Disruption of thyroid hormone sulfotransferase activity by brominated flame retardant chemicals in the human choriocarcinoma placenta cell line, BeWo

Identification of Bromophenols' glucuronidation and its induction on UDP- glucuronosyltransferases isoforms

Bromophenols (BPs) are prominent environmental pollutants extensively utilized in aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing. This study aims to identify UDP- glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) isoforms involved in the metabolic elimination of BPs. Mono-glucuronides of BPs were detected in human liver microsomes (HLMs) incubated with the co-factor uridine-diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA). The glucuronidation metabolism reactions catalyzed by HLMs followed Michaelis-Menten or substrate inhibition kinetics. Recombinant enzymes and inhibition experiments with chemical reagents were employed to phenotype the principal UGT isoforms participating in BP glucuronidation. UGT1A6 emerged as the major enzyme in the glucuronidation of 4-Bromophenol (4-BP), while UGT1A1, UGT1A6, and UGT1A8 were identified as the most essential isoforms for metabolizing 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP). UGT1A1, UGT1A8, and UGT2B4 were deemed the most critical isoforms in the catalysis of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) glucuronidation. Species differences were investigated using the liver microsomes of pig (PLM), rat (RLM), monkey (MyLM), and dog (DLM). Additionally, 2,4,6-TBP effects on the expression of UGT1A1 and UGT2B7 in HepG2 cells were evaluated. The results demonstrated potential induction of UGT1A1 and UGT2B7 upon exposure to 2,4,6-TBP at a concentration of 50 μM. Collectively, these findings contribute to elucidating the metabolic elimination and toxicity of BPs.

Update of the risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food

The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food, focusing on 10 congeners: BDE-28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183 and ‑209. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the neurodevelopmental effects on behaviour and reproductive/developmental effects are the critical effects in rodent studies. For four congeners (BDE-47, -99, -153, -209) the Panel derived Reference Points, i.e. benchmark doses and corresponding lower 95% confidence limits (BMDLs), for endpoint-specific benchmark responses. Since repeated exposure to PBDEs results in accumulation of these chemicals in the body, the Panel estimated the body burden at the BMDL in rodents, and the chronic intake that would lead to the same body burden in humans. For the remaining six congeners no studies were available to identify Reference Points. The Panel concluded that there is scientific basis for inclusion of all 10 congeners in a common assessment group and performed a combined risk assessment. The Panel concluded that the combined margin of exposure (MOET) approach was the most appropriate risk metric and applied a tiered approach to the risk characterisation. Over 84,000 analytical results for the 10 congeners in food were used to estimate the exposure across dietary surveys and age groups of the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary Lower Bound exposure to PBDEs were meat and meat products and fish and seafood. Taking into account the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded that it is likely that current dietary exposure to PBDEs in the European population raises a health concern.

Brominated flame retardants in breast milk from the United States: First detection of bromophenols in U.S. breast milk

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a class of compounds with many persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative members. BFRs have been widely detected in breast milk, posing health risks for breastfeeding infants. Ten years after the phaseout of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the United States, we analyzed breast milk from 50 U.S. mothers for a suite of BFRs to assess current exposures to BFRs and the impact of changing use patterns on levels of PBDEs and current-use compounds in breast milk. Compounds analyzed included 37 PBDEs, 18 bromophenols, and 11 other BFRs. A total of 25 BFRs were detected, including 9 PBDEs, 8 bromophenols, and 8 other BFRs. PBDEs were found in every sample but at concentrations considerably lower than in previous North American samples, with a median ∑PBDE concentration (sum of 9 detected PBDEs) of 15.0 ng/g lipid (range 1.46-1170 ng/g lipid). Analysis of time trends in PBDE concentrations in North American breast milk indicated a significant decline since 2002, with a halving time for ∑PBDE concentrations of 12.2 years; comparison with previous samples from the northwest U.S region showed a 70% decline in median levels. Bromophenols were detected in 88% of samples with a median ∑12bromophenol concentration (sum of 12 detected bromophenols) of 0.996 ng/g lipid and reaching up to 71.1 ng/g lipid. Other BFRs were infrequently detected but concentrations reached up to 278 ng/g lipid. These results represent the first measurement of bromophenols and other replacement flame retardants in breast milk from U.S. mothers. In addition, these results provide data on current PBDE contamination in human milk, as PBDEs were last measured in U.S. breast milk ten years ago. The presence of phased-out PBDEs, bromophenols, and other current-use flame retardants in breast milk reflects ongoing prenatal exposure and increased risk for adverse impacts on infant development.

