Effects of hypoxia on the reproductive endocrine axis of the pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis).

Recently, hypoxic areas have been identified in water bodies of the Pampas region due to human activity. The objective of this work was to study the effect of low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (hypoxia) on the reproductive endocrine axis of a pampas fish (Odontesthes bonariensis). Groups of 8 males and 8 females were subjected to severe hypoxia (2-3 mg l-1) and normoxia (7-9 mg l-1) in 3000 l tanks by duplicate during the reproductive season (spring). After 21 days, 4 males and 4 females from each tank were sacrificed, and blood was drawn to measure estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T). The brain, pituitary gland and a portion of the gonads were extracted and processed to measure the expression of: gnrh1, cyp19a1b, fshß, lhß, fshr, lhcgr and cyp19a1a. From the second experimental week, no spawning was found in the hypoxic females, while at the end of the treatment period no male released sperm. Fish under hypoxic conditions showed signs of gonadal regression, reduction of GSI and plasma levels of sex steroids. Furthermore, the expression of gnrh1 in both sexes, cyp19a1b and fshr in males and only fshß and cyp19a1a in females decreased in comparison with normoxic fish. After 40 days under normal conditions, signs of reproductive recovery were observed in the treated fish. The results obtained demonstrated that hypoxia generated an inhibition of some components of the pejerrey's reproductive endocrine axis, but the effect was reversible.

Effects of Bisphenol A on Male Gonadal Tissue of Viviparous Fish: Histopathological Evidence in Goodea atripinnis / Efectos del Bisfenol A en tejido Gonadal Masculino de Peces Vivíparos: Evidencia Histopatológica en Goodea atripinnis

SUMMARY: BPA is a multifunctional endocrine disruptor with ubiquitous presence in aquatic ecosystems. The Mexican Central Plateau is an area severely impacted by pollution, inhabited by endemic viviparous fish. However, efforts to understand the effects of BPA on native species such as Goodea atripinnis are non-existent. This study focused on providing in vivo evidence of alterations in the testes of G. atripinnis males due to acute exposure to BPA at test concentrations of 1 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 50 mg/L for 96 h. BPA exposition 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L showed degeneration and disorganization in germinal tissue. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in sperm within the seminiferous tubules of males exposed to 10 mg/L of BPA. In all treatments, somatic cells had alterations by connective tissue thickening and an increase in collagen fibers. Additionally, inflammation and bleeding occurred in the testes of males exposed to 1 and 10 mg/L BPA. The alterations in the testes of G. atripinnis are related to BPA toxicity, which can lead to apoptosis in germ cells increasing connective tissue. Finally, even though the changes produced by BPA became evident in acute exposure (96 h), its effects are probably irreversible, compromising the reproduction of G. atripinnis.

El BPA es un disruptor endocrino multifuncional con presencia ubicua en los ecosistemas acuáticos. La Meseta Central mexicana habitada por peces vivíparos endémicos, es una zona severamente impactada por la contaminación. Sin embargo, los esfuerzos por comprender los efectos del BPA en especies nativas como Goodea atripinnis son inexistentes. Este estudio se centró en proporcionar evidencia in vivo de alteraciones en los testículos de machos de G. atripinnis debido a la exposición aguda al BPA en concentraciones de prueba de 1 mg/L, 10 mg/L y 50 mg/L durante 96 h. La exposición a BPA 1 mg/L y 10 mg/L mostró degeneración y desorganización en el tejido germinal. Además, hubo una disminución notable de los espermatozoides dentro de los túbulos seminíferos de machos expuestos a 10 mg/L de BPA. En todos los tratamientos las células somáticas presentaron alteraciones por engrosamiento del tejido conectivo y aumento de las fibras de colágeno. Además, se produjo inflamación y sangrado en los testículos de machos expuestos a 1 y 10 mg/L de BPA. Las alteraciones en los testículos de G. atripinnis están relacionadas con la toxicidad del BPA, lo que puede provocar apoptosis en las células germinales aumentando el tejido conectivo. Finalmente, si bien los cambios producidos por el BPA se hicieron evidentes en la exposición aguda (96 h), sus efectos probablemente sean irreversibles, comprometiendo la reproducción de G. atripinnis.

