| 1. |
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Chen, Liang, et al.
(author)
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Plasma metallothionein antibody and cadmium-induced renal dysfunction in an occupational population in China.
- 2006
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In: Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080. ; 91:1, s. 104-12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It has been reported that anti-metallothionein (a metallothionein antibody) is present in the circulation of healthy subjects and in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cadmium-induced renal dysfunction is related to the presence of the plasma metallothionein antibody (MT-Ab) in workers exposed to cadmium (Cd) occupationally. Plasma metallothionein antibody was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, and both exposure assessment and risk assessment were conducted in cadmium-exposed workers in China. We demonstrate that there is a significantly increased prevalence of renal dysfunction with respect to the level of urinary cadmium in a dose-dependent manner. We found no significant correlations between the levels of MT-Ab and the external or internal exposure doses of cadmium (p > 0.05), but the levels of MT-Ab did correlate positively with two biomarkers of renal dysfunction-urinary beta2-microglobulin (UB2M; r = 0.218, p < 0.05) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG; r = 0.302, p < 0.001)-in the cadmium-exposed workers. Workers who have high levels of MT-Ab display cadmium-induced tubular nephrotoxicity more frequently than those possessing low levels of MT-Ab; odds ratio (OR) 4.2; 95% confidence intervals 1.2-14.5 (p < 0.05). This study suggests that subjects that have higher MT-Ab levels more readily develop cadmium-induced renal dysfunction. Thus, the levels of plasma MT-Ab can be used as a biomarker of susceptibility to renal dysfunction in occupational cadmium exposure.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Dingemans, Milou M. L., et al.
(author)
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Hexabromocyclododecane Inhibits Depolarization-Induced Increase in Intracellular Calcium Levels and Neurotransmitter Release in PC12 Cells
- 2009
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 107:2, s. 490-497
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Environmental levels of the brominated flame retardant (BFR) hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) have been increasing. HBCD has been shown to cause adverse effects on learning and behavior in mice, as well as on dopamine uptake in rat synaptosomes and synaptic vesicles. For other BFRs, alterations in the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis have been observed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the technical HBCD mixture and individual stereoisomers affect the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) in a neuroendocrine in vitro model (PC12 cells). [Ca2+](i) and vesicular catecholamine release were measured using respectively single-cell Fura-2 imaging and amperometry. Exposure of PC12 cells to the technical HBCD mixture or individual stereoisomers did neither affect basal [Ca2+](i), nor the frequency of basal neurotransmitter release. However, exposure to HBCD (0-20 mu M) did cause a dose-dependent reduction of a subsequent depolarization-evoked increase in [Ca2+](i). This effect was apparent only when HBCD was applied at least 5 min before depolarization (maximum effect after 20 min exposure). The effects of alpha- and beta-HBCD were comparable to that of the technical mixture, whereas the inhibitory effect of gamma-HBCD was larger. Using specific blockers of L-, N- or P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) it was shown that the inhibitory effect of HBCD is not VGCC-specific. Additionally, the number of cells showing depolarization-evoked neurotransmitter release was markedly reduced following HBCD exposure. Summarizing, HBCD inhibits depolarization-evoked [Ca2+](i) and neurotransmitter release. As increasing HBCD levels should be anticipated, these findings justify additional efforts to establish an adequate exposure, hazard and risk assessment.
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| 6. |
- Eriksson, Per, et al.
(author)
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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a group of brominated flame retardants, can interact with polychlorinated biphenyls in enhancing developmental neurobehavioral defects
- 2006
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 94:2, s. 302-309
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present study shows that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can interact and enhance developmental neurobehavioral defects when the exposure occurs during a critical stage of neonatal brain development. PBDEs are used in large quantities as flame-retardant additives in polymers, especially in the manufacture of a great variety of electrical appliances, and textiles. In contrast to the well-known persistent compounds PCBs and DDT, the PBDEs have been found to increase in the environment and in human mother's milk. We have previously shown that low-dose exposure to environmental toxic agents such as PCB can cause developmental neurotoxic effects when present during a critical stage of neonatal brain development. Epidemiological studies indicate the adverse neurobehavioral impact of PCBs. Recently, we reported that neonatal exposure to PBDEs causes developmental neurotoxic effects. In the present study, 10-day-old Naval Medical Research Institute male mice were given one single oral dose of PCB 52 (1.4 mu mol/kg body weight [bw]) + PBDE 99 (1.4 mu mol), PCB 52 (1.4 mu mol or 14 mu mol), or PBDE 99 (1.4 mu mol or 14 mu mol). Controls received a vehicle (20% fat emulsion). Animals exposed to the combined dose of PCB 52 (1.4 mu mol) + PBDE 99 (1.4 mu mol) and the high dose of PCB 52 (14 mu mol) or PBDE 99 (14 mu mol) showed significantly impaired spontaneous motor behavior and habituation capability at the age of 4 and 6 months. The neurobehavioral defects were also seen to worsen with age in mice neonatally exposed to PCB 52 + PBDE 99.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Fischer, Celia, et al.