Comparative cytotoxicity, endocrine-disrupting effects, oxidative stress of halophenolic disinfection byproducts and the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed by transcriptome analysis

Halophenolic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a class of emerging pollutants whose adverse effects on human cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms still need further exploration. In this study, we found that when halophenolic DBPs were substituted with the same halogen, the more substitution sites, the more cytotoxic, while when they were substituted at the same sites, the most toxic chemical was iodophenols, followed by bromophenols and chlorophenols. In addition, several of them exerted significant endocrine-disrupting effects at sublethal concentrations. 2,4,6-triiodophenol (TIP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) showed the highest estradiol equivalent factor (EEF) of 4.41 × 10^-8 and flutamide equivalent factor (FEF) of 0.4, respectively. Furthermore, all of the halophenolic DBPs except for 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and 2-bromophenol (2-BP) significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in HepG2 cells. The lowest cytotoxicity and unchanged ROS and 8-OHdG levels after 2-CP exposure may result from the activation of the transporters of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette in cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct grouping patterns of 2-CP, 2,6-dibromophenol (2,6-DBP), and TIP at the concentrations of EC₂₀, and the top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in the antioxidant-, immune-, and endocrine-associated systems. The weighted gene correlation network analysis well connected the phenotypes (EC₅₀, EEF, FEF, ROS, 8-OHdG, and ABC transporters) with the DEGs and revealed that the MAPK signaling pathway played a vital role in regulating the biological response after exposure to halophenolic DBPs. This study provides deep insights into the underlying mechanisms of the toxic effects induced by halophenolic DBPs.

Understanding the Chemical Exposome During Fetal Development and Early Childhood: A Review

Early human life is considered a critical window of susceptibility to external exposures. Infants are exposed to a multitude of environmental factors, collectively referred to as the exposome. The chemical exposome can be summarized as the sum of all xenobiotics that humans are exposed to throughout a lifetime. We review different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism and the potential toxicological role of mixture effects. We also discuss the progress in human biomonitoring and present possiblemodels for studying maternal-fetal transfer. Data gaps on prenatal and infant exposure to xenobiotic mixtures are identified and include natural biotoxins, in addition to commonly reported synthetic toxicants, to obtain a more holistic assessment of the chemical exposome. We highlight the lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics. Several recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and the subsequent impact on health outcomes are proposed.

The role of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the induction of cancer: a systematic review of insight into their mechanisms

Environmental pollution caused by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has increased the challenge for the scientific communities. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), classified as POPs, are widely applied in various materials as brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Because of the nature of these chemical compounds including toxicity, stability, and capability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify, PBDEs have posed a great challenge and risk to human health and wildlife. Therefore, the side effects of exposure to PBDEs as ubiquitous pollutants in the environment on cancer progression were investigated using a systematic review (SR) survey. To achieve this goal, forty studies were considered after defining the search terms and inclusion criteria, and/or exclusion criteria; the eligible records were collected from the international bibliographic databases. Based on the findings of the reviewed records, environmental exposure to the BFRs including PBDEs has a positive association with different mechanisms that induce cancer progression. However, the findings of the reviewed studies were not totally consistent with the mode of action and side effects are yet to be fully elucidated. Several articles have reported that BFRs can be carcinogenic and induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition via different mechanisms. The main mode of action involved in the environmental exposure to BFRs and the risk of cancer progression is endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress (OS). Generally, the imbalance of antioxidant mechanisms, reactive nitrogen species (RNSs) and reactive oxygen species (ROSs), during damage in cells, and stress caused OS, which increases tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms, such as DNA damage, inflammation, and angiogenesis.

