BPA and its analogues (BPS and BPF) modify the expression of genes involved in the endocrine pathway and apoptosis and a multi drug resistance gene of the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera)

Bisphenol AF induces lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress and upregulation of heat shock protein 70 in zebrafish

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is a widespread endocrine disruptor in the environment, and the use of BPAF has been strongly associated with the development of several diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of BPAF on growth, development, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in zebrafish. We chose the concentrations based on the measured LC50 at 96 h post-fertilization (96 hpf), and the zebrafish embryos were exposed to three different concentrations (0.125, 0.5 and 2 μmol/L). The findings indicated that BPAF exposure in zebrafish leaded to alterations in heart rate, body length and hatching rate, as well as an accumulation of red blood cells in the heart. Additionally, BPAF exposure resulted in increased levels of neutrophils, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)), thus disturbing the balance between oxidative and antioxidative systems. BPAF promoted fatty acid catabolism and inhibited fatty acid synthesis, ultimately leading to a reduction in fatty acid content. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis and RT-qPCR revealed a significant upregulation of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) after BPAF exposure. Inhibition of hsp70 with VER-155008 ameliorated BPAF-induced oxidative stress. These data provided a novel approach to investigate BPAF-induced oxidative stress and suggested that regulation of hsp70 is a crucial target for alleviating this process.

Multigenerational testing reveals delayed chronic toxicity of bisphenol A to Daphnia magna: A common characteristic of endocrine-disrupting chemicals?

Bisphenol A (BPA) poses longstanding environmental concerns due to its widespread presence and recognized toxicity; however, its multigenerational ecotoxicity, in aquatic models such as water fleas, remains incompletely understood. This study examined the impact of sublethal BPA exposure on Daphnia magna across six generations, tracking changes in both life-history and population traits. Over the first five generations, BPA exposure produced minor and inconsistent effects on age at first oogenesis, age at first offspring production, growth rate, and fertility. The sixth generation exhibited prolonged oogenesis, delayed first offspring production, reduced body size, and decreased fertility, indicating delayed adverse effects. These multigenerational effects did not significantly alter population size or dynamics. Furthermore, BPA exposure did not affect feeding behavior in D. magna over six days, suggesting that food consumption-mediated mechanisms were unlikely a contributing factor. Our findings reveal BPA's delayed adverse effects on D. magna fitness, underscoring potential vulnerabilities for D. magna and other species under additional environmental stressors. These results support literature indicating that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can cause delayed and cumulative adverse effects on zooplankton descendants. Broadening multigenerational research to include a wider range of species, alongside sub-organismal analyses, is crucial to advancing regulatory frameworks and understanding underlying mechanisms.

Unveiling the role of cadaverine in mitigating salinity and/or Bisphenol A toxicity in tomato plants and reduced Bisphenol A accumulation in tomato roots

Mitigating the co-existence of environmental stresses on crop plants necessitates the development of integrated, eco-friendly, and sustainable approaches to alleviate plant stress responses. This study represents the first attempt to mitigate the toxic impact of prevalent pollutant (salinity) and an emergent plastic manufacturing pollutants (bisphenol A, BPA) using the polyamine (cadaverine).Tomato plants, treated with or without cadaverine, were subjected to NaCl salinity (120 mM), BPA (375 mg kg-1 soil), and their combinations compared to non-stressed control plants examining morphological, physiological, metabolic, and molecular responses. After 10 days of transplanting, tomato plants under combined stress were unable to survive without cadaverine application. However, cadaverine spraying mitigated the damaging effects of both single and combined stresses under short- and long-term exposure, enabling stressed plants to endure the conditions and complete their life cycles. Cadaverine efficiently restrained the reduction in chlorophylls, carotenoids, and cytosolutes under applied stresses compared to the stressed plants. Cadaverine also increased α-tocopherol content (by 171 and 53 %) and enhanced the activity of polyphenol oxidase (by 26 and 32 %), glutathione s-transferases (by 18 and 39 %), superoxide dismutase (by 23 and 46 %), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (by 9 and 25 %), under BPA and salinity stress, respectively. Thus, cadaverine ameliorated the oxidative and nitrosative burst induced by BPA or salinity, respectively by declining hydroxyl radical (by 28 % and 20 %), superoxide anion (by 73 % and 74 %), nitric oxide (by 60 and 65 %), lipid peroxidation (by 35 % and 54 %), and lipoxygenase activity (by 74 and 68 %). Moreover, cadaverine enhanced the expression of defence-related genes, including polyphenol oxidase, tubulin, and thaumatin-like protein, and reduced the uptake of BPA in the tomato's roots while promoting its metabolism in leaves and fruits. This ensured the safety of the harvested fruits. By mitigating stress, improving plant resilience, and limiting pollutant accumulation, cadaverine presents significant potential for sustainable agricultural practices and food safety. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of cadaverine in managing abiotic stress and safeguarding crop health in environmentally challenging conditions.