(author)
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Co-exposure of neonatal mice to a flame retardant PBDE 99 (2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether) and methylmercury enhances developmental neurotoxic defects
- 2008
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 101:2, s. 275-285
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to environmental pollutants during early human development can have deleterious effects on cognitive development. The interaction between environmental pollutants is suggested as one reason for the observed defective neurological development in children from the Faeroe Islands as compared to children from the Seychelles. We have previously seen in mice that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can interact together with methyl mercury (MeHg), as well as PCB together with polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE 99) to exacerbate developmental neurotoxic effects when present during a critical period of neonatal brain development. PBDEs are a new class of global environmental contaminants. The present study shows that neonatal coexposure to PBDE 99 (0.8 mg/kg body weight) and MeHg (0.4 or 4.0 mg/kg body weight) can exacerbate developmental neurotoxic effects. These effects are manifested as disrupted spontaneous behavior, reduced habituation, and impaired learning/memory abilities. This is seen in the low dose range, where the sole compounds do no give rise to developmental neurotoxic effects. The effects seen are more than just additive. Furthermore, a significant effect of interaction was seen on the cholinergic nicotinic receptors in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This suggests that a mechanism for the observed cognitive defects is via the cholinergic system. Furthermore, PBDE can interact with MeHg causing developmental neurotoxic effects similar to those we previously have observed between PCB 153 + MeHg and PCB 52 + PBDE 99. This is of vital importance, as the levels of PBDEs are increasing in mother's milk and in the environment generally.
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| 11. |
- Fletcher, Nick, et al.
(author)
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Altered retinoid metabolism in female Long-Evans and Han/Wistar rats following long-term 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-treatment
- 2005
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 86:2, s. 264-272
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study investigated the effects of long-term low-dose 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure on retinoid, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D homeostasis in Long-Evans and Han/Wistar rats using a tumor promotion exposure protocol. Female rats (ten/group) were partially hepatectomized, initiated with nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), and given TCDD once per week by sc injection for 20 weeks at calculated daily doses of 0, 1, 10, 100, or 1000 ng/kg bw/day. Groups of nonhepatectomized/uninitiated rats (five/group) were identically maintained. After 20 weeks, the rats were killed, and apolar retinoid levels were determined in the liver and kidneys. No consistent differences were seen between partially hepatectomized/initiated and nonhepatectomized/uninitiated animals with respect to apolar retinoid levels or hepatic TCDD concentration. Further analyses of polar and apolar retinoid levels in liver, plasma, and kidney, as well as free thyroxine (FT4) and vitamin D (25-OH-D(3)) concentrations were carried out in partially hepatectomized/inititated animals. In Long-Evans rats, TCDD exposure dose-dependently decreased hepatic retinyl ester concentrations at doses of 1-100 ng/kg bw/day. Likewise, hepatic all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) concentration was decreased 39 and 54% at 10 and 100 ng/kg bw/day respectively, whereas 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-retinoic acid (9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-RA), a recently discovered retinoic acid metabolite, was decreased approximately 60% in the liver at 1 ng/kg bw/day. TCDD dose-dependently increased plasma retinol and kidney retinol concentrations, whereas all-trans-RA concentration was also increased in the plasma and kidney at 10 and 100 ng/kg bw/day. Plasma 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-RA was decreased to below detection limits from doses of 1 ng/kg bw/day TCDD. A qualitatively similar pattern of retinoid disruption was observed in the Han/Wistar rat strain following TCDD exposure. FT4 was decreased to a similar extent in both strains, whereas 25-OH-D(3) was decreased only at 100 ng/kg bw/day in Long-Evans rats. Together these results show that TCDD disrupts both retinoid storage and metabolism of retinoic acid and retinoic acid metabolites in liver, kidney, and plasma from doses as low as 1 ng/kg bw/day. Furthermore, 9-cis-4-oxo-13,14-dihydro-RA was identified as a novel and sensitive indicator of TCDD exposure, in a resistant and sensitive rat strain, thereby extending the database of low-dose TCDD effects.
