmental delays, and altered liver and kidney function. Most human exposure to environmental contaminants, including PFAAs, occurs through consumption of contaminated food or drinking water. This study uses PFAA data from meat samples collected from recreationally harvested American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in South Carolina to assess potential dietary exposure of hunters and their families to PFAAs. Consumption patterns were investigated using intercept surveys of 23 hunters at a wild game meat processor. An exposure scenario using the average consumption frequency, portion size, and median perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) concentration in alligator meat from all hunt units found the daily dietary exposure to be 2.11ng/kg body weight per day for an adult human. Dietary PFOS exposure scenarios based on location of harvest suggested the highest daily exposure occurs with alligator meat from the Middle Coastal hunt unit in South Carolina. Although no samples were found to exceed the recommended threshold for no consumption of PFOS found in Minnesota state guidelines, exposure to a mixture of PFAAs found in alligator meat and site-specific exposures based on harvest location should be considered in determining an appropriate guideline for vulnerable populations potentially exposed to PFAAs through consumption of wild alligator meat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis J Guillette
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Benjamin B Parrott
- University of Georgia, Odum School of Ecology, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Jackson, SC 29831, USA
| | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center & Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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Ljungvall K, Magnusson U, Korvela M, Norrby M, Bergquist J, Persson S. Heavy metal concentrations in female wild mink (Neovison vison) in Sweden: Sources of variation and associations with internal organ weights. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:2030-2035. [PMID: 28000953 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The American mink is an invasive species in Sweden, and it is legally hunted all year. Therefore, the mink is well suited as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring. In the present study female mink (n = 91) from 6 different areas in Sweden were analyzed for the concentrations of silver, cadmium, mercury and lead in liver tissue using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The wet concentrations in liver tissue were 42.6 ± 52.7 ng/g for silver, 99.5 ± 100 ng/g for cadmium, 652 ± 537 ng/g for mercury, and 196 ± 401 ng/g for lead (expressed as mean ± standard deviation). There were associations between the sample area and the concentrations of silver, lead, and mercury. The concentrations of lead and cadmium varied with season of capture and lead, cadmium, and mercury were positively associated with increasing age. Relative liver weight was positively associated with concentrations of mercury and negatively associated with lead and cadmium. Relative kidney weight was negatively associated with lead concentrations. In summary, it is of importance to take age and season of capture into account when assessing levels of heavy metals in wild mink. Also, liver and kidneys seem to be potential targets for heavy metal toxicity in wild female mink in Sweden. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2030-2035. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcus Korvela
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mattias Norrby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Persson
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Dong T, Peng Y, Zhong N, Liu F, Zhang H, Xu M, Liu R, Han M, Tian X, Jia J, Chang LK, Guo LH, Liu S. Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) promotes gastric cell proliferation via sPLA2-IIA. Oncotarget 2017; 8:50911-50920. [PMID: 28881615 PMCID: PMC5584216 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The association of perfluorodecanoicacid (PFDA) with tumor promotion and associated effects is not clear. Given that PDFA is mostly consumed with food and drinking water, we evaluated the effects of PFDA on a gastric cell line. When added to cell cultures, PFDA significantly increased growth rate and colony forming ability compared with control treatment. We found that suppression of cell senescence, but not apoptosis or autophagy was associated with PFDA-induced promotion of cell amount. To determine the molecular mechanism that was involved, DNA microarray assays was used to analyze changes in gene expression in response to PFDA treatment. Data analysis demonstrated that the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway had the lowest p-value, with sPLA2-IIA (pla2g2a) exhibits the most altered expression pattern within the pathway. Moreover, sPLA2-IIA and its transcription factor TCF4, known as a direct target and a binding partner of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in gastric cells respectively, were the third and second most varied genes globally. Cells transfected with expression plasmids pENTER-tcf4 and pENTER-pla2g2a show reduced cell proliferation by more than 60% and 30% respectively. Knockdown with sPLA2-IIA siRNA provided additional evidence that sPLA2-IIA was a mediator of PFDA-induced cell senescence suppression. The results suggest for the first time that PFDA induced suppression of cell senescence through inhibition of sPLA2-IIA protein expression and might increased the proliferative capacity of an existing tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Dong
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Department of Breast Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Yanping Peng
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ning Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Fengyan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Mengchen Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Mingyong Han
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong university, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Xingsong Tian
- Department of Breast Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Jihui Jia
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lap Kam Chang
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Shili Liu
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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López-Doval S, Salgado R, Lafuente A. The expression of several reproductive hormone receptors can be modified by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in adult male rats. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 155:488-497. [PMID: 27151425 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.04.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible role of several reproductive hormone receptors on the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis activity induced by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The studied receptors are the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHr), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHr), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHr), and the androgen receptor (Ar). Adult male rats were orally treated with 1.0; 3.0 and 6.0 mg of PFOS kg(-1) d(-1) for 28 days. In general terms, PFOS can modify the relative gene and protein expressions of these receptors in several tissues of the reproductive axis. At the testicular level, apart from the expected inhibition of both gene and protein expressions of FSHr and Ar, PFOS also stimulates the GnRHr protein and the LHr gene expression. The receptors of the main hormones involved in the HPT axis may have an important role in the disruption exerted by PFOS on this axis.
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MESH Headings
- Alkanesulfonic Acids/chemistry
- Alkanesulfonic Acids/pharmacology
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Fluorocarbons/chemistry
- Fluorocarbons/pharmacology
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism
- Male
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Receptors, FSH/genetics
- Receptors, FSH/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Receptors, LHRH/genetics
- Receptors, LHRH/metabolism
- Reproduction/drug effects
- Testis/drug effects
- Testis/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- S López-Doval
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - R Salgado
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - A Lafuente
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Sciences School, University of Vigo, Las Lagunas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain.
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