Bisphenol A released and ultrastructural changes in dental composite resins

Dental composite resins may release bisphenol-A or similar molecules affecting patient health and the environment. This study measured bisphenol-A release from three commonly used in patients composite resins (Filtek™ Z350 XT, Filtek™ P60, Filtek™ Bulk Fill) immersed in three liquid mediums (artificial saliva, 0.001 M lactic acid and 15% ethanol) and assessed the changes in the surface micromorphology.The released BPA was measured by HPLC at basal time (t=0), 1 h, 1 d, 7 d and 30 d. Topographic analysis of specimens was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test (P < 0.05). BPA in solution increased significantly in the three DCRs immersed in 0.001 M lactic acid at all times. SEM micrographs of the specimen in 0.001 M lactic acid disclosed more structural defects than others. The surface of the three composite resins was morphologically affected by their immersion in all solutions. SEM evidenced that the dental materials underwent erosion and cracks with filler particles protruding from the surface. The morphological changes in tested dental materials produced by exposure to these solutions are potentially dangerous to patients by causing caries, infections, and partial loss of dental material.

Photoaged polystyrene nanoplastics exposure results in reproductive toxicity due to oxidative damage in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The increase of plastic production together with the incipient reuse/recycling system has resulted in massive discards into the environment. This has facilitated the formation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) which poses major risk for environmental health. Although some studies have investigated the effects of pristine MNPs on reproductive health, the effects of weathered MNPs have been poorly investigated. Here we show in Caenorhabditis elegans that exposure to photoaged polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNP-UV) results in worse reproductive performance than pristine PSNP (i.e., embryonic/larval lethality plus a decrease in the brood size, accompanied by a high number of unfertilized eggs), besides it affects size and locomotion behavior. Those effects were potentially generated by reactive products formed during UV-irradiation, since we found higher levels of reactive oxygen species and increased expression of GST-4 in worms exposed to PSNP-UV. Those results are supported by physical-chemical characterization analyses which indicate significant formation of oxidative degradation products from PSNP under UV-C irradiation. Our study also demonstrates that PSNP accumulate predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract of C. elegans (with no accumulation in the gonads), being completely eliminated at 96 h post-exposure. We complemented the toxicological analysis of PSNP/PSNP-UV by showing that the activation of the stress response via DAF-16 is dependent of the nanoplastics accumulation. Our data suggest that exposure to the wild PSNP, i.e., polystyrene nanoplastics more similar to those actually found in the environment, results in more important reprotoxic effects. This is associated with the presence of degradation products formed during UV-C irradiation and their interaction with biological targets.

Disruption of gonocyte development following neonatal exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.

Pre- and/or post-natal administrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in experimental animals cause alterations in the spermatogenesis. However, the mechanism by which DEHP affects fertility is unknown and could be through alterations in the survival and differentiation of the gonocytes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a single administration of DEHP in newborn mice on gonocytic proliferation, differentiation and survival and its long-term effects on seminiferous epithelium and sperm quality. BALB/c mice distributed into Control and DEHP groups were used. Each animal in the DEHP group was given a single dose of 500 mg/Kg at birth. The animals were analyzed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 70 days postpartum (dpp). Testicular tissues were processed for morphological analysis to determine the different types of gonocytes, differentiation index, seminiferous epithelial alterations, and immunoreactivity to Stra8, Pcna and Vimentin proteins. Long-term evaluation of the seminiferous epithelium and sperm quality were carried out at 70 dpp. The DEHP animal group presented gonocytic degeneration with delayed differentiation, causing a reduction in the population of spermatogonia (Stra8 +) in the cellular proliferation (Pcna+) and disorganization of Vimentin filaments. These events had long-term repercussions on the quality of the seminiferous epithelium and semen. Our study demonstrates that at birth, there is a period that the testes are extremely sensitive to DEHP exposure, which leads to gonocytic degeneration and delay in their differentiation. This situation can have long-term repercussions or permanent effects on the quality of the seminiferous epithelium and sperm parameters.

The endocrine disruptor DE-79 alters oxytocinergic transmission and sexual behavior expression in male rats.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants are persistent organic pollutants exerting important health effects. PBDEs with >5 bromide substitutions were considered less harmful and therefore extensively used commercially. DE-79 was a widely used PBDE mixture of hexa-, hepta-, octa- and nona-brominated compounds that increases vasopressin (AVP) production. AVP and oxytocin (OT) are both produced in neurons of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) hypothalamic nuclei projecting to the neurohypophysis and to brain regions involved in copulatory behavior. OT plays an important role in male copulation. Since DE-79 alters AVP expression in the SON and PVN, it might also modify OT content and alter male sexual behavior. We analyzed if repeated DE-79 exposure of adult male rats affected OT content and OT receptor (OTR) density in the SON, PVN, medial preoptic area (mPOA), ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, and if male copulatory behavior was affected. We show that DE-79 exposure produces a generalized decrease in brain OT immunoreactivity, increases OTR density in all brain regions analyzed but the mPOA, and reduces the ejaculatory threshold after a first ejaculation. The documented ejaculation-induced OT release might participate in this last effect. Thus, one-week DE-79 exposure alters the OT-OTR system and modifies male rat sexual performance. Based on the literature it could be speculated that these effects are related to the putative endocrine disrupting actions of DE-79, ultimately altering brain OT levels and OTR expression that might affect copulation and other important OT-mediated brain functions.