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| 12. |
- Guruge, K S, et al.
(author)
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Gene expression profiles in rat liver treated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- 2006
-
In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press. - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 89:1, s. 93-107
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; Pentadecafluorooctanoic acid) is widely used in various industrial applications. It is persistent in the environment and does not appear to undergo further degradation or transformation. PFOA is found in tissues including blood of wildlife and humans; however, the environmental fate and biological effects of PFOA remain unclear. Microarray techniques of gene expression have become a powerful approach for exploring the biological effects of chemicals. Here, the Affymetrix, Inc. rat genome 230 2.0 GeneChip was used to identify alterations in gene regulation in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with five different concentrations of PFOA. Male rats were exposed by daily gavage to 1, 3, 5, 10, or 15 mg PFOA/kg, body weight (bw)/day for 21 days and at the end of the exposure, liver was isolated and total liver RNA were used for the gene chip analysis. Over 500 genes, whose expression was significantly (p < 0.0025) altered by PFOA at two-fold changes compared to control, were examined. The effects were dose-dependent with exposure to 10 mg PFOA/kg, bw/day, causing alteration in expression of the greatest number of genes (over 800). Approximately 106 genes and 38 genes were consistently up- or down-regulated, respectively, in all treatment groups. The largest categories of induced genes were those involved in transport and metabolism of lipids, particularly fatty acids. Other induced genes were involved in cell communication, adhesion, growth, apoptosis, hormone regulatory pathways, proteolysis and peptidolysis and signal transduction. The genes expression of which was suppressed were related to transport of lipids, inflammation and immunity, and especially cell adhesion. Several other genes involved in apoptosis; regulation of hormones; metabolism; and G-protein coupled receptor protein signaling pathways were significantly suppressed.
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| 13. |
- Hamers, Timo, et al.
(author)
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In vitro profiling of the endocrine-disrupting potency of brominated flame retardants
- 2006
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 92:1, s. 157-73
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Over the last few years, increasing evidence has become available that some brominated flame retardants (BFRs) may have endocrine-disrupting (ED) potencies. The goal of the current study was to perform a systematic in vitro screening of the ED potencies of BFRs (1) to elucidate possible modes of action of BFRs in man and wildlife and (2) to classify BFRs with similar profiles of ED potencies. A test set of 27 individual BFRs were selected, consisting of 19 polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners, tetrabromobisphenol-A, hexabromocyclododecane, 2,4,6-tribromophenol, ortho-hydroxylated brominated diphenyl ether 47, and tetrabromobisphenol-A–bis(2,3)dibromopropyl ether. All BFRs were tested for their potency to interact with the arylhydrocarbon receptor, androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), and estrogen receptor. In addition, all BFRs were tested for their potency to inhibit estradiol (sulfation by estradiol sulfotransferase (E2SULT), to interfere with thyroid hormone 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3)–mediated cell proliferation, and to compete with T3-precursor thyroxine for binding to the plasma transport protein transthyretin (TTR). The results of the in vitro screening indicated that BFRs have ED potencies, some of which had not or only marginally been described before (AR antagonism, PR antagonism, E2SULT inhibition, and potentiation of T3-mediated effects). For some BFRs, the potency to induce AR antagonism, E2SULT inhibition, and TTR competition was higher than for natural ligands or clinical drugs used as positive controls. Based on their similarity in ED profiles, BFRs were classified into five different clusters. These findings support further investigation of the potential ED effects of these environmentally relevant BFRs in man and wildlife.
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| 14. |
- Hansson, Sven Ove, et al.
(author)
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Priority-Setting in the REACH System
- 2006
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 90:2, s. 304-308
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Due to the large number of chemicals for which toxicological and ecotoxicological information is lacking, priority setting for data acquisition is a major concern in chemicals regulation. In the current European system, two administrative priority-setting criteria are used, namely novelty (i.e., time of market introduction) and production volume. In the proposed Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) system, the novelty criterion is no longer used, and production volume will be the main priority-setting criterion for testing requirements, supplemented in some cases with hazard indications obtained from QSAR modelling. This system for priority setting has severe weaknesses. In this paper we propose that a multicriteria system should be developed that includes at least three additional criteria: chemical properties, results from initial testing in a tiered system, and voluntary testing for which efficient incentives can be created. Toxicological and decision-theoretical research is needed to design testing systems with validated priority-setting mechanisms.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Högberg, Helena T., 1975-, et al.
