Interaction of diethylstilbestrol and ioxynil with transthyretin in chicken serum

Ryoji Eguchi1, Akinori Ishihara, Kiyoshi Yamauchi

  • 1Graduate School of Science and Engineering; Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.

Insights

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like DES and ioxynil bind to transthyretin (TTR) in chicken serum, potentially disrupting thyroid function. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) shows less TTR interaction, suggesting other binding mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose risks to thyroid system function.
  • Thyroid hormone transport in serum involves transthyretin (TTR).
  • Investigating EDC interactions with serum proteins is crucial for understanding toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association of diethylstilbestrol (DES), ioxynil, and pentachlorophenol (PCP) with chicken serum proteins.
  • To determine the extent of interaction between these EDCs and transthyretin (TTR).
  • To elucidate potential mechanisms of thyroid system disruption by these chemicals.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro inhibition assays of [(125)I]thyroxine ([(125)I]T(4)) binding to TTR and whole chicken serum.
  • Incubation of chicken serum with EDCs followed by protein fractionation using gel filtration and affinity chromatography.
  • Detection and co-elution analysis of EDC-protein complexes.

Main Results:

  • DES, ioxynil, and PCP all inhibited [(125)I]T(4) binding to purified TTR.
  • PCP was a less potent inhibitor of [(125)I]T(4) binding to whole chicken serum compared to DES and ioxynil.
  • DES and ioxynil co-eluted with TTR during affinity chromatography, indicating significant TTR interaction, while PCP showed minimal TTR co-elution.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of DES and ioxynil interact with TTR in chicken serum.
  • PCP interacts with serum proteins other than TTR, suggesting alternative mechanisms for its effects.
  • These differential interactions may contribute to varying degrees of thyroid system disruption by these EDCs.

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