Environmental Endocrinology: Parabens Hazardous Effects on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis.

Parabens are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) capable of interfering with the normal functioning of the thyroid, affecting the proper regulation of the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones (THs), which is controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT). Given the crucial role of these hormones in health and the growing evidence of diseases related to thyroid dysfunction, this review looks at the effects of paraben exposure on the thyroid. In this study, we considered research carried out in vitro and in vivo and epidemiological studies published between 1951 and 2023, which demonstrated an association between exposure to parabens and dysfunctions of the HPT axis. In humans, exposure to parabens increases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, while exposure decreases TSH levels in rodents. The effects on THs levels are also poorly described, as well as peripheral metabolism. Regardless, recent studies have shown different actions between different subtypes of parabens on the HPT axis, which allows us to speculate that the mechanism of action of these parabens is different. Furthermore, studies of exposure to parabens are more evident in women than in men. Therefore, future studies are needed to clarify the effects of exposure to parabens and their mechanisms of action on this axis.

Environmentally relevant DEHP exposure during gestational and lactational period inhibits filamin a testicular expression.

Toxicological studies have revealed that DEHP exposure during pregnancy may induce developmental disorders, especially in male offspring, leading to morphological and functional alterations in the reproductive system by mechanisms that should be investigated. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the testicular toxicity induced by an environmentally relevant DEHP dose during development and its impact on FLNA, a protein that participates in the blood-testis barrier assembly. We used male Wistar rats exposed to DEHP during pregnancy and lactation. The results showed that DEHP exposure during development and lactation increased body weight, decreased gonadal weight and shortened anogenital distance. This phthalate induced morphological changes in the testis, suggestive of hypospermatogenesis. DEHP exposure decreased the number of FLNA positive cells and the expression of FLNA and claudin-1 in prepubertal testes. Furthermore, DEHP inhibited FLNA and claudin-1 protein expression in adult male rats. These results indicated that exposure to DEHP during gestation and lactation perturbed testis development and suggested that FLNA is a target protein of DEHP, possibly contributing to the phthalate-induced damage on BTB.

Arsenic metabolism, diabetes prevalence, and insulin resistance among Mexican Americans: A mendelian randomization approach.

Background: Differences in arsenic metabolism capacity may influence risk for type 2 diabetes, but the mechanistic drivers are unclear. We evaluated the associations between arsenic metabolism with overall diabetes prevalence and with static and dynamic measures of insulin resistance among Mexican Americans living in Starr County, Texas. Methods: We utilized data from cross-sectional studies conducted in Starr County, Texas, from 2010-2014. A Mendelian randomization approach was utilized to evaluate the associations between arsenic metabolism and type 2 diabetes prevalence using the intronic variant in the arsenic methylating gene, rs9527, as the instrumental variable for arsenic metabolism. To further assess mechanisms for diabetes pathogenesis, proportions of the urinary arsenic metabolites were employed to assess the association between arsenic metabolism and insulin resistance among participants without diabetes. Urinary biomarkers of arsenic metabolites were modeled as individual proportions of the total. Arsenic metabolism was evaluated both with a static outcome of insulin resistance, homeostatic measure of assessment (HOMA-IR), and a dynamic measure of insulin sensitivity, Matsuda Index. Results: Among 475 Mexican American participants from Starr County, higher metabolism capacity for arsenic is associated with higher diabetes prevalence driven by worse insulin resistance. Presence of the minor T allele of rs9527 is independently associated with an increase in the proportion of monomethylated arsenic (MMA%) and is associated with an odds ratio of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.90) for type 2 diabetes. This association was conserved after potential covariate adjustment. Furthermore, among participants without type 2 diabetes, the highest quartile of MMA% was associated with 22% (95% CI: -33.5%, -9.07%) lower HOMA-IR and 56% (95% CI: 28.3%, 91.3%) higher Matsuda Index for insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: Arsenic metabolism capacity, indicated by a lower proportion of monomethylated arsenic, is associated with increased diabetes prevalence driven by an insulin resistant phenotype among Mexican Americans living in Starr County, Texas.