(author)
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mRNA Expression is a Relevant Tool to Identify Developmental Neurotoxicants Using an In Vitro Approach
- 2009
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford university press. - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 113:1, s. 95-115
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- So far, only a few industrial chemicals have been identified as developmental neurotoxicants. Because the current developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) guideline (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development TG 426) is based entirely on in vivo studies that are both time consuming and costly, there is a need to develop alternative in vitro methods for initial screening to prioritize chemicals for further DNT testing. In this study, gene expression at the mRNA level was evaluated to determine whether this could be a suitable endpoint to detect potential developmental neurotoxicants. Primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) were exposed to well known (developmental) neurotoxicants (methyl mercury chloride, lead chloride, valproic acid, and tri-methyl tin chloride) for different time periods. A significant downregulation of the mRNA level for the neuronal markers (NF- 68, NF-200, N-methyl D-aspartate glutamate receptor, and gamma amino butyric acid receptor) was observed after exposure to methyl mercury chloride, valproic acid, and tri-methyl tin chloride. Moreover, a significant increase of the neural precursor marker nestin mRNA was also observed. The mRNA expression of the astrocytic markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and S100b) was unchanged. In contrast, exposure to lead chloride significantly decreased the mRNA level of the astrocytic marker GFAP, whereas the neuronal markers were less affected. These results suggest that gene expression could be used as a sensitive tool for the initial identification of DNT effects induced by different mechanisms of toxicity in both cell types (neuronal and glial) and at various stages of cell development and maturation.
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| 17. |
- Jergil, Måns, et al.
(author)
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Valproic acid-induced deregulation in vitro of genes associated in vivo with neural tube defects
- 2009
-
In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 108:1, s. 132-148
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The utility of an in vitro system to search for molecular targets and markers of developmental toxicity was explored, using microarrays to detect genes susceptible to deregulation by the teratogen valproic acid (VPA) in the pluripotent mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line P19. Total RNA extracted from P19 cells cultured in the absence or presence of 1, 2.5, or 10mM VPA for 1.5, 6, or 24 h was subjected to replicated microarray analysis, using CodeLink UniSet I Mouse 20K Expression Bioarrays. A moderated F-test revealed a significant VPA response for 2972 (p < 10(-3)) array probes (19.4% of the filtered gene list), 421 of which were significant across all time points. In a core subset of VPA target genes whose expression was downregulated (68 genes) or upregulated (125 genes) with high probability (p < 10(-7)) after both 1.5 and 6 h of VPA exposure, there was a significant enrichment of the biological process Gene Ontology term transcriptional regulation among downregulated genes, and apoptosis among upregulated, and two of the downregulated genes (Folr1 and Gtf2i) have a knockout phenotype comprising exencephaly, the major malformation induced by VPA in mice. The VPA-induced gene expression response in P19 cells indicated that approximately 30% of the approximately 200 genes known from genetic mouse models to be associated with neural tube defects may be potential VPA targets, suggestive of a combined deregulation of multiple genes as a possible mechanism of VPA teratogenicity. Gene expression responses related to other known effects of VPA (histone deacetylase inhibition, G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis) were also identified. This study indicates that toxicogenomic responses to a teratogenic compound in vitro may correlate with known in vitro and in vivo effects, and that short-time (< or =6 h) exposures in such an in vitro system could provide a useful component in mechanistic studies and screening tests in developmental toxicology.
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| 18. |
- Johansson, Niclas, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Neonatal exposure to PFOS and PFOA in mice results in changes in proteins which are important for neuronal growth and synaptogenesis in the developing brain
- 2009
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 108:2, s. 412-418
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) belong to the family of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). They are used in industrial and consumer applications, e.g. clothing fabrics, carpets and food packaging. PFOS and PFOA are present in the environment and are found in dust and human milk, which implies that newborns and toddlers can be directly exposed to these agents during brain development. Recently, we reported that PFOS and PFOA can cause neurobehavioral defects and changes in the cholinergic system, in the adult animal, when given directly to neonatal mice, and thereby showing similarities with other investigated persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). In recent studies, we have also seen that highly brominated PBDEs can affect the levels of proteins that are important for neuronal growth and synaptogenesis in the neonatal mouse brain. The present study shows that a single oral dose of either 21 µmol PFOS or PFOA/kg body weight (11.3 mg or 8.70 mg), given directly to the neonatal mice on postnatal day 10, significantly increased the levels of CaMKII, GAP-43, and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of the neonatal mouse. Both compounds significantly increased the levels of synaptophysin and tau in cerebral cortex and PFOA also increased the levels of tau in hippocampus. Since these proteins are important for normal brain development and altered levels of these proteins during a critical period of the brain growth spurts (BGS) could be one of the mechanisms behind earlier reported behavioral defects.
