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Assessment of Five Pesticides as Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Effects on Estrogen Receptors and Aromatase

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Gea

    (Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Chao Zhang

    (Department of Life Science and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy)

  • Roberta Tota

    (Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

  • Gianfranco Gilardi

    (Department of Life Science and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy)

  • Giovanna Di Nardo

    (Department of Life Science and Systems Biology, University of Torino, 10123 Torino, Italy)

  • Tiziana Schilirò

    (Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

Pesticides are widely applied all over the world, and pesticide exposure can induce different biological effects posing a possible threat to human health. Due to their effects on the endocrine system, some pesticides are classified as endocrine disruptors. The aim of the study is to assess the interference of five pesticides on estrogen biosynthesis and estrogen signaling. Three neonicotinoid insecticides (Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, and Thiamethoxam), a carbamate insecticide (Methiocarb) and a herbicide (Oxadiazon) were tested. The effect of pesticides on estrogen biosynthesis was studied through an ELISA assay using a recombinant form of human aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the transformation of androgens to estrogens. Moreover, the effect of pesticides on estrogen signaling was assessed using a gene reporter assay on MELN cells, which measures estrogen receptor-mediated estrogenic activity. The results of the ELISA assay showed that the pesticides did not alter aromatase activity (no interference with estrogen biosynthesis), while the results of the gene reporter assay showed that only Methiocarb was able to alter estrogen signaling at high doses. The estrogenic activity of Methiocarb, expressed as 17β-estradiol equivalency factor (EEF), was equal to 8.0 × 10 −8 . In conclusion, this study suggested that Methiocarb should be considered a potential endocrine disruptor.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Gea & Chao Zhang & Roberta Tota & Gianfranco Gilardi & Giovanna Di Nardo & Tiziana Schilirò, 2022. "Assessment of Five Pesticides as Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Effects on Estrogen Receptors and Aromatase," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:1959-:d:745888
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wissem Mnif & Aziza Ibn Hadj Hassine & Aicha Bouaziz & Aghleb Bartegi & Olivier Thomas & Benoit Roig, 2011. "Effect of Endocrine Disruptor Pesticides: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-39, June.
    2. Chao Zhang & Tiziana Schilirò & Marta Gea & Silvia Bianchi & Angelo Spinello & Alessandra Magistrato & Gianfranco Gilardi & Giovanna Di Nardo, 2020. "Molecular Basis for Endocrine Disruption by Pesticides Targeting Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Muyesaier Tudi & Huada Daniel Ruan & Li Wang & Jia Lyu & Ross Sadler & Des Connell & Cordia Chu & Dung Tri Phung, 2021. "Agriculture Development, Pesticide Application and Its Impact on the Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-23, January.
    4. Christos A. Damalas & Ilias G. Eleftherohorinos, 2011. "Pesticide Exposure, Safety Issues, and Risk Assessment Indicators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-18, May.
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