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Frontiers in Toxicology 2023Japanese medaka () is an acceptable small laboratory fish model for the evaluation and assessment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in the environment. In...
Japanese medaka () is an acceptable small laboratory fish model for the evaluation and assessment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in the environment. In this research, we used this fish as a potential tool for the identification of EDCs that have a significant impact on human health. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) using the search terms, Japanese medaka, , and endocrine disruptions, and sorted 205 articles consisting of 128 chemicals that showed potential effects on estrogen-androgen-thyroid-steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways of Japanese medaka. From these chemicals, 14 compounds, namely, 17β-estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), tamoxifen (TAM), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), 17β-trenbolone (TRB), flutamide (FLU), vinclozolin (VIN), triiodothyronine (T3), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), terephthalic acid (TPA), trifloxystrobin (TRF), ketoconazole (KTC), and prochloraz (PCZ), were selected as references and used for the identification of apical endpoints within the EATS modalities. Among these endpoints, during classification, priorities are given to sex reversal (masculinization of females and feminization of males), gonad histology (testis-ova or ovotestis), secondary sex characteristics (anal fin papillae of males), plasma and liver vitellogenin (VTG) contents in males, swim bladder inflation during larval development, hepatic vitellogenin () and choriogenin () genes in the liver of males, and several genes, including estrogen-androgen-thyroid receptors in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad/thyroid axis (HPG/T). After reviewing 205 articles, we identified 108 (52.68%), 46 (22.43%), 19 (9.26%), 22 (17.18%), and 26 (12.68%) papers that represented studies on estrogen endocrine disruptors (EEDs), androgen endocrine disruptors (AEDs), thyroid endocrine disruptors (TEDs), and/or steroidogenesis modulators (MOS), respectively. Most importantly, among 128 EDCs, 32 (25%), 22 (17.18%), 15 (11.8%), and 14 (10.93%) chemicals were classified as EEDs, AEDs, TEDs, and MOS, respectively. We also identified 43 (33.59%) chemicals as high-priority candidates for tier 2 tests, and 13 chemicals (10.15%) show enough potential to be considered EDCs without any further tier-based studies. Although our literature search was unable to identify the EATS targets of 45 chemicals (35%) studied in 60 (29.26%) of the 205 articles, our approach has sufficient potential to further move the laboratory-based research data on Japanese medaka for applications in regulatory risk assessments in humans.
PubMed: 38090358
DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1272368 -
Zoological Science Dec 2023The nematode is reported here for the first time in the land snail in southern Brazil. The snails were infected with a high prevalence of larvae up to the L3 stage...
The nematode is reported here for the first time in the land snail in southern Brazil. The snails were infected with a high prevalence of larvae up to the L3 stage (68.6%). Cysts were located mainly in the mantle (pulmonary cavity) and the nerve ring. No other helminths were identified in the collected snails. Some physiological aspects were compared between snails infected with L3 larvae and non-infected snails and among infected animals with different parasite loads. No differences were found in hemolymph protein, glucose, or urea content between L3-infected and non-infected snails, nor among animals with different parasite loads. Discontinuous lesions in the rectum associated with the presence of encapsulated larvae were visible in animals with high parasite loads and were more frequent in adult animals. All analyses were carried out during the breeding season; however, the albumen glands of mature snails had a smaller volume in those with higher parasite loads. Ovotestis weight was also significantly negatively correlated with parasite load. Snail reproductive capacity could, therefore, be partially impaired but only for individuals with higher parasite loads. Considering only the measured parameters, natural infection by does not appear to affect intermediary metabolism of . A greater number of larvae and greater severity of tissue injuries are more frequently observed in older snails.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Snails; Nematoda; Reproduction; Hemolymph
PubMed: 38064375
DOI: 10.2108/zs230047 -
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of... 2023We report a case of an SRY-positive 46,XX Indian male who presented with small testis and phallus, poor beard and mustache development and gynecomastia at the age of 24...
We report a case of an SRY-positive 46,XX Indian male who presented with small testis and phallus, poor beard and mustache development and gynecomastia at the age of 24 years. He was biochemically found to have hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. He had 46,XX karyotype and Quantitative Fluorescence-PCR (QF-PCR) identified the SRY gene on the X chromosome. SRY-positive 46 XX male SRS cases usually present as phenotypically male since birth but develop features of hypogonadism, poor testicular development, and infertility after puberty. Infertility, hypogonadism, external genital development, and psychological distress are the major concerns during the management of the patients. Testosterone therapy for hypogonadism, artificial reproductive technologies for fertility, surgical repair of hypospadias/ cryptorchidism/under-virilized genitalia and psychological and genetic counseling are helpful for proper management of the patients.
