Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingjing Li, Fuhong Tian, Yunbing Tang, Lei Shi, Shaowei Wang, Zhiyan Hu, Yang Zhu, Yiyan Wang, Huitao Li, Ren-shan Ge, Xiaoheng Li
Summary: Many insecticides and fungicides can disrupt the endocrine system in placenta, inhibiting the activity of a key enzyme called HSD3B1. Triclosan, triflumizole, and oxine were found to effectively inhibit the activity of HSD3B1 in both human and rat placenta.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patrice Rat, Pascale Leproux, Sophie Fouyet, Elodie Olivier
Summary: This study evaluated the placental toxicity of Forskolin in pregnant women. The results showed that Forskolin activated P2X7 receptors and disrupted the secretion of estradiol, progesterone, hPL, and hyperglycosylated hCG in placental cells. This suggests that Forskolin may pose risks to pregnant women and should be restricted.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Miaoliang Wu, Fuhui Yan, Qian Liu, Ganzhong Liao, Yilin Shen, Zhi Bai, Xiaoshan Liu
Summary: Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is characterized by new onset hypertension and albuminuria or other end-organ damage. It is a major complication of pregnancy that can increase morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and fetuses, causing significant social burden. Recent research suggests that exposure to environmental xenobiotic compounds, particularly endocrine disruptors, may contribute to the development of PE. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This paper reviews the role and potential mechanism of PE induced by exogenous chemicals and provides an outlook on the environmental etiology of PE.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liselott Kallsten, Radwa Almamoun, Paula Pierozan, Erik Nylander, Kalliroi Sdougkou, Jonathan W. Martin, Oskar Karlsson
Summary: This study found that di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) exposure can lead to persistent effects on testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis in adult male mice, resulting in decreased testosterone levels. The study also revealed increased levels of key cells and proteins, including steroidogenic enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and germ cell markers, in response to DBP exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen, Ozgur Kuzukiran, Recep Uyar, Ummu Gulsum Boztepe, Hasan Tolga Celik, Ozgur Ozyuncu, Yagmur Turgut, Halit Kanca, Kubra Karakas-Alkan, Ayhan Filazi
Summary: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are concerning for fetal exposure. Placenta can serve as a good indicator for potential fetal exposure. This study compared the presence of these chemicals in human and dog placentas, and found differences in the types and concentrations of pollutants, indicating species-specific effects.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Rosa Ramos Nieto, Marianela Lasagna, Gabriel Cao, Gloria Alvarez, Clarisa Santamaria, Maria Eugenia Rodriguez Girault, Nadia Bourguignon, Noelia Di Giorgio, Clara Ventura, Mariana Mardirosian, Horacio Rodriguez, Victoria Lux-Llantos, Claudia Cocca, Mariel Nunez
Summary: The study found that chronic exposure to low concentrations of CPF affects ovarian steroid synthesis in female rats, leading to changes in the estrous cycle of animals, as well as proliferative changes in the uterus.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Kezia A. Addo, Niharika Palakodety, Rebecca C. Fry
Summary: The study found that high concentrations of acetaminophen can affect gene and protein expression in placental JEG-3 cells, disrupting the secretion of estradiol, which plays a crucial role in the development of reproductive organs and the brain in the fetus. This highlights the potential for acetaminophen to interfere with hormone regulation during pregnancy and emphasizes the need for further research on its endocrine disruption activity during fetal development.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maurya Khushboo, Sanasam Sanjeev, Meesala Krishna Murthy, Maibam Sunitadevi, Roy Dinata, Baishya Bhanushree, Rema Momin Bidanchi, Nisekhoto Nisa, Sailo Lalrinzuali, Bose Manikandan, Ahmed-Laskar Saeed, Giri Abinash, Buragohain Pori, Chettri Arati, Vikas Kumar Roy, Guruswami Gurusubramanian
Summary: Dietary phytoestrogens, such as diosgenin, pose a contamination threat to environmental health due to their estrogen-mimicking and endocrine-disrupting effects. This study evaluated the reproductive and endocrine toxicity of diosgenin in albino mice, finding that chronic exposure disrupted reproductive functions and caused transgenerational reproductive toxic effects in offspring. Thus, caution should be exercised in the use of diosgenin in food products and medical applications.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Tabecka-Lonczynska, Piotr Kaczka, Edyta Kaleniuk
Summary: Good-quality reproductive cells are crucial for reproduction. Endocrine disruptors, such as the novel brominated flame retardant TBC, have been found to negatively affect spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. This study reveals that TBC impacts the hormonal system, with the involvement of ER alpha, but the exact mechanism remains unknown. Additionally, the levels of proteins and enzymes involved in steroid conversion decrease, suggesting dysregulation of steroid biosynthesis. The findings also show a decrease in steroid hormone production and secretion in the presence of TBC. These results highlight the potential impact of TBC on male fertility.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Liselott Kallsten, Paula Pierozan, Jonathan W. Martin, Oskar Karlsson
Summary: The environmental contaminants DBP and MBP have been found to inhibit the synthesis of testosterone and other steroid hormones, with differences in their toxicological mechanisms. Additionally, DBP induces oxidative stress while MBP reduces protein oxidation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaole Pan, Saki Noguchi, Misuzu Ando, Tomohiro Nishimura, Masatoshi Tomi
Summary: The study found that overexpression of miR-126 can inhibit the invasive ability of JEG-3 cells by targeting LIN28A, without affecting proliferation and migration. In addition, miR-126-mediated downregulation of LIN28A may contribute to the onset/deterioration of preeclampsia.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter Ergang, Karla Vagnerova, Petra Hermanova, Martin Vodicka, Michal Jagr, Dagmar Srutkova, Vaclav Dvoracek, Tomas Hudcovic, Jiri Pacha
Summary: The study observed that acute immune stress resulted in increased inflammatory cytokines and genes involved in de novo steroidogenesis and corticosterone regeneration in the intestine, with reduced response in germ-free mice. The interaction between stress and the microbiota did not impact plasma corticosterone levels or adrenal steroidogenic enzymes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vicente Mustieles, Ria K. Balogh, Marta Axelstad, Parisa Montazeri, Sandra Marquez, Martine Vrijheid, Monica K. Draskau, Camilla Taxvig, Francisco M. Peinado, Tamar Berman, Hanne Frederiksen, Mariana F. Fernandez, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Anna-Maria Andersson
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the safety issues of BP-3 and BP-1 in the human body and found that they have endocrine disrupting properties. HBM studies showed that North Americans have potential exposure levels 10 to 20 times higher than Europeans and Asians. Therefore, it is recommended to use commercially available sunscreens with inorganic UV filters for susceptible populations.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Simonetta Friso, Annalisa Castagna, Gabriele Mango, Oliviero Olivieri, Francesca Pizzolo
Summary: Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) contain valuable information about the urogenital tract organs and can be used to study disease pathophysiology and as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Analysis of mRNA within uEVs provides a non-invasive way to assess gene expression patterns of renal cells. Studies have shown that mRNA from uEVs can provide insights into hypertension-related genes and their expression changes. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of hypertension pathophysiology and lead to more personalized investigative and diagnostic approaches.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
B. Dietrich, V Kunihs, S. Haider, J. Pollheimer, M. Knoefler
Summary: JEG-3 organoids can serve as a model for directed extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation, showing similar gene expression patterns to primary cytotrophoblast organoids.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sze Wing Ho, Hani El-Nezami, Nagendra P. Shah
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Murphy L. Y. Wan, Vanessa Anna Co, Hani El-Nezami
Summary: Polyphenols, abundant in plants, are powerful antioxidants in the human diet, influencing gut health through modulation of various pathways and gut microbiota composition. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and potential benefits in preventing or treating diseases.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tran Thi Hien, Ines Ambite, Daniel Butler, Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Tuan Hiep Tran, Urban Hoglund, Marek Babjuk, Catharina Svanborg
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniel S. C. Butler, Caterina Cafaro, Johannes Putze, Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Thi Hien Tran, Ines Ambite, Shahram Ahmadi, Sven Kjellstrom, Charlotte Welinder, Sing Ming Chao, Ulrich Dobrindt, Catharina Svanborg
Summary: Bacterial protease can inhibit c-MYC protein in human cells, which leads to suppression of tumor cell proliferation and activity. This study provides a new direction and hope for targeted therapy of c-MYC.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Vanessa Anna Co, Hani El-Nezami
Summary: This systematic review examined the association of environmental exposures of EDCs with breast cancer risk, identifying certain EDC exposures that could potentially elevate the risk of breast cancer. Assessing the long-term impacts of EDC exposures, especially multi-generational and transgenerational, is essential for understanding the potential link to breast cancer development and for future EDC policy making and regulations.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Ines Ambite, Daniel Butler, Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Therese Rosenblad, Thi Hien Tran, Sing Ming Chao, Catharina Svanborg
Summary: The most common and lethal bacterial pathogens have evolved alongside the host's immune system. Excessive innate immune activation can lead to disease exacerbation, and understanding the immune system's functions is crucial for developing novel treatment and prevention strategies.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antonin Brisuda, James C. S. Ho, Pancham S. Kandiyal, Justin T-Y. Ng, Ines Ambite, Daniel S. C. Butler, Jaromir Hacek, Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Thi Hien Tran, Aftab Nadeem, Tuan Hiep Tran, Anna Hastings, Petter Storm, Daniel L. Fortunati, Parisa Esmaeili, Hana Novotna, Jakub Hornak, Y. G. Mu, K. H. Mok, Marek Babjuk, Catharina Svanborg
Summary: Partially unfolded alpha-lactalbumin forms an oleic acid complex with potent tumoricidal activity, and a clinical trial on bladder cancer patients shows promising results in terms of tumor cell shedding, tumor size reduction and inhibition of cancer-related genes' expression.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Jinghang Xu, Qiao Zhan, Yanan Fan, Emily Kwun Kwan Lo, Fangfei Zhang, Yanyan Yu, Hani El-Nezami, Zheng Zeng
