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Maddalon A, Cari L, Iulini M, Alhosseini MN, Galbiati V, Marinovich M, Nocentini G, Corsini E. Impact of endocrine disruptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro: role of gender. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:3129-3150. [PMID: 37676302 PMCID: PMC10567873 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Humans can be exposed to endocrine disruptors (EDs) in numerous ways. EDs can interfere with endogenous hormones at different levels, resulting in numerous adverse human health outcomes, including immunotoxicity. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate in vitro the possible effects of EDs on immune cells and possible gender differences. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy humans, both males and females, were exposed to 6 different EDs, namely atrazine (herbicide), cypermethrin (insecticide), diethyl phthalate (plasticizer), 17α-ethynylestradiol (contraceptive drug), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (persistent organic pollutant), and vinclozolin (fungicide). We evaluated the effect of EDs on RACK1 (receptor for activated C kinase 1) expression, considering it as a bridge between the endocrine and the immune system, and putatively used as screening tool of immunotoxic effects of EDs. The exposure to EDs resulted at different extent in alteration in RACK1 expression, pro-inflammatory activity, natural killer lytic ability, and lymphocyte differentiation, with sex-related differences. In particular, diethyl phthalate and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid resulted the most active EDs tested, with gender differences in terms of effects and magnitude. The results from our study evidenced the ability of EDs to directly affect immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Rodolfo Paoletti', Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Cari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, Università Degli Studi Di Perugia, Building D, Severi Square 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Iulini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Rodolfo Paoletti', Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Mahdieh Naghavi Alhosseini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, Università Degli Studi Di Perugia, Building D, Severi Square 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Rodolfo Paoletti', Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Rodolfo Paoletti', Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, Università Degli Studi Di Perugia, Building D, Severi Square 1, 06129, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Rodolfo Paoletti', Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
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2
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Cabry R, Merviel P, Madkour A, Lefranc E, Scheffler F, Desailloud R, Bach V, Benkhalifa M. The impact of endocrine disruptor chemicals on oocyte/embryo and clinical outcomes in IVF. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:R134-R142. [PMID: 32380469 PMCID: PMC7354731 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The negative impact of endocrine-disrupting pesticides on human fertility is now a key issue in reproductive health. There are much fewer literature data about the impact of pesticide exposure on women than on men and very few studies of women participating in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. In the present review, we found that (1) various pesticides with an endocrine-disrupting action are associated with poor oocyte maturation and competency, embryonic defects and poor IVF outcomes, and (2) some pesticide compounds are linked to specific causes of female infertility, such as premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis. IVF participants living in agricultural regions should be informed about the fertility decline, low ongoing pregnancy rates, and elevated risk of miscarriage associated with exposure to high doses of pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aicha Madkour
- Mohammed V University of Rabat, Reproductive Medicine, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | | | | | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Amiens University, Amiens, Haut-de-France, France
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Benkhalifa:
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Arzuaga X, Smith MT, Gibbons CF, Skakkebæk NE, Yost EE, Beverly BEJ, Hotchkiss AK, Hauser R, Pagani RL, Schrader SM, Zeise L, Prins GS. Proposed Key Characteristics of Male Reproductive Toxicants as an Approach for Organizing and Evaluating Mechanistic Evidence in Human Health Hazard Assessments. Environ Health Perspect 2019; 127:65001. [PMID: 31199676 PMCID: PMC6792367 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing chemicals for their potential to cause male reproductive toxicity involves the evaluation of evidence obtained from experimental, epidemiological, and mechanistic studies. Although mechanistic evidence plays an important role in hazard identification and evidence integration, the process of identifying, screening and analyzing mechanistic studies and outcomes is a challenging exercise due to the diversity of research models and methods and the variety of known and proposed pathways for chemical-induced toxicity. Ten key characteristics of carcinogens provide a valuable tool for organizing and assessing chemical-specific data by potential mechanisms for cancer-causing agents. However, such an approach has not yet been developed for noncancer adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES The objective in this study was to identify a set of key characteristics that are frequently exhibited by exogenous agents that cause male reproductive toxicity and that could be applied for identifying, organizing, and summarizing mechanistic evidence related to this outcome. DISCUSSION The identification of eight key characteristics of male reproductive toxicants was based on a survey of known male reproductive toxicants and established mechanisms and pathways of toxicity. The eight key characteristics can provide a basis for the systematic, transparent, and objective organization of mechanistic evidence relevant to chemical-induced effects on the male reproductive system. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Arzuaga
