Presence Of Endocrine Disruptors Research Articles

Effects of Anthropic Pollutants Identified in Pampas Lakes on the Development and Reproduction of Pejerrey Fish Odontesthes bonariensis

Anthropic activities can seriously affect the health of the organisms inhabiting them, and the observation of any alteration in the reproduction of fish could be associated with the presence of endocrine disruptors. In this manuscript we have collected information on the adverse effects of pollutants (heavy metals, environmental steroids, and agrochemicals), present in Chascomús lake, Argentina, either at environmentally relevant and pharmacological concentrations on reproduction, embryonic development, and larval survival of pejerrey fish Odontesthes bonariensis. During development, it has been reported that 17β-estradiol (E2) feminized and reduced larval survival, while 17α-ethinyl-estradiol (EE2) not only feminized but also affected both embryo and larval survival. In adult male fish, treatments with EE2 and E2 + EE2 were able to increase mRNA abundance of gnrh3 and cyp19a1b and decreased those of gonadotropin receptors (fshr and lhcgr). Heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and copper negatively affected sperm quality, diminishing the motility. Also, a decrease in the percentage of hatching rate and larval survival was also observed with the same metals, highlighting zinc as the most detrimental metal. Furthermore, all these metals altered the expression of hypothalamic and pituitary genes related to reproduction in male pejerrey (gnrh1,2,3; cyp19a1b; fshb; lhb; fshr and, lhcgr). Moreover, in all cases pyknotic cells, corresponding to the degeneration of the germ cells, were observed in the testes of exposed fish. For agrochemicals, exposure of male pejerrey to environmental concentrations of glyphosate did not cause alterations on the endocrine reproductive axis. However, male pejerrey with gonadal abnormalities such as the presence of intersex (testis-ova) gonads were found in other Pampa´s lakes with high concentrations of atrazine and glyphosate associated with soybean and corn crops near their coasts. These types of studies demonstrate that pejerrey, an endemic species with economic importance inhabiting the Pampas shallow lakes, can be used as a sentinel species. It should be noted that increased pollution of aquatic ecosystems and the effects on the reproduction of organisms can lead to a decline in fish populations worldwide. Which, added to overfishing and other external factors such as global warming, could cause an eventual extinction of an emblematic species.

Exploration of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIPs) as an Adsorbent for the Enrichment of Trenbolone in Water

The presence of endocrine disruptors in surface waters can have negative implications on wildlife and humans both directly and indirectly. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was explored for its potential to enhance the UV-Vis determination of trenbolone in water using solid-phase extraction (SPE). The synthesized MIP was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using the MIP resulted in a preconcentration and enrichment factor of 14 and 8, respectively. Trenbolone binding on the MIP was shown to follow a Langmuir adsorption and had a maximum adsorption capacity of 27.5 mg g−1. Interference studies showed that the MIP selectivity was not compromised by interferences in the sample. The MIP could be recycled three times before significant loss in analyte recovery.

GnRHa treatments of Atlantic Salmon broodstock suppresses effects of endocrine disruptors, benefitting offspring quality

The use of synthetic hormones to regulate sexual maturity in captive fish is a common practice. With aquaculture practices, fish production is desired throughout the year, necessitating the maintenance of quality standards, mainly regarding the characteristics of the fish produced. Embryonic development may be affected by toxins in the environment and by a variety of pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) on captive male and female Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) broodstock, observing the effects on the hormonal milieu and impacts on breeding outcomes. Sexually mature fish were fertilized with and without imposing a GnRHa treatment to evaluate the development of offspring up to the fry stage. The concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. The results indicate the administration of GnRHa had marked effects on reductions of morphological deformities in the offspring and promoted development during the larval stage by inducing sexual maturity in both treated parents. The E2/T ratio results indicate the presence of endocrine disruptors. It is concluded that the use of GnRHa at a dose of 10 ug/kg in captive male and female Atlantic salmon broodstock has an inhibitory effect on the impacts of endocrine disruptors, does not affect fertilization rate, and has positive effects on development of offspring by reducing the number of morphological deformities during the larval stage of development.

Incidence of Breast, Prostate, Testicular, and Thyroid Cancer in Italian Contaminated Sites with Presence of Substances with Endocrine Disrupting Properties.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of breast (females), prostate, testicular, and thyroid cancer in the Italian National Priority Contaminated Sites (NPCSs), served by cancer registries, where the presence of endocrine disruptors (EDs), reported to be linked to these tumours, was documented. Evidence of carcinogenicity of EDs present in NPCSs was assessed based on evaluation by international scientific institutions and committees. Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs) were computed for each NPCS and cancer site between 1996 and 2005. Excess incidence of one or more cancer site studied was found in twelve out of fourteen NPCSs. Significantly increased SIRs were found for breast cancer in eight NPCSs, for prostate cancer in six, for thyroid cancer (both gender) in four, and for testicular cancer in two. Non-significantly increased SIRs were found in five NPCSs for testicular cancer and in two for thyroid cancer (males). In a small number of instances a significant deficit was reported, mainly for thyroid and prostate cancer. Although increased incidence of one or more cancer sites studied were found in several NPCSs, the ecological study design and the multifactorial aetiology of the considered tumours do not permit concluding causal links with environmental contamination. Regarding the observation of some excesses in SIRs, continuing epidemiological surveillance is warranted.