Topics: Humans; Male; Young Adult; Cryptorchidism; Genes, sry; Hypogonadism; Infertility; Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development
PubMed: 38045677
DOI: 10.15605/jafes.038.02.09 -
Differentiation; Research in Biological... 2024
Topics: Humans; Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development; Gonads
PubMed: 38000942
DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.11.002 -
Pediatrics Dec 2023Ovotesticular (OT) disorder of sex development (DSD) is a rare condition that affects the development of reproductive organs and manifests in a wide range of phenotypic...
Ovotesticular (OT) disorder of sex development (DSD) is a rare condition that affects the development of reproductive organs and manifests in a wide range of phenotypic presentations. The clinical diagnosis of this condition is challenging because of its atypical nature, and the variability of presentation in 46,XX OT-DSD cases makes it a complex issue in medical practice. We report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with left scrotal pain. Further exploration revealed a tunica rupture without testicular torsion of the left testis, whereas the histopathological analysis of a nodule excised from the right testis indicated the presence of ovotestis tissues. A second nonemergent surgery preserved the testicular tissues as the ovarian tissue in both gonads was excised. After 22 months of follow-up, the patient's testes produced normal testosterone levels sustained over time without any exogenous supplementation. This case reveals that, in male children who present with an acute scrotal disease as adolescents, the gonads should be retained until the etiology is confirmed, and the possibility of OT-DSD should be considered.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Male; Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development; Scrotum; Sexual Development
PubMed: 37990579
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061810 -
Regulatory mechanism of LncRNAs in gonadal differentiation of hermaphroditic fish, Monopterus albus.Biology of Sex Differences Oct 2023Monopterus albus is a hermaphroditic fish with sex reversal from ovaries to testes via the ovotestes in the process of gonadal development, but the molecular mechanism...
BACKGROUND
Monopterus albus is a hermaphroditic fish with sex reversal from ovaries to testes via the ovotestes in the process of gonadal development, but the molecular mechanism of the sex reversal was unknown.
METHODS
We produced transcriptomes containing mRNAs and lncRNAs in the crucial stages of the gonad, including the ovary, ovotestis and testis. The expression of the crucial lncRNAs and their target genes was detected using qRT‒PCR and in situ hybridization. The methylation level and activity of the lncRNA promoter were analysed by applying bisulfite sequencing PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays, respectively.
RESULTS
This effort revealed that gonadal development was a dynamic expression change. Regulatory networks of lncRNAs and their target genes were constructed through integrated analysis of lncRNA and mRNA data. The expression and DNA methylation of the lncRNAs MSTRG.38036 and MSTRG.12998 and their target genes Psmβ8 and Ptk2β were detected in developing gonads and sex reversal gonads. The results showed that lncRNAs and their target genes exhibited consistent expression profiles and that the DNA methylation levels were negatively regulated lncRNA expression. Furthermore, we found that Ptk2β probably regulates cyp19a1 expression via the Ptk2β/EGFR/STAT3 pathway to reprogram sex differentiation.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides novel insight from lncRNA to explore the potential molecular mechanism by which DNA methylation regulates lncRNA expression to facilitate target gene transcription to reprogram sex differentiation in M. albus, which will also enrich the sex differentiation mechanism of teleosts.
Topics: Male; Animals; Female; RNA, Long Noncoding; Gonads; Ovary; Testis; Sex Differentiation; Smegmamorpha
PubMed: 37880697
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00559-y -
BMC Women's Health Oct 2023Ovotestis is a rare cause of sexual ambiguity characterized by the presence in a patient of both testicular and ovarian tissue, leading to the development of both male... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ovotestis is a rare cause of sexual ambiguity characterized by the presence in a patient of both testicular and ovarian tissue, leading to the development of both male and female structures. We report a case of ovotestis diagnosed in an adolescent, with a review of the literature.
CASE REPORT
A 15-year-old patient presented with a right scrotal swelling associated with gynecomastia. Histology showed a juxtaposition of ovarian stroma with ovarian follicle and seminiferous tubules. Karyotype revealed a male subject (XY). We have therefore retained the diagnosis of ovotesticular disorders of sex development.
CONCLUSION
Ovotestis is a rare finding, heterogeneous in its genetic etiology and clinical presentation. While many patients are diagnosed during infancy or childhood, we presented a case diagnosed in a 15-year-old adolescent.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Karyotype; Ovary; Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development
PubMed: 37875919
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02698-1 -
International Journal of Women's... Oct 2023Differences of sex development (DSD or disorders of sex development) are uncommon congenital conditions, characterized by atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Differences of sex development (DSD or disorders of sex development) are uncommon congenital conditions, characterized by atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex.
