Article
Environmental Sciences
Margarida Lorigo, Carla Quintaneiro, Claudio J. Maia, Luiza Breitenfeld, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Long-term exposure to the UV-filter OMC in personal care products may disrupt vascular homeostasis of pregnant women, potentially leading to pregnancy hypertensive disorders.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Ines Fonseca, Margarida Lorigo, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of BPA on the vasculature during pregnancy using human umbilical arteries. The results showed that exposure to BPA may interfere with vasorelaxant response by modulating sGC and activating BKCa channels, leading to disruption of the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway. Additionally, the study found that BPA can modulate the reactivity of human umbilical arteries, increasing the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels, which is a common vascular response in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana Feiteiro, Sandra M. Rocha, Melissa Mariana, Claudio J. Maia, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: TBBPA, an endocrine disruptor and flame retardant, can contaminate the environment and human body. This study investigated the direct effects and 24-hour exposure of TBBPA on the human umbilical artery (HUA) and explored its signaling pathway. The results showed that TBBPA induced vasorelaxation of HUA and modulated various signaling pathways involved in relaxation and contraction.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Izabela Fernanda Dal'Bo, Elisangela Souza Teixeira, Larissa Teodoro Rabi, Karina Colombera Peres, Matheus Nascimento, Maria Izabel Chiamolera, Valdemar Maximo, Natassia Elena Bufalo, Laura Sterian Ward
Summary: Roundup herbicide has a nonmonotonic dual dose-response curve on thyroid cells, causing significant cell death at low concentrations and having an important proliferative effect.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Niedson Correia de Lima Junior, Juliana Franco Camilo, Pamella Rodrigues do Carmo, Marcelle Novaes de Andrade, Bernardo Ferreira Braz, Ricardo Erthal Santelli, Lycia de Brito Gitirana, Andrea Claudia Freitas Ferreira, Denise Pires de Carvalho, Leandro Miranda-Alves, Glaecir Roseni Mundstock Dias
Summary: Subacute exposure to lead acetate disrupts thyroid gland function in both sexes, leading to changes in learning and memory abilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
ZhiChao Dang, Maria Arena, Aude Kienzler
Summary: This study summarized and evaluated the effects of TDCs on fish thyroid sensitive endpoints, including thyroid hormones, gene expression, and other aspects. The findings suggest that changes in thyroid sensitive endpoints may be influenced by various factors, such as the balance of different processes and environmental factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Peluso, Valeria Nittoli, Carla Reale, Immacolata Porreca, Filomena Russo, Luca Roberto, Antonia Giacco, Elena Silvestri, Massimo Mallardo, Mario De Felice, Concetta Ambrosino
Summary: Early life exposure to Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs), such as the pesticide Chlorpyrifos (CPF), has been found to affect thyroid activity, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism. In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of CPF exposure on the metabolism and signaling of thyroid hormones (THs) and lipid/glucose metabolism in mice. They found that these processes were altered in males that were exposed to CPF, leading to hypothyroidism and systemic hyperglycemia. Additionally, the researchers discovered that CPF affected glucose metabolism and TH levels through the modulation of FOXO1 activity in liver cells. These findings highlight the importance of considering the intergenerational and sex-specific effects of CPF exposure on metabolic homeostasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
ZhiChao Dang
Summary: Both AMA and LAGDA are used to detect thyroid-mediated modality and adversity based on morphological changes during thyroid hormone-dependent metamorphosis. The EU Guidance recommends their use for investigating the effects of thyroid hormone system disrupting chemicals. However, there is debate over the necessity of using LAGDA as a follow-up to positive AMA results. This study analyzes the similarities, differences, and sensitivity of these two assays in detecting TDCs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Filiz Boran, Abbas Gungordu
