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Multigenerational and Transgenerational Effects of Dioxins
Matti Viluksela1,2, Raimo Pohjanvirta3
1School of Pharmacy and Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland. matti.viluksela@uef.fi.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 20, 2019
Summary
Exposure to dioxins, like 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), can negatively impact reproductive health across generations. Epigenetic changes in sperm and placenta may explain these multi-generational effects, mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Dioxins are persistent environmental contaminants with widespread human exposure.
- Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest paternal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) may reduce the male/female offspring ratio.
- TCDD exposure in parent animals has been linked to reduced reproductive performance and adverse effects in subsequent generations via germline transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on the multi-generational effects of dioxin exposure.
- To explore the role of epigenetic alterations in mediating these effects.
- To highlight the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent key studies in environmental and reproductive toxicology.
- Analysis of experimental data from rodent and zebrafish models.
- Examination of epidemiological evidence regarding human exposure and offspring sex ratios.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests TCDD exposure can induce epigenetic alterations, such as changes in DNA methylation of imprinted genes, in germ cells and placenta.
- These epigenetic modifications provide a biological mechanism for transgenerational inheritance of TCDD-induced effects.
- The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is implicated as a key mediator of these dioxin-induced effects.
Conclusions:
- Dioxin exposure, particularly TCDD, can cause multi-generational reproductive impacts through epigenetics.
- Epigenetic alterations in sperm and placenta, mediated by AHR, offer a plausible mechanism for these effects.
- While human health implications require further investigation, lowered male/female ratios at realistic exposure levels are a concern.
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