1
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Chiang YTT, Kassotis CD. Molecular Assessment of Proadipogenic Effects for Common-Use Contraceptives and Their Mixtures. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae050. [PMID: 38648498 PMCID: PMC11081078 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are widely prescribed due to their effectiveness and convenience and have become an integral part of family planning strategies worldwide. In the United States, approximately 65% of reproductive-aged women are estimated to be using contraceptive options, with approximately 33% using one or a combination of hormonal contraceptives. While these methods have undeniably contributed to improved reproductive health, recent studies have raised concerns regarding their potential effect on metabolic health. Despite widespread anecdotal reports, epidemiological research has been mixed as to whether hormonal contraceptives contribute to metabolic health effects. As such, the goals of this study were to assess the adipogenic activity of common hormonal contraceptive chemicals and their mixtures. Five different models of adipogenesis were used to provide a rigorous assessment of metabolism-disrupting effects. Interestingly, every individual contraceptive (both estrogens and progestins) and each mixture promoted significant adipogenesis (eg, triglyceride accumulation and/or preadipocyte proliferation). These effects appeared to be mediated in part through estrogen receptor signaling, particularly for the contraceptive mixtures, as cotreatment with fulvestrant acted to inhibit contraceptive-mediated proadipogenic effects on triglyceride accumulation. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between hormonal contraceptives and adipocyte development. The results suggest that both progestins and estrogens within these contraceptives can influence adipogenesis, and the specific effects may vary based on the receptor disruption profiles. Further research is warranted to establish translation of these findings to in vivo models and to further assess causal mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tiffany Chiang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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2
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vom Saal FS, Antoniou M, Belcher SM, Bergman A, Bhandari RK, Birnbaum LS, Cohen A, Collins TJ, Demeneix B, Fine AM, Flaws JA, Gayrard V, Goodson WH, Gore AC, Heindel JJ, Hunt PA, Iguchi T, Kassotis CD, Kortenkamp A, Mesnage R, Muncke J, Myers JP, Nadal A, Newbold RR, Padmanabhan V, Palanza P, Palma Z, Parmigiani S, Patrick L, Prins GS, Rosenfeld CS, Skakkebaek NE, Sonnenschein C, Soto AM, Swan SH, Taylor JA, Toutain PL, von Hippel FA, Welshons WV, Zalko D, Zoeller RT. The Conflict between Regulatory Agencies over the 20,000-Fold Lowering of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for Bisphenol A (BPA) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Environ Health Perspect 2024; 132:45001. [PMID: 38592230 PMCID: PMC11003459 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended lowering their estimated tolerable daily intake (TDI) for bisphenol A (BPA) 20,000-fold to 0.2 ng / kg body weight ( BW ) / day . BPA is an extensively studied high production volume endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) associated with a vast array of diseases. Prior risk assessments of BPA by EFSA as well as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have relied on industry-funded studies conducted under good laboratory practice protocols (GLP) requiring guideline end points and detailed record keeping, while also claiming to examine (but rejecting) thousands of published findings by academic scientists. Guideline protocols initially formalized in the mid-twentieth century are still used by many regulatory agencies. EFSA used a 21st century approach in its reassessment of BPA and conducted a transparent, but time-limited, systematic review that included both guideline and academic research. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) opposed EFSA's revision of the TDI for BPA. OBJECTIVES We identify the flaws in the assumptions that the German BfR, as well as the FDA, have used to justify maintaining the TDI for BPA at levels above what a vast amount of academic research shows to cause harm. We argue that regulatory agencies need to incorporate 21st century science into chemical hazard identifications using the CLARITY-BPA (Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity) nonguideline academic studies in a collaborative government-academic program model. DISCUSSION We strongly endorse EFSA's revised TDI for BPA and support the European Commission's (EC) apparent acceptance of this updated BPA risk assessment. We discuss challenges to current chemical risk assessment assumptions about EDCs that need to be addressed by regulatory agencies to, in our opinion, become truly protective of public health. Addressing these challenges will hopefully result in BPA, and eventually other structurally similar bisphenols (called regrettable substitutions) for which there are known adverse effects, being eliminated from all food-related and many other uses in the EU and elsewhere. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13812.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick S. vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael Antoniou
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Scott M. Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ake Bergman
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ramji K. Bhandari
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- Scientist Emeritus and Former Director, National Toxicology Program (NTP), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Scholar in Residence, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aly Cohen
- Integrative Rheumatology Associates, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Terrence J. Collins
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Barbara Demeneix
- Comparative Physiology Laboratory, Natural History Museum, Paris, France
| | - Anne Marie Fine
- Environmental Medicine Education International, Mancos, Colorado, USA
| | - Jodi A. Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois Urbana—Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Veronique Gayrard
- ToxAlim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - William H. Goodson
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrea C. Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jerrold J. Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patricia A. Hunt
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Robin Mesnage
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Angel Nadal
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE) and CIBERDEM, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Retha R. Newbold
- Scientist Emeritus, NTP, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Paola Palanza
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Parmigiani
- Unit of Evolutionary and Functional Biology, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Lyn Patrick
- Environmental Medicine Education International, Mancos, Colorado, USA
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri—Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- MU Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri—Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Niels E. Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlos Sonnenschein
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana M. Soto
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shanna H. Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julia A. Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Pierre-Louis Toutain
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK
- NTHERES, INRAE, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Frank A. von Hippel
- Department of Community, Environment & Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Wade V. Welshons
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri—Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel Zalko
- ToxAlim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - R. Thomas Zoeller
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Overdahl KE, Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Getzinger GJ, Phillips A, Hammel S, Stapleton HM, Ferguson PL. Characterizing azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust and their correlations with other organic contaminant classes. Environ Pollut 2023; 337:122491. [PMID: 37709124 PMCID: PMC10655148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene disperse dyes are the fastest-growing category of commercial dyestuffs and are implicated in the literature as potentially allergenic. In the indoor environment, these dyes may be shed from various textiles, including clothing and upholstery and accumulate in dust particles potentially leading to exposure in young children who have higher exposure to chemicals associated with dust due to their crawling and mouthing behaviors. Children may be more vulnerable to dye exposure due to their developing immune systems, and therefore, it is critical to characterize azobenzene disperse dyes in children's home environments. Here, we investigate azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust samples (n = 124) that were previously analyzed for flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to support both targeted and suspect screening of dyes in dust. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if dye concentrations were related to demographic information. Detection frequencies for 12 target dyes ranged from 11% to 89%; of the dyes that were detected in at least 50% of the samples, geometric mean levels ranged from 32.4 to 360 ng/g. Suspect screening analysis identified eight additional high-abundance azobenzene compounds in dust. Some dyes were correlated to numerous flame retardants and several antimicrobials, and statistically higher levels of some dyes were observed in homes of non-Hispanic Black mothers than in homes of non-Hispanic white mothers. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of azobenzene disperse dyes in house dust to date. Future studies are needed to quantify additional dyes in dust and to examine exposure pathways of dyes in indoor environments where children are concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Overdahl
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202. United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Gordon J Getzinger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Allison Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Stephanie Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States.
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States.
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4
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Duh-Leong C, Maffini MV, Kassotis CD, Vandenberg LN, Trasande L. The regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to minimize their impact on health. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:600-614. [PMID: 37553404 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00872-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances generated by human industrial activities that are detrimental to human health through their effects on the endocrine system. The global societal and economic burden posed by EDCs is substantial. Poorly defined or unenforced policies can increase human exposure to EDCs, thereby contributing to human disease, disability and economic damage. Researchers have shown that policies and interventions implemented at both individual and government levels have the potential to reduce exposure to EDCs. This Review describes a set of evidence-based policy actions to manage, minimize or even eliminate the widespread use of these chemicals and better protect human health and society. A number of specific challenges exist: defining, identifying and prioritizing EDCs; considering the non-linear or non-monotonic properties of EDCs; accounting for EDC exposure effects that are latent and do not appear until later in life; and updating testing paradigms to reflect 'real-world' mixtures of chemicals and cumulative exposure. A sound strategy also requires partnering with health-care providers to integrate strategies to prevent EDC exposure in clinical care. Critical next steps include addressing EDCs within global policy frameworks by integrating EDC exposure prevention into emerging climate policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Duh-Leong
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Bérubé R, LeFauve MK, Heldman S, Chiang YTT, Birbeck J, Westrick J, Hoffman K, Kassotis CD. Adipogenic and endocrine disrupting mixture effects of organic and inorganic pollutant mixtures. Sci Total Environ 2023; 876:162587. [PMID: 36871739 PMCID: PMC10148906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic health conditions are rapidly increasing in prevalence and cost to society worldwide: in the US, >42 % of adults aged 20 and older are currently classified as obese. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been implicated as a causal factor; some EDCs, termed "obesogens", can increase weight and lipid accumulation and/or perturb metabolic homeostasis. This project aimed to assess the potential combination effects of diverse inorganic and organic contaminant mixtures, which more closely reflect environmentally realistic exposures, on nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte differentiation. Herein, we focused on two polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-77 and 153), two perfluoroalkyl substances (PFOA and PFOS), two brominated flame retardants (PBB-153 and BDE-47), and three inorganic contaminants (lead, arsenic, and cadmium). We examined adipogenesis using human mesenchymal stem cells and receptor bioactivities using luciferase reporter gene assays in human cell lines. We observed significantly greater effects for several receptor bioactivities by various contaminant mixtures relative to individual components. All nine contaminants promoted triglyceride accumulation and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation in human mesenchymal stem cells. Comparing simple component mixtures to individual components at 10 % and 50 % effect levels revealed putative synergistic effects for each of the mixtures for at least one of the concentrations relative to the individual component chemicals, some of which also exhibited significantly greater effects than the component contaminants. Our results support further testing of more realistic and complex contaminant mixtures that better reflect environmental exposures, in order to more conclusively define mixture responses both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Bérubé
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Matthew K LeFauve
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Samantha Heldman
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Yu-Ting Tiffany Chiang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Johnna Birbeck
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Judy Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America.
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6
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Kassotis CD, Phillips AL. Complex Mixtures and Multiple Stressors: Evaluating Combined Chemical Exposures and Cumulative Toxicity. Toxics 2023; 11:487. [PMID: 37368587 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11060487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The problem of chemical mixtures in the environment encompasses biological, analytical, logistical, and regulatory challenges, among others [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
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7
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LeFauve MK, Bérubé R, Heldman S, Chiang YTT, Kassotis CD. Cetyl Alcohol Polyethoxylates Disrupt Metabolic Health in Developmentally Exposed Zebrafish. Metabolites 2023; 13:359. [PMID: 36984799 PMCID: PMC10057089 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol polyethoxylates (AEOs), such as cetyl alcohol ethoxylates (CetAEOs), are high-production-volume surfactants used in laundry detergents, hard-surface cleaners, pesticide formulations, textile production, oils, paints, and other products. AEOs have been suggested as lower toxicity replacements for alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEOs), such as the nonylphenol and octylphenol polyethoxylates. We previously demonstrated that nonylphenol polyethoxylates induced triglyceride accumulation in several in vitro adipogenesis models and promoted adiposity and increased body weights in developmentally exposed zebrafish. We also demonstrated that diverse APEOs and AEOs were able to increase triglyceride accumulation and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation in a murine pre-adipocyte model. As such, the goals of this study were to assess the potential of CetAEOs to promote adiposity and alter growth and/or development (toxicity, length, weight, behavior, energy expenditure) of developmentally exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio). We also sought to expand our understanding of ethoxylate chain-length dependent effects through interrogation of varying chain-length CetAEOs. We demonstrated consistent adipogenic effects in two separate human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell models as well as murine pre-adipocytes. Immediately following chemical exposures in zebrafish, we reported disrupted neurodevelopment and aberrant behavior in light/dark activity testing, with medium chain-length CetAEO-exposed fish exhibiting hyperactivity across both light and dark phases. By day 30, we demonstrated that cetyl alcohol and CetAEOs disrupted adipose deposition in developmentally exposed zebrafish, despite no apparent impacts on standard length or gross body weight. This research suggests metabolic health concerns for these common environmental contaminants, suggesting further need to assess molecular mechanisms and better characterize environmental concentrations for human health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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8
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Trasande L, Kassotis CD. The Pediatrician's Role in Protecting Children from Environmental Hazards. Pediatr Clin North Am 2023; 70:137-150. [PMID: 36402464 PMCID: PMC10591514 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Children suffer disproportionately from disease and disability due to environmental hazards, for reasons rooted in their biology. The contribution is substantial and increasingly recognized, particularly due to ever-increasing awareness of endocrine disruption. Regulatory actions can be traced directly to reductions in toxic exposures, with tangible benefits to society. Deep flaws remain in the policy framework in industrialized countries, failing to offer sufficient protection, but are even more limited in industrializing nations where the majority of chemical production and use will occur by 2030. Evidence-based steps for reducing chemical exposures associated with adverse health outcomes exist and should be incorporated into anticipatory guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Environmental Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY, USA; NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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9
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Yang Z, Roth K, Ding J, Kassotis CD, Mor G, Petriello MC. Exposure to a mixture of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances modulates pulmonary expression of ACE2 and circulating hormones and cytokines. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 456:116284. [PMID: 36270329 PMCID: PMC10325118 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors impact on the interindividual variability of susceptibility to communicable and non-communicable diseases. A class of ubiquitous chemicals, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked in epidemiological studies to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to viral infections, but possible mechanisms are not well elucidated. To begin to gain insight into the role of PFAS in susceptibility to one such viral infection, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), male and female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to control water or a mixture of 5 PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, Genx) for 12 weeks and lungs were isolated for examination of expression of SARS-CoV-2-related receptors Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and others. Secondary analyses included circulating hormones and cytokines which have been shown to directly or indirectly impact on ACE2 expression and severity of viral infections. Changes in mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting and circulating hormones and cytokines were determined by ELISA and MESO QuickPlex. The PFAS mixture decreased Ace2 mRNA 2.5-fold in male mice (p < 0.0001), with no significant change observed in females. In addition, TMPRSS2, ANPEP, ENPEP and DPP4 (other genes implicated in COVID-19 infection) were modulated due to PFAS. Plasma testosterone, but not estrogen were strikingly decreased due to PFAS which corresponded to PFAS-mediated repression of 4 representative pulmonary AR target genes; hemoglobin, beta adult major chain (Hbb-b1), Ferrochelatase (Fech), Collagen Type XIV Alpha 1 Chain (Col14a1), 5'-Aminolevulinate Synthase 2 (Alas2). Finally, PFAS modulated circulating pro and anti-inflammatory mediators including IFN-γ (downregulated 3.0-fold in females; p = 0.0301, 2.1-fold in males; p = 0.0418) and IL-6 (upregulated 5.6-fold in males; p = 0.030, no change in females). In conclusion, our data indicate long term exposure to a PFAS mixture impacts mechanisms related to expression of ACE2 in the lung. This work provides a mechanistic rationale for important future studies of PFAS exposure and subsequent viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Michael C Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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10
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Kassotis CD, Vom Saal FS, Babin PJ, Lagadic-Gossmann D, Le Mentec H, Blumberg B, Mohajer N, Legrand A, Munic Kos V, Martin-Chouly C, Podechard N, Langouët S, Touma C, Barouki R, Kim MJ, Audouze K, Choudhury M, Shree N, Bansal A, Howard S, Heindel JJ. Corrigendum to "Obesity III: Obesogen assays: Limitations, strengths, and new directions" [Biochem. Pharmacol. 199 (2022) 115014]. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115145. [PMID: 35716579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States.
| | - Frederick S Vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France
| | - Dominique Lagadic-Gossmann
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Helene Le Mentec
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, The University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Nicole Mohajer
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, The University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Antoine Legrand
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Vesna Munic Kos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Corinne Martin-Chouly
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Normand Podechard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Sophie Langouët
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Charbel Touma
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | | | - Mahua Choudhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Nitya Shree
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Amita Bansal
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2611, Australia
| | - Sarah Howard
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, United States
| | - Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, United States
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11
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Geueke B, Groh KJ, Maffini MV, Martin OV, Boucher JM, Chiang YT, Gwosdz F, Jieh P, Kassotis CD, Łańska P, Myers JP, Odermatt A, Parkinson LV, Schreier VN, Srebny V, Zimmermann L, Scheringer M, Muncke J. Systematic evidence on migrating and extractable food contact chemicals: Most chemicals detected in food contact materials are not listed for use. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9425-9435. [PMID: 35585831 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2067828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Food packaging is important for today's globalized food system, but food contact materials (FCMs) can also be a source of hazardous chemicals migrating into foodstuffs. Assessing the impacts of FCMs on human health requires a comprehensive identification of the chemicals they contain, the food contact chemicals (FCCs). We systematically compiled the "database on migrating and extractable food contact chemicals" (FCCmigex) using information from 1210 studies. We found that to date 2881 FCCs have been detected, in a total of six FCM groups (Plastics, Paper & Board, Metal, Multi-materials, Glass & Ceramic, and Other FCMs). 65% of these detected FCCs were previously not known to be used in FCMs. Conversely, of the more than 12'000 FCCs known to be used, only 1013 are included in the FCCmigex database. Plastic is the most studied FCM with 1975 FCCs detected. Our findings expand the universe of known FCCs to 14,153 chemicals. This knowledge contributes to developing non-hazardous FCMs that lead to safer food and support a circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Department Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Yu-Ting Chiang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Phoenix Jieh
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paulina Łańska
- Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - John Peterson Myers
- Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Verena N Schreier
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Srebny
- Biointerfaces Lab, EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Filer DL, Hoffman K, Sargis RM, Trasande L, Kassotis CD. On the Utility of ToxCast-Based Predictive Models to Evaluate Potential Metabolic Disruption by Environmental Chemicals. Environ Health Perspect 2022; 130:57005. [PMID: 35533074 PMCID: PMC9084331 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests environmental contaminants can impact metabolic health; however, high costs prohibit in vivo screening of putative metabolic disruptors. High-throughput screening programs, such as ToxCast, hold promise to reduce testing gaps and prioritize higher-order (in vivo) testing. OBJECTIVES We sought to a) examine the concordance of in vitro testing in 3T3-L1 cells to a targeted literature review for 38 semivolatile environmental chemicals, and b) assess the predictive utility of various expert models using ToxCast data against the set of 38 reference chemicals. METHODS Using a set of 38 chemicals with previously published results in 3T3-L1 cells, we performed a metabolism-targeted literature review to determine consensus activity determinations. To assess ToxCast predictive utility, we used two published ToxPi models: a) the 8-Slice model published by Janesick et al. (2016) and b) the 5-Slice model published by Auerbach et al. (2016). We examined the performance of the two models against the Janesick in vitro results and our own 38-chemical reference set. We further evaluated the predictive performance of various modifications to these models using cytotoxicity filtering approaches and validated our best-performing model with new chemical testing in 3T3-L1 cells. RESULTS The literature review revealed relevant publications for 30 out of the 38 chemicals (the remaining 8 chemicals were only examined in our previous 3T3-L1 testing). We observed a balanced accuracy (average of sensitivity and specificity) of 0.86 comparing our previous in vitro results to the literature-derived calls. ToxPi models provided balanced accuracies ranging from 0.55 to 0.88, depending on the model specifications and reference set. Validation chemical testing correctly predicted 29 of 30 chemicals as per 3T3-L1 testing, suggesting good adipogenic prediction performance for our best adapted model. DISCUSSION Using the most recent ToxCast data and an updated ToxPi model, we found ToxCast performed similarly to that of our own 3T3-L1 testing in predicting consensus calls. Furthermore, we provide the full ranked list of largely untested chemicals with ToxPi scores that predict adipogenic activity and that require further investigation. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6779.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayne L. Filer
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, and Renaissance Computing Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert M. Sargis
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- NYU College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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13
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Heindel JJ, Howard S, Agay-Shay K, Arrebola JP, Audouze K, Babin PJ, Barouki R, Bansal A, Blanc E, Cave MC, Chatterjee S, Chevalier N, Choudhury M, Collier D, Connolly L, Coumoul X, Garruti G, Gilbertson M, Hoepner LA, Holloway AC, Howell G, Kassotis CD, Kay MK, Kim MJ, Lagadic-Gossmann D, Langouet S, Legrand A, Li Z, Le Mentec H, Lind L, Monica Lind P, Lustig RH, Martin-Chouly C, Munic Kos V, Podechard N, Roepke TA, Sargis RM, Starling A, Tomlinson CR, Touma C, Vondracek J, Vom Saal F, Blumberg B. Obesity II: Establishing causal links between chemical exposures and obesity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115015. [PMID: 35395240 PMCID: PMC9124454 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial disease with both genetic and environmental components. The prevailing view is that obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure caused by overeating and insufficient exercise. We describe another environmental element that can alter the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure: obesogens. Obesogens are a subset of environmental chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors affecting metabolic endpoints. The obesogen hypothesis posits that exposure to endocrine disruptors and other chemicals can alter the development and function of the adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and brain, thus changing the set point for control of metabolism. Obesogens can determine how much food is needed to maintain homeostasis and thereby increase the susceptibility to obesity. The most sensitive time for obesogen action is in utero and early childhood, in part via epigenetic programming that can be transmitted to future generations. This review explores the evidence supporting the obesogen hypothesis and highlights knowledge gaps that have prevented widespread acceptance as a contributor to the obesity pandemic. Critically, the obesogen hypothesis changes the narrative from curing obesity to preventing obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, USA.
| | - Sarah Howard
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, USA
| | - Keren Agay-Shay
- Health and Environment Research (HER) Lab, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Israel
| | - Juan P Arrebola
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Karine Audouze
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, Paris France
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Amita Bansal
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Etienne Blanc
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40402, USA
| | - Saurabh Chatterjee
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Nicolas Chevalier
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cote d'Azur, Cote d'Azur, France
| | - Mahua Choudhury
- College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David Collier
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Lisa Connolly
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, T3S, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Michael Gilbertson
- Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland
| | - Lori A Hoepner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Alison C Holloway
- McMaster University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamilton, Ontario, CA, USA
| | - George Howell
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mathew K Kay
- College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | | | - Sophie Langouet
- Univ Rennes, INSERM EHESP, IRSET UMR_5S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Antoine Legrand
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Zhuorui Li
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Helene Le Mentec
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Lars Lind
- Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P Monica Lind
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert H Lustig
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Vesna Munic Kos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Normand Podechard
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Troy A Roepke
- Department of Animal Science, School of Environmental and Biological Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Il 60612, USA
| | - Anne Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig R Tomlinson
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Charbel Touma
- Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | - Jan Vondracek
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frederick Vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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14
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Kassotis CD, Vom Saal FS, Babin PJ, Lagadic-Gossmann D, Le Mentec H, Blumberg B, Mohajer N, Legrand A, Munic Kos V, Martin-Chouly C, Podechard N, Langouët S, Touma C, Barouki R, Ji Kim M, Audouze K, Choudhury M, Shree N, Bansal A, Howard S, Heindel JJ. Obesity III: Obesogen assays: Limitations, strengths, and new directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115014. [PMID: 35393121 PMCID: PMC9050906 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of a role for environmental contaminants in disrupting metabolic health in both humans and animals. Despite a growing need for well-understood models for evaluating adipogenic and potential obesogenic contaminants, there has been a reliance on decades-old in vitro models that have not been appropriately managed by cell line providers. There has been a quick rise in available in vitro models in the last ten years, including commercial availability of human mesenchymal stem cell and preadipocyte models; these models require more comprehensive validation but demonstrate real promise in improved translation to human metabolic health. There is also progress in developing three-dimensional and co-culture techniques that allow for the interrogation of a more physiologically relevant state. While diverse rodent models exist for evaluating putative obesogenic and/or adipogenic chemicals in a physiologically relevant context, increasing capabilities have been identified for alternative model organisms such as Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish, and medaka in metabolic health testing. These models have several appreciable advantages, including most notably their size, rapid development, large brood sizes, and ease of high-resolution lipid accumulation imaging throughout the organisms. They are anticipated to expand the capabilities of metabolic health research, particularly when coupled with emerging obesogen evaluation techniques as described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States.
| | - Frederick S Vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Patrick J Babin
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Pessac, France
| | - Dominique Lagadic-Gossmann
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Helene Le Mentec
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, The University of California, Irvine, Irvine CA 92697, United States
| | - Nicole Mohajer
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, The University of California, Irvine, Irvine CA 92697, United States
| | - Antoine Legrand
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Vesna Munic Kos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Corinne Martin-Chouly
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Normand Podechard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Sophie Langouët
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Charbel Touma
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health) - UMR_S 1085, 35 000 Rennes, France
| | - Robert Barouki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Paris, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Min Ji Kim
- University of Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, INSERM U1124 (T3S), Paris, France
| | | | - Mahua Choudhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Nitya Shree
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States
| | - Amita Bansal
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2611, Australia
| | - Sarah Howard
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, United States
| | - Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 92924, United States
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15
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Kassotis CD, LeFauve MK, Chiang YTT, Knuth MM, Schkoda S, Kullman SW. Nonylphenol Polyethoxylates Enhance Adipose Deposition in Developmentally Exposed Zebrafish. Toxics 2022; 10:toxics10020099. [PMID: 35202285 PMCID: PMC8879477 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEOs), such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), are high-production-volume surfactants used in laundry detergents, hard-surface cleaners, pesticide formulations, textile production, oils, paints, and other products. NPEOs comprise −80% of the total production of APEOs and are widely reported across diverse environmental matrices. Despite a growing push for replacement products, APEOs continue to be released into the environment through wastewater at significant levels. Research into related nonionic surfactants from varying sources has reported metabolic health impacts, and we have previously demonstrated that diverse APEOs and alcohol polyethoxylates promote adipogenesis in the murine 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte model. These effects appeared to be independent of the base alkylphenol and related to the ethoxylate chain length, though limited research has evaluated NPEO exposures in animal models. The goals of this study were to assess the potential of NPEOs to promote adiposity (Nile red fluorescence quantification) and alter growth and/or development (toxicity, length, weight, and energy expenditure) of developmentally exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio). We also sought to expand our understanding of the ability to promote adiposity through evaluation in human mesenchymal stem cells. Herein, we demonstrated consistent adipogenic effects in two separate human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell models, and that nonylphenol and its ethoxylates promoted weight gain and increased adipose deposition in developmentally exposed zebrafish. Notably, across both cell and zebrafish models we report increasing adipogenic/obesogenic activity with increasing ethoxylate chain lengths up to maximums around NPEO-6 and then decreasing activity with the longest ethoxylate chain lengths. This research suggests metabolic health concerns for these common obesogens, suggesting further need to assess molecular mechanisms and better characterize environmental concentrations for human health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.K.L.); (Y.-T.T.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-313-577-0170
| | - Matthew K. LeFauve
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.K.L.); (Y.-T.T.C.)
| | - Yu-Ting Tiffany Chiang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (M.K.L.); (Y.-T.T.C.)
| | - Megan M. Knuth
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Stacy Schkoda
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (S.S.); (S.W.K.)
| | - Seth W. Kullman
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (S.S.); (S.W.K.)
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16
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Herkert NJ, Kassotis CD, Zhang S, Han Y, Pulikkal VF, Sun M, Ferguson PL, Stapleton HM. Characterization of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances Present in Commercial Anti-fog Products and Their In Vitro Adipogenic Activity. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:1162-1173. [PMID: 34985261 PMCID: PMC8908479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Anti-fog sprays and solutions are used on eyeglasses to minimize the condensation of water vapor, particularly while wearing a mask. Given their water-repellent properties, we sought to characterize per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) compounds in four anti-fog spray products, five anti-fog cloth products, and two commercial fluorosurfactant formulations suspected to be used in preparing anti-fog products. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs) were detected in all products and formulations. While 6:2 FTOH and the 6:2 FTEO polymeric series were predominant, one anti-fog cloth and one formulation contained 8:2, 10:2, 12:2, 14:2, and 16:2 FTOH and FTEO polymeric series. PFAS concentrations varied in samples and were detected at levels up to 25,000 μg/mL in anti-fog sprays and 185,000 μg (g cloth)-1 in anti-fog cloth products. The total organic fluorine (TOF) measurements of anti-fog products ranged from 190 to 20,700 μg/mL in sprays and 44,200 to 131,500 μg (g cloth)-1 in cloths. Quantified FTOHs and FTEOs accounted for 1-99% of TOF mass. In addition, all four anti-fog sprays and both commercial formulations exhibited significant cytotoxicity and adipogenic activity (either triglyceride accumulation and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation) in murine 3T3-L1 cells. Results suggest that FTEOs are a significant contributor to the adipogenic activity exhibited by the anti-fog sprays. Altogether, these results suggest that FTEOs are present in commercial products at toxicologically relevant levels, and more research is needed to fully understand the health risks from using these PFAS-containing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Yuling Han
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Vivek Francis Pulikkal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Mei Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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17
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Abstract
Over the past several decades, scientific consensus has grown around the concept and evidence for human health impacts from exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). A series of publications have now demonstrated considerable economic costs of EDC exposure-induced adverse health outcomes. This research has suggested economic burdens in the hundreds of billions, even considering only a small subset of EDCs and health. As of yet, regulatory efforts and policies to protect and decrease human exposure to most EDCs have been insufficient and have not kept pace with the science. Given the overwhelming scientific evidence, referenced throughout this collection, as well as the economic costs of inaction, described here, regulations are clearly needed. The EU and some other countries have taken promising steps towards protective regulation of EDCs, though the response of the US and many other countries has been limited or altogether lacking. Regulatory bodies that have and continue to apply risk-based approaches to regulating EDCs have also failed to consider the complete economic impacts of EDC-related health impacts. In this chapter, we will discuss broad strategies taken to regulate EDCs, examine the approaches currently taken to regulate EDCs in a global context (discussing the strengths and weaknesses of these regulations), discuss the economic costs of EDC exposures (detailing where consideration of health and economic costs could improve regulations), and discuss next steps and novel approaches to adapting existing regulatory frameworks to this class of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Departments of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States
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18
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants. Sci Total Environ 2021; 758:143707. [PMID: 33223163 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01788.s001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America; Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States of America
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
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19
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants. Sci Total Environ 2021; 758:143707. [PMID: 33223163 PMCID: PMC7796983 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America; Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States of America
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
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20
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Kassotis CD, Harkness JS, Vo PH, Vu DC, Hoffman K, Cinnamon KM, Cornelius-Green JN, Vengosh A, Lin CH, Tillitt DE, Kruse RL, McElroy JA, Nagel SC. Endocrine disrupting activities and geochemistry of water resources associated with unconventional oil and gas activity. Sci Total Environ 2020; 748:142236. [PMID: 33039138 PMCID: PMC7772064 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The rise of hydraulic fracturing and unconventional oil and gas (UOG) exploration in the United States has increased public concerns for water contamination induced from hydraulic fracturing fluids and associated wastewater spills. Herein, we collected surface and groundwater samples across Garfield County, Colorado, a drilling-dense region, and measured endocrine bioactivities, geochemical tracers of UOG wastewater, UOG-related organic contaminants in surface water, and evaluated UOG drilling production (weighted well scores, nearby well count, reported spills) surrounding sites. Elevated antagonist activities for the estrogen, androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors were detected in surface water and associated with nearby shale gas well counts and density. The elevated endocrine activities were observed in surface water associated with medium and high UOG production (weighted UOG well score-based groups). These bioactivities were generally not associated with reported spills nearby, and often did not exhibit geochemical profiles associated with UOG wastewater from this region. Our results suggest the potential for releases of low-saline hydraulic fracturing fluids or chemicals used in other aspects of UOG production, similar to the chemistry of the local water, and dissimilar from defined spills of post-injection wastewater. Notably, water collected from certain medium and high UOG production sites exhibited bioactivities well above the levels known to impact the health of aquatic organisms, suggesting that further research to assess potential endocrine activities of UOG operations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer S Harkness
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
| | - Phuc H Vo
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Danh C Vu
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Katelyn M Cinnamon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Robin L Kruse
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jane A McElroy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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21
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Kassotis CD, Herkert NJ, Hammel SC, Hoffman K, Xia Q, Kullman SW, Sosa JA, Stapleton HM. Thyroid Receptor Antagonism of Chemicals Extracted from Personal Silicone Wristbands within a Papillary Thyroid Cancer Pilot Study. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:15296-15312. [PMID: 33185092 PMCID: PMC7819617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that thyroid cancer incidence rates are increasing, and environmental exposures have been postulated to be playing a role. To explore this possibility, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the thyroid disrupting bioactivity of chemical mixtures isolated from personal silicone wristband samplers within a thyroid cancer cohort. Specifically, we evaluated TRβ antagonism of chemical mixtures extracted from wristbands (n = 72) worn by adults in central North Carolina participating in a case-control study on papillary thyroid cancer. Sections of wristbands were solvent-extracted and analyzed via mass spectrometry to quantify a suite of semivolatile chemicals. A second extract from each wristband was used in a bioassay to quantify TRβ antagonism in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293/17) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10% of the original extract (by volume). Approximately 70% of the sample extracts tested at a 1% extract concentration exhibited significant TRβ antagonism, with a mean of 30% and a range of 0-100%. Inhibited cell viability was noted in >20% of samples that were tested at 5 and 10% concentrations. Antagonism was positively associated with wristband concentrations of several phthalates, organophosphate esters, and brominated flame retardants. These results suggest that personal passive samplers may be useful in evaluating the bioactivities of mixtures that people contact on a daily basis. We also report tentative associations between thyroid receptor antagonism, chemical concentrations, and papillary thyroid cancer case status. Future research utilizing larger sample sizes, prospective data collection, and measurement of serum thyroid hormone levels (which were not possible in this study) should be utilized to more comprehensively evaluate these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Qianyi Xia
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Seth W Kullman
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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22
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Nagel SC, Kassotis CD, Vandenberg LN, Lawrence BP, Robert J, Balise VD. Developmental exposure to a mixture of unconventional oil and gas chemicals: A review of experimental effects on adult health, behavior, and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 513:110722. [PMID: 32147523 PMCID: PMC7539678 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction (UOG) combines directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing and produces billions of liters of wastewater per year. Herein, we review experimental studies that evaluated the potential endocrine-mediated health impacts of exposure to a mixture of 23 UOG chemicals commonly found in wastewater. The purpose of this manuscript is to synthesize and summarize a body of work using the same UOG-mix but with different model systems and physiological endpoints in multiple experiments. The studies reviewed were conducted in laboratory animals (mice or tadpoles) and human tissue culture cells. A key feature of the in vivo studies was the use of four environmentally relevant doses spanning three orders of magnitude ranging from concentrations found in surface and ground water in UOG dense areas to concentrations found in UOG wastewater. This UOG-mix exhibited potent antagonist activity for the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and thyroid receptors in human tissue culture cells. Subsequently, pregnant mice were administered the UOG-mix in drinking water and offspring were examined in adulthood or to tadpoles. Developmental exposure profoundly impacted pituitary hormone concentrations, reduced sperm counts, altered folliculogenesis, and increased mammary gland ductal density and preneoplastic lesions in mice. It also altered energy expenditure, exploratory and risk-taking behavior, the immune system in three immune models in mice, and affected basal and antiviral immunity in frogs. These findings highlight the diverse systems affected by developmental EDC exposure and the need to examine human and animal health in UOG regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, DC051.00 One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - C D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - L N Vandenberg
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 171C Goessmann, 686 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - B P Lawrence
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - J Robert
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - V D Balise
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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23
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Kassotis CD, Vandenberg LN, Demeneix BA, Porta M, Slama R, Trasande L. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: economic, regulatory, and policy implications. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2020; 8:719-730. [PMID: 32707119 PMCID: PMC7437819 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(20)30128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) substantially cost society as a result of increases in disease and disability but-unlike other toxicant classes such as carcinogens-have yet to be codified into regulations as a hazard category. This Series paper examines economic, regulatory, and policy approaches to limit human EDC exposures and describes potential improvements. In the EU, general principles for EDCs call for minimisation of human exposure, identification as substances of very high concern, and ban on use in pesticides. In the USA, screening and testing programmes are focused on oestrogenic EDCs exclusively, and regulation is strictly risk-based. Minimisation of human exposure is unlikely without a clear overarching definition for EDCs and relevant pre-marketing test requirements. We call for a multifaceted international programme (eg, modelled on the International Agency for Research in Cancer) to address the effects of EDCs on human health-an approach that would proactively identify hazards for subsequent regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Barbara A Demeneix
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; Université Paris-Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, PSMAR, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Remy Slama
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM, U1209, CNRS, UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine, and Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
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24
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Muncke J, Andersson AM, Backhaus T, Boucher JM, Carney Almroth B, Castillo Castillo A, Chevrier J, Demeneix BA, Emmanuel JA, Fini JB, Gee D, Geueke B, Groh K, Heindel JJ, Houlihan J, Kassotis CD, Kwiatkowski CF, Lefferts LY, Maffini MV, Martin OV, Myers JP, Nadal A, Nerin C, Pelch KE, Fernández SR, Sargis RM, Soto AM, Trasande L, Vandenberg LN, Wagner M, Wu C, Zoeller RT, Scheringer M. Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement. Environ Health 2020; 19:25. [PMID: 32122363 PMCID: PMC7053054 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-0572-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [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: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Food packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Justin M Boucher
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Barbara A Demeneix
- Department Adaptation du Vivant, Unité mixte de recherche 7221, CNRS (French National Research Center) and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Jorge A Emmanuel
- Institute of Environmental & Marine Sciences, Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines
| | - Jean-Baptiste Fini
- Department Adaptation du Vivant, Unité mixte de recherche 7221, CNRS (French National Research Center) and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - David Gee
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia Groh
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Commonweal, Bolinas, CA, USA
| | - Jane Houlihan
- Healthy Babies Bright Futures, Charlottesville, V.A., USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Y Lefferts
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Olwenn V Martin
- Institute for the Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - John Peterson Myers
- Environmental Health Sciences, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie, Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angel Nadal
- IDiBE and CIBERDEM, Universitas Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ana M Soto
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Changqing Wu
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction (fracking) has increased in the United States, as well as interest in the associated risks and benefits. This study’s purpose was to qualitatively examine residents’ perceptions about UOG development in their community. Fifteen interviewees involving residents of Garfield County, Colorado, a drilling-dense region, were transcribed and analyzed. The study found six themes: (1) health concerns, both human and animal, (2) power struggles between government and industry/between industry and residents, and (3) perception and some acceptance of increased risk. Less common themes were (4) reliance on science to accurately determine risk, (5) frustration with potential threat and loss of power, and (6) traffic and safety concerns. Community perceptions of UOG development are complex, and understanding the position of community members can support the need for additional public health research and impact assessments regarding community exposures from UOG drilling operation exposures.
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26
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Kassotis CD, Kollitz EM, Hoffman K, Sosa JA, Stapleton HM. Thyroid receptor antagonism as a contributory mechanism for adipogenesis induced by environmental mixtures in 3T3-L1 cells. Sci Total Environ 2019; 666:431-444. [PMID: 30802659 PMCID: PMC6456385 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that indoor house dust extracts could induce adipogenesis in pre-adipocytes, suggesting a potential role for indoor contaminant mixtures in metabolic health. Herein, we investigated the potential role of thyroid receptor beta (TRβ) antagonism in adipogenic effects (dust-induced triglyceride accumulation and pre-adipocyte proliferation) following exposure to environmental mixtures (indoor house dust extracts). Concentrations of specific flame retardants were measured in extracts, and metabolic health information was collected from residents (n = 137). 90% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity, >60% via triglyceride accumulation, and >70% via pre-adipocyte proliferation. Triglyceride accumulation was positively correlated with concentrations of each of twelve flame retardants, despite most being independently inactive; this suggests a putative role for co-exposures or mixtures. We further reported a positive correlation between dust-induced triglyceride accumulation and serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations, negative correlations with serum free triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations, and a positive and significant association between dust-induced triglyceride accumulation and residents' body mass index (BMI). We hypothesized that inhibition of TR antagonism might counteract these effects, and both addition of a TR agonist and siRNA knock-down of TR resulted in decreased dust-induced triglyceride accumulation in a subset of samples, bolstering this as a contributory mechanism. These results highlight a contributory role of environmental TR antagonism as a putative factor in metabolic health, suggesting that further research should evaluate this mechanism and determine whether in vitro adipogenic activity could have utility as a biomarker for metabolic health in residents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin M. Kollitz
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
- Corresponding Author Post-Publication and person to whom reprints requests should be addressed: Heather M. Stapleton, PhD, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, A207B Levine Science Research Center, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27708, Phone: 919-613-8717,
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Kassotis CD, Stapleton HM. Endocrine-Mediated Mechanisms of Metabolic Disruption and New Approaches to Examine the Public Health Threat. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:39. [PMID: 30792693 PMCID: PMC6374316 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic disorders are of great societal concern and generate substantial human health care costs globally. Interventions have resulted in only minimal impacts on disrupting this worsening health trend, increasing attention on putative environmental contributors. Exposure to numerous environmental contaminants have, over decades, been demonstrated to result in increased metabolic dysfunction and/or weight gain in cell and animal models, and in some cases, even in humans. There are numerous mechanisms through which environmental contaminants may contribute to metabolic dysfunction, though certain mechanisms, such as activation of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma or the retinoid x receptor, have received considerably more attention than less-studied mechanisms such as antagonism of the thyroid receptor, androgen receptor, or mitochondrial toxicity. As such, research on putative metabolic disruptors is growing rapidly, as is our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Concurrent with these advances, new research has evaluated current models of adipogenesis, and new models have been proposed. Only in the last several years have studies really begun to address complex mixtures of contaminants and how these mixtures may disrupt metabolic health in environmentally relevant exposure scenarios. Several studies have begun to assess environmental mixtures from various environments and study the mechanisms underlying their putative metabolic dysfunction; these studies hold real promise in highlighting crucial mechanisms driving observed organismal effects. In addition, high-throughput toxicity databases (ToxCast, etc.) may provide future benefits in prioritizing chemicals for in vivo testing, particularly once the causative molecular mechanisms promoting dysfunction are better understood and expert critiques are used to hone the databases. In this review, we will review the available literature linking metabolic disruption to endocrine-mediated molecular mechanisms, discuss the novel application of environmental mixtures and implications for in vivo metabolic health, and discuss the putative utility of applying high-throughput toxicity databases to answering complex organismal health outcome questions.
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Balise VD, Cornelius-Green JN, Kassotis CD, Rector RS, Thyfault JP, Nagel SC. Preconceptional, Gestational, and Lactational Exposure to an Unconventional Oil and Gas Chemical Mixture Alters Energy Expenditure in Adult Female Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:323. [PMID: 31191452 PMCID: PMC6540741 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have found altered adult health outcomes in animals with prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) chemicals with endocrine-disrupting activity. This study aimed to examine potential metabolic health outcomes following a preconception, prenatal and postnatal exposure to a mixture of 23 UOG chemicals. Prior to mating and from gestation day 1 to postnatal day 21, C57BL/6J mice were developmentally exposed to a laboratory-created mixture of 23 UOG chemicals in maternal drinking water. Body composition, spontaneous activity, energy expenditure, and glucose tolerance were evaluated in 7-month-old female offspring. Neither body weight nor body composition differed in 7-month female mice. However, females exposed to 1.5 and 150 μg/kg/day UOG mix had lower total and resting energy expenditure within the dark cycle. In the light cycle, the 1,500 μg//kg/day group had lower total energy expenditure and the 1.5 μg/kg/day group had lower resting energy expenditure. Females exposed to the 150 μg/kg/day group had lower spontaneous activity in the dark cycle, and females exposed to the 1,500 μg/kg/day group had lower activity in the light cycle. This study reports for the first time that developmental exposure to a mixture of 23 UOG chemicals alters energy expenditure and spontaneous activity in adult female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D. Balise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | - R. Scott Rector
- Department of Nutrition and Health Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Medicine-Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - John P. Thyfault
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Research Service, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Susan C. Nagel
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Balise VD, Cornelius-Green JN, Parmenter B, Baxter S, Kassotis CD, Rector RS, Thyfault JP, Paterlini S, Palanza P, Ruiz D, Sargis R, Nagel SC. Developmental Exposure to a Mixture of Unconventional Oil and Gas Chemicals Increased Risk-Taking Behavior, Activity and Energy Expenditure in Aged Female Mice After a Metabolic Challenge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:460. [PMID: 31402896 PMCID: PMC6669236 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals and metabolic disruptors. Our lab has reported altered energy expenditure and activity in C57BL/6J mice that were preconceptionally, gestationally, and lactationally exposed via maternal drinking water to a laboratory-created mixture of 23 UOG chemicals from gestational day 1 to postnatal day 21 in 7-month-old female mice with no change in body composition. We hypothesized that allowing the mice to age and exposing them to a high fat, high sugar diet might reveal underlying changes in energy balance. To investigate whether aging and metabolic challenge would exacerbate this phenotype, these mice were aged to 12 months and given a high fat, high sugar diet (HFHSD) challenge. The short 3-day HFHSD challenge increased body weight and fasting blood glucose in all mice. Developmental exposure to the 23 UOG mixture was associated with increased activity and non-resting energy expenditure in the light cycle, increased exploratory behavior in the elevated plus maze test, and decreased sleep in 12 month female mice. Each of these effects was seen in the light cycle when mice are normally less active. Further studies are needed to better understand the behavioral changes observed after developmental exposure to UOG chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D. Balise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Brittany Parmenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Sierra Baxter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | - R. Scott Rector
- Department of Nutrition and Health Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - John P. Thyfault
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Research Service, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Silvia Paterlini
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Palanza
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniel Ruiz
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert Sargis
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Susan C. Nagel
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Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Stapleton HM. Unconventional oil and gas chemicals and wastewater-impacted water samples promote adipogenesis via PPARγ-dependent and independent mechanisms in 3T3-L1 cells. Sci Total Environ 2018; 640-641:1601-1610. [PMID: 29937353 PMCID: PMC6197861 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations have contributed to a surge in domestic oil and natural gas production in the United States, combining horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing to unlock previously inaccessible fossil fuel deposits. >1000 organic chemicals are used in the production process, and wastewater is produced following injection and for the life of the producing well. This wastewater is typically disposed of via injecting into disposal wells for long-term storage, treatment and discharge from wastewater treatment plants, and/or storage in open evaporation pits; however, wastewater spill rates are reported at 2-20% of active well sites across regions, increasing concerns about the environmental impacts of these wastewaters. This study assessed adipogenic activity (both triglyceride accumulation and pre-adipocyte proliferation) for a mixture of 23 commonly used UOG chemicals and a small subset of UOG wastewater-impacted surface water extracts from Colorado and West Virginia, using 3T3-L1 cells and a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) reporter assay. We report potent and efficacious adipogenic activity induced by both a laboratory-created UOG chemical mixture and UOG-impacted water samples at concentrations below environmental levels. We further report activation of PPARγ at similar concentrations for some samples, suggesting a causative molecular pathway for the observed effects, but not for other adipogenic samples, implicating PPARγ-dependent and independent effects from UOG associated chemicals. Taken together, these results suggest that UOG wastewater has the potential to impact metabolic health at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Kollitz EM, Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Ferguson PL, Sosa JA, Stapleton HM. Chemical Mixtures Isolated from House Dust Disrupt Thyroid Receptor β Signaling. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:11857-11864. [PMID: 30212187 PMCID: PMC6433547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
House dust is a source of exposure to chemicals that can impact hormone regulation. This study was designed to evaluate the potential of house dust mixtures ( n = 137) to disrupt thyroid hormone nuclear receptor signaling in a cell-based reporter assay and to examine associations with thyroid hormones (TH) measured in residents of the homes. Approximately 41% of the extracts (ranging from 10.5 to 4.097 μg of dust/mL) significantly antagonized thyroid receptor β (TRβ) signaling by 20-67% relative to the hormone control. The concentrations of 12 flame retardants (FRs) quantified in the mixtures were significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism; however, they were inactive when tested individually. We hypothesize that the observed antagonism is due to mixture effects or unidentified compounds that co-occur with FRs. Dust extract potency was significantly associated with free thyroxine (FT4, rs = -0.64, p < 0.001), suggesting that more potent dust samples are associated with higher FT4 levels in residents. Overall, these results suggest that house dust is a significant source of exposure to TH-disrupting chemicals, and TRβ may have a role in mediating effects of exposure on TH levels. Additional studies are needed to identify the chemical(s) driving the observed effects on TRβ and to determine if these changes lead to any adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Kollitz
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - P. Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, California 94117, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Corresponding Author Information: Phone: (919) 613-8717,
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32
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Kassotis CD, Vu DC, Vo PH, Lin CH, Cornelius-Green JN, Patton S, Nagel SC. Endocrine-Disrupting Activities and Organic Contaminants Associated with Oil and Gas Operations in Wyoming Groundwater. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2018; 75:247-258. [PMID: 29623359 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations couple horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing to access previously inaccessible fossil fuel deposits. Hydraulic fracturing, a common form of stimulation, involves the high-pressure injection of water, chemicals, and sand to fracture the target layer and release trapped natural gas and/or oil. Spills and/or discharges of wastewater have been shown to impact surface, ground, and drinking water. The goals of this study were to characterize the endocrine activities and measure select organic contaminants in groundwater from conventional oil and gas (COG) and UOG production regions of Wyoming. Groundwater samples were collected from each region, solid-phase extracted, and assessed for endocrine activities (estrogen, androgen, progesterone, glucocorticoid, and thyroid receptor agonism and antagonism), using reporter gene assays in human endometrial cells. Water samples from UOG and conventional oil areas exhibited greater ER antagonist activities than water samples from conventional gas areas. Samples from UOG areas tended to exhibit progesterone receptor antagonism more often, suggesting there may be a UOG-related impact on these endocrine activities. We also report UOG-specific contaminants in Pavillion groundwater extracts, and these same chemicals at high concentrations in a local UOG wastewater sample. A unique suite of contaminants was observed in groundwater from a permitted drinking water well at a COG well pad and not at any UOG sites; high levels of endocrine activities (most notably, maximal estrogenic activity) were noted there, suggesting putative impacts on endocrine bioactivities by COG. As such, we report two levels of evidence for groundwater contamination by both UOG and COG operations in Wyoming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danh C Vu
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Phuc H Vo
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, M659 Medical Sciences Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal, Health and Environment Program, Bolinas, CA, 94924, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, M659 Medical Sciences Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Boulé LA, Chapman TJ, Hillman SE, Kassotis CD, O’Dell C, Robert J, Georas SN, Nagel SC, Lawrence BP. Developmental Exposure to a Mixture of 23 Chemicals Associated With Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations Alters the Immune System of Mice. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:639-654. [PMID: 29718478 PMCID: PMC5974794 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations have the potential to cause adverse biological effects, but this has not been thoroughly evaluated. A notable knowledge gap is their impact on development and function of the immune system. Herein, we report an investigation of whether developmental exposure to a mixture of chemicals associated with UOG operations affects the development and function of the immune system. We used a previously characterized mixture of 23 chemicals associated with UOG, and which was demonstrated to affect reproductive and developmental endpoints in mice. C57Bl/6 mice were maintained throughout pregnancy and during lactation on water containing two concentrations of this 23-chemical mixture, and the immune system of male and female adult offspring was assessed. We comprehensively examined the cellularity of primary and secondary immune organs, and used three different disease models to probe potential immune effects: house dust mite-induced allergic airway disease, influenza A virus infection, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In all three disease models, developmental exposure altered frequencies of certain T cell sub-populations in female, but not male, offspring. Additionally, in the EAE model disease onset occurred earlier and was more severe in females. Our findings indicate that developmental exposure to this mixture had persistent immunological effects that differed by sex, and exacerbated responses in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalitis. These observations suggest that developmental exposure to complex mixtures of water contaminants, such as those derived from UOG operations, could contribute to immune dysregulation and disease later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J Chapman
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
| | - Sara E Hillman
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | | | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Steve N Georas
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
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Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that a number of environmental contaminants can act as metabolic disruptors and modulate metabolic function both in vitro and in vivo. 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes are commonly utilized to assess perturbations to adipogenesis, providing insight into environmental contaminants that may impact in vivo metabolic health. This study sought to assess whether various alkylphenol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxylates (APEOs and AEOs, respectively), ubiquitous contaminants used in common household products, could disrupt metabolic health. 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of individual ethoxylated surfactants and base hydrophobes, and assessed for triglyceride accumulation (relative to a rosiglitazone-induced maximum response) and preadipocyte proliferation (relative to a differentiated vehicle control). We report herein that nonionic APEOs and AEOs promoted triglyceride accumulation and/or preadipocyte proliferation in 3T3-L1 cells at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 μM. Activity appeared to be an effect of the polyethoxylate chain length, as the alkylphenol/alcohol hydrophobes exhibited minimal or no adipogenic activity. In addition, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO) of various ethoxylate chain lengths exhibited biphasic adipogenic activity, with increasing triglyceride accumulation and preadipocyte proliferation from NPEO (0, average ethoxylate number) through NPEO (4), and then decreasing activities from NPEO (4) through NPEO (20). Our results suggest potential metabolic impacts of these compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations, demonstrating a need to further assess molecular mechanisms and better characterize environmental concentrations of the specific AEOs and APEOs that are inducing the greatest degree of adipogenic activity herein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin M Kollitz
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Patrick Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
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Sapouckey SA, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Vandenberg LN. Prenatal Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Operation Chemical Mixtures Altered Mammary Gland Development in Adult Female Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1277-1289. [PMID: 29425295 PMCID: PMC5809159 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations, which combine hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and directional drilling, involve the use of hundreds of chemicals, including many with endocrine-disrupting properties. Two previous studies examined mice exposed during early development to a 23-chemical mixture of UOG compounds (UOG-MIX) commonly used or produced in the process. Both male and female offspring exposed prenatally to one or more doses of UOG-MIX displayed alterations to endocrine organ function and serum hormone concentrations. We hypothesized that prenatal UOG-MIX exposure would similarly disrupt development of the mouse mammary gland. Female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to ~3, ~30, ~ 300, or ~3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX from gestational day 11 to birth. Although no effects were observed on the mammary glands of these females before puberty, in early adulthood, females exposed to 300 or 3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX developed more dense mammary epithelial ducts; females exposed to 3 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX had an altered ratio of apoptosis to proliferation in the mammary epithelium. Furthermore, adult females from all UOG-MIX-treated groups developed intraductal hyperplasia that resembled terminal end buds (i.e., highly proliferative structures typically seen at puberty). These results suggest that the mammary gland is sensitive to mixtures of chemicals used in UOG production at exposure levels that are environmentally relevant. The effect of these findings on the long-term health of the mammary gland, including its lactational capacity and its risk of cancer, should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Sapouckey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Laura N. Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Stapleton HM. Characterization of Adipogenic Activity of House Dust Extracts and Semi-Volatile Indoor Contaminants in 3T3-L1 Cells. Environ Sci Technol 2017; 51:8735-8745. [PMID: 28699343 PMCID: PMC5755695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic disorders are of great societal concern and generate significant human health care costs. Recently, attention has focused on the potential for environmental contaminants to act as metabolic disruptors. This study sought to evaluate the adipogenic activity of indoor house dust extracts and a suite of semivolatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) that are often ubiquitously detected in indoor environments. 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to extracts of indoor dust or individual SVOCs and assessed for triglyceride accumulation and preadipocyte proliferation. Ten of 11 house dust extracts exhibited significant triglyceride accumulation and/or proliferation at environmentally relevant levels (<20 μg of dust/well), and significant adipogenic activity was also exhibited by 28 of the SVOCs. Notably, pyraclostrobin, dibutyl phthalate, tert-butyl-phenyl diphenyl phosphate, and the isopropylated triaryl phosphates (ITPs) exhibited near maximal or supra-maximal triglyceride accumulation relative to the rosiglitazone-induced maximum. The adipogenic activity in house dust occurred at concentrations below EPA estimated child exposure levels, and raises concerns for human health impacts, particularly in children. Our results delineate a novel potential health threat and identify putative causative SVOCs that are likely contributing to this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
