Nonylphenol Research Articles

Glucose as a Metabolic Enhancer: Promoting Nonylphenol Detoxification by Chlorella pyrenoidosa

The environmental treatment of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) has attracted significant attention. Nonylphenol (NP), a highly toxic EDC with widespread distribution, presents an urgent challenge requiring effective removal strategies. Although microalgae-based treatments offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions, the high toxicity level of NP impedes this process. Analysis was conducted on cell biomass, cell morphology, extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), and the degradation of nonylphenol in Chlorella pyrenoidosa treated with nonylphenol and glucose. Glucose restored the algal biomass to 2.23 times its original level, reduced cellular damage, and maintained normal physiological activities. Glucose also stimulated algal metabolism and promoted the secretion of EPSs. The polysaccharide content of soluble EPSs (S-EPSs) increased by 32.7%, whereas that of the bound EPSs (B-EPSs) increased by 55.5%. The three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy of B-EPS indicated that glucose enhanced tryptophan secretion. Glucose showed great potential as a biostimulant to enhance NP bioremediation efficiency in aquatic ecosystems. This finding indicates that the nonylphenol remediation of wastewater can be integrated with microalgal biomass recovery, creating opportunities for revenue generation.

Protective effects of resveratrol and naringenin against nonylphenol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Nonylphenol (NP) is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine disrupting chemical and oxidative stress inducer in biological systems. Resveratrol (RES) and Naringenin (NG) are phytochemicals possessing antioxidant properties and estrogenic activity. This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of NP and the mitigating effects of RES and NG on NP toxicity in rats. Thirty male rats were classified into 5 groups as follows: 1- Normal control (NC), 2- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, 3- NP group, 4- NP + RES and 5- NP + NG. Results revealed that NP treatment significantly decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and Glutathione content in blood, liver and kidney compared to NC and DMSO groups. Conversely, activity of Glutathione-s-transferase was significantly elevated in blood and decreased in liver and kidney. Moreover, significant escalation was observed in the levels of Malondialdehyde. Also, NP treatment led to a significant decrease in serum total testosterone and testis weight, accompanied with concurrent elevation in estradiol level compared to NC and DMSO groups. All the recorded effects induced by NP treatment were effectively countered by co-treatment with RES or NG. In addition, molecular docking studies were carried out to reveal the interactions between NP, RES, NG and estrogen receptor beta which provide a possible mechanism for their potential estrogenic activity. Overall, our study gives a deeper understanding of the toxic effect of NP on antioxidant capacity and endocrine functions as well as the potential therapeutic utility of RES and NG in alleviating these adverse effects.

Interaction Between Nonionic Surfactants and Alkyl Amidoamine Cationic Collector in the Reverse Flotation of Iron Ore

This paper evaluates the performance of four ethoxylated nonionic surfactants (nonyl phenol vs. C13 alcohols) to act as ancillary collectors with Alkyl Amidoamine (AAA) in the reverse flotation of quartz at pH8 to concentrate iron ores. Compared to 100% AAA, the blend composed of 80% AAA (Flotinor®5530) plus 20% of isotridecyl alcohol ethoxylated with five groups of ethylene oxide (DP-210 RO) improved quartz recovery (from 54% to 63%, p < 0.05) by increasing contact angle (from 55° to 56°, p < 0.05) and decreasing induction time (26 ms to 23 ms, p < 0.05). Compared to 100% AAA (200 g/t), the blend (160 g/t of AAA + 40 g/t of DP-210 RO) improved the flotation performance of iron ore, yielding richer hematite concentrate (65.3% Fe × 61.4% Fe) and less contaminated with quartz (4% SiO2 × 10.2% SiO2), coupled with an increase in Fe recovery from 79.8% × 81.6% in the sunken product as well as SiO2 recovery from 91.7% to 96.9% in the froth. Results from zeta potential, the hydrodynamic diameter of reagent droplets, and the surface tension of the solution provide insights into the synergism between AAA and DP-210 RO.

