scholarly journals Endocrine disruption and altered sexual development in aquatic organisms: an invertebrate perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-515
Author(s):  
W. J. Langston
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Marine Invertebrates ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Endogenous Hormones ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Sexual Characteristics ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractContaminants causing sex-altering, endocrine disrupting-like (ED) effects, or otherwise influencing reproduction, have been of growing concern to humans for more than 50 years. They have also been a perturbing, though less well-studied, phenomenon in marine organisms, following the recognition of tributyltin (TBT)-induced imposex and population extinctions in (neo)gastropods in the 1970s. Whilst ED impacts in mammals and fish are characterized by mimicry or antagonism of endogenous hormones by environmental contaminants (acting through Nuclear Receptors which are present in all metazoans) much less is known regarding pathways to effects in invertebrates. Despite the absence of a defined steroidal/mechanistic component, the extent, severity and widespread nature of ED-like manifestations and altered sexual characteristics observed in marine invertebrates gives rise to comparable concerns, and have been a long-term component of the MBA's research remit. The manifestations seen in sensitive taxa such as molluscs and crustaceans confirm they are valuable indicators of environmental quality, and should be exploited in this capacity whilst we seek to understand the pervasiveness and underlying mechanisms. In so doing, invertebrate indicators address aims of organizations, such as the EEA, OECD, UNEP and WHO, charged with management and monitoring of chemicals and ensuring that adverse effects on humans and the environment are minimized (Bergman et al., 2013). In view of the recent general declines in marine biodiversity, and the potential contribution of ED-like phenomena, safeguarding against deleterious effects through increased research which links pollutant exposure with reproductive dysfunction among invertebrates, is seen as a high priority.

scholarly journals Environmental Obesogens and Human Health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Archisman Mahapatra ◽  
Priya Gupta ◽  
Anjali Suman ◽  
Rahul Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
The World ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Obesity is an alarming public health concern that contributes to a substantially increased risk of multiple chronic disorders, including diabetes. As per WHO data, in 2016, almost 39% adult population of the world is overweight, 13% of them were obese. There is prominent evidence on the involvement of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, termed obesogens, in the prevalence of this growing worldwide pandemic, obesity. The exaggerated effect of obesogens on endocrine disruption, lipid metabolism and homeostasis, adipocyte functioning, impaired thermogenesis, inflammation, epigenetics, and overall human health will be covered in this chapter. This chapter will discuss the environmental obesogen hypothesis, the epidemiological and experimental evidence of obesogens, its chemical characteristics, and possible mechanism of actions. It will also focus on some recent indications of obesogens and their correlation in COVID-19 disease pathogenesis. This chapter will try to conclude with strategies for identifying the underlying mechanisms of obesogens within model systems and the human body, including future directions.

Development of a Peroxidase Biosensor for the Detection of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Gonza´lez ◽  
Anai´s Va´zquez ◽  
Angel Morales ◽  
Liz Di´az ◽  
Carlos R. Cabrera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Environmental Samples ◽  
Endocrine Disruptor ◽  
Biological Fluids ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Endogenous Hormones ◽  
Chemical Manufacturing ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting

Endocrine disruptor compounds are able to mimic or antagonize the effects of endogenous hormones. Phenolic compounds are one of the most abundant classes of endocrine disruptors due to their presence in a broad range of chemical manufacturing processes. The detection of such compounds in food, medicine, and the environment (i.e., water) is crucial to ensure their quality. To prevent the noxious effects of endocrine disruptors an efficient monitoring system is required in order for immediate remediation to be activated. The long-term goal of the project is to develop a robust and stable amperometric enzyme based biosensor able to determine the concentration of phenolic endocrine disruptors. This type of biosensor can be useful to monitor endocrine distruptors in biological fluids and environmental samples as for example the spacecraft drinking water, to ensure the health of the astronauts in space.

scholarly journals Organizational and activational effects of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals

2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen K. Silbergeld ◽  
Jodi A. Flaws ◽  
Ken M. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Mode Of Action ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Common Mode ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Hormone Sensitive ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Estrogenic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine disruption is a hypothesis of common mode of action that may define a set of structurally varied chemicals, both natural and synthetic. Their common mode of action may suggest that they produce or contribute to similar toxic effects, although this has been difficult to demonstrate. Insights from developmental biology suggest that development of hormone sensitive systems, such as the brain and the genitourinary tract, may be particularly sensitive to EDCs. Because these systems are both organized and later activated by hormones, the brain and vagina may be valuable model systems to study the toxicity of EDCs in females and to elucidate mechanisms whereby early exposures appear to affect long term function.

scholarly journals Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Qian Ying Yong ◽  
Suresh Valiyaveetill ◽  
Bor Luen Tang
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Marine Invertebrates ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Plastic Materials ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Mammalian System