Mitigating Dietary Bisphenol Exposure Through the Gut Microbiota: The Role of Next-Generation Probiotics in Bacterial Detoxification

Bisphenols, such as bisphenol A and its analogs, which include bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, and tetramethyl bisphenol F, are chemical contaminants commonly found in food that raise serious health concerns. These xenobiotics can potentially have harmful effects on human health. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in metabolizing and neutralizing these substances, which is essential for their detoxification and elimination. Probiotic supplementation has been studied for its ability to modulate the gut microbiota's composition and function, enhancing detoxification processes. Next-Generation Probiotics (NGPs) may exhibit better properties than traditional strains and are designed for targeted action on specific conditions, such as obesity. By modulating inflammatory responses and reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, they can significantly improve host health. Research on NGPs' ability to neutralize obesogenic bisphenols remains limited, but their potential makes this a promising area for future exploration. This review aims to understand the mechanisms of the chemical transformation of bisphenol through its interactions with the gut microbiota and the role of probiotics, particularly NGPs, in these processes. Understanding the interplay between bisphenols, gut microbiota, and NGPs may pave the way for strategies to counteract the negative health effects associated with daily and chronic exposure to bisphenols, which is crucial for food safety and consumer health protection.

FTO mediates bisphenol F-induced blood-testis barrier impairment through regulating ferroptosis via YTHDF1/TfRc and YTHDF2/SLC7A11 signal axis

Bisphenol F (BPF) has been extensively utilized in daily life, which brings new hazards to male reproductive health. However, the specific functional mechanism is still unclear. Both cell and animal models were utilized for exploring the role of RNA methylation and ferroptosis and its underlying mechanisms in male reproductive injury induced by BPF. In animal model, BPF severely destroyed the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, BPF significantly affected the barrier function of TM4 cells and promoted ferroptosis. Importantly, ChIP assays revealed that BPF inhibited AR transcriptional regulation of FTO and FTO expression was downregulated in TM4 cells. Overexpression of FTO prevented the impairment of BTB by inhibiting ferroptosis in TM4 cells. Mechanistically, FTO could significantly down-regulate the m6A modification level of TfRc and SLC7A11 mRNA through MeRIP experiment. RIP experiments showed that YTHDF1 can bind to TfRc mRNA and promote its translation while YTHDF2 could bind to SLC7A11 mRNA and reduce its mRNA stability. Therefore, our results suggest that FTO plays a key role in BPF induced male reproductive toxicity through YTHDF1-TfRc axis and YTHDF2-SLC7A11 axis and may provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive diseases associated with environmental pollutants.

Exploring BPA alternatives - Environmental levels and toxicity review

Bisphenol A alternatives are manufactured as potentially less harmful substitutes of bisphenol A (BPA) that offer similar functionality. These alternatives are already in the market, entering the environment and thus raising ecological concerns. However, it can be expected that levels of BPA alternatives will dominate in the future, they are limited information on their environmental safety. The EU PARC project highlights BPA alternatives as priority chemicals and consolidates information on BPA alternatives, with a focus on environmental relevance and on the identification of the research gaps. The review highlighted aspects and future perspectives. In brief, an extension of environmental monitoring is crucial, extending it to cover BPA alternatives to track their levels and facilitate the timely implementation of mitigation measures. The biological activity has been studied for BPA alternatives, but in a non-systematic way and prioritized a limited number of chemicals. For several BPA alternatives, the data has already provided substantial evidence regarding their potential harm to the environment. We stress the importance of conducting more comprehensive assessments that go beyond the traditional reproductive studies and focus on overlooked relevant endpoints. Future research should also consider mixture effects, realistic environmental concentrations, and the long-term consequences on biota and ecosystems.