Ionic Liquids as Green Solvents for the Treatment of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds Using Liquid Membranes

Presence of endocrine disruptors in water and wastewater pose a serious threat to all living organisms. The removal of such disruptors is a major challenge especially most of the time they are present in trace amounts. Several technologies were tested to see if 100% removal can be achieved. Most of the existing technologies failed to achieve the target and have their own limitations. Membrane technology and especially liquid membrane technology has of late generated extreme interest among the researchers working with pollutants in trace amounts. In this work, experiments on three endocrine disruptors such as BPA, PCP and ES are carried out using supported ionic liquid membranes to see their removal efficiencies. The effects of various process parameters were studied to optimize them.

Presence of endocrine disruptors in freshwater in the northern Antarctic Peninsula region

The increasing human presence in Antarctica and the waste it generates is causing an impact on the environment at local and border scale. The main sources of anthropic pollution have a mainly local effect, and include the burning of fossil fuels, waste incineration, accidental spillage and wastewater effluents, even when treated. The aim of this work is to determine the presence and origin of 30 substances of anthropogenic origin considered to be, or suspected of being, endocrine disruptors in the continental waters of the Antarctic Peninsula region. We also studied a group of toxic metals, metalloids and other elements with possible endocrine activity. Ten water samples were analyzed from a wide range of sources, including streams, ponds, glacier drain, and an urban wastewater discharge into the sea. Surprisingly, the concentrations detected are generally similar to those found in other studies on continental waters in other parts of the world. The highest concentrations of micropollutants found correspond to the group of organophosphate flame retardants (19.60–9209ngL−1) and alkylphenols (1.14–7225ngL−1); and among toxic elements the presence of aluminum (a possible hormonal modifier) (1.7–127µgL−1) is significant. The concentrations detected are very low and insufficient to cause acute or subacute toxicity in aquatic organisms. However, little is known as yet of the potential sublethal and chronic effects of this type of pollutants and their capacity for bioaccumulation. These results point to the need for an ongoing system of environmental monitoring of these substances in Antarctic continental waters, and the advisability of regulating at least the most environmentally hazardous of these in the Antarctic legislation.

Ovarian alterations in wild northern pike Esox lucius females

The aim of the present study was to analyse the occurrence of macroscopically visible ovary alterations in 2 populations of northern pike Esox lucius L. originating from lakes in the Mazurian Lake District (NE Poland). The alterations were characterised by ovary tissue that was morphologically malformed, in part or in whole, and contained immature oocytes, i.e. trophoplastic or previtellogenic oocytes instead of vitellogenic oocytes. These alterations were found only in the ovaries, and no morphological alterations of the testes were noted. Macroscopic and histological analyses were carried out in order to classify the observed alterations in the ovaries. Three types of alterations were identified in which morphological malformations as well as histological investigation of the ovaries were considered. An analysis of the size and age of the fish in relation to the occurrence of alterations as well as of the macroscopic and histological nature of the alteration types was made. The data obtained revealed no lake or age dependency of the observed alterations. Based on the results obtained, we suggest that the presence of endocrine disruptors in the environment or/and genetic factors could be responsible for these kinds of gonad anomalies. However, our results did not allow us to determine the aetiology of the alterations.

Assessment of endocrine disruptors – DDTs and DEHP (plasticizer) in source water: a case study from Selangor, Malaysia

The presence of endocrine disruptors in source water is of great concern because of their suspected adverse effects on humans, even when present at very low levels. As the main source of potable water supply, rivers in Malaysia are highly susceptible to contamination by various endocrine disruptors originating from anthropogenic activities. In this study, the contamination levels of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and its metabolites and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in rivers of Selangor were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples were collected from sites representing source water for 18 drinking water treatment plants in Selangor between July 2008 and July 2009. DDT and its metabolites were detected in only 14% of the 192 samples analysed at levels ranging from 0.6 to 14.6 ng/L. Meanwhile DEHP was detected in 96.8% of the samples at levels ranging from below quantitation level (18 ng/L) to 970 ng/L. The detected levels of DDTs and DEHP were lower than the WHO and Malaysian Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Data obtained from this study should also serve as a reference point for future surveillance on these endocrine disruptors.

Biased Sex Ratio in the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) Swim-Bladder Parasite Anguillicola crassus, Experimentally Induced by 11-Ketotestosterone

Parasites are intimately connected to the host in which they live, and some may be affected by the polluted environment of their host. The present study describes the effect of a steroid hormone (11-ketotestosterone) on the sex ratio of the invasive hematophagous nematode Anguillicola crassus Kuwahara, Niimi & Itagaki, 1974, when experimentally injected to European eels, Anguilla anguilla. Our results showed that this steroid induced a significant male-biased ratio in the nematode A. crassus infrapopulations, suggesting that the presence of endocrine disruptors in the environment may lead to skewed sex ratios among parasites.

Health surveillance and endocrine disruptors.

The author discusses the extreme relevance of research on the presence of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in products of interest to health surveillance (HS). Focusing on EDs, the author highlights the urgency of changes already under way in the direction of HS. The shift should be from product and product-registration approaches to the productive process and its realization in consumption, generation of contaminants, and alterations in the health of workers and the overall population. He briefly describes: regulatory gaps for dealing with EDs; difficulty in evaluating risk and suspension of the production and use of products with its characteristics and the need, as exemplified by such products, to enhance the inter-relationship among all stakeholders and to turn HS into a state-of-the-art technological setting, associated with the academic community and accountable to the public. The author reports on measures already taken in relation to EDs, including the establishment of a reference laboratory for analyzing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), interruption of the use of various POPs in Brazil and an initial review of requirements for registering pesticides under the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).

Development of a research strategy for assessing the presence of endocrine disruptors in aquatic environment using Semipermeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs)

Development of a research strategy for assessing the presence of endocrine disruptors in aquatic environment using Semipermeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs)