Maternal exposure to a human based mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affect gene expression related to brain function in mice offspring hippocampus. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Myhre, Oddvar; Zimmer, Karin E.; Hudecova, Alexandra M.; Hansen, Kristine E.A.; Khezri, Abdolrahman; Berntsen, Hanne F.; Berg, Vidar; Lyche, Jan L.; Mandal, Siddhartha; Duale, Nur; Ropstad, Erik
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 276(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Gene expression -- Hippocampus -- Human relevant mixtures -- Learning and memory -- Neurodevelopment -- Persistent organic pollutants; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Male and female mice pups were exposed to a low and high dose of a human relevant mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during pregnancy and lactation. Most compounds detected in the dams were found in offspring brains. The mice offspring exhibited changed expression of hippocampal genes involved in cognitive function ( Adora2a, Auts2, Crlf1, Chrnb2, Gdnf, Gnal, Kcnh3 ), neuroinflammation ( Cd47, Il1a ), circadian rhythm ( Per1, Clock ), redox signalling ( Hmox2 ) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation ( Cyp1b1 ). A few genes were differentially expressed in males versus females. Mostly, similar patterns of gene expression changes were observed between the low and high dose groups. Effects on learning and memory function measured in the Barnes maze (not moving, escape latency) were found in the high dose group when combined with moderate stress exposure (air flow from a fan). Mediation analysis indicated adaptation to the effects of exposure since gene expression compensated for learning disabilities (escape latency, walking distance and time spent not moving in the maze). Additionally, random forest analysis indicated that Kcnh3, Gnal, and Crlf1 were the most important genes for escape latency, while Hip1, Gnal and the low exposure level were the most important explanatory factors for passive behaviour (not moving). Altogether, this study showed transfer of POPs to the offspring brains after maternal exposure, modulating the expression level of genes involved in brain function. Highlights: POPs detected in the dams were found in offspring brains showing placental transfer. POPs exposure led to hippocampal gene expression changes related to brain function. External stress combined with POPs caused behavioural deficits in mice offspring. The human based POP mixture proved to be useful in prenatal and lactational studies.