Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on liver function and sexual characteristics in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Kei Nakayama, Naomi Sei, Itsuki C. Handoh, Yohei Shimasaki, Tsuneo Honjo, Yuji Oshima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on liver function and their differences between sexes were analyzed in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to PCB126 or Kanechlor-400 (KC-400) using microarray. PCB exposure induced vitellogenin 1 expression in female medaka while suppressing choriogenin genes, which suggests that the effects of PCBs on estrogen-responsive genes do not occur directly through an estrogen receptor-mediated pathway. Reduction of androgen receptor alpha expression was also observed, and the gene expression pattern in PCB-exposed males changed to become more similar to that of females. Furthermore, changes in glycolysis-related genes indicate that PCB exposure might enhance glucose production via gluconeogenesis in the liver of medaka. Taken together, our results suggest that PCBs disrupt the endocrine system, especially androgen function, and may have the potential to cause demasculinizing effects. Additionally, induction of gluconeogenesis might be a response to maintain glucose levels consumed as a result of PCB exposures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)366-369
Number of pages4
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume63
Issue number5-12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

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