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Chen H, Wei S, Li J, Zhong Z, Chen D. Transplacental transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Mechanism exploration via BeWo cell monolayer model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133205. [PMID: 38278074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133205] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received global concern on adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Although human studies have reported fetal exposure to PFAS, the underlying mechanisms driving transplacental transfer of PFAS have not been sufficiently understood. The present study aimed to investigate chemical-specific transplacental transfer of PFAS and potential mechanisms based on a BeWo cell monolayer model. The findings of concentration- and time-dependent transport, asymmetry in bidirectional transport, molecular docking and transporter inhibition experiments indicate that passive diffusion and membrane transporter-involved active transport could collectively determine transplacental transport of PFAS. Membrane transporters could play important roles in chemical-specific transport. The inhibition of OAT transporter resulted in promotion of trans-monolayer transport for most PFAS, while an opposite trend was observed when P-gp, BCRP and MRP transporters were prohibited. By contrast, inhibition of OCT resulted in inhibitory effects on the transport of some PFAS (i.e., PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, and PFNA), and promotive effects on the other substances (i.e., PFUdA, PFHpS, PFOS, 6:2 Cl-PFESA and PFOSA). Therefore, simultaneous involvement of diverse membrane transporters in utero could result in complicated influence on transplacental transport. Our work constitutes a solid ground for further exploration of the effects of gestational PFAS exposure on birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexia Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuchao Wei
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheng Zhong
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Tang S, Sun X, Qiao X, Cui W, Yu F, Zeng X, Covaci A, Chen D. Prenatal Exposure to Emerging Plasticizers and Synthetic Antioxidants and Their Potency to Cross Human Placenta. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8507-8517. [PMID: 35674357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gestational exposure to environmental chemicals and subsequent permeation through the placental barrier represents potential health risks to both pregnant women and their fetuses. In the present study, we explored prenatal exposure to a suite of 46 emerging plasticizers and synthetic antioxidants (including five transformation products of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, BHT) and their potency to cross human placenta based on a total of 109 maternal and cord serum pairs. Most of these chemicals have rarely or never been investigated for prenatal exposure and associated health risks. Eleven of them exhibited detection frequency greater than 50% in maternal blood, including dibutyl fumarate (DBF), 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DtBP), 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG), methyl-2-(benzoyl)benzoate (MBB), triethyl citrate (TEC), BHT, and its five metabolites, with a median concentration from 0.05 to 3.1 ng/mL. The transplacental transfer efficiency (TTE) was determined for selected chemicals with valid measurements in more than 10 maternal/cord blood pairs, and the mean TTEs exhibited a large variation (i.e., 0.29-2.14) between chemicals. The determined TTEs for some of the target chemicals were comparable to the predicted values by our previously proposed models developed from molecular descriptors, indicating that their transplacental transfer potency could be largely affected by physicochemical properties and molecular structures. However, additional biological and physiological factors may influence the potency of environmental chemicals to cross human placenta. Overall, our study findings raise concern on human exposure to an increasing list of plastic additives during critical life stages (e.g., pregnancy) and potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Tang
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiangfei Sun
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xinhang Qiao
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wenxuan Cui
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Feixiang Yu
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaowen Zeng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Li J, Sun X, Xu J, Tan H, Zeng EY, Chen D. Transplacental Transfer of Environmental Chemicals: Roles of Molecular Descriptors and Placental Transporters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:519-528. [PMID: 33295769 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Transplacental transfer of environmental chemicals results in direct risks to fetal development. Although numerous studies have investigated transplacental transfer efficiencies (TTEs) of environmental chemicals, the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors remain poorly understood. The present study aims to synthesize a current state of knowledge on the TTEs of major environmental chemicals and explore the roles of chemicals' molecular descriptors and placental transporters in the transplacental transfer. The results indicate great variations in TTEs (median: 0.29-2.86) across 51 chemicals. Chemical-dependent TTEs may partially be attributed to the influences of chemicals' molecular descriptors. Predictive models based on experimental TTEs and 1790 computed molecular descriptors indicate that a very limited number of molecular descriptors, such as the topological polar surface area, may substantially influence and efficiently predict chemicals' TTEs. In addition, molecular docking analyses were conducted to determine the binding affinities between 51 chemicals and six selected transporters, including BCRP, MDR1, hENT1, FRα, SERT, and MRP1. The results reveal transporter- and chemical-dependent binding affinities. Therefore, our study demonstrates that molecular descriptors and placental transporters, among a variety of other factors, can play important roles in the transplacental transfer of environmental chemicals. However, the underlying mechanisms and several important knowledge gaps identified herein require further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiangfei Sun
