Biomedical subjects

E C Bonefeld-Jørgensen

Publications and source records attributed to E C Bonefeld-Jørgensen.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Relationships between sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm apoptotic markers and serum levels of CB-153 and p,p'-DDE in European and Inuit populations.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) are suspected to interfere with hormone activity and the normal homeostasis of spermatogenesis. We investigated the relationships between sperm DNA fragmentation, apoptotic markers identified on ejaculated spermatozoa and POP levels in the blood of 652 adult males (200 Inuits from Greenland, 166 Swedish, 134 Polish and 152 Ukrainian). Serum levels of 2, 2', 4, 4', 5, 5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153), as a proxy of the total POP burden, and of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE), as a proxy of the total DDT exposure were determined. Sperm DNA fragmentation was measured by using the TUNEL assay, whereas immunofluorescence methods were utilized for detecting pro-apoptotic (Fas) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-xL) markers. Both TUNEL assay and apoptotic markers were statistically differed across the four populations. No correlation between neither sperm DNA fragmentation nor apoptotic sperm parameters and the large variations in POPs exposure was observed for the separate study groups. However, considering the European populations taken together, we showed that both %TUNEL positivity and Bcl-xL were related to CB-153 serum levels, whereas our study failed to demonstrate any relations between DDE and %TUNEL positivity and apoptotic sperm biomarkers (Fas and Bcl-xL) in any region or overall regions. These results suggest that CB-153 and related chemicals might alter sperm DNA integrity and Bcl-xL levels in European adult males, but not in the highly exposed Inuit men. Additional issues (genetic background, lifestyle habits and characterization of total xeno-hormonal activities) need to be investigated in order to fully assess the population variations observed.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Microbial cell wall agents as an occupational hazard.

Organic dusts cause inflammatory reactions in the tissues exposed. The lung and the cells lining the surface of the respiratory tract are a primary target. Many receptors have been shown to react specifically on the presence of microorganisms that are ubiquitous elements in organic dusts. There is a great variability in the individual response to organic dusts. Almost 50% of Caucasians are hyporesponders to LPS exposure, and people with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency are hyperresponsive to organic dust exposure. The diseases resulting from organic dust exposures include asthma, allergy, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and toxic pneumonitis (organic dust toxic syndrome). This paper deals with inflammation and the subsequent mechanism of disease as it is encountered in industries with these exposures. Toxicological studies including human experimental exposures and ex vivo studies of cells are described. Cellular reactions are mediated through the attachment of, e.g. LPS and beta (1,3)-D-glucan to lipopolysaccharide binding protein, CD14 and Toll-like receptors. The relation between protein release and the gene activation is described. Furthermore, studies of the individual susceptibility will be reviewed.

Cell Wall↗

PubMed2004

Effects of the pesticides prochloraz and methiocarb on human estrogen receptor alpha and beta mRNA levels analyzed by on-line RT-PCR.

Exposure to endocrine disrupters such as dioxins, PCBs and certain pesticides are suspected to affect human reproductive health. We have analyzed the effect of the currently used pesticides prochloraz and methiocarb on the estrogen receptor (ER)alpha and beta mRNA levels in parallel with the natural ligand, 17beta-estradiol (E2). Using the highly sensitive on-line RT-PCR technique we were able to quantify the ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA levels in the human breast cancer cell line, MCF7-BUS. Upon exposure with E2 or prochloraz a down regulation of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs was observed after 48 h of treatment. Co-treatment with the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 abolished these mRNA down regulations. Western blot analyses elicited a decreased ER protein level after 3 h of exposure with prochloraz but after 24 h the ERalpha protein level had recovered to basal level. Methiocarb exposure had no effect on the ERalpha mRNA level, whereas an increase in the ERbeta mRNA level was observed after 3 h of exposure. Our study demonstrates that like E2, prochloraz had the potential to down regulate the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs as well as the ERalpha protein level in MCF7-BUS cells.