Simulated sunlight/periodate-triggered formation of toxic halogenated bisphenols in highly saline water

Periodate (PI)-based oxidation using the activators, such as metal ions and light irradiation, has emerged as a feasible treatment strategy for the effective remediation of contaminated water and wastewater. Given the pervasive nature of PI residues and solar exposure during application, the role of solar light in remediating the challenging highly saline water matrices needs to be elucidated. In this study, bisphenol A (BPA) was selected as the targeted micropollutant, which can be efficiently eliminated by the simulated sunlight (SSL)/PI system in the presence of high-level Cl- (up to 846.0 mM) at pH 7.0. The presence of different background constituents of water, such as halides, nitrate, and dissolved organic matter, had no effect, or even accelerated BPA abatement. Particularly, the ubiquitous Br- or I- appreciably enhanced the BPA transformation efficiency, which may be ascribed to the generation of high-selective reactive HOBr or HOI. The in silico predictions suggested that the transformation products generated by halide-mediated SSL/PI systems via halogen substitutions showed greater persistence, bioaccumulation, and aquatic toxicity than BPA itself. These findings highlighted a widespread phenomenon during PI-based oxidative treatment of highly saline water, which needs special attention under solar light illumination.

Natural products for combating multidrug resistance in cancer

Cancer cells frequently develop resistance to chemotherapeutic therapies and targeted drugs, which has been a significant challenge in cancer management. With the growing advances in technologies in isolation and identification of natural products, the potential of natural products in combating cancer multidrug resistance has received substantial attention. Importantly, natural products can impact multiple targets, which can be valuable in overcoming drug resistance from different perspectives. In the current review, we will describe the well-established mechanisms underlying multidrug resistance, and introduce natural products that could target these multidrug resistant mechanisms. Specifically, we will discuss natural compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, baicalein, chrysin and more, and their potential roles in combating multidrug resistance. This review article aims to provide a systematic summary of recent advances of natural products in combating cancer drug resistance, and will provide rationales for novel drug discovery.

DNA damage and molecular level effects induced by polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics (NPs) after Chironomus riparius (Diptera) larvae

In this work, we analyzed the early molecular effects of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics (NPs) on an aquatic primary consumer (larvae of Chironomus riparius, Diptera) to evaluate their potential DNA damage and the transcriptional response of different genes related to cellular and oxidative stress, endocrine response, developmental, oxygen transport, and immune response. After 24-h exposures of larvae to doses of PS NPs close to those currently found in the environment, the results revealed a large genotoxic effect. This end was evidenced after significant increases in DNA strand breaks of C. riparius larvae quantified by the comet assay, together with results obtained when analyzing the expression of four genes involved in DNA repair (xrrc1, ATM, DECAY and NLK) and which were reduced in the presence of these nanomaterials. Consequently, this reduction trend is likely to prevent the repair of DNA damage caused by PS NPs. In addition, the same tendency to reduce the expression of genes involved in cellular stress, oxidative stress, ecdysone pathway, development, and oxygen transport was observed. Taken together, these results suggest that PS NPs reduce the expression of hormonal target genes and a developmental gene. We show, for the first time, effects of PS NPs on the endocrine system of C. riparius and suggest a possible mechanism of blocking ecdysteroid hormones in insects. Moreover, the NPs were able to inhibit the expression of hemoglobin (Hb C), a protein involved in oxygen transport, and activate a gene of the humoral immune system. These data reveal for the first time the genomic effects of PS NPs in the aquatic invertebrate C. riparius, at the base of the food chain.

Toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues BPF and BPS on the free-floating macrophyte Salvinia biloba

Evidence linking the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) to environmental and public-health issues has led to restrictions on its use. This compound has been gradually replaced with analogues proposed as a safer alternative, normally bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS), but these substitutes are structurally almost identical to BPA, suggesting they may pose similar risks. The effects of BPA and these analogues were compared for antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, free-radical generation, photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll fluorescence in Salvinia biloba Raddi (S. biloba) plants exposed to environmentally relevant and sublethal concentrations (1, 10, 50, 100 and 150 μM). Bisphenol exposure promoted alterations in most of the physiological parameters investigated, with BPS toxicity differing slightly from that of the analogues. Furthermore, S. biloba removed similar levels of BPA and BPF from aqueous solutions with ≈70% removed at the 150 μM concentration, while BPS was less effectively removed, with only 23% removed at 150 μM. These findings show that high concentrations of bisphenols (10≥) are toxic to S. biloba, and even typical environmental levels (≤1 μM) can induce metabolic changes in plants, bringing to light that both BPA and its substitutes BPF and BPS pose risks to aquatic ecosystems.

Toxic effects of bisphenol S on mice heart and human umbilical cord endothelial cells

Bisphenol S (BPS) exerts toxic effects on hippocampal HT22 cells, endocrine secretion, and reproductive capacity. However, whether BPS exerts toxic effects on the heart requires further investigation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of BPS on mouse heart tissues and predicted possible underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Our study showed that BPS induced apoptosis, increased oxidative stress response. Using electron microscopy, we found that BPS disrupted sarcomere arrangement in myocardial cells and caused reduction in the number of plasmalemmal vesicles in endothelial cells in the mouse heart tissues. Also, BPS increased expression levels of P-NF-κB in mouse heart tissues. Furthermore, we found that BPS induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, NF-κB activation, promoted apoptosis, elevated expression of BAX and Caspase 3, and decreased expression of Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells and HUVECs. However, after the addition of n-acetylcysteine or pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, ROS generation, NF-κB activation, apoptosis, and expression of BAX and Caspase 3 were reduced, whereas expression of Bcl-2 was elevated. Our results demonstrated that BPS induced apoptosis of myocardial and endothelial cells through oxidative stress by activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Assessment of 18 endocrine disrupting chemicals in tap water samples from Klang Valley, Malaysia

Multiclass of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as nine perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), five bisphenols, and four parabens were analysed in tap water samples from Malaysia's Klang Valley region. All samples were analysed using liquid chromatography mass tandem spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with limit of quantitation (LOQ) ranged between 0.015 and 5 ng/mL. Fifteen of the 18 EDCs were tested positive in tap water samples, with total EDC concentrations ranging from 0.28 to 5516 ng/L for all 61 sampling point locations. In a specific area of the Klang Valley, the total concentration of EDCs was found to be highest in Hulu Langat, followed by Sepang, Putrajaya, Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, and Gombak/Klang. PFAS and paraben were the most found EDCs in all tap water samples. Meanwhile, ethyl paraben (EtP) exhibited the highest detection rate, with 90.2% of all locations showing its presence. Over 60% of the regions showed the presence of perfluoro-n-butanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoro-n-hexanoic acid (PFHXA), perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoro-n-nonanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoro-1-octanesulfonate (PFOS), whereas the frequency of detection for other compounds was less than 40%. The spatial distribution and mean concentrations of EDCs in the Klang Valley regions revealed that Hulu Langat, Petaling Jaya, and Putrajaya exhibited higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA). On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur and Sepang displayed the highest mean concentrations of PFBA. In the worst scenario, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and risk quotient of some EDCs in this study exceeded the acceptable daily limits recommended by international standards, particularly for BPA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, where the risk quotient (RQ) was found to be greater than 1, indicating a high risk to human health. The increasing presence of EDCs in tap water is undoubtedly a cause for concern as these substances can have adverse health consequences. This highlights the necessity for a standardised approach to evaluating EDC exposure and its direct impact on human populations' health.

In vivo exposure to bisphenol F induces oxidative testicular toxicity: role of Erβ and p53/Bcl-2 signaling pathway

Introduction

Bisphenol F (BPF), an alternative to bisphenol A has been implicated as a gonadotoxic substance. BPF has been shown to induce hormonal imbalance and testicular oxidative damage. However, the mechanism associated with BPF-induced testicular toxicity has not been fully explored. This study was designed to explore the role of tumor protein (p53)/ B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2) signaling and oestrogen receptor beta (Erβ) in BPF-induced testicular toxicity.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were randomized into control (Cntrl), BPF-treated (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg for low dose (BPF-L), medium dose (BPF-M), and high dose (BPF-H) respectively), and BPF-treated recovery (Cntrl-R, BPF-L-R, BPF-M-R, and BPF-H-R). The administration was via gavage and lasted for 28 days and the animals in the recovery groups were allowed 28-days exposure free period for recovery from BPF exposure.