OBJECTIVE
Dermatologic care is an important component of the multidisciplinary care needed for individuals with DSD. This article discusses the most common primary dermatologic manifestations of DSD in addition to the cutaneous manifestations of hormonal and surgical therapies in individuals with DSD.
DATA SOURCES
Published articles including case series and case reports on PubMed.
STUDY SELECTIONS
Selection was conducted by examining existing literature with a team of multidisciplinary specialists.
METHODS
Narrative review.
LIMITATIONS
This article was not conducted as a systematic review.
RESULTS
In Klinefelter syndrome, refractory leg ulcers and incontinentia pigmenti have been described. Turner syndrome is associated with lymphatic malformations, halo nevi, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Virilization can be seen in some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, where acne and hirsutism are common.
CONCLUSION
Dermatologists should consider teratogenic risk for treatments of skin conditions in DSD depending on pregnancy potential. Testosterone replacement, commonly used for Klinefelter syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, gonadal dysgenesis, or ovotesticular DSD, may cause acne.
PubMed: 37671254
DOI: 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000106 -
Journal of Fish Biology Dec 2023Some teleost fishes change their sex, and some of these fishes have specific gonads known as "ovotestes," that is, gonads containing both ovarian and testicular tissues....
Some teleost fishes change their sex, and some of these fishes have specific gonads known as "ovotestes," that is, gonads containing both ovarian and testicular tissues. In this study, we revealed the gonadal transformation process and cell dynamics during the female-to-male sex change in the harlequin sandsmelt, Parapercis pulchella (Pinguipetidae), in which females possess ovotestes. Histological observations revealed that although female ovotestes were composed of oocytes, a few cysts of male germ cells were observed among them. At the initial phase of sex change, male germ cells increased, and spermatogenesis proceeded. After that, oocytes decreased and finally disappeared, and the gonads became functional testes. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against Pcna (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) as a cell proliferation marker revealed that spermatogonia were Pcna positive, whereas spermatocytes were negative, in female ovotestes. This suggests that spermatogenesis is arrested at the spermatocyte stage. In addition, some somatic cells surrounding oocytes, which were thought to be the female follicle cells, were Pcna positive during sex change, indicating that these cells proliferate during sex change and are reused in male testes after sex change. Also, immunostaining using antibodies against active cleaved-Caspase3a as an apoptosis marker demonstrated that oocytes degenerated through apoptotic cell death at the late transition stage. Together with previous findings in other fishes, these findings suggested that the histological processes in gonads during sex change, such as the order of developmental events, developmental fates of ovarian cavities, and ovotestis structures, are diversified among fish species. In contrast, cellular dynamics of female germ and somatic cells during sex change are common among protogynous species.
Topics: Male; Female; Animals; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Gonads; Ovary; Fishes; Testis; Spermatogonia
PubMed: 37621220
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15534 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Sep 2023Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most potent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that adversely affect aquatic organisms. The present investigation explored the effects...
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most potent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that adversely affect aquatic organisms. The present investigation explored the effects of exposure to BPA at 0.1 and 1 mgL concentrations on the fecundity of Biomphalaria alexandrina, snail's infection with Schistosoma mansoni, and histology of the ovotestis and topographical structure of S. mansoni cercariae emerged from exposed snails. The 24 h LC and LC values of BPA against B. alexandrina were 8.31 and 10.88 mgL BPA, respectively. The exposure of snails to 0.1 or 1 mgL BPA did not affect the snail's survival. However, these concentrations caused an increase in the reproductive rate (R) of infected snails. A slight decrease in egg production was observed in snails exposed to 0.1 mgL BPA after being infected (infected then exposed). However, a significant increase in egg production was noted in snails exposed to 1 mgL BPA after infection with S. mansoni. Histopathological investigations indicated a clear alteration in the ovotestis tissue structure of exposed and infected-exposed groups compared to the control snails. Chronic exposure to BPA caused pathological alterations in the gametogenic cells. SEM preparations of S. mansoni cercariae emerged from infected-exposed snails showed obvious body malformations. From a public health perspective, BPA pollution may negatively impact schistosomiasis transmission, as indicated by the disturbance in cercarial production and morphology. However, it has adverse effects on the reproduction and architecture of reproductive organs of exposed snails, indicating that B. alexandrina snails are sensitive to sublethal BPA exposure.
Topics: Animals; Schistosoma mansoni; Biomphalaria; Parasites; Benzhydryl Compounds
PubMed: 37597145
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29167-4