Fate of bisphenol A and nonylphenol in the lake riparian zone: Distribution, transport, and microbial response

The lake riparian zone (LRZ) is a key area of material circulation between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. However, the exchange of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in this area is still unknown. Thus, in this study, the distribution, convection and microbial response of two typical EDCs, bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP), in submerged (SS) and temporarily flooded sediment (FS) of LRZ were investigated by in-situ diffusive gradients in thin films technology. Concentrations of BPA (11.07 ± 2.49 μg/kg) and NP (20.42 ± 8.23 μg/kg) in FS significantly fluctuated with depth, conversely, their concentrations in SS increased steadily with depth (BPA: 14.01 ∼ 74.76 μg/kg; NP: 14.14 ∼ 137.01 μg/kg). BPA and NP dynamics analysis based on the DIFS (DGT-induced fluxes in sediments) model and fugacity fraction showed the water-sediment exchange capacity of BPA and NP in SS was on average 2–3 times higher than in FS. Some bacterial genera involved in nitrogen metabolism can effectively transform BPA and NP, such as Pseudomonas, Novosphingobium, and Sphingomonas, which are more active in oxygenic FS than in hypoxic SS. Considering this evidence as well as an increasing EDCs pollution, the behavior and quantification of EDCs at the water-sediment interface of the LRZ merits a further investigation.

Exposure to alkylphenols during early pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: Fetal sex-specific effects

Alkylphenols (APs) may cause gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women by impairing glucose metabolism through endocrine disruption. However, the current literature has limited epidemiological evidence on the association between APs exposure and the risk of GDM, especially the lack of evidence on joint exposure. Thus, we evaluated the effect of exposure to APs during early pregnancy on the risk of GDM. The study involved 2035 pregnant women from Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort (GZBC) in China. Poisson regression model, restricted cubic spline (RCS), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation (Qgcomp) were conducted to evaluate the effects of serum APs levels on the risk of GDM in pregnant women. For each Ln-unit increase in the serum nonylphenol (NP) of pregnant women, the adjusted relative risk (RR) for GDM risk was 1.12 (95 % CI: 1.00, 1.24). After sex stratification, the effect was more pronounced among pregnant women carrying female fetuses（RR=1.22; 95 % CI: 1.09, 1.38). The serum 4-t-octylphenol (4-T-OP) of the medium-exposure (adjusted RR = 3.25: 95 % CI: 1.30, 8.12) and high-exposure groups (adjusted RR = 2.90: 95 % CI: 1.15, 7.31) were related to a significantly increased risk of GDM in pregnant women carrying female fetuses only when compared to the low-exposure group. A reverse U-shaped nonlinear association was found between 4-n-octylphenol (4-N-OP) and 4-n-nonylphenol (4-N-NP) concentrations and GDM risk, and it was more susceptible in pregnant women carrying female fetuses. The Qgcomp and BKMR models showed that exposure to APs mixtures was correlated with an elevated risk of GDM in pregnant women carrying female fetuses (adjusted OR = 1.90: 95 % CI: 1.07, 3.38). Exposure to APs during early pregnancy may have potential fetal sex-specific effects on the risk of GDM, with pregnant women carrying female fetuses being more susceptible.

Deciphering the role of nonylphenol adsorption in soil by microplastics with different polarities and ageing processes