The involvement of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in aromatic trihalogenated DBP exposure-induced kidney damage in mice

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are inevitably generated in the process of disinfection. Among them, aromatic halogenated DBPs, such as 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP) and 2,4,6-triiodophenol (TIP), have attracted considerable interest for their high toxicity. A systematic nephrotoxicity evaluation of 2,4,6-trihalophenols is still lacking. In this study, mice were exposed to TCP, TBP and TIP ranging from environmental-related low concentration to high concentration that commonly used in animal study (0.5-200 μg/L). Kidney histopathology, urine protein detection and urine metabolomics were performed. Remarkable changes including kidney damage, proteinuria and glomerular mesangial cell proliferation were observed after three 2,4,6-trihalophenol exposure, even at low concentration of 0.5 μg/L. The nephrotoxicity rank order was TIP > TBP > TCP. Additionally, in vivo exposure to 2,4,6-trihalophenols also led to apparent changes in urinary metabolic profiles. Biosynthesis pathways of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, containing valine, leucine and isoleucine) were disturbed even at the early stage of exposure (4 weeks). Intriguingly, it has been reported that BCAAs could promote the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells. Thus, in vitro cell experiments were further performed on mouse glomerular mesangial cell line MES-13. Consistently with in vivo results, cell proliferation was observed in MES-13 cells after exposure to 2,4,6-trihalophenols, especially to TBP and TIP. Meanwhile, TCP at high concentration, TBP and TIP at not only high concentration but also low concentration, induced BCAAs accumulation in glomerular mesangial cells, which was completely commensurate to that observed in cell proliferation assay. Then the proliferation of MES-13 cells induced by 2,4,6-trihalophenols was remarkably inhibited after BCAAs interference. Here we provide direct link between disturbed BCAAs and the nephrotoxicity of 2,4,6-trihalophenols. 2,4,6-trihalophenols could induce excess BCAAs, which further led to proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells and renal injury. This study revealed the nephrotoxicity of aromatic trihalogenated DBPs and provided new insights into the potential toxic mechanisms.

Apoptosis-Inducing Potential of Selected Bromophenolic Flame Retardants 2,4,6-Tribromophenol and Pentabromophenol in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

(1) Background: 2,4,6-Tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) and pentabromophenol (PBP) are utilized as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in order to reduce the combustion of materials used in various utility products. The presence of 2,4,6-TBP and PBP has been reported in environmental samples as well as in inhaled air, dust, food, drinking water, and the human body. To date, there are limited data concerning the toxic action of 2,4,6-TBP and particularly PBP, and no study has been conducted to assess the apoptotic mechanism of action of these substances in human leukocytes. (2) Methods: PBMCs were isolated from leukocyte–platelet buffy coat and treated with tested substances in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 50 µg/mL for 24 h. The apoptotic mechanism of action of the tested BFRs was assessed by the determination of phosphatidylserine exposure on the PBMCs surface, the evaluation of mitochondrial potential and cytosolic calcium ion levels, and the determination of caspase-8, -9, and -3 activation. Moreover, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin condensation were analyzed. (3) Results: 2,4,6-TBP and, more strongly, PBP induced apoptosis in PBMCs, changing all tested parameters. It was also found that the mitochondrial pathway was mainly involved in the apoptosis of PBMCs exposed to the studied compounds. (4) Conclusions: 2,4,6-TBP and PBP triggered apoptosis in human PBMCs, and some observed changes occurred at 2,4,6-TBP concentrations that were detected in humans occupationally exposed to this substance.

