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Exposure to melamine cyanuric acid in adult mice induced thyroid dysfunction and circadian rhythm disorder

Sijie Wang1, Songdi Wang1, Chenxi Wang1

  • 1The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|November 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that exposure to MCA, a flame retardant, disrupts the circadian rhythm and causes thyroid dysfunction in adult mice. MCA altered hormone levels and gene expression, impacting overall health.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Endocrinology
  • Chronobiology

Background:

  • Melamine cyanurate (MCA) is a halogen-free flame retardant.
  • MCA is known to cause damage to organs like kidneys and liver.
  • The impact of MCA on circadian rhythm and thyroid function remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of MCA exposure on circadian rhythm and thyroid function in adult male mice.
  • To determine if MCA disrupts hormone homeostasis and gene expression related to thyroid function.

Main Methods:

  • Adult male mice were administered MCA at varying concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 mg/kg).
  • Wheel-running activity and rest bout patterns were monitored to assess circadian rhythm.
  • Thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4), thyroid hormone synthesis gene expression, and thyroid gland histology were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MCA exposure altered wheel-running and rest patterns, indicating circadian disruption.
  • MCA significantly disrupted thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) homeostasis.
  • A decrease in the expression of thyroid hormone synthesis genes and observable damage to thyroid gland histology were noted.

Conclusions:

  • MCA exposure in adult male mice leads to circadian rhythm disorders.
  • MCA causes significant thyroid dysfunction, including hormonal imbalance and histological damage.
  • These findings highlight the potential risks of MCA exposure on biological rhythms and endocrine health.
Keywords:
Circadian rhythmMelamine cyanuric acidThyroidUCP1

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