In the soil environment, microplastics (MPs) commonly coexist with organic pollutants such as nonylphenol (NP), affecting the migration of NP through adsorption/desorption. However, few studies have focused on the interaction between NP and MPs in soil, especially for MPs of different types and ageing characteristics. In this study, non-polar polypropylene (PP) and polar polyamide (PA) MPs were aged either photochemically (144 h) or within soil (60 days), then used to determine the effect of 5 % MPs on the adsorption behaviour of NP (0.1–4.0 mg/L) in soil. Results showed that both ageing processes significantly promoted the conversion of -CH3 groups to C-O and CO on the surface of PPMPs, while PAMPs exhibited amide groups changes and a reduction in average particle size due to ageing. Additionally, both ageing processes promoted the adsorption of NP by soil containing PPMPs, due to an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups and specific surface area. In contrast, the NP adsorption capacity of soil containing PAMPs decreased by 15.4 % following photochemical ageing due to hydrolysis of amide groups, but increased by 21.15 % after soil ageing due to reorganization of amide groups, respectively. The soil-PAMPs systems exhibited a stronger affinity for NP compared to the soil-PPMPs systems, which was primarily attributed to the dominant role of hydrogen bonding. NP was found to be distributed mainly on soil particles in the soil-PPMPs systems, while it tended to be adsorbed by MPs in the soil-PAMPs systems, especially in the soil aged MPs system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex effects of MPs on coexisting pollutants in soil environments, highlighting the effect of MP characteristics on the adsorption of organic pollutants, which is essential for understanding the transport behaviour of organic pollutants.

Environmental management of microplastics and additives: a critical review of treatment technologies and their impact

Microplastics (MPs) and their associated chemical additives, such as bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol ethoxylate (NEPO), and tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA), are widely recognized as significant environmental contaminants due to their widespread presence in ecosystems and their potential impact on human health. This review evaluates advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane filtration and oxidation processes, for mitigating these risks and highlights gaps in sustainability and efficiency. Actionable strategies for improving the removal of MPs and MP additives were presented in the assessment of innovative hybrid treatment tailored to different water matrices. The importance of anti-fouling technologies, comprehensive life cycle assessments (LCAs), and standardizing treatment methods to enhance the sustainability and applicability of these technologies were further highlighted. To further improve and optimize treatment processes and ensure sustainability, existing knowledge gaps must be addressed by framing a comprehensive understanding of the long-term ecological effects of MPs and their additives.

Interactions between dissolved organic matter with different molecular weights and nonylphenol in surface water bodies

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) has a complex composition, which can interact with various pollutants and affect the removal of pollutants. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the interaction between the encccvironmental hormone nonylphenol (NP) and DOM is crucial for environmental impact and development. In this study, the interaction was investigated by means of excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and complex model analysis. The interaction between different MW DOM and NP was verified by the spectral characterization data. According to the characterization analysis, the main components of DOM in water samples were proteinoid (C1, C2, C4) with MW < 1 k Da, and their binding capacity (log Ka value) and binding site number (n) showed the maximum values (3.37, 3.24, 3.26; 0.81, 1.22, 0.52). For the humus like substance (C3) with larger molecular weight, the log Ka value and the number of binding points n increased with increasing molecular weight, and the maximum values were 3.13 and 0.31, respectively. It can be seen that low molecular weight proteins have strong binding ability and binding sites with NP, and high molecular weight humus also have strong binding ability. Overall, the interaction between DOM and NP has molecular weight dependence and heterogeneity. The purpose of this study is to deeply understand the interaction characteristics of different MW DOM with NP, and to provide theoretical support and reference for the study of the removal effects of NP pollutants.

Formation and estimated cytotoxicity of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids during ozonation of nonylphenol in bromide-containing water after chlorination process: Impact of ozonation initial pH

The presence of nonylphenol (NP) in bromide-containing water contributed to the formation of regulated disinfection by-products (DBPs): trihalomethanes-4 (THM4) and haloacetic acids-5 (HAA5). This study investigates the effects of ozonation pH on the degradation of NP, DBP formation, and DBP-estimated cytotoxicity. The ozonation pH was varied to 5, 7, and 9 to determine the effect of acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. The increase of ozonation initial pH improved the NP degradation. Ozonation of all initial pH conditions could decrease TCM, BDCM, and BDCM formation but increase the TBM formation at alkaline conditions. The formation of mono-HAA5 on the other hand, increased at all ozonation initial pH. Ozonation at acidic and neutral initial conditions can reduce the estimated cytotoxicity of the total formation of THM4 and HAA5 by 74.34 % and 93.31 %, respectively. In contrast, DBP's estimated cytotoxicity was raised by 33.72 % upon ozonation at an initial pH of alkaline. According to the study's findings, lowering the cytotoxicity of DBPs in acidic or alkaline environments can be achieved without changing the ozonation's pH. Based on these findings, pH changes are not required to reduce DBP during ozonation of NP-bromide-containing water. Future research on the impact of natural organic matter is recommended to investigate ozonation's capacity to reduce DBP production during ozonation of NP-containing natural water.