W-Compound can be used as a Biomarker for Fetal Thyroid Function and a Potential Tool for Screening Congenital Hypothyroidism

Sulfoconjugation is the major pathway for thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism, converting T4 to inactive metabolites, T4S, rT3S, and T3S in fetus, via sulfotransferases (SULT) and type 3 deiodinase in gestation. Consistent with high production rate of T4S and rT3S, there are high serum sulfated iodothyronine analogs, including T4S, T3S, rT3S, and 3,3'-T2S (T2S), in ovine and human fetal and preterm infants. Fetal TH metabolic pathways predict T2S as the major TH metabolite in the fetus. Since maternal T2S appears to be quantitatively derived from fetal T3 (the active TH), the amount of T2S in the maternal compartment correlates with fetal thyroid function in sheep. In humans, maternal serum contains high levels of radioimmunoassayable T2S; however, it displays as a peak adjacent to but unidentical to synthetic T2S on HLPC and we named it the W-Compound. Levels of W-Compound increase during pregnancy and peak as high as 20-fold to that of nonpregnant women. Maternal serum levels of W-Compound significantly correlate with fetal T4 and W-compound concentrations but not maternal serum T4 in euthyroid or hyperthyroid women, showing a distinct difference between fetal and maternal in TH metabolism. Fetal T2S is actively transferred to the mother via placenta and the quantity of T2S or its metabolite (W-Compound) in maternal compartment reflects fetal thyroid function. Thus, maternal serum W-Compound may be a biomarker for monitoring fetal thyroid function in utero, although more investigations are needed to determine if it can be used as an alternative strategy for screening/managing congenital hypothyroidism due to dysregulated thyroid hormone metabolism.

A review on environmental occurrence, toxic effects and transformation of man-made bromophenols

Brominated phenols (BPs) of anthropogenic origin are aromatic substances widely used in the industry as flame retardants (FRs) and pesticides as well as the components of FRs and polymers. In this review, we have focused on describing 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) and pentabromophenol (PBP), which are the most commonly used in the industry and are the most often detected in the air, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the human body. This review describes human-related sources of these BPs that influence their occurrence in the environment (atmosphere, surface water, sediment, soil, biota), indoor air and dust, food, drinking water and the human organism. Data from in vitro and in vivo studies showing 2,4-DBP, 2,4,6-TBP and PBP toxicity, including their estrogenic activity, effects on development and reproduction, perturbations of cellular redox balance and cytotoxic action have been described. Moreover, the processes of BPs transformation that occur in human and other mammals, plants and bacteria have been discussed. Finally, the effect of abiotic factors (e.g. UV irradiation and temperature) on BPs conversion to highly toxic brominated dioxins and brominated furans as well as polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers has been presented.

Flame retardants and their associations with thyroid hormone-related variables in northern fulmars from the Faroe Islands

Flame retardants (FRs) are widely reported in tissues of seabirds including birds sampled from remote areas. There is evidence that FRs can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in seabirds, although information is limited on thyroid-related mechanisms and effects. This study investigated the associations between concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other FRs, and changes in the HPT axis in northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from the Faroe Islands (North Atlantic). Plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones (THs), hepatic deiodinase type 1 (D1) activity, and transcription of selected TH-related genes in liver were used as markers of HPT axis changes. Liver concentrations of a certain PBDE congeners and other FRs including pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB), dechlorane 602 (Dec-602), and dechlorane plus (DP) were associated with changes in thyroid status. Specifically, liver PBDE, PBEB and Dec-602 concentrations were associated with plasma TH levels (free thyroxine [FT₄] and total triiodothyronine [TT₃]). Liver DP concentrations were positively correlated with the TT₄:FT₄ ratios and mRNA levels of UDP-glucuronyltransferase-1, while those of PBEB were negatively associated with TT₄:TT₃ ratios and D1 activity. D1 activity was also positively associated with the tri-, tetra- and hexa-BDE congeners. Moreover, transcription of ABCC2, a hepatic TH transporter, was associated with certain liver PBDE concentrations. Although PBDEs and other FRs may be potential inhibitors of D1 activity, only a few of the targeted FRs had modest associations with hepatic D1 activity. Regardless, the relationships reported herein indicated that exposure to moderate levels of FRs can be associated with thyroid axis perturbation at the molecular/biochemical levels in this North Atlantic seabird species.