Summary: Liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The emerging importance of gut homeostasis in HCC pathogenesis, patterns of dysbiosis in HCC patients, and potential role in diagnosis highlight the potential for improving treatment and prevention. Although clinical studies are lacking, animal models suggest that modulation of gut microbiota by probiotics could be a new approach to treat or prevent HCC development.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Maria Victoria Fernandez-Cantos, Diego Garcia-Morena, Valeria Iannone, Hani El-Nezami, Marjukka Kolehmainen, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: The gastrointestinal tract consists of four main barriers: microbiological, chemical, physical, and immunological, which play crucial roles in maintaining its homeostasis. Microbiota have been shown to influence the integrity of the GI tract barrier, and alterations in gut microbiome can lead to increased intestinal permeability. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), one of the most common chronic liver diseases, has been linked to changes in gut microbiota and barrier integrity, but the causal relationship between them is still not fully understood.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuyuan Wang, Harri Alenius, Hani El-Nezami, Piia Karisola
Summary: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have excellent properties and have gained attention, but they may also have unintended effects on the environment and biological systems. Transcriptomics studies have revealed that these nanoparticles can induce cytotoxicity, developmental alterations, and immune responses, which are dependent on their intrinsic and acquired properties.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Daniel Butler, Ines Ambite, Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Thi Hien Tran, Bjorn Wullt, Catharina Svanborg
Summary: Innovative solutions are needed for the treatment of bacterial infections and exploring the immune system for therapeutic strategies is a promising approach. However, the immune system has a dual role and excessive immune responses can cause disease. Modulating innate immunity shows promise as a therapy for urinary tract infections, but further research is required.
NATURE REVIEWS UROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily Kwun Kwan Lo, Felicianna, Jing-Hang Xu, Qiao Zhan, Zheng Zeng, Hani El-Nezami
Summary: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are related to chronic liver diseases, but BCAA supplementation has positive effects on cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This review aims to clarify the contradictory claims and study the role of BCAAs in liver health.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hoi Kit Matthew Leung, Emily Kwun Kwan Lo, Hani El-Nezami
Summary: Theabrownin (TB), an antioxidant from Pu-erh tea, has been found to inhibit tumor formation and potentially be a promising candidate for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. TB exerts its antitumor effects by suppressing cell proliferation and enhancing apoptosis through modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. TB also modifies the gut microbiota composition, increasing the abundance of short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and decreasing CRC-related bacteria. This study provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic options for CRC.
Article
Oncology
Tran Thi Hien, Ines Ambite, Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Michele Cavalera, Parisa Esmaeili, Arunima Chaudhuri, Samudra Sabari, Marek Babjuk, Catharina Svanborg
Summary: Long-term therapeutic efficacy of alpha1-oleate can be improved by repeated treatment cycles and combining with low-dose chemotherapy. One treatment cycle of alpha1-oleate alone or in combination with Epirubicin or Mitomycin C arrested bladder tumor growth and provided at least 4 weeks of protection. Repeated treatment cycles extended the protective effect and reduced bladder pathology and cancer-specific gene expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hadi Chavoshi, Mahsa Taheri, Murphy Lam Yim, Mehdi Sabzichi
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly lethal subtype of breast cancer. Crocin-loaded liposomes showed enhanced cytotoxicity when combined with chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) in MDA-MB-231 cells. The liposome formulation had monodisperse distribution with an average size of 80 nm, about 70% encapsulation efficiency, and 11% loading capacity. The study suggested that crocin-loaded liposomes can be a promising approach against tumor cells, especially when combined with DOX.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lei Gong, Siyi Jiang, Jia Tian, Yong Li, Wansu Yu, Lubo Zhang, Daliao Xiao
Summary: Exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can lead to the development of a neonatal brain hypoxia/ischemia-sensitive phenotype. The PTEN/AKT/mTOR/autophagy signaling pathway plays a role in this process.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Sudipta Dutta, Kirthiram K. Sivakumar, John W. Erwin, Jone A. Stanley, Joe A. Arosh, Robert J. Taylor, Sakhila K. Banu
Summary: This study found that exposure to hexavalent chromium disrupts follicle development and causes apoptosis by altering epigenetic marks in the ovary.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yuxin Li, Xianzhi He, Bin Sun, Nannan Hu, Jiamin Li, Ruolan You, Feiyan Tao, Lei Fang, Yuanyuan Li, Qingfeng Zhai
Summary: This study investigated the toxic effects and mechanism of beta-CYP and EMB on the reproductive system of female rats. The results showed that exposure to these pesticides led to changes in hormone and gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, as well as alterations in oxidative damage indicators. The findings support the evaluation of the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on reproductive health in greenhouse operations.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ran Lee, Won-Young Lee, Hyun-Jung Park
Summary: This study investigates the toxicity of diuron on fetal mouse testes and finds that diuron has a negative impact on the development of fetal Leydig cells, while not affecting germ cells and Sertoli cells.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2024)
