Abstract
The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our local waterways is becoming an increasing threat to the surrounding population. These compounds and their degradation products (found in pesticides, herbicides, and plastic waste) are known to interfere with a range of biological functions from reproduction to differentiation. To better understand these effects, we used an in silico ontological pathway analysis to identify the genes affected by the most commonly detected EDCs in large river water supplies, which we grouped together based on four common functions: Organismal injuries, cell death, cancer, and behavior. In addition to EDCs, we included the opioid buprenorphine in our study, as this similar ecological threat has become increasingly detected in river water supplies. Through the identification of the pleiotropic biological effects associated with both the acute and chronic exposure to EDCs and opioids in local water supplies, our results highlight a serious health threat worthy of additional investigations with a potential emphasis on the effects linked to increased DNA damage.
Highlights
Outline: endocrine-disruption chemical (EDC) effects are not solely mediated by competing for hormone receptors in cells, but may be caused by an increase in reactive oxygen species, leading to DNA damage
Atrazine is an herbicide belonging to the triazine family that has been widely used by agriculture workers in the USA for decades and has long been suspected to have multiple deleterious effects on both invertebrates and vertebrates
To further investigate these potential effects of atrazine exposure, we performed an in silico gene ontology analysis using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software package, focusing on identifying how atrazine affects cellular functions, such as organismal injuries, cell death, cancer and behavior
Summary
Outline: endocrine-disruption chemical (EDC) effects are not solely mediated by competing for hormone receptors in cells, but may be caused by an increase in reactive oxygen species, leading to DNA damage. Contamination and its downstream effect on human health can vary widely between regions. A significant portion of the tap water used for daily consumption comes from local waterways. Industrialization results in greater populations which necessitates larger water sources, increasing the likelihood that various chemical contaminants will be present. Urban development has coincided with an increased use of detergents and plastic materials, leading to by-product dissipation in local water supplies. Of specific concern among these emerging contaminants are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), compounds which interfere with hormone metabolism in the body
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