Gaps in the knowledge of thyroid hormones and placental biology

Thyroid hormones (THs) are required for the growth and development of the foetus, stimulating anabolism and oxygen consumption from the early stages of pregnancy to the period of foetal differentiation close to delivery. Maternal changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary thyroid axis are also well known. In contrast, several open questions remain regarding the relationships between the placenta and the maternal and foetal TH systems. The exact mechanism by which the placenta participates in regulating the TH concentration in the foetus and mother and the role of TH in the placenta are still poorly studied. In this review, we aim to summarize the available data in the area and highlight significant gaps in our understanding of the ontogeny and cell-specific localization of TH transporters, TH receptors and TH metabolic enzymes in the placenta in both human and rodent models. Significant deficiencies also exist in knowledge of the contribution of genomic and nongenomic effects of TH on the placenta and finally how the placenta reacts during pregnancy when the mother has thyroid disease. By addressing these key knowledge gaps, improved pregnancy outcomes and management of women with thyroid alterations may be possible.

Biotransformation of 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (TTBP-TAZ) can contribute to high levels of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) in humans

2,4,6-Tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) is a brominated flame retardant that accumulates in human tissues and is a potential toxicant. Previous studies found 2,4,6-TBP levels in human tissues were significantly higher than those of brominated flame retardants measured in the same samples. In contrast, the levels of 2,4,6-TBP in the environment and foodstuff are not elevated, suggesting a low potential for direct intake through environmental exposure or diet. Here, we hypothesized that high levels of 2,4,6-TBP in human tissues are partially from the indirect exposure sources, such as biotransformation of highly brominated substances. We conducted in vitro assays utilizing human and rat liver microsomes to compare the biotransformation rates of four highly brominated flame retardants, which could potentially transform to 2,4,6-TBP, including decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 2,4,6-tris-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine (TTBP-TAZ), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Our results show that TTBP-TAZ rapidly metabolizes in both human and rat liver microsomes with a half-life of 1.1 and 2.2 h, respectively, suggesting that TTBP-TAZ is a potential precursor of 2,4,6-TBP. In contrast, 2,4,6-TBP was not formed as a result of biotransformation of TBBPA, BTBPE, and DBDPE in both human and rat liver microsomes. We applied suspect and target screening to explore the metabolic pathways of TTBP-TAZ and identified 2,4,6-TBP as a major metabolite of TTBP-TAZ accounting for 87% of all formed metabolites. These in vitro results were further tested by an in vivo experiment in which 2,4,6-TBP was detected in the rat blood and liver at concentrations of 270 ± 110 and 50 ± 14 μg/g lipid weight, respectively, after being exposed to 250 mg/kg body weight/day of TTBP-TAZ for a week. The hepatic mRNA expression demonstrated that TTBP-TAZ significantly activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and promotes fatty degeneration (18 and 28-fold change compared to control, respectively) in rats.

Maternal 3,3'-Diiodothyronine Sulfate Formation from Guinea Pig Placenta Perfused with 3,3',5-Triodothyronine

OBJECTIVE

Serum 3, 3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) remains low in near-term fetus to prevent the growing fetus from undue exposure to its active catabolic effect in mammals. The present study was undertaken to gain insight in the role of placenta in T3 metabolism, fetal to maternal transfer of T3, and its metabolites by in situ placenta perfusion with outer-ring labeled [125I]-T3 in pregnant guinea pig, a species showing increased sulfated 3, 3'-diiodothyronine (T2S) levels in maternal serum in late pregnancy (term = 65 days), similarly to humans in pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-pass placenta perfusions performed on pregnant guinea pigs were studied between 58 - 65 days of gestation. In two separate experiments, the umbilical artery of the guinea pig placenta was perfused in situ at 37°C with outer-ring labeled [125I]-T3. Maternal sera and umbilical effluents were obtained for analysis at the end of a 60-minute perfusion, when the steady-state levels of radioactivity were reached in the placenta effluent after 30-minute.