Results

BPF resulted in the distortion of the testicular histoarchitecture, which was accompanied by a significant rise in testicular gamma-lutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities but a decline in sorbitol dehydrogenase activities. Also, BPF caused a significant reduction in plasma gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone, which was associated with the downregulation of testicular 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities. Furthermore, BPF induced testicular inflammation, redox imbalance, and apoptosis, accompanied by distortion in p53/BCl-2 signaling and overexpression of Erβ. Again, the observed toxic effects of BPF were dose-dependent and not completely reversed by BPF cessation.

Discussion

Bisphenol F induced gonadotoxicity by distorting p53/BCl2 signaling and the expression of Erβ. These observed alterations were not completely reversed after the cessation of BPF exposure.

Toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives in divers biological models with the assessment of molecular mechanisms of toxicity

The aim of the study was to determine totoxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives (bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) due to its high accumulation in environment. The performed analysis revealed the toxicity of the BPA, BPF, and BPS against Kurthia gibsoni, Microbacterium sp., and Brevundimonas diminuta as the most sensitive, reaching microbial toxic concentrations in the range of 0.018-0.031 mg ∙ L^-1. Moreover, the genotoxicity assay shows the ability of all tested compounds to increase in the β-galactosidase level at the concentration range 7.81-500 µM (in Escherichia coli, PQ37). In turn, the matbolic activation of tested bishpenols has caused the enhacement of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effect. Interestingely, the highest phytotoxicity effect was pointed for BPA and TBBPA at the concentrations of 10 mg ∙ L^-1 and 50 mg ∙ L^-1, which cause the inhibition of root growth by 58% and 45%, respectively (especially for S. alba and S. saccharatum). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity analyses show the ability of BPA, BPS, and TBBPA to significantly decrease the metabolic activity of human keratynoctes in vitro after 24 h of treatment at the micromolar concentrations. Simialry, the impact of the certain bisphenols on proliferation-, apoptosis-, and inflammation-related mRNA expression was shown in tested cell line. Summarizing, the presented results have proved that BPA and its derrivatives are able to show high negative effect on certain living orgnisms such as bacteria, plants, and human cells, which is strict related to pro-apoptotic and genotoxic mechanism of action.

FTO-Nrf2 axis regulates bisphenol F-induced leydig cell toxicity in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner

Studies have shown that Bisphenol F (BPF) as an emerging bisphenol pollutant also has caused many hazards to the reproductive systems of humans and animals. However, its specific mechanism is still unclear. The mouse TM3 Leydig cell was used to explore the mechanism of BPF-induced reproductive toxicity in this study. The results showed BPF (0, 20, 40 and 80 μM) exposure for 72 h significantly increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell viability. Correspondingly, BPF increased the expression of P53 and BAX, and decreased the expression of BCL2. Moreover, BPF significantly increased the intracellular ROS level in TM3 cells, and significantly decreased oxidative stress-related molecule Nrf2. BPF decreased the expression of FTO and YTHDF2, and increased the total cellular m6A level. ChIP results showed that AhR transcriptionally regulated FTO. Differential expression of FTO revealed that FTO reduced the apoptosis rate of BPF-exposed TM3 cells and increased the expression of Nrf2, MeRIP confirmed that overexpression of FTO reduced the m6A of Nrf2 mRNA. After differential expression of YTHDF2, it was found that YTHDF2 enhanced the stability of Nrf2, and RIP assay showed that YTHDF2 was bound to Nrf2 mRNA. Nrf2 agonist enhanced the protective effect of FTO on TM3 cells exposure to BPF. Our study is the first to demonstrate that AhR transcriptionally regulated FTO, and then FTO regulated Nrf2 in a m6A-modified manner through YTHDF2, thereby affecting apoptosis in BPF-exposed TM3 cells to induce reproductive damage. It provides new insights into the importance of FTO-YTHDF2-Nrf2 signaling axis in BPF-induced reproductive toxicity and provided a new idea for the prevention of male reproductive injury.