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| 19. |
- Jönsson, Maria E., et al.
(author)
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Role of AHR2 in the expression of novel cytochrome p450 1 family genes, cell cycle genes, and morphological defects in developing zebra fish exposed to 3,3 ',4,4 ',5-pentachlorobiphenyl or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
- 2007
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 100:1, s. 180-193
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 20. |
- Jönsson, Maria E., et al.
(author)
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Role of AHR2 in the expression of novel cytochrome P450 1 family genes, cell cycle genes, and morphological defects in developing zebra fish exposed to 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin
- 2007
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 100:1, s. 180-193
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Halogenated agonists for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), such as 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), cause developmental toxicity in fish. AHR dependence of these effects is known for TCDD but only presumed for PCB126, and the AHR-regulated genes involved are known only in part. We defined the role of AHR in regulation of four cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) genes and the effect of PCB126 on cell cycle genes (i.e., PCNA and cyclin E) in zebra fish (Danio rerio) embryos. Basal and PCB126-induced expression of CYP1A, CYP1B1, CYP1C1, and CYP1C2 was examined over time as well as in relation to cell cycle gene expression and morphological effects of PCB126 in developing zebra fish. The four CYP1 genes differed in the time for maximal basal and induced expression, i.e., CYP1B1 peaked within 2 days postfertilization (dpf), the CYP1Cs around hatching (3 dpf), and CYP1A after hatching (14–21 dpf). These results indicate developmental periods when the CYP1s may play physiological roles. PCB126 (0.3–100nM) caused concentration-dependent CYP1 gene induction (EC50: 1.4–2.7nM, Lowest observed effect concentration [LOEC]: 0.3–1nM) and pericardial edema (EC50: 4.4nM, LOEC: 3nM) in 3-dpf embryos. Blockage of AHR2 translation significantly inhibited these effects of PCB126 and TCDD. PCNA gene expression was reduced by PCB126 in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that PCB126 could suppress cell proliferation. Our results indicate that the four CYP1 genes examined are regulated by AHR2 and that the effect of PCB126 on morphology in zebra fish embryos is AHR2 dependent. Moreover, the developmental patterns of expression and induction suggest that CYP1 enzymes could function in normal development and in developmental toxicity of PCB126 in fish embryos.
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| 21. |
- Karlsson, Oskar, et al.
(author)
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Long-term cognitive impairments in adult rats treated neonatally with beta-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine
- 2009
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 112:1, s. 185-195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can produce the neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Dietary exposure to BMAA has been suggested to be involved in the etiology of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC). Little is known about BMAA-induced neurotoxicity following neonatal administration. Our previous studies have revealed an uptake of BMAA in the hippocampus and striatum of neonatal mice. Furthermore, rats treated with BMAA during the neonatal period displayed acute but transient motoric disturbances and failed to show habituation at juvenile age suggesting impairments in learning functions. In the present study, the aim was to investigate long-term behavioral effects of BMAA administration in neonatal rats. BMAA was administered on postnatal days 9-10 (200 or 600 mg/kg; subcutaneous injection). Spatial learning and memory was investigated in adulthood using the radial arm maze test. The results revealed impaired learning but not memory in BMAA-treated animals. The observed impairments were not due to alterations in motoric capacity, general activity, or behavioral profiles, as assessed in the multivariate concentric square field (MCSF) and open field tests. An aversive stimulus in the MCSF test revealed impairments in avoidance learning and/or memory. There was no difference in basal serum corticosterone levels in BMAA-treated animals, indicating that the observed long-term effects were not secondary to an altered basal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. The present data demonstrated long-term learning impairments following neonatal BMAA administration. Further studies on biochemical effects in various brain regions and subsequent behavioral alterations are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of BMAA-induced developmental neurotoxicity.