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Kassotis CD, Masse L, Kim S, Schlezinger JJ, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of Adipogenic Chemicals in Three Different Cell Culture Systems: Implications for Reproducibility Based on Cell Source and Handling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42104. [PMID: 28176856 PMCID: PMC5296734 DOI: 10.1038/srep42104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for chemical exposures to exacerbate the development and/or prevalence of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, is currently of great societal concern. Various in vitro assays are available to assess adipocyte differentiation, though little work has been done to standardize protocols and compare models effectively. This study compares several adipogenic cell culture systems under a variety of conditions to assess variability in responses. Two sources of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes as well as OP9 preadipocytes were assessed for cell proliferation and triglyceride accumulation following different induction periods and using various tissue culture plates. Both cell line and cell source had a significant impact on potencies and efficacies of adipogenic chemicals. Gene expression analyses suggested that differential expression of nuclear receptors involved in adipogenesis underlie the differences between OP9 and 3T3-L1 cells; however, there were also differences based on 3T3-L1 cell source. Induction period modulated potency and efficacy of response depending on cell line and test chemical, and large variations were observed in triglyceride accumulation and cell proliferation between brands of tissue culture plates. Our results suggest that the selection of a cell system and differentiation protocol significantly impacts the detection of adipogenic chemicals, and therefore, influences reproducibility of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Masse
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jennifer J Schlezinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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38
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Kassotis CD, Bromfield JJ, Klemp KC, Meng CX, Wolfe A, Zoeller RT, Balise VD, Isiguzo CJ, Tillitt DE, Nagel SC. Adverse Reproductive and Developmental Health Outcomes Following Prenatal Exposure to a Hydraulic Fracturing Chemical Mixture in Female C57Bl/6 Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3469-81. [PMID: 27560547 PMCID: PMC5393361 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas operations using hydraulic fracturing can contaminate surface and groundwater with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We have previously shown that 23 of 24 commonly used hydraulic fracturing chemicals can activate or inhibit the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and/or thyroid receptors in a human endometrial cancer cell reporter gene assay and that mixtures can behave synergistically, additively, or antagonistically on these receptors. In the current study, pregnant female C57Bl/6 dams were exposed to a mixture of 23 commonly used unconventional oil and gas chemicals at approximately 3, 30, 300, and 3000 μg/kg·d, flutamide at 50 mg/kg·d, or a 0.2% ethanol control vehicle via their drinking water from gestational day 11 through birth. This prenatal exposure to oil and gas operation chemicals suppressed pituitary hormone concentrations across experimental groups (prolactin, LH, FSH, and others), increased body weights, altered uterine and ovary weights, increased heart weights and collagen deposition, disrupted folliculogenesis, and other adverse health effects. This work suggests potential adverse developmental and reproductive health outcomes in humans and animals exposed to these oil and gas operation chemicals, with adverse outcomes observed even in the lowest dose group tested, equivalent to concentrations reported in drinking water sources. These endpoints suggest potential impacts on fertility, as previously observed in the male siblings, which require careful assessment in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - John J Bromfield
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Kara C Klemp
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Victoria D Balise
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chiamaka J Isiguzo
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
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Balise VD, Meng CX, Cornelius-Green JN, Kassotis CD, Kennedy R, Nagel SC. Systematic review of the association between oil and natural gas extraction processes and human reproduction. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:795-819. [PMID: 27568524 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review identified 45 original published research articles related to oil and gas extraction activities and human reproductive endpoints. Reproductive outcomes were categorized as [1] birth outcomes associated with maternal exposure, [2] semen quality, fertility, and birth outcomes associated with adult paternal exposure, [3] reproductive cancers, and [4] disruption of human sex steroid hormone receptors. The results indicate there is moderate evidence for an increased risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, birth defects, decreased semen quality, and prostate cancer. The quality of the evidence is low and/or inadequate for stillbirth, sex ratio, and birth outcomes associated with paternal exposure, and testicular cancer, female reproductive tract cancers, and breast cancer, and the evidence is inconsistent for an increased risk of low birth weight; therefore, no conclusions can be drawn for these health effects. There is ample evidence for disruption of the estrogen, androgen, and progesterone receptors by oil and gas chemicals, which provides a mechanistic rationale for how exposure to oil and gas activities may increase the health risks we have outlined. The results from this systematic review suggest there is a negative impact on human reproduction from exposure to oil and gas activities. Many of the 45 studies reviewed identified potential human health effects. Most of these studies focused on conventional oil and gas activities. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of unconventional oil and gas operations on human health. The impact of unconventional oil and gas activities may be greater than that of conventional activity, given that unconventional activities employ many of the same approaches and use dozens of known endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hydraulic fracturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D Balise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | | | - Rana Kennedy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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Kassotis CD, Iwanowicz LR, Akob DM, Cozzarelli IM, Mumford AC, Orem WH, Nagel SC. Endocrine disrupting activities of surface water associated with a West Virginia oil and gas industry wastewater disposal site. Sci Total Environ 2016; 557-558:901-10. [PMID: 27073166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Currently, >95% of end disposal of hydraulic fracturing wastewater from unconventional oil and gas operations in the US occurs via injection wells. Key data gaps exist in understanding the potential impact of underground injection on surface water quality and environmental health. The goal of this study was to assess endocrine disrupting activity in surface water at a West Virginia injection well disposal site. Water samples were collected from a background site in the area and upstream, on, and downstream of the disposal facility. Samples were solid-phase extracted, and extracts assessed for agonist and antagonist hormonal activities for five hormone receptors in mammalian and yeast reporter gene assays. Compared to reference water extracts upstream and distal to the disposal well, samples collected adjacent and downstream exhibited considerably higher antagonist activity for the estrogen, androgen, progesterone, glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone receptors. In contrast, low levels of agonist activity were measured in upstream/distal sites, and were inhibited or absent at downstream sites with significant antagonism. Concurrent analyses by partner laboratories (published separately) describe the analytical and geochemical profiling of the water; elevated conductivity as well as high sodium, chloride, strontium, and barium concentrations indicate impacts due to handling of unconventional oil and gas wastewater. Notably, antagonist activities in downstream samples were at equivalent authentic standard concentrations known to disrupt reproduction and/or development in aquatic animals. Given the widespread use of injection wells for end-disposal of hydraulic fracturing wastewater, these data raise concerns for human and animal health nearby.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke R Iwanowicz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Fish Health Branch, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA
| | - Denise M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 430, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - Isabelle M Cozzarelli
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 430, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - Adam C Mumford
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 430, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - William H Orem
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 956, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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41
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Kassotis CD, Tillitt DE, Lin CH, McElroy JA, Nagel SC. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Oil and Natural Gas Operations: Potential Environmental Contamination and Recommendations to Assess Complex Environmental Mixtures. Environ Health Perspect 2016; 124:256-64. [PMID: 26311476 PMCID: PMC4786988 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing technologies, developed over the last 65 years, have only recently been combined with horizontal drilling to unlock oil and gas reserves previously deemed inaccessible. Although these technologies have dramatically increased domestic oil and natural gas production, they have also raised concerns for the potential contamination of local water supplies with the approximately 1,000 chemicals that are used throughout the process, including many known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals. OBJECTIVES We discuss the need for an endocrine component to health assessments for drilling-dense regions in the context of hormonal and antihormonal activities for chemicals used. METHODS We discuss the literature on a) surface and groundwater contamination by oil and gas extraction operations, and b) potential human exposure, particularly in the context of the total hormonal and antihormonal activities present in surface and groundwater from natural and anthropogenic sources; we also discuss initial analytical results and critical knowledge gaps. DISCUSSION In light of the potential for environmental release of oil and gas chemicals that can disrupt hormone receptor systems, we recommend methods for assessing complex hormonally active environmental mixtures. CONCLUSIONS We describe a need for an endocrine-centric component for overall health assessments and provide information supporting the idea that using such a component will help explain reported adverse health trends as well as help develop recommendations for environmental impact assessments and monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donald E. Tillitt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Kassotis CD, Klemp KC, Vu DC, Lin CH, Meng CX, Besch-Williford CL, Pinatti L, Zoeller RT, Drobnis EZ, Balise VD, Isiguzo CJ, Williams MA, Tillitt DE, Nagel SC. Endocrine-Disrupting Activity of Hydraulic Fracturing Chemicals and Adverse Health Outcomes After Prenatal Exposure in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4458-73. [PMID: 26465197 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oil and natural gas operations have been shown to contaminate surface and ground water with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In the current study, we fill several gaps in our understanding of the potential environmental impacts related to this process. We measured the endocrine-disrupting activities of 24 chemicals used and/or produced by oil and gas operations for five nuclear receptors using a reporter gene assay in human endometrial cancer cells. We also quantified the concentration of 16 of these chemicals in oil and gas wastewater samples. Finally, we assessed reproductive and developmental outcomes in male C57BL/6J mice after the prenatal exposure to a mixture of these chemicals. We found that 23 commonly used oil and natural gas operation chemicals can activate or inhibit the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and/or thyroid receptors, and mixtures of these chemicals can behave synergistically, additively, or antagonistically in vitro. Prenatal exposure to a mixture of 23 oil and gas operation chemicals at 3, 30, and 300 μg/kg · d caused decreased sperm counts and increased testes, body, heart, and thymus weights and increased serum testosterone in male mice, suggesting multiple organ system impacts. Our results suggest possible adverse developmental and reproductive health outcomes in humans and animals exposed to potential environmentally relevant levels of oil and gas operation chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Kara C Klemp