Fulvic acid enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation over Co-Fe binary metals for efficient degradation of emerging bisphenols

Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are emerging bisphenols, which have become the main substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) in industrial production and are also considered as new environmental pollution challenges. Thus, the necessity for an effective approach to remove BPF and BPS is essential. In this study, fulvic acid (FA) was used to modify Co-Fe binary metals (CFO) for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The characterization results demonstrated that CFO changed significantly in morphology after compounding with FA, with smaller particle size and 5.6 times larger specific surface area, greatly increasing the active sites of catalyst; Moreover, humic acid-like compounds increased the surface functional groups of CFO, especially phenolic hydroxyl, which could effectively prolong the PMS activation. The concentration of all reactive species, such as SO₄•^-, •OH, O₂•^-, and ¹O₂ increased in FA@CFO/PMS system. As a result, the degradation efficiency of CFO for both BPF and BPS was significantly improved after compounding FA, which also had a wide range of pH applications. The degradation pathways of both BPF and BPS were proposed based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our findings are expected to provide new strategies and methods for remediation of environmental pollution caused by emerging bisphenols.

Exposure to Bisphenol A induces abnormal fetal heart development by promoting ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), has been revealed to be closely associated with the induction of abnormal heart development, obesity, prediabetes, and other metabolic disorders. However, the underlying mechanism of maternal BPA exposure on fetal heart development abnormalities is not clear.

METHODS

To explore the adverse effects of BPA and its potential mechanism on heart development, C57BL/6 J mice and human cardiac AC-16 cells were used to conduct in vivo and in vitro studies. For the in vivo study, mice were exposed to low-dose BPA (40 mg/(kg·bw)) and high-dose BPA (120 mg/(kg·bw)) for 18 d during pregnancy. In vitro study, human cardiac AC-16 cells were exposed to BPA of various concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µM) for 24 h. Cell viability and ferroptosis were evaluated using 2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting.

RESULTS

In BPA-treated mice, the alterations of fetal cardiac structure were observed. Increased NK2 homeobox 5(Nkx2.5) was detected in vivo with the induction of ferroptosis, revealing that BPA induced abnormal fetal heart development. Furthermore, the results showed that SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 decreased in low- and high-dose BPA-treated groups, suggesting that system Xc- mediated BPA-induced abnormal fetal heart development via inhibiting the expression of GPX4. Observing AC-16 cells confirmed that cell viability declined significantly with various concentrations of BPA. Moreover, BPA exposure suppressed GPX4 expression by inhibiting System Xc- (the decrease of SLC3A2 and SLC7A11). Collectively, system Xc- modulating cell ferroptosis might play important in abnormal fetal heart development induced by BPA exposure.

Graphene Oxides (GOs) with Different Lateral Dimensions and Thicknesses Affect the Molecular Response in Chironomus riparius

Graphene oxide (GO) materials possess physicochemical properties that facilitate their application in the industrial and medical sectors. The use of graphene may pose a threat to biota, especially aquatic life. In addition, the properties of nanomaterials can differentially affect cell and molecular responses. Therefore, it is essential to study and define the possible genotoxicity of GO materials to aquatic organisms and their ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the changes in the expression of 11 genes in the aquatic organism Chironomus riparius after 96 h of exposure to small GOs (sGO), large GOs (lGO) and monolayer GOs (mlGO) at 50, 500 and 3000 μg/L. Results showed that the different genes encoding heat shock proteins (hsp90, hsp70 and hsp27) were overexpressed after exposure to these nanomaterials. In addition, ATM and NLK-the genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms-were altered at the transcriptional level. DECAY, an apoptotic caspase, was only activated by larger size GO materials, mlGO and lGO. Finally, the gene encoding manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) showed higher expression in the mlG O-treated larvae. The lGO and mlGO treatments indicated high mRNA levels of a developmental gene (FKBP39) and an endocrine pathway-related gene (DRONC). These two genes were only activated by the larger GO materials. The results indicate that larger and thicker GO nanomaterials alter the transcription of genes involved in cellular stress, oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, endocrine and development in C. riparius. This shows that various cellular processes are modified and affected, providing some of the first evidence for the action mechanisms of GOs in invertebrates. In short, the alterations produced by graphene materials should be further studied to evaluate their effect on the biota to show a more realistic scenario of what is happening at the molecular level.

