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Li T, Boberg J, Johansson HKL, Di Nisio V, Christiansen S, Svingen T, Damdimopoulou P. Quantitative analysis of ovarian surface photographs as a tool for assessment of chemical effects on folliculogenesis and ovulation in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108416. [PMID: 37268149 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive toxicity assessments rely on histological evaluation of ovaries by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E)-stained cross-sections. This is time-consuming, labor-intensive and costly, thus alternative methods for ovarian toxicity assessment could be valuable. Here, we report on an improved method based on quantification of antral follicles (AF) and corpora lutea (CL) using ovarian surface photographs, called 'surface photo counting' (SPC). To validate a potential utility for the method to detect effects on folliculogenesis in toxicity studies, we investigated ovaries from rats exposed to two well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), diethylstilbestrol (DES) and ketoconazole (KTZ). Animals were exposed to DES (0.003, 0.012, 0.048 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day) or KTZ (3, 12, 48 mg/kg bw/day) during puberty or adulthood. At the end of the exposure, ovaries were photographed under stereomicroscope and subsequently processed for histological assessments to allow for direct comparison between the two methods by quantifying AF and CL. There was a significant correlation between the SPC and histology methods, albeit CL counts correlated better than AF counts, potentially due to their larger size. Effects of DES and KTZ were found by both methods, suggesting applicability of the SPC method to chemical hazard and risk assessment. Based on our study, we propose that SPC can be employed as a fast and cheap tool for assessment of ovarian toxicity in in vivo studies to prioritize chemical exposure groups for further histological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Samardzija Nenadov D, Tesic B, Fa S, Pogrmic-Majkic K, Kokai D, Stanic B, Andric N. Long-term in vitro exposure of human granulosa cells to the mixture of endocrine disrupting chemicals found in human follicular fluid disrupts steroidogenesis. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 79:105302. [PMID: 34929288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Most in vitro studies examine the effects of a single ED or a mixture of EDs on granulosa cells using short-term exposure; however, this approach is unlikely to reflect long-term, real-life exposures that are common in humans. We established an in vitro model that mimics long-term exposure of granulosa cells to real-life ED mixture. Human granulosa cells, HGrC1, were exposed to the mixture consisting of bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyl 153, benzo[a]pyrene, and perfluorooctanesulfonate in concentrations found in human follicular fluid (MIX) for 48 h and 4 weeks. Only long-term exposure to MIX decreased estradiol production after 2 and 3 weeks, and CYP19A1 protein after 2 weeks of exposure. By week 4, the cells restored estradiol production and CYP19A1 protein level. MIX increased basal progesterone production after 3 and 4 weeks of exposure but did not affect STAR and CYP11A1 mRNA. Cells that had been exposed to MIX for 4 weeks showed augmentation of forskolin-stimulated progesterone production. These results demonstrate that only long-term exposure to MIX alters steroidogenesis in HGrC1. This study also revealed that adverse effects of MIX on steroidogenesis in HGrC1 occurred a few weeks into MIX exposure and that this effect can be transient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biljana Tesic
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Fa
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Serbia
| | | | - Dunja Kokai
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Serbia
| | - Bojana Stanic
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Andric
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Serbia.
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3
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van Duursen MBM, Boberg J, Christiansen S, Connolly L, Damdimopoulou P, Filis P, Fowler PA, Gadella BM, Holte J, Jääger K, Johansson HKL, Li T, Mazaud-Guittot S, Parent AS, Salumets A, Soto AM, Svingen T, Velthut-Meikas A, Bay Wedebye E, Xie Y, van den Berg M. Safeguarding Female Reproductive Health against Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals-The FREIA Project. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3215. [PMID: 32370092 PMCID: PMC7246859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently available test methods are not well-suited for the identification of chemicals that disturb hormonal processes involved in female reproductive development and function. This renders women's reproductive health at increasing risk globally, which, coupled with increasing incidence rates of reproductive disorders, is of great concern. A woman's reproductive health is largely established during embryonic and fetal development and subsequently matures during puberty. The endocrine system influences development, maturation, and function of the female reproductive system, thereby making appropriate hormone levels imperative for correct functioning of reproductive processes. It is concerning that the effects of human-made chemicals on the endocrine system and female reproductive health are poorly addressed in regulatory chemical safety assessment, partly because adequate test methods are lacking. Our EU-funded project FREIA aims to address this need by increasing understanding of how endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can impact female reproductive health. We will use this information to provide better test methods that enable fit-for-purpose chemical regulation and then share our knowledge, promote a sustainable society, and improve the reproductive health of women globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majorie B. M. van Duursen
- Department Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Lisa Connolly
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; (L.C.); (Y.X.)
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB23 8ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB23 8ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Bart M. Gadella
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (B.M.G.); (M.v.d.B.)
| | - Jan Holte
- Carl von Linné Clinic, Uppsala Science Park, S-751 83 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Kersti Jääger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu and Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Hanna K. L. Johansson
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Tianyi Li
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Belgium.1, Avenue de l’hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu and Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Ana M. Soto
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 0211, USA;
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Eva Bay Wedebye
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Yuling Xie
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; (L.C.); (Y.X.)
| | - Martin van den Berg
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (B.M.G.); (M.v.d.B.)
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4
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Early ovarian follicular development in prepubertal Wistar rats acutely exposed to androgens. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2016; 7:384-90. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174416000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Androgens may directly modulate early ovarian follicular development in preantral stages and androgen excess before puberty may disrupt this physiological process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of follicular morphology and circulating androgen and estradiol levels in prepubertal Wistar rats acutely exposed to androgens. Prepubertal female Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: control, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) intervention and eCG plus dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) intervention (eCG+DHEA). Serum DHEA, testosterone and estradiol levels were determined, and ovarian morphology and morphometry were assessed. The eCG+DHEA group presented increased serum estradiol and testosterone levels as compared with the control group (P<0.01), and higher serum DHEA concentration v. the eCG-only and control groups (P<0.01). In addition, the eCG+DHEA group had a higher number of, and larger-sized, primary and secondary follicles as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The eCG group presented intermediate values for number and size of primary and secondary follicles, without significant differences as compared with the other two groups. The number of antral follicles was higher in the eCG+DHEA and eCG groups v. controls (P<0.05). The number of primordial, atretic and cystic follicles were similar in all groups. In conclusion, the present experimental model using an acute eCG+DHEA intervention was useful to investigate events involved in initial follicular development under hyperandrogenic conditions, and could provide a reliable tool to study defective follicular development with possible deleterious reproductive consequences later in life.
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