The Apoptotic Molecular Changes of Cellular Injury in Mouse Testis Induced by Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

BACKGROUND: Spermatogenesis is regulated by various cellular reactions, and especially cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: We investigated the morphological changes and the apoptotic molecular changes in mouse testis induced by the endocrine disrupting chemicals. ICR mice were treated with bisphenol A (BPA), 2-bromopropane (2-BP) and diethylstilbesterol (DES). Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining, TUNNEL staining and RNAse protection assay were conducted. RESULTS: Testes treated with BPA showed normal spermatogenesis and the proliferation activity, and the density of the cells was similar with those in the control. 2-BP and DES groups, which showed a decrease of germ cells near the basal layer and degenerative changes. The proliferative activity identified by PCNA staining was significantly decreased in the 2-BP and DES groups (p<0.05). The apoptosis was significantly increased in the 2-BP group however, a significant decrease was noted in the BPA group (p<0.05). Among apoptosis-related molecules, the expression of Fas, Fas ligand, TRAIL, TNFp55 and caspase 1, 3, 6 and 8 were changed according to the change of the degree of apoptosis in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine disrupting chemicals induced cellular injury in mouse testis through the changes of proliferative activity and apoptosis which was regulated by a number of apoptosis-related molecules. This probably results in the abnormality of spermatogenesis in mouse testis.

Effects of Benzoapyrene, 2-Bromopropane, Phenol and 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin on Proinflammatory Cytokines Gene Expression by Mice Spleen Cells

The detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on the health of the individual are generally accepted, although the mechanisms of these effects remain to be incompletely understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of B[a]P, 2-BP, phenol and TCDD on proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in mice spleen cells which were stimulated with anti-CD3. 10-9M TCDD increased IFN gammar and TNF alpha gene expression, but suppressed IL-1 gene expression. 10-6M phenol inhibited IL-1, IL-6 and TNF alpha gene expression, and 10-6M of 2-BP downregulated TNF alpha gene expression. However, 10-6M of B[a]P did not influence on IL-1, IL-6, IFN gammar and TNF alpha gene expression. These findings suggest that TCDD may impair the immune functions of mice by enhancing proinflammatory cytokines production, whereas phenol and 2-BP may impair the functions by inhibiting the production of these cytokines.

The Effect of 2-bromopropane, organic solvent on ovarian function of reproductive women: 7-years follow-up / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a study of the effect of an organic solvent on the failure of ovarian function after exposure to 2-bromopropane for 7 years. METHODS: We conducted a study on 25 female workers in a manufactory who were exposed to 2-bromopropane in 1994. Some of them experienced premature ovarian failure. We have investigated their recoveries from ovarian function and checked LH, FSH, E2, BMD for 7 years of period. RESULTS: 16 among 25 workers experienced amenorrhea, but the rest of them did not report amenorrhea. In 10 out of the 16 amenorrhea patients, recovery from amenorrhea were seen, but 6 did not recover from amenorrhea. Through ovarian biopsy, it was observed in the amenorrhea patients that mature follicles were lost and only primordial follicles were present. Through HRT, gradual decrease in FSH and increase in E2. in the amenorrhea patients were found. Also, their BMD were decreased, but gradually increased with female hormone replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that the exposure to 2-bromopropane leads to the serious ovarian toxicity and ovarian failure as well. In such case, the failure of ovarian function, which is reversible change, can be recovered after long-term periods. A significant factor which affect ovarian failure and recovery from ovarian function is patient's age. In industrial environment, physical and psychological damage due to the use of and exposure to chemical materials will likely increase. Hence, more studies of industrial materials used in working conditions are needed.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Workers Exposed to 2-Bromopropane / 대한산업의학회지

To investigate the impact of 2-bromopropane on neuropsychiatric symptoms, 33 exposed workers and 77 non-exposes workers in electronic company were recruited. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed using self-administered questionnaire. Memory disturbance, concentration disturbance, sleep disturbance, understanding disturbance and acute irritation symptom were more frequent in workers exposed to 2-bromopropane. To investigate the association between 2-bromopropane exposure and neuropsychiatric symptoms, total symptom scores of exposed workers were compared with those of non-exposed workers. Mean value in the exposed workers was significantly higher than that of non-exposed comparisons. The mean value of total symptom score of smokers in exposed workers was significantly higher than that of smokers in non-exposed workers. In multivariate regression analysis, exposure status was significant predictor for total symptom score after controlling the effects of age, sex, education, smoking status and alcohol intake. Above findings suggest that 2-bromopropane was significantly associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that further research with objective assessments and long follow-up should be done to confirm the results of this study.