The impacts of exposure to bisphenol A in the adult female prostate Meriones unguiculatus.

The female prostate is associated with the urogenital system and presents homology in morphological terms with the male prostate. Due to its responsiveness to endogenous hormones, this gland is under a constant risk of developing prostatic pathologies and neoplasia when exposed to certain exogenous compounds. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor found in different plastic and resin products. Studies have emphasized the effects of perinatal exposure to this compound on different hormone-responsive organs. However, there have been few studies highlighting the influence on female prostate morphology of perinatal exposure to BPA. The objective of this study was to describe the histopathological alterations caused by perinatal exposure to BPA (50 µg/kg) and 17-ß estradiol (E2) (35 µg/kg) in the prostate of adult female gerbils. The results showed that E2 and BPA induced proliferative lesions in the female prostate and acted along similar pathways by modulating steroid receptors in the epithelium. BPA was also found to be a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic agent. The impacts of both agents were marked in the prostatic stroma. An increase in the thickness of the smooth muscle layer and a decrease in AR expression were observed, but no alterations in the expression of ERα and ERß, leading to estrogenic sensitivity of the prostate. However, a peculiar response of the female prostate was to diminish the collagen frequency under BPA exposure correlated to smooth muscle layer. These data therefore indicate the development of features related to estrogenic and non-estrogenic tissue repercussions by BPA perinatally exposure in gerbil female prostate.

New Evidence on BPA's Role in Adipose Tissue Development of Proinflammatory Processes and Its Relationship with Obesity.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenobiotic with endocrine disruptor properties which interacts with various receptors, eliciting a cellular response. In the plastic industry, BPA is widely used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy-phenolic resins to provide elastic properties. It can be found in the lining of canned foods, certain plastic containers, thermal printing papers, composite dental fillings, and medical devices, among other things. Therefore, it is a compound that, directly or indirectly, is in daily contact with the human organism. BPA is postulated to be a factor responsible for the global epidemic of obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases, belonging to the obesogenic and diabetogenic group of compounds. Hence, this endocrine disruptor may be responsible for the development of metabolic disorders, promoting in fat cells an increase in proinflammatory pathways and upregulating the expression and release of certain cytokines, such as IL6, IL1ß, and TNFα. These, in turn, at a systemic and local level, are associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which allows the perpetuation of the typical physiological complications of obesity.

Chronic exposure to a mixture of phthalates shifts the white and brown adipose tissue phenotypes in female mice.

Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in consumer products. Although phthalates are obesogens and affect metabolic function, it is unknown if chronic exposure for 6 months to a phthalate mixture alters adipose tissue phenotype in female mice. After vehicle or mixture exposure, white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue (WAT and BAT) were analyzed for expression of adipogenesis, proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen deposition markers. The mixture altered WAT morphology, leading to an increase in hyperplasia, blood vessel number, and expression of BAT markers (Adipoq and Fgf2) in WAT. The mixture increased the expression of the inflammatory markers, Il1ß, Ccl2, and Ccl5, in WAT. The mixture also increased expression of the proapoptotic (Bax and Bcl2) and antiapoptotic (Bcl2l10) factors in WAT. The mixture increased expression of the antioxidant Gpx1 in WAT. The mixture changed BAT morphology by increasing adipocyte diameter, whitening area, and blood vessel number and decreased expression of the thermogenic markers Ucp1, Pgargc1a, and Adrb3. Furthermore, the mixture increased the expression of adipogenic markers Plin1 and Cebpa, increased mast cell number, and increased Il1ß expression in BAT. The mixture also increased expression of the antioxidant markers Gpx and Nrf2 and the apoptotic marker Casp2 in BAT. Collectively, these data indicate that chronic exposure to a phthalate mixture alters WAT and BAT lipid metabolism phenotypes in female mice, leading to an apparent shift in their normal morphology. Following long-term exposure to a phthalate mixture, WAT presented BAT-like features and BAT presented WAT-like features.

Studies of Endocrine Disruptors: Nonylphenol and Isomers in Biological Models.