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Martyn T. Smith
- University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Catherine F. Gibbons
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Niels E. Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erin E. Yost
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brandiese E. J. Beverly
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Andrew K. Hotchkiss
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rodrigo L. Pagani
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Steven M. Schrader
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (retired)
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Aquilino M, Sánchez-Argüello P, Novo M, Martínez-Guitarte JL. Effects on tadpole snail gene expression after exposure to vinclozolin. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2019; 170:568-577. [PMID: 30576892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The fungicide vinclozolin (Vz) is an endocrine disruptor with known anti-androgenic activity in vertebrates. However, there is a lack of information about the Vz mode of action in invertebrates, although some studies have shown that this compound can produce alterations in different species. Transcriptional activity was analyzed in the freshwater snail Physella acuta in order to elucidate putative cellular processes altered by this chemical during a response. In order to identify potential molecular biomarkers, a de novo transcriptome was generated for this species that constitutes a valuable source for future studies. This data, together with some already available data, permitted the identification of several genes related to detoxification mechanisms (Cyp2u1, Cyp3a7, Cyp4f22, GSTo1, GSTt2, and MRP1), stress response (Hsp20.4, Hsp17, Hsp16.6, and Cu,Zn-SOD), the hormonal system (Estrogen Receptor and Hsp90), apoptosis (Casp3), and copper homeostasis (ATOX1). Using quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction, mRNA levels of these genes were examined in snails exposed to 20 or 200 µg/L Vz for 24 h. The results showed an overall weak response, with downregulation of Hsp20.4 and no statistically significant change for the other genes. These findings suggest that P. acuta can manage the concentrations of Vz found in the environment with no relevant activation of the pathways analyzed, although additional studies are needed for longer exposure times and including other metabolic pathways. The new genes described open the range of processes that can be studied at the molecular level in toxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Aquilino
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paloma Sánchez-Argüello
- Laboratory for Ecotoxicology, Department of the Environment, INIA, Crta A Coruña km 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Novo
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Nóvais sn, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Luis Martínez-Guitarte
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Siddeek B, Mauduit C, Simeoni U, Benahmed M. Sperm epigenome as a marker of environmental exposure and lifestyle, at the origin of diseases inheritance. Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research 2018; 778:38-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Beck D, Sadler-Riggleman I, Skinner MK. Generational comparisons (F1 versus F3) of vinclozolin induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of sperm differential DNA methylation regions (epimutations) using MeDIP-Seq. Environ Epigenet 2017; 3:dvx016. [PMID: 29147574 PMCID: PMC5685552 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvx016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease and phenotypic variation has been shown to involve DNA methylation alterations in the germline (e.g. sperm). These differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) are termed epimutations and in part transmit the transgenerational phenotypes. The agricultural fungicide vinclozolin exposure of a gestating female rat has previously been shown to promote transgenerational disease and epimutations in F3 generation (great-grand-offspring) animals. The current study was designed to investigate the actions of direct fetal exposure on the F1 generation rat sperm DMRs compared to the F3 transgenerational sperm DMRs. A protocol involving methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) followed by next-generation sequencing (Seq) was used in the current study. Bioinformatics analysis of the MeDIP-Seq data was developed and several different variations in the bioinformatic analysis were evaluated. Observations indicate needs to be considered. Interestingly, the F1 generation DMRs were found to be fewer in number and for the most part distinct from the F3 generation epimutations. Observations suggest the direct exposure induced F1 generation sperm DMRs appear to promote in subsequent generations alterations in the germ cell developmental programming that leads to the distinct epimutations in the F3 generation. This may help explain the differences in disease and phenotypes between the direct exposure F1 generation and transgenerational F3 generation. Observations demonstrate a distinction between the direct exposure versus transgenerational epigenetic programming induced by environmental exposures and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Ingrid Sadler-Riggleman
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K. Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
- Correspondence address. Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA. Tel: +1-509-335-1524; Fax: +1-509-335-2176; E-mail:
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Dew-Budd K, Jarnigan J, Reed LK. Genetic and Sex-Specific Transgenerational Effects of a High Fat Diet in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160857. [PMID: 27518304 PMCID: PMC4982694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