Automation↗

PubMed2001

Effect of highly bioaccumulated polychlorinated biphenyl congeners on estrogen and androgen receptor activity.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental persistent contaminants giving rise to potential health hazard. Some PCBs exert dioxin-like activities mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Although reports on interaction with other nuclear receptors are sparce, some congeners are hypothesized to possess endocrine disruptive potential. Here we present evidence that the three PCBs most abundant in biological extracts, 2,2',3'4,4',5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB#138), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB#153), and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB#180) have pleiotropic effects on the estrogen- and androgen-receptor. In MCF-7 cells a slightly increased cell proliferation was observed at low concentrations (1-10 nM) in cells co-treated with 0.01 nM 17beta-Estradiol, whereas the compounds inhibited cell growth significantly at 1 and 10 microM. In reporter gene (ERE-tk-CAT) analysis the three congeners exhibited a significantly estrogen receptor-ligand mediated decrease of the chloramphenicol transferase activity in both control and 10 nM 17beta-estradiol induced MCF-7 cells. In addition, PCB#138 elicited a dose-dependent antagonistic effect on androgen receptor activity in transiently co-transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells with an IC(50), of 6.2 microM. In summary, this study indicate that the di-ortho, multiple-chloro substituted biphenyls, PCB#138, PCB#153 and PCB#180, can compete with the binding of the natural ligand to two nuclear receptors and thus possess the ability to interfere with sexual hormone regulated processes.

Androgen Receptor Antagonists↗

PubMed2001

Modulation of atherosclerotic risk factors by seal oil: a preliminary assessment.

We examined whether dietary supplementation with seal oil influenced the risk factors of atherosclerosis in healthy volunteers. Two intervention studies were carried out as preliminary steps in a larger project which aim at elucidating the disease preventive potential of seal oil. In study I ten healthy volunteers added 10 capsules of seal oil to their normal Western diet for six weeks. Blood tests were analysed for total-, HDL-, and LDL-cholesterol and plasma triglyceride, and the ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acid was determined in plasma and erythrocyte membranes. In study II we examined the effect in five healthy volunteers who had only 5 capsules of seal oil daily for six weeks. As an additional test in study II, the effect on the proinflammatory TNF-alpha cytokine in lymphocytes was determined. A slightly decreased, however, not significant effect was observed for each of the cholesterol's after seal oil supplementation. In both studies plasma triglyceride, and the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of plasma and erythrocytes were significantly reduced upon seal oil intake. During the intervention period of study II a distinct reduced level of TNF-alpha was observed in isolated lymphocytes. The examinations suggest that supplementation of seal oil, 10 capsules or 5 capsules/day, may have beneficial effects on factors thought to be associated with cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Cytokine release from the nasal mucosa and whole blood after experimental exposures to organic dusts.

The aim of this study was to assess the cytokine response after nasal exposure to organic dusts. In a double blinded, crossover study five garbage workers with occupational airway symptoms and five healthy garbage workers were intranasally exposed to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide LPS), beta-1,3-D-glucan (GLU), Aspergillus sp., compost or the saline dilute for 15 min. Nasal cavity volume and nasal lavage (NAL) were performed at baseline and 3, 6, 11 h postexposure. NAL was analysed with differential cell counts, cysteinyl-leukotrienes, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8. A whole blood assay on cytokine-release was performed with LPS and GLU. NAL cytokines neutrophils, lymphocytes and albumin increased significantly at 6 h after LPS exposure. GLU induced an increase in albumin and a slight increase in IL-1beta 6-11 h post exposure. In the WBA a significant increase in all cytokines after exposure to LPS as well as GLU was found. Significantly more cells were seen in NAL of the control group 6 h post LPS exposure. In conclusion lipopolysaccharide is the most potent inducer of inflammation in the nasal mucosa whereas compost and beta-1,3-D-glucan only induce minor changes. This reaction to lipopolysaccharide is attenuated in workers with occupational airway symptoms. In whole blood assay, however, beta-1,3-D-glucan also induces cytokine release, indicating a different protective effect of the nasal mucosa towards lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3-D-glucan.

Allergens↗