Nonylphenol displays immunotoxicity by triggering hemocyte extracellular traps in Manila clam via ROS burst, ERK pathway and glycolysis

Nonylphenol (NP), an endocrine disruptor, has been demonstrated to be a harmful environmental contaminant and toxic to organisms. In this study, to address concerns regarding the immunotoxicity of NP, we treated clam Ruditapes philippinarum hemocytes with NP in vitro and explored the underlying mechanisms of NP-induced extracellular traps (ETs). NP could induce the formation of hemocytes ETs in a dose-dependent manner. Transcriptomics analysis revealed changes of signaling pathway involved in immunity and energy metabolism in hemocytes after NP stimulation. In this process, both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were up-regulated. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was proved to be activated in the formation of NP-induced ETs, manifested as enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not p38 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In the presence of U0126, an ERK phosphorylation inhibitor, the NP-induced expression of NADPH oxidase enzyme (NOX) was significantly decreased, which further alleviated the ROS production and ultimately limited the release of ETs. NP exposure increased glucose uptake, along with enhanced activities of glycolysis-related enzymes such as hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PK). After inhibiting glycolysis by the inhibitor 2-DG, the formation of NP-induced ETs was significantly suppressed. ERK could regulate mTOR signaling and the PI3K/AKT pathway, potentially directing ETs formation by orchestrating the glycolysis through the activation of key transcription factors c-Myc and HIF-1α. Collectively, the results preliminary confirm that the ERK-NOX-ROS axis and glycolysis are involved in NP-induced ETs formation, contributing to the cellular immunotoxicity in clam.

Effects of Nonylphenol and Octylphenol on Wastewater Discharge Facilities in Northern Gyeonggi Province

This study examines the emission characteristics of nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) in the discharged water of Northern Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, where the textile industry predominates. We evaluated 104 individual wastewater discharge facilities, six public wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and the Shincheon River. Our findings reveal that NP and OP concentrations were notably high in the textile industry, with median levels of 0.53 µg/L and 0.43 µg/L, respectively, in individual wastewater discharge facilities. Furthermore, monitoring NP and OP levels in the influent and effluent of WWTPs and river water demonstrated that WWTP effluent has a remarkable impact on NP and OP concentrations in the river. The removal rates of NP and OP in WWTPs averaged 69.6% and 41.8%, respectively, and these rates tended to increase with higher temperatures and influent concentrations. The average concentrations in the Shincheon River were 0.31 µg/L for NP and 0.45 µg/L for OP, slightly exceeding EU standards. It is essential to closely monitor NP and OP levels to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Adsorption and desorption of nonylphenol on the biodegradable microplastics in seawater

Biodegradable plastics have been widely used and their interaction with endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment is worth exploring. This study selected poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), poly (butylene succinate), polylactic acid (PLA) and a non-biodegradable microplastics (PE) as control to explore the adsorption-desorption behavior of nonylphenol (NP) on the biodegradable microplastics in seawater. The adsorption capacity of NP on PLA (60.78 μg g−1) was approximately 50% lower than that on PE (116.53 μg g−1) which was the non-biodegradable microplastic control. Almost all biodegradable microplastics showed negligible desorption capacity compared to PE, indicating a lower environmental risk of biodegradable microplastics. The pH could influence the interaction between the NP and biodegradable microplastics through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The adsorption-desorption capacity of microplastics might increase at the condition of the high salinity and seawater erosion. Physical adsorption was the major adsorption processes based on the Gibbs free energy changes that calculated. The adsorption mechanism of microplastics was determined by calculating the crystallinity of microplastics, simulating the surface electrostatic potential of microplastics and conducting hydrophilicity tests of microplastics. The adsorption and desorption capacities of NP on biodegradable microplastics were mainly influenced by various mechanisms, including the crystallinity of the microplastics, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects. These results will offer new perspectives on the interaction between biodegradable microplastics and NP in the ocean.