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Danh C Vu
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Cynthia L Besch-Williford
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Lisa Pinatti
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Erma Z Drobnis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Victoria D Balise
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chiamaka J Isiguzo
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Michelle A Williams
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
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Kassotis CD, Alvarez DA, Taylor JA, vom Saal FS, Nagel SC, Tillitt DE. Characterization of Missouri surface waters near point sources of pollution reveals potential novel atmospheric route of exposure for bisphenol A and wastewater hormonal activity pattern. Sci Total Environ 2015; 524-525:384-393. [PMID: 25917777 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Surface water contamination by chemical pollutants increasingly threatens water quality around the world. Among the many contaminants found in surface water, there is growing concern regarding endocrine disrupting chemicals, based on their ability to interfere with some aspect of hormone action in exposed organisms, including humans. This study assessed water quality at several sites across Missouri (near wastewater treatment plants and airborne release sites of bisphenol A) based on hormone receptor activation potencies and chemical concentrations present in the surface water. We hypothesized that bisphenol A and ethinylestradiol would be greater in water near permitted airborne release sites and wastewater treatment plant inputs, respectively, and that these two compounds would be responsible for the majority of activities in receptor-based assays conducted with water collected near these sites. Concentrations of bisphenol A and ethinylestradiol were compared to observed receptor activities using authentic standards to assess contribution to total activities, and quantitation of a comprehensive set of wastewater compounds was performed to better characterize each site. Bisphenol A concentrations were found to be elevated in surface water near permitted airborne release sites, raising questions that airborne releases of BPA may influence nearby surface water contamination and may represent a previously underestimated source to the environment and potential for human exposure. Estrogen and androgen receptor activities of surface water samples were predictive of wastewater input, although the lower sensitivity of the ethinylestradiol ELISA relative to the very high sensitivity of the bioassay approaches did not allow a direct comparison. Wastewater-influenced sites also had elevated anti-estrogenic and anti-androgenic equivalence, while sites without wastewater discharges exhibited no antagonist activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - David A Alvarez
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
| | - Julia A Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Frederick S vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, United States; Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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Bhandari RK, Deem SL, Holliday DK, Jandegian CM, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Tillitt DE, Vom Saal FS, Rosenfeld CS. Effects of the environmental estrogenic contaminants bisphenol A and 17α-ethinyl estradiol on sexual development and adult behaviors in aquatic wildlife species. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 214:195-219. [PMID: 25277515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including the mass-produced component of plastics, bisphenol A (BPA) are widely prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Many aquatic species, such as fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles and mammals, are exposed daily to high concentrations of BPA and ethinyl estradiol (EE2), estrogen in birth control pills. In this review, we will predominantly focus on BPA and EE2, well-described estrogenic EDCs. First, the evidence that BPA and EE2 are detectable in almost all bodies of water will be discussed. We will consider how BPA affects sexual and neural development in these species, as these effects have been the best characterized across taxa. For instance, such chemicals have been in many cases reported to cause sex-reversal of males to females. Even if these chemicals do not overtly alter the gonadal sex, there are indications that several EDCs might demasculinize male-specific behaviors that are essential for attracting a mate. In so doing, these chemicals may reduce the likelihood that these males reproduce. If exposed males do reproduce, the concern is that they will then be passing on compromised genetic fitness to their offspring and transmitting potential transgenerational effects through their sperm epigenome. We will thus consider how diverse epigenetic changes might be a unifying mechanism of how BPA and EE2 disrupt several processes across species. Such changes might also serve as universal species diagnostic biomarkers of BPA and other EDCs exposure. Lastly, the evidence that estrogenic EDCs-induced effects in aquatic species might translate to humans will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K Bhandari
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dawn K Holliday
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Westminster College, Fulton, MO 65251, USA; Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Caitlin M Jandegian
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Masters in Public Health Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Susan C Nagel
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | | | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Genetics Area Program Faculty Member, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Kassotis CD, Tillitt DE, Davis JW, Hormann AM, Nagel SC. Estrogen and androgen receptor activities of hydraulic fracturing chemicals and surface and ground water in a drilling-dense region. Endocrinology 2014; 155:897-907. [PMID: 24424034 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The rapid rise in natural gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing increases the potential for contamination of surface and ground water from chemicals used throughout the process. Hundreds of products containing more than 750 chemicals and components are potentially used throughout the extraction process, including more than 100 known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We hypothesized that a selected subset of chemicals used in natural gas drilling operations and also surface and ground water samples collected in a drilling-dense region of Garfield County, Colorado, would exhibit estrogen and androgen receptor activities. Water samples were collected, solid-phase extracted, and measured for estrogen and androgen receptor activities using reporter gene assays in human cell lines. Of the 39 unique water samples, 89%, 41%, 12%, and 46% exhibited estrogenic, antiestrogenic, androgenic, and antiandrogenic activities, respectively. Testing of a subset of natural gas drilling chemicals revealed novel antiestrogenic, novel antiandrogenic, and limited estrogenic activities. The Colorado River, the drainage basin for this region, exhibited moderate levels of estrogenic, antiestrogenic, and antiandrogenic activities, suggesting that higher localized activity at sites with known natural gas-related spills surrounding the river might be contributing to the multiple receptor activities observed in this water source. The majority of water samples collected from sites in a drilling-dense region of Colorado exhibited more estrogenic, antiestrogenic, or antiandrogenic activities than reference sites with limited nearby drilling operations. Our data suggest that natural gas drilling operations may result in elevated endocrine-disrupting chemical activity in surface and ground water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health and Division of Biological Sciences (C.D.K., A.M.H., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201; and Departments of Statistics and Health Management and Informatics (J.W.D.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
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Webb E, Bushkin-Bedient S, Cheng A, Kassotis CD, Balise V, Nagel SC. Developmental and reproductive effects of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and natural gas operations. Rev Environ Health 2014; 29:307-18. [PMID: 25478730 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2014-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations have the potential to increase air and water pollution in communities located near UOG operations. Every stage of UOG operation from well construction to extraction, operations, transportation, and distribution can lead to air and water contamination. Hundreds of chemicals are associated with the process of unconventional oil and natural gas production. In this work, we review the scientific literature providing evidence that adult and early life exposure to chemicals associated with UOG operations can result in adverse reproductive health and developmental effects in humans. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) and formaldehyde] and heavy metals (including arsenic, cadmium and lead) are just a few of the known contributors to reduced air and water quality that pose a threat to human developmental and reproductive health. The developing fetus is particularly sensitive to environmental factors, which include air and water pollution. Research shows that there are critical windows of vulnerability during prenatal and early postnatal development, during which chemical exposures can cause potentially permanent damage to the growing embryo and fetus. Many of the air and water pollutants found near UOG operation sites are recognized as being developmental and reproductive toxicants; therefore there is a compelling need to increase our knowledge of the potential health consequences for adults, infants, and children from these chemicals through rapid and thorough health research investigation.
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Kassotis CD, Hormann AM, Nagel SC. Potential Hormonal Activity in Surface and Ground Water in Natural Gas Drilling-Dense Areas. Biol Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/85.s1.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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