Effectiveness and degradation pathways of bisphenol A (BPA) initiated by hydroxyl radicals and sulfate radicals in water: Initial reaction sites based on DFT prediction

Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the widely known endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can be effectively degraded by advanced oxidation processes in water because of the powerful reactive oxygen species. In this study, Fenton, UV/Fenton, and metal ion/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) processes were compared to investigate BPA degradation efficiency and pathways initiated by hydroxyl radicals and sulfate radicals. In contrast to the Fenton system, which only degraded 60% of BPA within 15 min, the UV/Fenton system could degrade greater than 80% of BPA, because more hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were generated under the reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺. The optimized parameters of the UV/Fenton system were as follows: 8 μmol/L of Fe²⁺, 80 μmol/L of H₂O₂, and a pH value of 3.0. As for the metal ion/PMS system, the BPA degradation efficiency was closely associated with the applied metal ions, and the order was as follows: Co²⁺/PMS (∼100%) > Fe²⁺/PMS (∼80%) > Cu²⁺/PMS (∼79%). The degradation pathways of BPA were theoretically interpreted through density functional theory prediction and degradation products during various processes. Two major initial reaction sites (4C and 6C) for •OH initiated using the UV/Fenton system and one initial reaction site (4C) for sulfate radicals (SO₄^•-) using the metal ion/PMS system were recognized for BPA degradation processes. The degradation products by •OH showed a larger average molecular weight than those by SO₄^•-. These studies are instructive for the application of different advanced oxidation systems in the treatment process of BPA in wastewater.

Bisphenols A and F, but not S, induce apoptosis in bovine granulosa cells via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway

With the gradual decline in global fertility rates, there is a need to identify potential contributing factors, their mechanisms of actions and investigate possible solutions to reverse the trend. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as bisphenol A (BPA), are environmental toxicants that are known to negatively impact reproductive functions. As such, the use of BPA in the manufacturing industry has slowly been replaced by analogs, including bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), despite limited knowledge available regarding their impact on health and their safety. The following study investigates the effects of BPA, BPS and BPF at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL on bovine granulosa cell apoptosis, with the ultimate goal of determining how they may impact oocyte competence and, thus, overall fertility. The underlying hypothesis is that bisphenols disrupt the granulosa cell environment surrounding the oocyte inducing excessive apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. To test this hypothesis, apoptosis was measured following a time- and dose-dependent exposure to all three bisphenols by flowcytometry paired with annexin V/PI staining as well as by quantification of key genes belonging to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway both at the mRNA and protein levels. The results of this study report that BPA and BPF reduce cell viability through reduced cell counts and increased apoptosis. This increase is due, in part, to the induction of apoptotic genes of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Additionally, this study also suggests that BPS may not act on the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in bovine granulosa cells. Overall, this study allows us to establish potential apoptotic pathways activated by bisphenols as well as compare the relative apoptotic activities of BPA to its most widespread analogs.

The potential mechanism of BPF-induced neurotoxicity in adult zebrafish: Correlation between untargeted metabolomics and gut microbiota

Bisphenol F (BPF) is becoming the main substitute for bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics for food and beverage applications. Previous studies have demonstrated the neurotoxicity of BPF; however, its lifecycle toxicity and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the current study, zebrafish were continuously exposed to BPF for four months from the embryo to adult stages in order to assess its neurotoxicity. Locomotor behaviors significantly decreased after BPF exposure, which was accompanied by a decrease in body weight, length, and hatching rate. Additionally, BPF increased the expression of inflammatory genes in the brain and destroyed the zebrafishes' intestinal integrity. Meanwhile, the 16S rRNA gene sequence results showed a significantly decreased microbiota abundance and diversity following BPF treatment. Neurotransmitter metabolites were also altered by BPF. Notably, the correlation analysis between microbiota and neurotransmitter metabolism verified that gut microbiota dysbiosis was closely related to the disturbance of neurotransmitter metabolites. Therefore, the present study evaluated the neurotoxicity of lifecycle exposure to BPF and unraveled a novel mechanism involving disturbance of neurotransmitter metabolism and gut dysbiosis, which may provide potential targets for BPF-mediated neurotoxicity.