Fragmented or otherwise miniaturized plastic materials in the form of micro- or nanoplastics have been of nagging environmental concern. Perturbation of organismal physiology and behavior by micro- and nanoplastics have been widely documented for marine invertebrates. Some of these effects are also manifested by larger marine vertebrates such as fishes. More recently, possible effects of micro- and nanoplastics on mammalian gut microbiota as well as host cellular and metabolic toxicity have been reported in mouse models. Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics occurs largely through ingestion, as these are found in food or derived from food packaging, but also in a less well-defined manner though inhalation. The pathophysiological consequences of acute and chronic micro- and nanoplastics exposure in the mammalian system, particularly humans, are yet unclear. In this review, we focus on the recent findings related to the potential toxicity and detrimental effects of micro- and nanoplastics as demonstrated in mouse models as well as human cell lines. The prevailing data suggest that micro- and nanoplastics accumulation in mammalian and human tissues would likely have negative, yet unclear long-term consequences. There is a need for cellular and systemic toxicity due to micro- and nanoplastics to be better illuminated, and the underlying mechanisms defined by further work.

Enhanced Seasonal Exchange of CO2 by Northern Ecosystems Since 1960

Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 341 (6150) ◽  
pp. 1085-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. D. Graven ◽  
R. F. Keeling ◽  
S. C. Piper ◽  
P. K. Patra ◽  
B. B. Stephens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Ecosystem Models ◽  
The North ◽  
Ecological Changes ◽  
Term Change ◽  
Major Shift ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Global Carbon

Seasonal variations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Northern Hemisphere have increased since the 1950s, but sparse observations have prevented a clear assessment of the patterns of long-term change and the underlying mechanisms. We compare recent aircraft-based observations of CO2 above the North Pacific and Arctic Oceans to earlier data from 1958 to 1961 and find that the seasonal amplitude at altitudes of 3 to 6 km increased by 50% for 45° to 90°N but by less than 25% for 10° to 45°N. An increase of 30 to 60% in the seasonal exchange of CO2 by northern extratropical land ecosystems, focused on boreal forests, is implicated, substantially more than simulated by current land ecosystem models. The observations appear to signal large ecological changes in northern forests and a major shift in the global carbon cycle.

scholarly journals Toxic or Not Toxic, That Is the Carbon Quantum Dot’s Question: A Comprehensive Evaluation with Zebrafish Embryo, Eleutheroembryo, and Adult Models

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1598
Author(s):  
Chih-Yu Chung ◽  
Yu-Ju Chen ◽  
Chia-Hui Kang ◽  
Hung-Yun Lin ◽  
Chih-Ching Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zebrafish Embryo ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Carbon Quantum Dots ◽  
Adult Zebrafish ◽  
Fish Embryo ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Low Toxicity

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging novel nanomaterials with a wide range of applications and high biocompatibility. However, there is a lack of in-depth research on whether CQDs can cause acute or long-term adverse reactions in aquatic organisms. In this study, two different types of CQDs prepared by ammonia citrate and spermidine, namely CQDAC and CQDSpd, were used to evaluate their biocompatibilities. In the fish embryo acute toxicity test (FET), the LD50 of CQDAC and CQDSpd was about 500 and 100 ppm. During the stage of eleutheroembryo, the LD50 decreased to 340 and 55 ppm, respectively. However, both CQDs were quickly eliminated from embryo and eleutheroembryo, indicating a lack of bioaccumulation. Long-term accumulation of CQDs was also performed in this study, and adult zebrafish showed no adverse effects in 12 weeks. In addition, there was no difference in the hatchability and deformity rates of offspring produced by adult zebrafish, regardless of whether they were fed CQDs or not. The results showed that both CQDAC and CQDSpd have low toxicity and bioaccumulation to zebrafish. Moreover, the toxicity assay developed in this study provides a comprehensive platform to assess the impacts of CQDs on aquatic organisms in the future.

scholarly journals Blood–brain barrier disruption and ventricular enlargement are the earliest neuropathological changes in rats with repeated sub-concussive impacts over 2 weeks

