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Svingen T, Schwartz CL, Rosenmai AK, Ramhøj L, Johansson HKL, Hass U, Draskau MK, Davidsen N, Christiansen S, Ballegaard ASR, Axelstad M. Using alternative test methods to predict endocrine disruption and reproductive adverse outcomes: do we have enough knowledge? Environ Pollut 2022; 304:119242. [PMID: 35378198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a matter of great concern. They are ubiquitous in the environment, are considered harmful to humans and wildlife, yet remain challenging to identify based on current international test guidelines and regulatory frameworks. For a compound to be identified as an EDC within the EU regulatory system, a plausible link between an endocrine mode-of-action and an adverse effect outcome in an intact organism must be established. This requires in-depth knowledge about molecular pathways regulating normal development and function in animals and humans in order to elucidate causes for disease. Although our knowledge about the role of the endocrine system in animal development and function is substantial, it remains challenging to predict endocrine-related disease outcomes in intact animals based on non-animal test data. A main reason for this is that our knowledge about mechanism-of-action are still lacking for essential causal components, coupled with the sizeable challenge of mimicking the complex multi-organ endocrine system by methodological reductionism. Herein, we highlight this challenge by drawing examples from male reproductive toxicity, which is an area that has been at the forefront of EDC research since its inception. We discuss the importance of increased focus on characterizing mechanism-of-action for EDC-induced adverse health effects. This is so we can design more robust and reliable testing strategies using non-animal test methods for predictive toxicology; both to improve chemical risk assessment in general, but also to allow for considerable reduction and replacement of animal experiments in chemicals testing of the 21st Century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Louise Ramhøj
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | | | - Ulla Hass
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Monica Kam Draskau
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Nichlas Davidsen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | | | - Marta Axelstad
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
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Abstract
Early ovary development is considered to be largely hormone independent; yet, there are associations between fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and reproductive disorders in women. This can potentially be explained by perturbations to establishment of ovarian endocrine function rather than interference with an already established hormone system. In this study we explore if Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a central pathway for correct ovary development, can be disrupted by exposure to HH-disrupting chemicals, using the antifungal itraconazole as model compound. In the mouse Leydig cell line TM3, used as a proxy for ovarian theca cells, itraconazole exposure had a suppressing effect on genes downstream of HH signaling, such as Gli1. Exposing explanted rat ovaries (gestational day 22 or postnatal day 3) to 30 µM itraconazole for 72 h induced significant suppression of genes in the HH signaling pathway with altered Ihh, Gli1, Ptch1, and Smo expression similar to those previously observed in Ihh/Dhh knock-out mice. Exposing rat dams to 50 mg/kg bw/day in the perinatal period did not induce observable changes in the offspring's ovaries. Overall, our results suggest that HH signal disruptors may affect ovary development with potential long-term consequences for female reproductive health. However, potent HH inhibitors would likely cause severe teratogenic effects at doses lower than those causing ovarian dysgenesis, so the concern with respect to reproductive disorder is for the presence of HH disruptors at low concentration in combination with other ovary or endocrine disrupting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Camilla Taxvig
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gustav Peder Mohr Olsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Rosenmai AK, Winge SB, Möller M, Lundqvist J, Wedebye EB, Nikolov NG, Lilith Johansson HK, Vinggaard AM. Organophosphate ester flame retardants have antiandrogenic potential and affect other endocrine related endpoints in vitro and in silico. Chemosphere 2021; 263:127703. [PMID: 32854002 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [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: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) are used to prevent ignition and spreading of fire. They are present in various human matrices suggesting adult, fetal, and neonate exposure. Endocrine related effects have been observed in vivo, but information at the molecular level is lacking for some OPFRs. Also, a better understanding of potential contribution from chemical substructures is needed. The