RESULTS

Sulfated [125I]-T2S was readily detected in the maternal serum as the major metabolite of T3 following the perfusion of placenta with [125I]-T3, suggesting that placental inner-ring deiodinase and sulfotransferase may play an important role in fetal T3 homeostasis and in the fetal to maternal transfer of sulfated iodothyronine metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of type 3 deiodinase (D3) and thyroid hormone sulfotransferase activity in placenta may play an important role to protect developing organs against undue exposure to active thyroid hormone in late gestation in the fetus. The combined activities of D3 and sulfotransferase promoted a placental transfer of T2S into maternal circulation. The maternal circulation of T2S is fetal T3 in origin and its role as a fetal thyroid function biomarker deserves further evaluations and studies.

Thyroid hormone system disrupting chemicals

The thyroid hormone system is a main target of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC) at all levels of its intricately fine-tuned feedback regulation, synthesis, distribution, metabolism and action of the 'prohormone' thyroxine and its active metabolites. Apart from classical antithyroid effects of EDC on the gland, the majority of known and suspected effects occurs at the pre-receptor control of T3 ligand availability to T3 receptors exerting ligand modulated thyroid hormone action. Tissue-, organ- and cell-specific expression and function of thyroid hormone transporters, deiodinases, metabolizing enzymes and T3-receptor forms, all integral components of the system, may mediate adverse EDC effects. Established evidence from nutritional, pharmacological and molecular genetic studies clearly support the functional, biological, and clinical relevance of these targets. Iodine-containing thyroid hormones and the organization of this system are highly conserved during evolution from primitive aquatic life forms, amphibia, birds throughout all vertebrates including humans. Mechanistic studies from various animal experimental models strongly support cause-effect relationships upon EDC exposure, hazards and adverse effects of EDC across various species. Retrospective case-control, cohort and population studies linking EDC exposure with epidemiological data on thyroid hormone-related (dys-)functions provide clear evidence that human development, especially of the fetal and neonatal brain, growth, differentiation and metabolic processes in adult and aging humans are at risk for adverse EDC effects. Considering that more than half of the world population still lives on inadequate iodine supply, the additional ubiquitous exposure to EDC and their mixtures is an additional threat for the essential thyroid hormone system, the health of the human population and their future progenies, animal life forms and our global environment.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental function: Impact on fetal brain development

Pregnancy is a critical time of vulnerability for the development of the fetal brain. Exposure to environmental pollutants at any point in pregnancy can negatively impact many aspects of fetal development, especially the organization and differentiation of the brain. The placenta performs a variety of functions that can help protect the fetus and sustain brain development. However, disruption of any of these functions can have negative impacts on both the pregnancy outcome and fetal neurodevelopment. This review presents current understanding of how environmental exposures, specifically to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfere with placental function and, in turn, neurodevelopment. Some of the key differences in placental development between animal models are presented, as well as how placental functions such as serving as a xenobiotic barrier and exchange organ, immune interface, regulator of growth and fetal oxygenation, and a neuroendocrine organ, could be vulnerable to environmental exposure. This review illustrates the importance of the placenta as a modulator of fetal brain development and suggests critical unexplored areas and possible vulnerabilities to environmental exposure.

The interplay between thyroid hormones and the placenta: a comprehensive review†

Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate a number of metabolic processes during pregnancy. After implantation, the placenta forms and enhances embryonic growth and development. Dysregulated maternal THs signaling has been observed in malplacentation-mediated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but the molecular mechanisms involved in this association have not been fully characterized. In this review, we have discussed THs signaling and its roles in trophoblast proliferation, trophoblast differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the decidua, and decidual angiogenesis. We have also explored the relationship between specific pregnancy complications and placental THs transporters, deiodinases, and THs receptors. In addition, we have examined the effects of specific endocrine disruptors on placental THs signaling. The available evidence indicates that THs signaling is involved in the formation and functioning of the placenta and serves as the basis for understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of dysthyroidism-associated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, miscarriage, and IUGR.