Summary: The effects of drugs containing synthetic thyroid hormone and an anti-thyroid drug on different early developmental stages of Xenopus laevis vary, with more effective growth retardation in embryos than tadpoles. Inhibition of biomarker enzymes was significant in tadpoles, showing differences in sensitivity and responses to drugs at different stages.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana C. Marques, Melissa Mariana, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Hygiene is crucial for disease prevention, but the effects of regular use of disinfectants on human health are still uncertain. Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent present in various products, has been found to potentially interfere with hormonal function and have adverse effects on reproductive, cardiovascular, and thyroid systems in both animals and humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anita A. Thambirajah, Michael G. Wade, Jonathan Verreault, Nicolas Buisine, Veronica A. Alves, Valerie S. Langlois, Caren C. Helbing
Summary: This critical review highlights the complexity of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals interfering with Thyroid Hormone function through interactions with other hormonal axes, and emphasizes the lack of data generated in non-mammalian vertebrate classes. With the availability of more genomics-based resources, better identification and delineation of EDC effects, modes of action, and identification of effective biomarkers suitable for HPT disruption is possible. The effects of EDCs are likely to cascade into a plurality of complex physiological effects, beyond the few variables tested within research studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Marcelle Novaes Andrade, Francisca Diana Melo-Paiva, Mariana Pires Teixeira, Niedson Correia de Lima-Junior, Paula Soares, Jones Bernardes Graceli, Denise Pires de Carvalho, Eduardo Andres Rios Morris, Andrea Claudia Freitas Ferreira, Leandro Miranda-Alves
Summary: The present study found that exposure to TBT can induce oxidative stress in the thyroid gland, increasing the expression of thyroperoxidase and reducing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Some of these effects may be mediated by the estrogen receptor alpha pathway.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
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
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
Chemistry, Physical
A. B. Hernandez-Abreu, S. Alvarez-Torrellas, R. P. Rocha, M. F. R. Pereira, V. Agueda, J. A. Delgado, M. Larriba, J. Garcia, J. L. Figueiredo
Summary: Carbon-based adsorbents were tested for BPA adsorption from water, with modified materials showing enhanced adsorption capacity after treatments, especially high-temperature treatment leading to a 73% increase in adsorption capacity. The correlation between micropore volume, specific surface area, and BPA adsorption capacity was observed, with chemisorption identified as the dominant sorption mechanism.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margarida Lorigo, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: This review summarizes the existing literature on exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy and adverse maternal health outcomes, with a focus on the human placenta, vein, and umbilical artery associated with pregnancy complications. The role of fetoplacental vasculature as a model for the study of human cardiovascular endocrine disruption is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of characterizing the pregnant woman's exposome.
MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margarida Lorigo, Carla Quintaneiro, Luiza Breitenfeld, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Everyday use of personal care products containing UV filters can have toxic effects on human health due to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study investigated the long-term effects of exposure to octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC), the most widely used UV-B filter, on vascular homeostasis. The findings suggested that OMC exposure increased the reactivity of human umbilical artery (HUA) to contractile agents, which may be a precursor to the development of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.