aim of this study was to screen OPFRs for endocrine disruptive potential in vitro and in silico. We selected eleven substances to represent some OPFRs with 1) little information on endocrine activity and others to represent 2) varied chemical substructures. We used in vitro assays for androgen receptor (AR), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and Nrf2 activity, effects on steroidogenesis, and transthyretin (TTR) binding, as well as in silico models covering estrogen, thyroid, and CYP3A4 induction related endpoints. Ten OPFRs affected AR and AhR activity, seven affected TTR binding, and five affected 17β-estradiol levels. Several substances had IC50-values below 10 μM and exhibited efficacious effects. These included TPHP, CDP, TMPP, TIPPP, and EHDPP for AR antagonism, suggesting that the degree of arylation and the size of the substance can play a role for the activity. Chlorinated OPFRs had low/no effect on TTR binding. No clear trend was observed for AhR and steroidogenesis, but all arylated OPFRs were predicted to have alert for estrogen receptor binding in an in silico model with metabolism simulator included. Collectively, our data suggest that OPFRs have endocrine disruptive potential warranting further studies to enable human risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kjerstine Rosenmai
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Sofia Boeg Winge
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morlin Möller
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Johan Lundqvist
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Bay Wedebye
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Georgiev Nikolov
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
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Johansson HKL, Svingen T, Boberg J, Fowler PA, Stead D, Vinggaard AM, Filis P. Calretinin is a novel candidate marker for adverse ovarian effects of early life exposure to mixtures of endocrine disruptors in the rat. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1241-1250. [PMID: 32221642 PMCID: PMC7225203 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of sensitive stages of ovary development during fetal and perinatal life can have severe and life-long consequences for a woman’s reproductive life. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals may affect ovarian development, leading to subsequent reproductive disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of early life exposure to defined mixtures of human-relevant endocrine disrupting chemicals on the rat ovary. We aimed to identify molecular events involved in pathogenesis of ovarian dysgenesis syndrome that have potential for future adverse outcome pathway development. We therefore focused on the ovarian proteome. Rats were exposed to a mixture of phthalates, pesticides, UV-filters, bisphenol A, butyl-paraben, and paracetamol during gestation and lactation. The chemicals were tested together or in subgroups of chemicals with anti-androgenic or estrogenic potentials at doses 450-times human exposure. Paracetamol was tested separately, at a dose of 360 mg/kg. Using shotgun proteomics on ovaries from pup day 17 offspring, we observed exposure effects on the proteomes. Nine proteins were affected in more than one exposure group and of these, we conclude that calretinin is a potential key event biomarker of early endocrine disruption in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - David Stead
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Johansson HKL, Schwartz CL, Nielsen LN, Boberg J, Vinggaard AM, Bahl MI, Svingen T. Exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide formulation, but not glyphosate alone, has only minor effects on adult rat testis. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 82:25-31. [PMID: 30268827 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate has been suggested to be an endocrine disrupting chemical capable of disrupting male reproduction. There are conflicting data, however, with studies reporting effects from exposure to either glyphosate alone or to herbicide formulations, making comparisons difficult. We assessed rat testis histopathology and androgen function following two weeks exposure to either glyphosate at 2.5 and 25 mg/kg bw/day (5x and 50x Acceptable Daily Intake, ADI, respectively), or equivalent high dose of glyphosate in a herbicide formulation; Glyfonova. We observed no significant effects on testes or testosterone synthesis in rats exposed to glyphosate. Limited effects were observed in rats exposed to Glyfonova, with a small upregulation of the steroidogenic genes Cyp11a1 and Cyp17a1. We conclude that glyphosate alone has no effect on adult rat testis at exposure levels up to 25 mg/kg bw/day. Glyfonova induced only minor effects on steroidogenic gene expression, likely caused by additives other than glyphosate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Camilla Lindgren Schwartz
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Lene Nørby Nielsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Martin Iain Bahl
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark.
