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In vitro evaluation for estrogenic mechanisms of the disinfectant benzalkonium chloride as an emerging contaminant

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the possible mechanisms underlying the estrogenic potential of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) as a disinfectant emerging contaminant. Effects of BAC at the environmentally-relevant concentrations on estrogen synthesis and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling were asses...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Wei, Songyi, Hu, Xianmin, Hu, Xinyi, Wan, Yisheng, Fan, Guangquan, Wang, Jun
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Associação Brasileira de Divulgação Científica 2023
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10361637/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37493774
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X2023e12784
Descripción
Sumario:This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the possible mechanisms underlying the estrogenic potential of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) as a disinfectant emerging contaminant. Effects of BAC at the environmentally-relevant concentrations on estrogen synthesis and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling were assessed using the H295R steroidogenesis assay and the MCF-7 proliferation assay, respectively. Results showed that exposure to BAC at concentrations of 1.0-1.5 mg/L for 48 h significantly increased estradiol production of H295R cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcription of steroidogenic genes 3β‐HSD2, 17β‐HSD1, 17β‐HSD4, and CYP19A were significantly enhanced by BAC. In ER-positive MCF-7 cells, exposure to 0.5-1.5 mg/L BAC for 48 h significantly promoted cell proliferation and increased the expressions of ERα and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 0.5-1.5 mg/L BAC significantly decreased the percentage of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase, increased the percentage in S phase, and BAC at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L increased the G(2)/M phase cells. Findings of the study suggested that BAC at environmentally-relevant concentrations might act as a xenoestrogen through its inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis and ER-mediated mechanism.