Investigating the molecular mechanism of hydroxylated bromdiphenyl ethers to inhibit the thyroid hormone sulfotransferase SULT1A1

Hydroxylated bromodiphenyl ethers (OH-BDEs) have raised great concern due to their potential endocrine disrupting effects on humans. In vitro experiments have indicated OH-BDEs can inhibit the activity of thyroid hormone (TH) sulfotransferases (SULTs); however, the molecular mechanism has not been investigated in depth. In this work, we employed 17 OH-BDEs with five or fewer Br atoms, and performed integrated computational simulations to unravel the possible inhibition mechanism of OH-BDEs on human SULT1A1. The molecular docking results demonstrate that OH-BDEs form hydrogen bonds with residues Lys106 and His108, and the neutral OH-BDEs show comparable binding energies with their anionic counterparts. The further hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations unravel a metabolic mechanism of OH-BDEs comprised by proton abstraction and sulfation steps. This mechanism is involved in the SULT1A1 inhibition by some OH-BDEs comprised of three or fewer Br atoms, while other OH-BDEs likely only form ternary complexes to competitively inhibit SULT1A1 activity. Moreover, the effect of the hydroxyl group of OH-BDEs on SULT1A1 inhibition potential follows the order of ortho-OH BDE > meta-OH BDE > para-OH BDE. These results provide an insight into the inhibition mechanism of OH-BDEs to SULT1A1 at the molecular level, which are beneficial in illuminating the molecular initiating events involved in the TH disruption of OH-BDEs.

Placental distribution of endogenous and exogenous substances: A pilot study utilizing cryo-sampled specimen off delivery room

INTRODUCTION

Reliability in the use of placentome (including placenta, umbilical cord, and cord blood) biomarkers requires an understanding of their distributions. Here we aim to develop a simple and proper placenta sampling scheme, and to evaluate the placental distributions of biomarkers.

METHODS

We developed a continuous cooling chain protocol off delivery room and cryo-subsampling method for placenta sampling. The levels of thyroid hormones (THs), elements, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), monoamines, and vitamin E were measured using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, HPLC-ICP-MS, HPLC-EcD, and HRGC-HRMS, respectively. The distributions of biomarkers were assessed.

RESULTS

In human placentome, _l-thyroxine (T₄), Cd, Se, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, and β-tocotrienol levels were higher in placenta than in umbilical cord, while Pb and Mn were concentrated in human cord. In porcine placentome, T₄, 3,3',5'-triiodo-_l-thyronine (rT₃), 3,3'-diiodo-_l-thyronine, Cd, Pb, Zn, K, and Al levels were higher in the cord. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was <0.4 for 3,3',5-triiodo-_l-thyronine, rT₃, α-tocopherol, and 7 elements in human basal plate, indicating low reliability. rT₃, Cd, Zn, Mn, and Cu were significantly concentrated in the central region in human placenta, while higher levels of As, Cd, Cr, and Al were found in the periphery region in porcine placenta. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) showed moderate reliability (ICC: 0.40-0.98) except PCB-81, -126, and BDE-208, while polychlorinated dibenzo-p-doixins/furans (PCDD/Fs) showed poor reliability (ICC: 0.07-0.31).

DISCUSSION

These results highlight the complexity of placenta sampling. This study provides a novel and simple sampling approach in investigating placental exposomics.

Association of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels with biomarkers of placental development and disease during mid-gestation

BACKGROUND

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposures have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A hypothesized mechanism is via alterations in placental development and function. However, we lack biomarkers that can be used as early indicators of maternal/fetal response to PBDE exposures and/or perturbations in placental development or function.

METHODS

To evaluate the relationship between PBDE levels and placental biomarkers during mid-gestation of human pregnancy (n = 62), we immunolocalized three molecules that play key roles in cytotrophoblast (CTB) differentiation and interstitial/endovascular uterine invasion-integrin alpha-1 (ITGA1), vascular endothelial-cadherin (CDH5), and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1)-and assessed three morphological parameters as potential indicators of pathological alterations using H&E-stained tissues-leukocyte infiltration, fibrinoid deposition, and CTB endovascular invasion. We evaluated associations between placental PBDE levels and of biomarkers of placental development and disease using censored Kendall's tau correlation and linear regression methods.

RESULTS

PBDEs were detected in all placental samples. We observed substantial variation in antigen expression and morphological endpoints across placental regions. We observed an association between PBDE concentrations and immunoreactivity of endovascular CTB staining with anti-ITGA1 (inverse) or interstitial CTBs staining with anti-CDH5 (positive).