Microalgae-bacterial consortiums for enhanced degradation of nonylphenol: Biodegradability and kinetic analysis

The widespread use of non-ionic surfactant nonylphenol (NP) has led to significant water pollution, posing a threat to both ecological stability and human health. However, the efficient biodegradation method and system of NP-biodegradation remain complex scientific challenges. In this study, we isolated and characterized three Pseudomonas sp. strains SW-1 (Scenedesmus quadricauda-associated), ZL-2 (Ankistrodesmus acicularis-associated), XQ-3 (Chlorella vulgaris-associated), and one NP-degrading Cupriavidus sp. strain EB-4, which exhibited the ability to utilize NP as the sole carbon source. Furthermore, four consortiums of microalgae-bacterial, S. quadricauda and SW-1 (S-SW), A. acicularis and ZL-2 (A-ZL), C. vulgaris and XQ-3 (C-XQ), S. quadricauda and EB-4 (S-EB), were constructed to investigate their biodegradability and kinetic characteristics of NP degradation from water. The consortiums showed higher degradation efficiency compared to individual microalgae or bacteria. The C-XQ consortium exhibited the highest degradation rate, removing over 94% of NP within just seven days. The first-order model with the following order of degradation rate by consortiums was C-XQ (0.3960 d−1) > S-SW (0.3506 d−1) > A-ZL (0.1968 d−1) > S-EB (0.1776 d−1). Compared with the results of our previous study, the interaction between microalgae and bacteria is not a simple additive relationship. Our findings highlight the potential of an algal-bacterial consortium for the remediation of NP-contaminated environments.

CTAC Self-Assembled Alkylated β-Cyclodextrin Loaded onto Functionalized MWCNTs Electrochemical Sensor for NP Detection.

Nonylphenol (NP) is an important fine chemical raw material and intermediate that is widely utilized in industry and may be distributed in aquatic ecosystems. Following its entry into the food and water cycles, it can subsequently enter the human body and potentially harm the human reproductive system. For the purpose of monitoring NP in water, it is thus essential to build a straightforward, affordable, and robust electrochemical sensor. Based on a two-step chemical modification proceeding and an electrostatic self-assembly effect, a double-modified β-cyclodextrin functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube sensor (HE-β-CD-CTAC/F-MWCNTs) has been successfully constructed. It incorporates the excellent host-guest interaction ability of β-cyclodextrin and the high chemical activity of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), and the carbon nanotubes have an enormous particular surface area and strong electrical conductivity. The electrochemical oxidation reaction of NP with the sensor is controlled by a surface adsorption process of equal numbers of protons and electrons. In accordance with the optimized experimental parameters, the limit of detection (LOD) for the sensor is 0.13 μM, and it responds linearly to NP in the concentration range of 1-200 μM. Meanwhile, the sensor has excellent repeatability, stability, and immunity to interference. For the detection of NP in real water samples, the sensor also showed an excellent recovery rate (92.8%-98.5%) and relative standard deviation (1.16%-3.26%).