Natural Products in Preventing Tumor Drug Resistance and Related Signaling Pathways

Drug resistance is still an obstacle in cancer therapy, leading to the failure of tumor treatment. The emergence of tumor drug resistance has always been a main concern of oncologists. Therefore, overcoming tumor drug resistance and looking for new strategies for tumor treatment is a major focus in the field of tumor research. Natural products serve as effective substances against drug resistance because of their diverse chemical structures and pharmacological effects. We reviewed the signaling pathways involved in the development of tumor drug resistance, including Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Renin-angiotensin system (Ras), Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Wnt, Notch, Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and their specific signaling pathway inhibitors derived from natural products. This can provide new ideas for the prevention of drug resistance in cancer therapy.

Effect of environmental stressors on the mRNA expression of ecdysone cascade genes in Chironomus riparius

Chemical compounds produced by humans are continuously reaching the environment. In this work, we characterised the expression patterns of important endocrine-related genes involved in the ecdysone pathway in the fourth larval instar of the model species Chironomus riparius after exposure to three chemicals: ethinyl oestradiol (EE), nonylphenol (NP) and bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO). We used real-time PCR to analyse the gene expression levels of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (usp), two genes that encode the dimerising partners of the functional ecdysone receptor; the orphan receptor ERR (oestrogen-related receptor), with an unknown function in invertebrates; and E74, an early response gene induced by ecdysteroids. We estimated the bioaccumulation potential, bioavailability and physicochemical properties of these chemicals, together with a number of other exogenous agents known to interfere with the hormonal system. We also provide a review of previous transcriptional studies showing the effect of all these chemicals on ecdysone cascade genes. This analysis provides useful data for future ecotoxicological studies involving invertebrate species. CAPSULE: Changes in transcriptional activities of EcR, E74, usp and ERR genes after exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals would be useful as molecular bioindicators of endocrine disruption in Chironomus riparius.

Physiological and metabolic approach of plastic additive effects: Immune cells responses

Human and wildlife are continually exposed to a wide range of compounds and substances, which reach the body through the air, water, food, or personal care products. Plasticizers are compounds added to plastics and can be released to the environment under certain conditions. Toxicological studies have concluded that plasticizers, phthalates, and bisphenols are endocrine disruptors, alter the endocrine system and functioning of the immune system and metabolic process. A functional immune response indicates favourable living conditions for an organism; conversely, a weak immune response could reveal a degraded environment that requires organisms to adapt. There is growing concern about the presence of plastic debris in the environment. In this review, the current knowledge of the action of plasticizers on leukocyte cells will be itemized. We also point out critically the role of some nuclear and membrane receptors as key players in the action of plasticizers on cells possess immune function. We discuss the role of erythrocytes within the immune responses and the alteration caused by plasticizers. Finally, we highlight data evidencing mitochondrial dysfunctions triggered by plasticizing toxic action, which can lead to immunosuppression.

Multi-Level Gene Expression in Response to Environmental Stress in Aquatic Invertebrate Chironomids: Potential Applications in Water Quality Monitoring

In freshwater ecosystems, aquatic invertebrates are influenced continuously by both physical stress and xenobiotics. Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae), or non-biting midges, are the most diverse and abundant invertebrates in freshwater habitats. They are a fundamental link in food chains of aquatic ecosystems. Chironomid larvae tolerate stress factors in their environments via various physiological processes. At the molecular level, environmental pollutants induce multi-level gene responses in Chironomus that regulate cellular protection through the activation of defense processes. This paper reviews literature on the transcriptional responses of biomarker genes to environmental stress in chironomids at the molecular level, in studies conducted from 1991 to 2020 (120 selected literatures of 374 results with the keywords "Chironomus and gene expression" by PubMed search tool). According to these studies, transcriptional responses in chironomids vary depending on the type of stress factor and defensive responses associated with antioxidant activity, the endocrine system, detoxification, homeostasis and stress response, energy metabolism, ribosomal machinery, apoptosis, DNA repair, and epigenetics. These data could provide a comprehensive overview of how Chironomus species respond to pollutants in aquatic environments. Furthermore, the transcriptomic data could facilitate the development of genetic tools for water quality and environmental monitoring based on resident chironomid species.