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| 22. |
- Karlsson, Oskar, et al.
(author)
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Selective Brain Uptake and Behavioral Effects of the Cyanobacterial Toxin BMAA (β-N-Methylamino-L-alanine) following Neonatal Administration to Rodents
- 2009
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 109:2, s. 286-295
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cyanobacteria are extensively distributed in terrestrial and aquatic environments all over the world. Most cyanobacteria can produce the neurotoxin ss-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), which has been detected in several water systems and could accumulate in food chains. The aim of the study was to investigate the transfer of BMAA to fetal and neonatal brains and the effects of BMAA on the development of behavioral characteristics during the brain growth spurt (BGS) in rodents Pregnant and neonatal mice were given an injection of (3)H-BMAA on gestational day 14 and postnatal day (PND) 10, respectively, and processed for tape-section autoradiography. The study revealed transplacental transfer of (3)H-BMAA and a significant uptake in fetal mouse. The radioactivity was specifically located in the hippocampus, striatum, brainstem, spinal cord and cerebellum of 10-day-old mice. The effect of repeated BMAA treatment (200 or 600 mg/kg sc) during BGS on rat behavior was also studied. BMAA treatment on PND 9-10 induced acute alterations, such as impaired locomotor ability and hyperactivity, in the behavior of neonatal rats. Furthermore, rats given the high dose of BMAA failed to habituate to the test environment when tested at juvenile age. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that BMAA was transferred to the neonatal brain and induced significant changes in the behavior of neonatal rats following administration during BGS. The observed behavioral changes suggest possible cognitive impairment. Increased information on the long-term effects of BMAA on cognitive function following fetal and neonatal exposure is required for assessment of the risk to children's health.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Lei, Li-Jian, et al.
(author)
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Estimation of benchmark dose for pancreatic damage in cadmium-exposed smelters
- 2007
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - Oxford : Oxford University Press. - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 97:1, s. 189-195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to estimate the benchmark dose (BMD) for pancreas dysfunction caused by cadmium (Cd) exposure in smelters. Smelter workers who had been exposed to Cd for more than 1 year and matching nonoccupationally exposed subjects were asked to participate in this study. Urinary cadmium (UCd) was used as a biomarker for exposure, serum insulin and amylase were used as biomarkers for pancreatic effects. In this study, serum insulin and amylase were lower in the smelter workers than in the nonoccupationally exposed subjects. A significant dose-response relationship with UCd was displayed. BMI)s in terms of urinary Cd corrected for creatinine were calculated by use of BMDS (version 1.3.2). The benchmark dose lower limit of a one-sided 95% confidence interval (BMDL) for 10% excess risk was also determined. It was found that the BMDL10 for serum insulin and serum amylase was 3.7 and 5.3 mu g/g Cr, respectively. Compared to the BMDL for renal damage caused by Cd exposure, identified by the effect biomarkers urinary beta(2)-microglobulin, urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, and urinary albumin (UALB), it was shown that BMDL10 for serum insulin is the lowest among all values and UALB gave the highest value (5.8 mu g/g Cr). This study indicates that Cd exposure can result in pancreatic dysfunction and the effect appears at lower urinary Cd level than renal dysfunction. The endocrine function of the pancreas was affected at lower urinary levels of Cd, compared to the exocrine function, which was seen at higher urinary levels of Cd than those giving rise to renal tubular dysfunction.
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| 25. |
- Lilja, Johanna, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Surfactant-Induced TRPV1 Activity—A Novel Mechanismfor Eye Irritation?
- 2007
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In: Toxicological Sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1096-6080 .- 1096-0929. ; 99:1, s. 174-180
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The pain receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) has been reported as one of the key components in the pain pathway. Activation of the receptor causes a Ca2+ influx with secondary effects leading to neurogenic inflammation. Here we report specific activation of TRPV1 by detergent-containing hygiene products measured as intracellular Ca2+ influxes in stably TRPV1-expressing neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Children products marketed as “painless” (containing lower concentration of detergents), and conditioners (without detergents) did not induce specific TRPV1 activation. Furthermore, low concentrations of the detergent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) dose-dependently induced Ca2+ influxes that could be addressed to TRPV1. These results reveal a novel mechanistic pathway for surfactant-induced nociception, which may be an important endpoint in in vitro test batteries as alternatives to Draize’s rabbit eye test for classification of eye irritating products.
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