Developmental exposure to nonylphenol leads to depletion of the neural precursor cell pool in the hippocampal dentate gyrus

Developmental exposure to nonylphenol (NP) results in irreversible impairments of the central nervous system (CNS). The neural precursor cell (NPC) pool located in the subgranular zone (SGZ), a substructure of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, is critical for the development of hippocampal circuits and some hippocampal functions such as learning and memory. However, the effects of developmental exposure to NP on this pool remain unclear. Thus, our aim was to clarify the impacts of developmental exposure to NP on this pool and to explore the potential mechanisms. Animal models of developmental exposure to NP were created by treating Wistar rats with NP during pregnancy and lactation. Our data showed that developmental exposure to NP decreased Sox2-and Ki67-positive cells in the SGZ of offspring. Inhibited activation of Shh signaling and decreased levels of its downstream mediators, E2F1 and cyclins, were also observed in pups developmentally exposed to NP. Moreover, we established the in vitro model in the NE-4C cells, a neural precursor cell line, to further investigate the effect of NP exposure on NPCs and the underlying mechanisms. Purmorphamine, a small purine-derived hedgehog agonist, was used to specifically modulate the Shh signaling. Consistent with the in vivo results, exposure to NP reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting the Shh signaling in NE-4C cells, and purmorphamine alleviated this reduction in cell proliferation by restoring this signaling. Altogether, our findings support the idea that developmental exposure to NP leads to inhibition of the NPC proliferation and the NPC pool depletion in the SGZ located in the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, we also provided the evidence that suppressed activation of Shh signaling may contribute to the effects of developmental exposure to NP on the NPC pool.

A maverick: Environmentally relevant concentrations of nonylphenol attenuate the plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes

Given that many organic pollutants have been reported to facilitate the plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), it was naturally deduced that nonylphenol (NP) can also have this kind of effect. Whereas, this study demonstrates an entirely different result that environmentally relevant concentrations of NP attenuate plasmid-mediated ARGs conjugative transfer (maximum inhibition rate 64 %), further study show that NP exposure had no significant effect on bacterial growth, cell vitality, oxidative stress response, and expression of conjugation-relevant genes, which were reported to closely relate to the conjugative transfer in numerous studies. Conclusively, it was found that the dispersant function of NP impeded the occurrence of cell mating, thus was responsible for the decline of conjugative transfer. This study shows a new perspective on understanding the effect of organic pollutants like NP on the ARGs horizontal dissemination in environment.

Hybrid process combining ultrafiltration and electro-oxidation for COD and nonylphenol ethoxylate removal from industrial laundry wastewater

Laundry wastewater is a significant source of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEO) at wastewater treatment plants, where its breakdown forms persistent nonylphenol (NP). NP poses risks as an endocrine disruptor in wildlife and humans. This study investigates the degradation of NPEO and COD in industrial laundry wastewater (LWW) using a two-stage process combining ultrafiltration (UF) and electro-oxidation (EO). UF was used to remove suspended solids, while soluble COD (COD0 = 239 ± 6 mg.L−1) and NPEO (NPEO0 = 341 ± 8 μg.L−1) were oxidized by the EO process. Different operating parameters were studied such as current density, electrolysis time, type of cathode and supporting electrolyte concentration. Using an experimental design methodology, the optimal conditions for COD and NPEO3-17 degradation were recorded. This included achieving 97% degradation of NPEO3-17 and 61% degradation of COD, with a total operating cost of 3.65 USD·m−3. These optimal conditions were recorded at a current density of 15 mA cm−2 for a 120-min reaction period in the presence of 4 g·Na2SO4 L−1 using a graphite cathode. The EO process allowed for reaching the guidelines required for water reuse (NPEO <200 μg.L−1, COD <100 mg.L−1) in the initial laundry washing cycles. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that both NP and NPEO compounds, including higher and shorter ethoxylate chains (NPEO3-17), were effectively degraded during the EO process, with removal efficiencies between 94% and 98%. This confirms the EO process's capability to effectively degrade NP, the by-product of NPEO breakdown.

