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Xiang T, Liu Y, Guo Y, Zhang J, Liu J, Yao L, Mao Y, Yang X, Liu J, Liu R, Jin X, Shi J, Qu G, Jiang G. Occurrence and Prioritization of Human Androgen Receptor Disruptors in Sewage Sludges Across China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10309-10321. [PMID: 38795035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The global practice of reusing sewage sludge in agriculture and its landfill disposal reintroduces environmental contaminants, posing risks to human and ecological health. This study screened sewage sludge from 30 Chinese cities for androgen receptor (AR) disruptors, utilizing a disruptor list from the Toxicology in the 21st Century program (Tox21), and identified 25 agonists and 33 antagonists across diverse use categories. Predominantly, natural products 5α-dihydrotestosterone and thymidine emerged as agonists, whereas the industrial intermediate caprolactam was the principal antagonist. In-house bioassays for identified disruptors displayed good alignment with Tox21 potency data, validating employing Tox21 toxicity data for theoretical toxicity estimations. Potency calculations revealed 5α-dihydrotestosterone and two pharmaceuticals (17β-trenbolone and testosterone isocaproate) as the most potent AR agonists and three dyes (rhodamine 6G, Victoria blue BO, and gentian violet) as antagonists. Theoretical effect contribution evaluations prioritized 5α-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone isocaproate as high-risk AR agonists and caprolactam, rhodamine 6G, and 8-hydroxyquinoline (as a biocide and a preservative) as key antagonists. Notably, 16 agonists and 20 antagonists were newly reported in the sludge, many exhibiting significant detection frequencies, concentrations, and/or toxicities, demanding future scrutiny. Our study presents an efficient strategy for estimating environmental sample toxicity and identifying key toxicants, thereby supporting the development of appropriate sludge management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Xiang
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang110004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Yanna Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Yunhe Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Jifu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Linlin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Yuxiang Mao
- School of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
| | - Runzeng Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaoting Jin
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao266071, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan430074, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang110004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100085, China
- College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
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Ghanbarzadeh M, Ghaffarinejad A, Shahdost-Fard F. A nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanospheres-based aptasensor for non-invasive salivary detection of progesterone. Talanta 2024; 273:125927. [PMID: 38521026 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Developing an easy-to-use and non-invasive sensor for monitoring progesterone (P4) as a multi-functional hormone is highly demanded for point-of-care testing. In this study, an ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor is fabricated for monitoring P4 in human biofluids. The sensing interface was designed based on the porous nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (N-HCSs). The N-HCSs covalently immobilized high-dense aptamer (Apt) sequences as the bioreceptor of P4. The electron transfer of the redox probe was hindered by incubating P4 on the aptasensor surface and forming the P4-Apt complexes. Meanwhile, the signaling was decreased under two wide linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) from 10 fM to 5.6 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 3.33 fM. The aptasensor presented satisfactory selectivity in the presence of different off-target species with successful feasibility for P4 detection in some human urine and saliva samples. The aptasensor with high sensitivity, as an advantage for on-site and sensitive measurement of P4, can be considered a non-invasive tool for routine analysis of real-world clinical samples method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Ghanbarzadeh
- Research Laboratory of Real Samples Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran 1684613114, Iran
| | - Ali Ghaffarinejad
- Research Laboratory of Real Samples Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran 1684613114, Iran; Electroanalytical Chemistry Research Center, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, 1684613114, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Shahdost-Fard
- Department of Chemistry Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran.
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Siddiqui SA, Adli DN, Nugraha WS, Yudhistira B, Lavrentev FV, Shityakov S, Feng X, Nagdalian A, Ibrahim SA. Social, ethical, environmental, economic and technological aspects of rabbit meat production - A critical review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29635. [PMID: 38699749 PMCID: PMC11063435 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Rabbit (RM) has become a valuable source of nutrients since the 1970s, helping to transform the European food industry into the largest RM producer in the world. However, the RM industry is experiencing a critical period of ethical imbalance. This trend, described as feed conversion ratio, impacts the environmental and financial performance of RM farms, which could lead to an increase production of industrial waste. In addition, the loss of corporate ethical responsibility and sustainable development by RM-oriented companies has further exacerbated the situation. Our objective was to summarize current trends in the RM industry and markets, highlighting possible strengths and weaknesses. This review shows current approaches in sustainable techniques in RM production processes, ethical issue, environmental and processing responsibility of RM producers, as well as social responsibilities and ethical practices of slaughterhouses and RM producers, sustainable environmental practices of slaughterhouses, technological aspects and safety of RM and social drivers in RM market. The analysis of reviewed literature revealed the potential strategies for sustainable RM production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315, Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing-Straße 7, 49610-D, Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Danung Nur Adli
- Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, 65145, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Widya Satya Nugraha
- Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
- Doctoral School of Food Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), 1118, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bara Yudhistira
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta City, 57126, Indonesia