Certain emerging pollutants are among the most widely used chemicals globally, causing widespread concern in relation to their use in products devoted to cleaniness and asepsis. Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEOn) is one such contaminant, along with its degradation product, nonylphenol, an active ingredient presents in nonionic surfactants used as herbicides, cosmetics, paints, plastics, disinfectants, and detergents. These chemicals and their metabolites are commonly found in environmental matrices. Nonylphenol and NPEOn, used, are particularly concerning, given their role as endocrine disruptors chemical and possible neurotoxic effects recorded in several biological models, primarily aquatic organisms. Limiting and detecting these compounds remain of paramount importance. The objective of the present review was to evaluate the toxic effects of nonylphenol and NPEOn in different biological models. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1439-1450. © 2023 SETAC.

Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?

Fragrance compounds (synthetic fragrances or natural essential oils) comprise formulations of specific combinations of individual materials or mixtures. Natural or synthetic scents are core constituents of personal care and household products (PCHPs) that impart attractiveness to the olfactory perception and disguise the unpleasant odor of the formula components of PCHPs. Fragrance chemicals have beneficial properties that allow their use in aromatherapy. However, because fragrances and formula constituents of PCHPs are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), vulnerable populations are exposed daily to variable indoor concentrations of these chemicals. Fragrance molecules may trigger various acute and chronic pathological conditions because of repetitive human exposure to indoor environments at home and workplaces. The negative impact of fragrance chemicals on human health includes cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effects (e.g., headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems) and distress in workplaces. Pathologies related to synthetic perfumes are associated with allergic reactions (e.g., cutaneous and pulmonary hypersensitivity) and potentially with the perturbation of the endocrine-immune-neural axis. The present review aims to critically call attention to odorant VOCs, particularly synthetic fragrances and associated formula components of PCHPs, potentially impacting indoor air quality and negatively affecting human health.

Disruption of the developmental programming of the gonad of the broad snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) after in ovo exposure to atrazine.

Environmental exposure to agrochemicals during early stages of development can induce subtle alterations that could permanently affect normal physiology. Previously, we reported that in ovo exposure to atrazine (ATZ) disrupts testicular histoarchitecture in postnatal caimans (Caiman latirostris). To assess whether such alterations are the result of disruption of gonadal developmental programming, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of histofunctional biomarkers (VASA, ER, PR, PCNA, and aromatase) and genes involved in gonadal development and differentiation (amh, sox-9, sf-1 and cyp19-a1) in the gonads of male and female caiman embryos and to assess the effect of ATZ exposure on these biomarkers and genes in the gonads of male embryos. Our results suggest that amh, aromatase and sox-9 play a role in sex determination and gonadal differentiation. In male caiman embryos, ATZ exposure increased aromatase expression and altered the temporal expression pattern of amh and sox-9 evidencing an ATZ-induced disruption of gonadal developmental programming. Since the effects of ATZ are consistent across all vertebrate classes, the ATZ-mediated disruptive effects here observed could be present in other vertebrate species.

In vivo exposure to pyriproxyfen causes ovarian oxidative stress and inhibits follicle maturation in zebrafish.

We analyzed the effects of pyriproxyfen (PPF) on oxidative stress and ovarian morphology in zebrafish. PPF (10-9  M) exposure increased reactive oxygen species generation in ovaries, in association with a decrease in glutathione content. The activities of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were increased, while γ-glutamyltransferase activity was not altered by pesticide treatment. The histology of ovarian tissue showed an increase in the number of previtellogenic oocytes I, and a decrease in the rate of vitellogenic oocyte (VIT) count, suggesting inhibition of follicular maturation. An increase in the thickness of the vitelline envelope was observed in VIT, as was a tendency toward an increase in atresia in the ovary of the PPF-treated group. These findings indicate that the deleterious effect of PPF on ovarian maturation is mediated by a redox imbalance and oxidative damage. So, PPF acts as an endocrine disruptor chemical and may compromise fish reproduction by reducing female fertility.

Long-term reproductive effects of benzo(a)pyrene at environmentally relevant dose on juvenile female rats.

Since studies on the reproductive consequences after the exposure to environmentally relevant doses of Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) during critical stages of development are scarce, this study evaluated female reproductive parameters of adult rats exposed to a low dose of BaP during the juvenile phase. Female rats (Post-natal 21) were treated with BaP (0 or 0.1 µg/kg/day; gavage) for 21 consecutive days. During the treatment, no clinical signs of toxicity were observed. Nevertheless, the ages of vaginal opening and first estrus were anticipated by the BaP-exposure. At the sexual maturity, the juvenile exposure compromised the sexual behavior, as well as the placental efficiency, follicle stimulating hormone levels, placenta histological analysis, and ovarian follicle count. A decrease in erythrocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts also was observed in the exposed-females. Moreover, the dose of BaP used in this study was not able to produce estrogenic activity in vivo. These data showed that juvenile BaP-exposure, at environmentally relevant dose, compromised the female reproductive system, possibly by an endocrine deregulation; however, this requires further investigation.