Article
Neurosciences
Francisca Jorge Goncalves, Fatima Abrantes-Soares, Manuel R. Pouso, Margarida Lorigo, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic CVA, have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and disability rates. The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays a crucial role in cell regulation and survival, inflammation, and tissue repair during and after ischemic CVA. Estrogen activation through nuclear estrogen receptors (ER alpha and ER beta) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) has both genomic and non-genomic effects on cellular functions. Activation of GPER by estrogen or its agonist G-1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for various pathologies, including CVA. This review aims to summarize the literature on the role of GPER in NVU physiology and pathophysiology.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Manuel Casteleiro Alves, Luisa Oliani, Micaela Almeida, Henrique Jose Cardoso, Antonio Helio Oliani, Luiza Breitenfeld, Ana Cristina Ramalhinho
Summary: This study analyzed the levels of cfDNA in follicular fluid samples from infertile women. The results showed that the concentration of cfDNA was significantly higher in women aged 35 and over, as well as in women with associated female factors. In addition, higher levels of cfDNA were found in follicular fluid with embryos of high fragmentation rate and in women who did not become pregnant during IVF treatments. Therefore, the quantification of cfDNA could be an important biomarker to predict embryo quality and the success of IVF.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Ines Fonseca, Margarida Lorigo, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of BPA on the vasculature during pregnancy using human umbilical arteries. The results showed that exposure to BPA may interfere with vasorelaxant response by modulating sGC and activating BKCa channels, leading to disruption of the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway. Additionally, the study found that BPA can modulate the reactivity of human umbilical arteries, increasing the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels, which is a common vascular response in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Manuel Casteleiro Alves, Micaela Almeida, Antonio Helio Oliani, Luiza Breitenfeld, Ana Cristina Ramalhinho
Summary: Oxidative stress is an important factor in the development of conditions such as infertility. This study examined the role of CYP19A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 in female infertility risk. The results showed that carriers of specific genotypes in these genes had a significantly increased risk of female infertility. Furthermore, the risk was even higher when both GSTs were deleted, regardless of the CYP19A1 genotype.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melissa Mariana, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Phthalates have been widely used in the plastics industry since the 1930s, providing durability and elasticity and serving as solvents in hygiene and cosmetic products. Due to their widespread use, these compounds have become ubiquitous in the environment, exposing all living organisms. They have been classified as endocrine disruptor compounds and may contribute to the rising incidence of metabolic diseases, including diabetes. This work aims to review the association between phthalate exposure and the development of diabetes mellitus in various stages of life.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maria Lopes Marques, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a bromine flame retardant compound that belongs to the persistent organic pollutant (POP) family. It accumulates easily in the environment and has a long half-life in water. HBCD is commonly found in house dust, electronics, insulation, and construction. Its detrimental effects on the environment and human health have led to restrictions on its use and manufacturing. This review aims to compile recent studies on the negative effects of HBCD, including its possible mechanisms of action and toxic effects.
Review
Toxicology
Henrique Eloi Costa, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely produced synthetic compound that can disrupt the endocrine system and have detrimental effects on the neurological system. Exposure to BPA can lead to oxidative stress, changes in gene and protein expression, neuronal damage, and increased risk of neurologic diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. Epidemiological studies have also shown that BPA exposure during neurodevelopment can contribute to the emergence of disorders such as ADHD, ASD, depression, and cognitive disorders.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Margarida Lorigo, Carolina Mangana, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and the vascular endothelium may play a role in their pathophysiology. Octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC), a commonly used UV-B filter, has been found to act as an endocrine disruptor. This study aimed to investigate the direct effects of OMC on human umbilical arteries (HUAs) with endothelium and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that OMC had a rapid and endothelium-dependent arterial relaxant effect on HUAs contracted with serotonin and histamine. However, this effect was inhibited in HUAs contracted with potassium chloride and appeared to be dependent on the presence of endothelium. Computational modeling studies also revealed the binding of OMC to several proteins involved in vascular function. Overall, the vascular effect of OMC may involve activation of different pathways, including the NO pathway, COX pathway, or endothelin-1 pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mafalda Presunto, Melissa Mariana, Margarida Lorigo, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) can harm the endocrine system and negatively impact development, reproduction, neurological functions, cardiovascular health, immune system, and metabolism in both humans and wildlife. Bisphenol A (BPA), a proven EDC, can mimic or block receptors and alter hormone levels and metabolism, even at low doses. Exposure to BPA in humans has been linked to the development of various diseases. This literature review highlights the harmful effects of BPA on human male fertility, including hormonal and semen changes, but more extensive and reproducible scientific studies are needed to strengthen these conclusions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Melissa Mariana, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Amadeu M. Soares, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Phthalates, essential components in the plastics industry, are widely present in the environment and everyday life. They are classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds and are easily absorbed by the human body, interfering with hormonal homeostasis and potentially leading to the development of various diseases in different age groups.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