An organism's phenotype is the product of its environment and genotype, but an ancestor's environment can also be a contributing factor. The recent increase in caloric intake and decrease in physical activity of developed nations' populations is contributing to deteriorating health and making the study of the longer term impacts of a changing lifestyle a priority. The dietary habits of ancestors have been shown to affect phenotype in several organisms, including humans, mice, and the fruit fly. Whether the ancestral dietary effect is purely environmental or if there is a genetic interaction with the environment passed down for multiple generations, has not been determined previously. Here we used the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to investigate the genetic, sex-specific, and environmental effects of a high fat diet for three generations' on pupal body weights across ten genotypes. We also tested for genotype-specific transgenerational effects on metabolic pools and egg size across three genotypes. We showed that there were substantial differences in transgenerational responses to ancestral diet between genotypes and sexes through both first and second descendant generations. Additionally, there were differences in phenotypes between maternally and paternally inherited dietary effects. We also found a treated organism's reaction to a high fat diet was not a consistent predictor of its untreated descendants' phenotype. The implication of these results is that, given our interest in understanding and preventing metabolic diseases like obesity, we need to consider the contribution of ancestral environmental experiences. However, we need to be cautious when drawing population-level generalization from small studies because transgenerational effects are likely to exhibit substantial sex and genotype specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Dew-Budd
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Julie Jarnigan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
| | - Laura K. Reed
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa, AL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Aquilino M, Sánchez-Argüello P, Martínez-Guitarte JL. Vinclozolin alters the expression of hormonal and stress genes in the midge Chironomus riparius. Aquat Toxicol 2016; 174:179-187. [PMID: 26966872 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Vinclozolin is a fungicide used in agriculture that can reach aquatic ecosystems and affect the organisms living there. Its effects have been intensively studied in vertebrates, where it acts as an antiandrogen, but there is a lack of information about its mechanistic effects on invertebrates. In this work, we analyzed the response of genes related to the endocrine system, the stress response, and the detoxification mechanisms of Chironomus riparius fourth instar larvae after 24h and 48h exposures to 20 (69.9nM), 200 (699nM), and 2000μg/L (6.99μM) of Vinclozolin. Survival analysis showed that this compound has low toxicity, as it was not lethal for this organism at the concentrations used. However, this fungicide was shown to modify the transcriptional activity of the ecdysone response pathway genes EcR, E74, and Kr-h1 by increasing their mRNA levels. While no changes were observed in disembodied, a gene related with the ecdysone synthesis metabolic pathway, Cyp18A1, which is involved in the inactivation of the active form of ecdysone, was upregulated. Additionally, the expression of two genes related to other hormones, FOXO and MAPR, did not show any changes when Vinclozolin was present. The analysis of stress response genes showed significant changes in the mRNA levels of Hsp70, Hsp24, and Gp93, indicating that Vinclozolin activates the cellular stress mechanisms. Finally, the expressions of the genes Cyp4G and GstD3, which encode enzymes involved in phase I and phase II detoxification, respectively, were analyzed. It was found that their mRNA levels were altered by Vinclozolin, suggesting their involvement in the degradation of this compound. For the first time, these results show evidence that Vinclozolin can modulate gene expression, leading to possible significant endocrine alterations of the insect endocrine system. These results also offer new clues about the mode of action of this compound in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Aquilino
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Sánchez-Argüello
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Departamento de Medioambiente, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. La Coruña km 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Luis Martínez-Guitarte
- Grupo de Biología y Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Cacabelos R, Torrellas C. Epigenetics of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: Implications for Pharmacogenomics and Drug Response. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:30483-543. [PMID: 26703582 PMCID: PMC4691177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic variability (DNA methylation/demethylation, histone modifications, microRNA regulation) is common in physiological and pathological conditions. Epigenetic alterations are present in different tissues along the aging process and in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Epigenetics affect life span and longevity. AD-related genes exhibit epigenetic changes, indicating that epigenetics might exert a pathogenic role in dementia. Epigenetic modifications are reversible and can potentially be targeted by pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic drugs may be useful for the treatment of major problems of health (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disorders, brain disorders). The efficacy and safety of these and other medications depend upon the efficiency of the pharmacogenetic process in which different clusters of genes (pathogenic, mechanistic, metabolic, transporter, pleiotropic) are involved. Most of these genes are also under the influence of the epigenetic machinery. The information available on the pharmacoepigenomics of most drugs is very limited; however, growing evidence indicates that epigenetic changes are determinant in the pathogenesis of many medical conditions and in drug response and drug resistance. Consequently, pharmacoepigenetic studies should be incorporated in drug development and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Cacabelos
- EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science and Genomic Medicine, 15165-Bergondo, Corunna, Spain.
- Chair of Genomic Medicine, Camilo José Cela University, 28692-Madrid, Spain.
| | - Clara Torrellas
- EuroEspes Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science and Genomic Medicine, 15165-Bergondo, Corunna, Spain.
- Chair of Genomic Medicine, Camilo José Cela University, 28692-Madrid, Spain.