Exposure to acetaminophen impairs gametogenesis and fertility in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Acetaminophen (ACE; paracetamol) is one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs worldwide and is often found in aquatic systems, where it can act on nontarget species and impair fish reproduction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant ACE concentrations (0.5, 5 and 50 µg/L) on multiple reproductive parameters in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Gametogenesis was analyzed using histology, morphometry, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. This study also evaluated sex steroids, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, gene expression for sex steroids and PGE2 receptors, fertilization rate, and semen quality. In females, exposure to 5 and 50 µg/L ACE induced larger and more abundant vitellogenic follicles and increased follicular atresia. In these treatments, males showed a lower proportion and proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia and a higher proportion of TUNEL-positive differentiated spermatogonia, spermatids, and spermatozoa, resulting in lower sperm production. ACE increased 17ß-estradiol (E2) and reduced 11-ketotestosterone levels in the testis, whereas only E2 increased in the ovaries. In both sexes, gonadal PGE2 levels were reduced. ACE at 50 µg/L induced an increase in the gene expression of androgen, estrogen, and PGE2 receptors in the ovaries, and reduced expression in the testes. Results also showed lower egg production and fertilization rate from 28 days of exposure with reduced sperm quality. These results demonstrated that ACE impairs the reproductive performance of zebrafish, affecting multiple reproductive parameters, which may be caused by the synergistic action of the imbalance of sex steroids, with a reduction of PGE2 and its receptors.

Benzophenones alter autophagy and ER stress gene expression in pancreatic beta cells in vitro.

Benzophenones (BPs) are endocrine disruptors frequently used in sunscreens and food packaging as UV blockers. Our goal was to assess the effect of benzophenone 2 (BP2) and 3 (BP3) on gene expression related to autophagy process and ER stress response in pancreatic beta cells. To that end, the mouse pancreatic beta cell line MIN6B1 was treated with 10 µM BP2 or BP3 in the presence or absence of the autophagy-inhibitor chloroquine (CQ, 10 µM) or the autophagy-inducer rapamycin (RAPA, 50 nM) during 24 h. BP3 inhibited the expression of the autophagic gene Ulk1, and additional effects were uncovered when autophagy was modified by CQ and RAPA. BP3 counteracted CQ-induced Lamp2 expression but did not compensate CQ-induced Sqstm1/p62 gene transcription, neither BP2. Nevertheless, the BPs did not alter the autophagic flux. In relation to ER stress, BP3 inhibited unspliced and spliced Xbp1 mRNA levels in the presence or absence of CQ, totally counteracted CQ-induced Chop gene expression, and partially reverted CQ-induced Grp78/Bip mRNA levels, while BP2 also partially inhibited Grp78/Bip mRNA induction by CQ. In conclusion, BPs, principally BP3, affect cellular adaptive responses related to autophagy, lysosomal biogenesis, and ER stress in pancreatic beta cells, indicating that BP exposure could lead to beta cell dysfunction.

Removal of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactant in batch reactors: emphasis on methanogenic potential and microbial community characterization under optimized conditions.

ABSTRACTNonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has bioaccumulative, persistent and toxic characteristics in different environmental matrices and is difficult to remove in sewage treatment plants. In this study, the effects of the initial concentration of NPE (0.2 ± 0.03 - 3.0 ± 0.02 mg. L-1) and ethanol (73.9 ± 5.0-218.6 ± 10.6 mg. L-1) were investigated using factorial design. Assays were carried out in anaerobic batch reactors, using the Zinder basal medium, yeast extract (200 mg. L-1), vitamin solution and sodium bicarbonate (10% v/v). The optimal conditions were 218.56 mg.L-1 of ethanol and 1596.51 µg.L-1 of NPE, with 92% and 88% of NPE and organic matter removal, respectively, and methane yield (1689.8 ± 59.6 mmol) after 450 h of operation. In this condition, bacteria potentially involved in the degradation of this surfactant were identified in greater relative abundance, such as Acetoanaerobium (1.68%), Smithella (1.52%), Aminivibrio (0.91%), Petrimonas (0.57%) and Enterobacter (0.47%), as well as archaea Methanobacterium and Methanoregula, mainly involved in hydrogenotrophic pathway.