CONCLUSIONS

We found several molecular markers that may be sensitive placental indicators of PBDE exposure. Further, this indicates that placental biomarkers of development and disease could be useful barometers of exposure to PBDEs, a paradigm that could be extended to other environmental chemicals and placental stage-specific antigens.

Disruption of thyroid hormone regulated proteins and gene expression by polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and new flame retardants in residents of an e-waste region

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and new flame retardants (NFRs) are known thyroid hormone (TH) disruptors, but their disrupting mechanisms in humans are not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the disrupting mechanisms of the aforementioned chemicals via examining TH-regulated proteins and gene expression in human serum. Adult participants from an e-waste dismantling (exposed group) and a control region (control group) in South China provided blood samples for the research. Some compounds of PCBs, PBDEs, and NFRs showed strong binding affinity to the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin, thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), gene expression of TH receptor α (TRα) and β, and iodothyronine deiodinase I (ID1). The highly exposed individuals had lower levels of TBG, TSH, and expression of TRα, but higher expression of ID1 than those of the control group. The disruption of TH-regulated proteins and gene expression suggested the exertion of different and, at times, even contradictory effects on TH disruption. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the TH levels between the exposed and the control group, implying that the TH disruption induced by these chemicals depends on the combined influence of multiple mechanisms. Gene expression appears to be an effective approach for investigations of TH disruption and the potential health effects.

In silico study for inhibiting thyroid hormone sulfotransferase activity by halogenated phenolic chemicals

Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential to proper growth and development of human bodies. Inhibiting the sulfation metabolism of THs has been demonstrated to be an important way for some environmental pollutants, such as halogenated phenolic compounds, to interfere THs homeostasis, thereby causing health problems. However, the important property characteristics that govern the sulfation inhibition of these chemicals are not well understood, and the experimental data on inhibition potential is limited. In this work, an in silico approach was developed to investigate the structure-activity relationship for their sulfotransferases (SULTs) inhibition. A series of quantum chemical descriptors that quantify the electronic and energy properties of 22 halogenated phenolic compounds have been calculated to establish a predictive model and analyzed their corresponding contributions to SULTs inhibition. Density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-31G** has been employed to optimize molecular geometries to obtain a total of 15 descriptors for every compound. The implementation of linear regression shows three descriptors that represent molecular mass, positive charges on hydrogen atoms, and energy of frontier orbitals strongly correlate with SULTs inhibition potential. This indicates molecular size, hydrogen-bond strength, and nucleophilic-electrophilic reactivity may play important roles in SULTs inhibition. The derived regression model has good statistical performance (r² = 0.84, rms = 0.35), and different validation strategies indicate it can serve as an efficient predictive tool for other chemicals in application domain but with no experimental data, consequently assisting in their THs sulfation inhibition and health risk assessment.

A mechanism for the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals on placentation

Numerous recent studies have shown that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the body of pregnant women can pass through the placenta and be exposed to the fetus, leading to fetal development and cognitive impairment. Placentation through invasion of trophoblast cells and vascular remodeling is essential to maintaining maternal and fetal health throughout the pregnancy. Abnormal placentation can lead to pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). However, many studies have not been conducted on whether EDCs can inhibit the development and function of the placenta. Isolating placental tissues to analyze the effect of EDCs on placentation has several limitations. In this review, we discussed the types of EDCs that can pass through the placental barrier and accumulate in the placenta with relative outcome. EDCs can be released from a variety of products including plasticizers, pesticides, and retardant. We also discussed the development and dysfunction of the placenta when EDCs were treated on trophoblast cells or pregnant rodent models. The effects of EDCs on the placenta of livestock are also discussed, together with the molecular mechanism of EDCs acting in trophoblast cells. We describe how EDCs cross the membrane of trophoblasts to regulate signaling pathways, causing genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to changes in cell viability and invasiveness. Further studies on the effects of EDCs on placenta may draw attention to the correct use of products containing EDCs during pregnancy.