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Abstract
Epigenetic studies of both intragenerational and transgenerational epigenetic phenotypic modifications have proliferated in the last few decades. However, the strong reductionist focus on mechanism that prevails in many epigenetic studies to date has diverted attention away what might be called the 'dynamics' of epigenetics and its role in comparative biology. Epigenetic dynamics describes how both transgenerational and intragenerational epigenetic phenotypic modifications change in non-linear patterns over time. Importantly, a dynamic perspective suggests that epigenetic phenomena should not be regarded as 'digital' (on-off), in which a modified trait necessarily suddenly disappears between one generation and the next. Rather, dynamic epigenetic phenomena may be better depicted by graded, time-related changes that can potentially involve the 'washout' of modified phenotype both within and across generations. Conceivably, an epigenetic effect might also 'wash-in' over multiple generations, and there may be unexplored additive effects resulting from the pressures of environmental stressors that wax, wane and then wax again across multiple generations. Recognition of epigenetic dynamics is also highly dependent on the threshold for detection of the phenotypic modification of interest, especially when phenotypes wash out or wash in. Thus, studies of transgenerational epigenetic effects (and intragenerational effects, for that matter) that search for persistence of the phenomenon are best conducted with highly sensitive, precise quantitative methods. All of the scenarios in this review representing epigenetic dynamics are possible and some even likely. Focused investigations that concentrate on the time course will reveal much about both the impact and mechanisms of epigenetic phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren W Burggren
- Developmental Integrative Biology Research Cluster, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76201, USA
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Abstract
Not so fast. The Iqbal et. al. study and the associated Whitelaw commentary highlight the appropriately high standards of study design and interpretation needed to obtain good evidence for or against epigenetic inheritance. Please see related article: www.dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0714-1
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Nadeau
- Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, 720 Broadway, Seattle, WA, 98119, USA.
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Abstract
We thank Dr. Nadeau for his interest in our work. Dr. Nadeau has raised concerns about the experimental approach (mouse strains, route of administration, lack of phenotypic assessment) and about the validity of our conclusions. We will respond to each of these concerns point-by point. Please see related article: www.dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0709-y
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Affiliation(s)
- Piroska E Szabó
- Van Andel Research Institute, Center for Epigenetics, 333 Bostwick Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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Fernandez-Twinn DS, Constância M, Ozanne SE. Intergenerational epigenetic inheritance in models of developmental programming of adult disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 43:85-95. [PMID: 26135290 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is now well established that the environment to which we are exposed during fetal and neonatal life can have a long-term impact on our health. This has been termed the developmental origins of health and disease. Factors known to have such programming effects include intrauterine nutrient availability (determined by maternal nutrition and placental function), endocrine disruptors, toxins and infectious agents. Epigenetic processes have emerged as a key mechanism by which the early environment can permanently influence cell function and metabolism after multiple rounds of cell division. More recently it has been suggested that programmed effects can be observed beyond the first generation and that therefore epigenetic mechanisms could form the basis of transmission of phenotype from parent to child to grandchild and beyond. Here we review the evidence for such processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Box 289, Addenbrookes Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Constância
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Level 4, Box 289, Addenbrookes Treatment Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
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Jiménez-Chillarón JC, Nijland MJ, Ascensão AA, Sardão VA, Magalhães J, Hitchler MJ, Domann FE, Oliveira PJ. Back to the future: transgenerational transmission of xenobiotic-induced epigenetic remodeling. Epigenetics 2015; 10:259-73. [PMID: 25774863 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics, or regulation of gene expression independent of DNA sequence, is the missing link between genotype and phenotype. Epigenetic memory, mediated by histone and DNA modifications, is controlled by a set of specialized enzymes, metabolite availability, and signaling pathways. A mostly unstudied subject is how sub-toxic exposure to several xenobiotics during specific developmental stages can alter the epigenome and contribute to the development of disease phenotypes later in life. Furthermore, it has been shown that exposure to low-dose xenobiotics can also result in further epigenetic remodeling in the germ line and contribute to increase disease risk in the next generation (multigenerational and transgenerational effects). We here offer a perspective on current but still incomplete knowledge of xenobiotic-induced epigenetic alterations, and their possible transgenerational transmission. We also propose several molecular mechanisms by which the epigenetic landscape may be altered by environmental xenobiotics and hypothesize how diet and physical activity may counteract epigenetic alterations.
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Abstract
Environmental exposures such as toxicants, nutrition and stress have been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease susceptibility. Endocrine disruptors are one of the largest groups of specific toxicants shown to promote this form of epigenetic inheritance. These environmental compounds that interfere with normal endocrine signaling are one of the largest classes of toxicants we are exposed to on a daily level. The ability of ancestral exposures to promote disease susceptibility significantly increases the potential biohazards of these toxicants. Therefore, what your great-grandmother was exposed to during pregnancy may influence your disease development, even in the absence of any exposure, and you are going to pass this on to your grandchildren. This non-genetic form of inheritance significantly impacts our understanding of biology from the origins of disease to evolutionary biology. The current review will describe the previous studies and endocrine disruptors shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA.
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