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bailey Hiles-Murison ◽  
Andrew P. Lavender ◽  
Mark J. Hackett ◽  
Joshua J. Armstrong ◽  
Michael Nesbit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
Hippocampal Formation ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Lateral Ventricles ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier Disruption ◽  
Blood Brain ◽  
Brain Barrier Disruption ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractRepeated sub-concussive impact (e.g. soccer ball heading), a significantly lighter form of mild traumatic brain injury, is increasingly suggested to cumulatively alter brain structure and compromise neurobehavioural function in the long-term. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby repeated long-term sub-concussion induces cerebral structural and neurobehavioural changes are currently unknown. Here, we utilised an established rat model to investigate the effects of repeated sub-concussion on size of lateral ventricles, cerebrovascular blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and biochemical distribution. Following repeated sub-concussion 3 days per week for 2 weeks, the rats showed significantly enlarged lateral ventricles compared with the rats receiving sham-only procedure. The sub-concussive rats also presented significant BBB dysfunction in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal formation, whilst neuromotor function assessed by beamwalk and rotarod tests were comparable to the sham rats. Immunofluorescent and spectroscopic microscopy analyses revealed no significant changes in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, lipid distribution or protein aggregation, within the hippocampus and cortex. These data collectively indicate that repeated sub-concussion for 2 weeks induce significant ventriculomegaly and BBB disruption, preceding neuromotor deficits.

scholarly journals Remediation of mercury-contaminated soils and sediments using biochar: a critical review

Biochar ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Yang ◽  
Yongjie Wang ◽  
Huan Zhong
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Redox Conditions ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Soils And Sediments ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Biochar Amendment

AbstractThe transformation of mercury (Hg) into the more toxic and bioaccumulative form methylmercury (MeHg) in soils and sediments can lead to the biomagnification of MeHg through the food chain, which poses ecological and health risks. In the last decade, biochar application, an in situ remediation technique, has been shown to be effective in mitigating the risks from Hg in soils and sediments. However, uncertainties associated with biochar use and its underlying mechanisms remain. Here, we summarize recent studies on the effects and advantages of biochar amendment related to Hg biogeochemistry and its bioavailability in soils and sediments and systematically analyze the progress made in understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for reductions in Hg bioaccumulation. The existing literature indicates (1) that biochar application decreases the mobility of inorganic Hg in soils and sediments and (2) that biochar can reduce the bioavailability of MeHg and its accumulation in crops but has a complex effect on net MeHg production. In this review, two main mechanisms, a direct mechanism (e.g., Hg-biochar binding) and an indirect mechanism (e.g., biochar-impacted sulfur cycling and thus Hg-soil binding), that explain the reduction in Hg bioavailability by biochar amendment based on the interactions among biochar, soil and Hg under redox conditions are highlighted. Furthermore, the existing problems with the use of biochar to treat Hg-contaminated soils and sediments, such as the appropriate dose and the long-term effectiveness of biochar, are discussed. Further research involving laboratory tests and field applications is necessary to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the role of biochar in reducing Hg bioavailability in diverse soil types under varying redox conditions and to develop completely green and sustainable biochar-based functional materials for mitigating Hg-related health risks.

Fossil Record of Parasitism on Marine Invertebrates with Special Emphasis on the Platyceratid-Crinoid Interaction

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 195-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz K. Baumiller ◽  
Forest J. Gahn
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Marine Invertebrates ◽  
Marine Diversity ◽  
Parasitic Interactions ◽  
Explicit Criteria ◽  
Lower Frequencies

The paleontological literature on marine invertebrates is rich in supposed examples of parasitism and our tabulation shows a nearly even distribution of reported cases through the post-Cambrian Phanerozoic. Slightly lower frequencies characterize the Triassic and Jurassic and higher frequencies the Cretaceous and Tertiary, and the pattern roughly mirrors Sepkoski's (1984) marine diversity curve. The total number of parasitic associations for any geologic period rarely exceeds a dozen, yet few of the reported examples provide explicit criteria distinguishing parasitism from predation, commensalism, or mutualism. We evaluated the published examples using the following criteria: (1) evidence of a long-term relationship between two organisms, (2) benefit of interaction to supposed parasite, and (3) detriment of interaction to the host We found that only in exceptional cases were these criteria fulfilled. One example that provides much information on parasitic interactions involves platyceratids and crinoids and we summarize the evidence for the parasitic interaction between these two groups of organisms.

Management problems in the pregnant diabetic

1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
FA Van Assche
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Metabolic Adaptation ◽  
Medical Complication ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Insulin Dependent ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Pregnant Diabetic

Major progress has been made in the knowledge and management of diabetes and pregnancy. However diabetes in pregnancy remains an important medical complication, with implications for mother and child in both the short and the long term. There are still controversies concerning the diagnostic criteria of gestational diabetes and concerning the best strategry for the treatment of this disorder. There is even less agreement about whether gestational diabetes is a pathological condition. The perinatal mortality in gestational diabetes has recently become as low as that in the general population. This has led to the conclusion that gestational diabetes is no more than a variant of metabolic adaptation during pregnancy. However, fetal hyperinsulinism is present in gestational diabetes, resulting in macrosomia, neonatal complications and most probably long term consequences. Improvements in the care of the preexisting insulin-dependent pregnant diabetic have been achieved but further progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms and in preventing and treating the disease are important goals for the near future.

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