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jun Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hongli Tan
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Zhang X, Cheng X, Lei B, Zhang G, Bi Y, Yu Y. A review of the transplacental transfer of persistent halogenated organic pollutants: Transfer characteristics, influential factors, and mechanisms. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106224. [PMID: 33137703 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Persistent halogenated organic pollutants (HOPs) are a class of toxic chemicals, which may have adverse effects on fetuses via transplacental transfer from their mothers. Here, we review reported internal exposure levels of various HOPs (organochlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in placenta, and both maternal and umbilical cord sera. We also present analyses of the transplacental transfer and placental distribution characteristics of each class of compounds, and discuss effects of several factors on the transfer and accumulation efficiencies of HOPs, as well as the main mechanisms of HOPs' transfer across the placental barrier. Reported compound-specific transplacental transfer efficiencies and distribution efficiencies, expressed as umbilical cord:maternal serum and placental:maternal serum concentration ratios (RCM and RPM, respectively), are summarized. Average published RCM values of the HOPs range from 0.24 to 3.08 (lipid-adjusted) and from 0.04 to 3.1 (based on wet weights), and are highest for perfluoroalkylcarboxylates (PFCAs) and tetrabromobisphenol A. Average published RPM values range from 0.14 to 1.02 (lipid-adjusted) and from 0.30 to 1.4 (based on wet weights). The broad RCM and RPM ranges may reflect effects of various factors, inter alia physicochemical properties of HOPs, metabolic capacities of mothers and fetuses, placental maturity, and differential expression of influx/efflux transporters in the placenta. Generally, HOPs' RCM values decline linearly with molecular size, and are curvilinearly related to solubility. Plasma protein binding affinity and the difference between maternal and fetal metabolic capacities may also affect some HOPs' transfer efficiencies. HOPs' molecular size may be influential. Transplacental transport of HOPs likely occurs mostly through passive diffusion, although influx/efflux transporters expressed on maternal and/or fetal sides of the placenta may also facilitate or hinder their transport. Overall, the review highlights clear gaps in our understanding of mechanisms involved in HOPs' transplacental transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Zhang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Cheng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Bingli Lei
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Guoxia Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Yuhao Bi
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Yingxin Yu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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Ren Y, Song X, Tan L, Guo C, Wang M, Liu H, Cao Z, Li Y, Peng C. A Review of the Pharmacological Properties of Psoralen. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:571535. [PMID: 33013413 PMCID: PMC7500444 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.571535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoralen is the principal bioactive component in the dried fruits of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik (syn. Psoralea corylifolia L), termed "Buguzhi" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Recent studies have demonstrated that psoralen displays multiple bioactive properties, beneficial for the treatment of osteoporosis, tumors, viruses, bacteria, and inflammation. The present review focuses on the research evidence relating to the properties of psoralen gathered over recent years. Firstly, multiple studies have demonstrated that psoralen exerts strong anti-osteoporotic effects via regulation of osteoblast/osteoclast/chondrocyte differentiation or activation due to the participation in multiple molecular mechanisms of the wnt/β-catenin, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)/apoptosis signaling kinase 1 (ASK1)/c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the Protein Kinase B(AKT)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) axis, and the expression of miR-488, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, the antitumor properties of psoralen are associated with the induction of ER stress-related cell death via enhancement of PERK: Pancreatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor (ATF), 78kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and 94kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP94)/CHOP signaling, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or ATPase that overcomes multidrug resistance. Furthermore, multiple articles have shown that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of psoralen are a result of its interaction with viral polymerase (Pol), destroying the formation of biofilm, and regulating the activation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin 4/5/6/8/12/13 (IL-4/5/6/8/12/13), GATA-3, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Finally, the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of psoralen have also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaominting Song
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuanjie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China, Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhixing Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuzhi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
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