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Johansson HKL, Svingen T, Fowler PA, Vinggaard AM, Boberg J. Environmental influences on ovarian dysgenesis - developmental windows sensitive to chemical exposures. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2017; 13:400-414. [PMID: 28450750 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2017.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [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: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A woman's reproductive health and ability to have children directly affect numerous aspects of her life, from personal well-being and socioeconomic standing, to morbidity and lifespan. In turn, reproductive health depends on the development of correctly functioning ovaries, a process that starts early during fetal life. Early disruption to ovarian programming can have long-lasting consequences, potentially manifesting as disease much later in adulthood. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to chemicals early in life, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can cause a range of disorders later in life, such as those described in the ovarian dysgenesis syndrome hypothesis. In this Review, we discuss four specific time windows during which the ovary is particularly sensitive to disruption by exogenous insults: gonadal sex determination, meiotic division, follicle assembly and the first wave of follicle recruitment. To date, most evidence points towards the germ cell lineage being the most vulnerable to chemical exposure, particularly meiotic division and follicle assembly. Environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals, such as bisphenols or mild analgesics (including paracetamol), can also affect the somatic cell lineages. This Review summarizes our current knowledge pertaining to environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and their potential contributions to the development of ovarian dysgenesis syndrome. We also highlight knowledge gaps that need addressing to safeguard female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Johansson HKL, Jacobsen PR, Hass U, Svingen T, Vinggaard AM, Isling LK, Axelstad M, Christiansen S, Boberg J. Perinatal exposure to mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals reduces female rat follicle reserves and accelerates reproductive aging. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 61:186-94. [PMID: 27049580 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during development can have negative consequences later in life. In this study we investigated the effect of perinatal exposure to mixtures of human relevant EDCs on the female reproductive system. Rat dams were exposed to a mixture of phthalates, pesticides, UV-filters, bisphenol A, butylparaben, as well as paracetamol. The compounds were tested together (Totalmix) or in subgroups with anti-androgenic (AAmix) or estrogenic (Emix) potentials. Paracetamol was tested separately. In pre-pubertal rats, a significant reduction in primordial follicle numbers was seen in AAmix and PM groups, and reduced plasma levels of prolactin was seen in AAmix. In one-year-old animals, the incidence of irregular estrous cycles was higher after Totalmix-exposure and reduced ovary weights were seen in Totalmix, AAmix, and PM groups. These findings resemble premature ovarian insufficiency in humans, and raises concern regarding potential effects of mixtures of EDCs on female reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Pernille Rosenskjold Jacobsen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Ulla Hass
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Louise Krag Isling
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg DK-2860, Denmark.
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Mandrup KR, Johansson HKL, Boberg J, Pedersen AS, Mortensen MS, Jørgensen JS, Vinggaard AM, Hass U. Mixtures of environmentally relevant endocrine disrupting chemicals affect mammary gland development in female and male rats. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 54:47-57. [PMID: 25305543 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Estrogenic chemicals are able to alter mammary gland development in female rodents, but little is known on the effects of anti-androgens and mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with dissimilar modes of action. Pregnant rat dams were exposed during gestation and lactation to mixtures of environmentally relevant EDCs with estrogenic, anti-androgenic or dissimilar modes of action (TotalMix) of 100-, 200- or 450-fold high end human intake estimates. Mammary glands of prepubertal and adult female and male offspring were examined. Oestrogens increased mammary outgrowth in prepubertal females and the mRNA level of matrix metalloproteinase-3, which may be a potential biomarker for increased outgrowth. Mixtures of EDCs gave rise to ductal hyperplasia in adult males. Adult female mammary glands of the TotalMix group showed morphological changes possibly reflecting increased prolactin levels. In conclusion both estrogenic and anti-androgenic chemicals given during foetal life and lactation affected mammary glands in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Riiber Mandrup
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1).
| | - Hanna Katarina Lilith Johansson
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1)
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1).
| | - Anne Stilling Pedersen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1)
| | - Mette Sidsel Mortensen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1)
| | - Jennifer Solgaard Jørgensen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1)
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1)
| | - Ulla Hass
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark(1)
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