| | - Filipp V. Lavrentev
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 197101, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Shityakov
- Laboratory of Chemoinformatics, Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, 197101, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Xi Feng
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Andrey Nagdalian
- Scientific Department, Saint-Petersburg State Agrarian University, 196601, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Salam A. Ibrahim
- Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, 27411, USA
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Benedetto A, Šťastný K, Giaccio N, Marturella M, Biasibetti E, Arigoni M, Calogero R, Gili M, Pezzolato M, Tošnerová K, Hodkovicová N, Faldyna M, Puleio R, Bozzo G, Bozzetta E. RNAseq Analysis of Livers from Pigs Treated with Testosterone and Nandrolone Esters: Selection and Field Validation of Transcriptional Biomarkers. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3495. [PMID: 38003113 PMCID: PMC10668810 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) as growth promoters in farm animals is banned in the European Union, representing both an illicit practice and a risk for consumer health. However, these compounds are still illegally administered, often in the form of synthetic esters. This work aimed to characterize significant coding RNA perturbations related to the illicit administration of testosterone and nandrolone esters in fattening pigs. A total of 27 clinically healthy 90-day-old pigs were randomly assigned to test and control groups. Nine animals were treated with testosterone esters (Sustanon®) and other nine with nandrolone esters (Myodine®). At the end of the trial, liver samples were collected and analyzed using RNAseq, allowing the identification of 491 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The transcriptional signature was further characterized by a smaller sub-cluster of 143 DEGs, from which a selection of 16 genes was made. The qPCR analysis confirmed that the identified cluster could still give good discrimination between untreated gilt and barrows compared to the relative testosterone-treated counterparts. A conclusive field survey on 67 liver samples collected from pigs of different breeds and weight categories confirmed, in agreement with testosterone residue profiles, the specificity of selected transcriptional biomarkers, showing their potential applications for screening purposes when AAS treatment is suspected, allowing to focus further investigations of competent authorities and confirmatory analysis where needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Benedetto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Kamil Šťastný
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (K.Š.); (K.T.); (N.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Nunzia Giaccio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Marianna Marturella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Elena Biasibetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Salute, Core-Lab di Bioinformatica e Genomica, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Raffaele Calogero
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Scienze della Salute, Core-Lab di Bioinformatica e Genomica, Università degli Studi di Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Marilena Gili
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Marzia Pezzolato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Kristína Tošnerová
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (K.Š.); (K.T.); (N.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Nikola Hodkovicová
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (K.Š.); (K.T.); (N.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Martin Faldyna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (K.Š.); (K.T.); (N.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Roberto Puleio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Bozzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Elena Bozzetta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy; (N.G.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (M.G.); (M.P.); (E.B.)
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Jenila JS, Issac PK, Lam SS, Oviya JC, Jones S, Munusamy-Ramanujam G, Chang SW, Ravindran B, Mannacharaju M, Ghotekar S, Khoo KS. Deleterious effect of gestagens from wastewater effluent on fish reproduction in aquatic environment: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116810. [PMID: 37532209 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116810] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Gestagens are common pollutants accumulated in the aquatic ecosystem. Gestagens are comprised of natural gestagens (i.e. progesterone) and synthetic gestagens (i.e. progestins). The major contributors of gestagens in the environment are paper plant mill effluent, wastewater treatment plants, discharge from pharmaceutical manufacturing, and livestock farming. Gestagens present in the aquatic environment interact with progesterone receptors and other steroid hormone receptors, negatively influencing fish reproduction, development, and behavior. In fish, the gonadotropin induces 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) production, an important steroid hormone involved in gametogenesis. DHP interacts with the membrane progestin receptor (mPR), which regulates sperm motility and oocyte maturation. Gestagens also interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which results in altered hormone levels in fish. Moreover, recent studies showed that even at low concentrations exposure to gestagens can have detrimental effects on fish reproduction, including reduced egg production, masculinization, feminization in males, and altered sex ratio, raising concerns about their impact on the fish population. This review highlights the hormonal regulation of sperm motility, oocyte maturation, the concentration of environmental gestagens in the aquatic environment, and their detrimental effects on fish reproduction. However, the long-term and combined impacts of multiple gestagens, including their interactions with other pollutants on fish populations and ecosystems are not well understood. The lack of standardized regulations and monitoring protocols for gestagens pollution in wastewater effluent hampers effective control and management. Nonetheless, advancements in analytical techniques and biomonitoring methods provide potential solutions by enabling better detection and quantification of gestagens in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Jenila
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Issac
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; University Centre for Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - J Christina Oviya
- Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, India; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Sumathi Jones
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, BIHER, Chennai, India
| | - Ganesh Munusamy-Ramanujam