Enhanced kidney damage induced by increasing nonylphenol doses: impact on autophagy-related proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in rats

Nonylphenol (NP) is an organic pollutant and endocrine disruptor chemical that has harmful effects on the environment and living organisms. This study looked at whether kidney tissues subjected to increasing doses of nonylphenol generated alterations in histopathologic, pro-inflammatory, and autophagic markers. Fifty rats were divided into five groups of ten each: group I: healthy group, II: control (corn oil), group III: 25 μl/kg NP, group IV: 50 μl/kg NP, group V: 75 μl/kg NP. The kidney tissue samples were obtained for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. The histological deteriorations observed in all NP groups included tubular epithelial cell degeneration, inflammation areas, and hemorrhage. The immunohistochemical investigations showed that NP significantly elevated the autophagy markers (Beclin-1, LC3A/B, p62), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), HIF-1α, and eNOS in group III, IV and V compared with group I and II. The biochemical analysis also revealed that pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) increased in correlation with the NP doses, but only IL-1β reached statistical significance in NP treated rats kidney tissue. The biochemical findings have been confirmed by the histological studies. The damage to renal tissue caused by NP exposure may worsen it by increasing inflammatory and autophagic markers.

Nonylphenol releases arachidonic acid in rat Sertoli cells via activation of PKA and PLA2.

The endocrine disruptor, nonylphenol (NP) increases 20:4n-6 release in Sertoli cells via PKA/cPLA2 activation. Our data show that lipid metabolism could be a target of NP-induced abnormal reproductive outcomes. Nonylphenol (NP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is an environmental contaminant, and many notorious effects on male fertility have been reported in animal models and wild-type species. Here, we evaluated the effects of NP in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signal transduction pathways and lipid metabolism using an in vitro model of rat Sertoli cell (SC) primary culture. Results show that an acute (1 h) SC exposure to NP (10 µM) increased the intra- and extra-cellular concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs), mainly arachidonic acid (20:4n-6). Phosphatidylinositol seemed to be the major phospholipid source of this 20:4n-6 release by activation of the protein kinase A (PKA)/cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) pathway. NP also increased diacylglycerols (DAG) levels and the expression (mRNA) of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. It is noteworthy that accumulation of lipid droplets took place after 24 h NP exposition, which was prevented by both a PKA inhibitor and a PLA2 inhibitor. Like FSH, NP triggers the release of 20:4n-6, which is a substrate for PGE2 synthesis via PKA/PLA2 activation. In addition, NP induces the formation of DAG, which could be required as a cofactor of the PKC-mediated activation of the COX2 inflammatory pathway. Our findings suggest that NP alters lipid homeostasis in SCs by inducing the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways that may trigger adverse effects in testis physiology over time. Concomitantly, the SC enhances the acylation of surplus FFAs (including 20:4n-6) in neutral lipids as a protective mechanism to shield itself from lipotoxicity and pro-inflammatory signals.

Essential oils ameliorate the intestinal damages induced by nonylphenol exposure by modulating tryptophan metabolism and activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor via gut microbiota regulation

Nonylphenol (NP) is a ubiquitous endocrine disruptor that persists in the environment and can significantly contribute to serious health hazards, particularly intestinal barrier injury. Plant essential oils (EOs) have recently gained widespread interest due to their potential for improving intestinal health. However, the precise mechanism and protective effects of EOs ameliorating the intestinal damages induced by NP exposure remain unclear. To clarify the potential mechanism and protective impact of EOs against intestinal injury induced by NP, a total of 144 one-day-old male ducks were randomly allocated to four groups: CON (basal diet), EO (basal diet + 200 mg/kg EOs), NP (basal diet + 40 mg/kg NP), and NPEO (basal diet + 200 mg/kg EOs + 40 mg/kg NP). The data revealed that NP exposure significantly damaged intestinal barrier, as evidenced by a reduction in the levels of tight junction gene expression and an increase in intestinal permeability. Additionally, it disturbed gut microbiota, as well as interfered with tryptophan (Trp) metabolism. The NP-induced disorder of Trp metabolism restrained the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and resulted in decreased the expression levels of CYP1A1, IL-22, and STAT3 genes, which were alleviated after treatment with EOs. Taken together, NP exposure resulted in impairment of the intestinal barrier function, disruption of gut microbiota, and disturbances in Trp metabolism. Dietary EOs supplementation alleviated the intestinal barrier injury induced by NP through the Trp/AhR/IL-22 signaling pathway.