- Molecular Biology and Immunobiology Division, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine, SRM-IST, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Soon Woong Chang
- Department of Environmental Energy & Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16227, South Korea
| | - Balasubramani Ravindran
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Environmental Energy & Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16227, South Korea
| | - Mahesh Mannacharaju
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-Dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Suresh Ghotekar
- Department of Chemistry, Smt. Devkiba Mohansinhji Chauhan College of Commerce and Science (University of Mumbai), Silvassa, 396 230, Dadra and Nagar Haveli (UT), India
| | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Antonopoulou D, Giantsis IA, Symeon GK, Avdi M. Association of MTNR1A and GDF9 gene allelles with the reproductive performance, response to oestrus induction treatments and prolificacy, in improved and non-improved local indigenous sheep breeds. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1532-1541. [PMID: 37668279 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Sheep farming plays a crucial role for Mediterranean countries, wherefrom a plethora of dairy products is produced. Yet, numerous indigenous sheep breeds in temperate latitudes such as the Mediterranean present a serious drawback that milk production is impaired by the seasonality of reproduction. Towards the efforts for reduction of this phenomenon, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare different oestrus synchronization treatments, as well as to associate two genes alleles', namely the MTNR1A and the GDF9, with the response to those treatments. Three indigenous breeds were investigated (Florina, Chios and Karagouniko sheep) and inside each breed three different oestrus synchronization treatments were applied (A: intravaginal sponges, B: GNRH use and C: male effect). In group A, Florina ewes expressed oestrus at 90% in July and fecundity was 85%. Karagouniko and Chios ewes exhibited an oestrus expression of 100% with fecundity rates at 95% and 99%, respectively. In group B, Florina ewes expressed oestrus at 60% with fecundity at 57%, Karagouniko ewes expressed oestrus at 65% with fecundity at 54%, whereas Chios breed animals expressed oestrus at 87% with fecundity rate at 85%. In group C, 68% of the Florina breed expressed oestrus 20-25 days post ram induction, whereas this proportion was 84% and 94%, for Karagouniko and Chios breed, respectively. For the molecular analysis, partial segments of the two genes were sequenced and analysed, whereas alleles were scored based on the detected SNPs. All frequencies of the four detected SNPs in MTNR1A gene were statistically and significantly different in ewes that expressed oestrus in comparison with ewes that did not express oestrus in Florina and Karagouniko breeds concerning all treatments. Two SNP's were detected in GDF9 gene, G1 and FecG , from which, only the FecG mutation exhibited statistically significant difference in twins and triplets than in singles in Florina and Karagouniko breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Antonopoulou
- Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis A Giantsis
- Division of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
| | - George K Symeon
- Research Institute of Animal Science, HAO-Demeter, Giannitsa, Greece
| | - Melpomeni Avdi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Anabolic Steroids in Fattening Food-Producing Animals—A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162115. [PMID: 36009705 PMCID: PMC9405261 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Anabolic steroids significantly affect animal tissues and cause morphological and histological changes, which are often irreversible. This issue is currently a very hot topic, as the answers to the questions concerning the health of endangered animals and humans vary greatly from country to country. There is a need to further investigate whether the use of anabolic steroids in animal fattening threatens consumer health and to develop new tools for the detection of anabolic steroids in meat. One possibility for detection could be to observe histological changes in the tissues, which form a typical pattern of anabolic abuse. This review gathered information on the anabolic steroids most commonly used in animal fattening, the legislation governing this issue, and the main effects of anabolics on animal tissues. Abstract Anabolic steroids are chemically synthetic derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used in medicine for their ability to support muscle growth and healing and by athletes for esthetic purposes and to increase sports performance, but another major use is in fattening animals to increase meat production. The more people there are on Earth, the greater the need for meat production and anabolic steroids accelerate the growth of animals and, most importantly, increase the amount of muscle mass. Anabolic steroids also have proven side effects that affect all organs and tissues, such as liver and kidney parenchymal damage, heart muscle degeneration, organ growth, coagulation disorders, and increased risk of muscle and tendon rupture. Anabolic steroids also have a number of harmful effects on the developing brain, such as brain atrophy and changes in gene expression with consequent changes in the neural circuits involved in cognitive functions. Behavioral changes such as aggression, irritability, anxiety and depression are related to changes in the brain. In terms of long-term toxicity, the greatest impact is on the reproductive system, i.e., testicular shrinkage and infertility. Therefore, their abuse can be considered a public health problem. In many countries around the world, such as the United States, Canada, China, Argentina, Australia, and other large meat producers, the use of steroids is permitted but in all countries of the European Union there is a strict ban on the use of anabolic steroids in fattening animals. Meat from a lot of countries must be carefully inspected and monitored for steroids before export to Europe. Gas or liquid chromatography methods in combination with mass spectrometry detectors and immunochemical methods are most often used for the analysis of these substances. These methods have been considered the most modern for decades, but can be completely ineffective if they face new synthetic steroid derivatives and want to meet meat safety requirements. The problem of last years is the application of “cocktails” of anabolic substances with very low concentrations, which are difficult to detect and are difficult to quantify using conventional detection methods. This is the reason why scientists are trying to find new methods of detection, mainly based on changes in the structure of tissues and cells and their metabolism. This review gathered this knowledge into a coherent form and its findings could help in finding such a combination of changes in tissues that would form a typical picture for evidence of anabolic misuse.
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