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Indications of Endocrine Disruptor Effects of JP-5 Jet Fuel Using a Rat-Model Reproductive Study and an In Vitro
William R Howard1, Joyce G Rohan1, Kimberly S B Yeager1,2
1Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA.
Toxics
|March 27, 2024
Summary
Ingested jet fuel, like JP-5, may disrupt endocrine function, altering hormone levels and offspring sex ratios. JP-5 and JP-8 activate estrogen receptors, suggesting a mechanism for endocrine disruption.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Toxicology
Background:
- Jet fuel contamination of drinking water necessitates understanding its health effects.
- Endocrine disruption is a potential concern with ingested jet fuels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reproductive and endocrine-disrupting effects of ingested Jet Propellant (JP)-5 in rats.
- To evaluate the in vitro human estrogen receptor (ER) activation by JP-5, JP-8, and HydroRenewable Jet (HRJ) fuel.
Main Methods:
- In vivo reproductive study in rats exposed to JP-5.
- In vitro human estrogen receptor activation assays for JP-5, JP-8, and HRJ.
- In vitro androgen and glucocorticoid receptor activation assays.
Main Results:
- JP-5 exposure in rats led to altered hormone levels (lower estradiol in males, higher Dehydroepiandrosterone in females) and a decreased male/female offspring ratio.
- JP-5 and JP-8 upregulated human estrogen receptor activity in vitro.
- HRJ fuel did not activate estrogen receptors; none of the tested fuels activated androgen or glucocorticoid receptors.
Conclusions:
- JP-5 demonstrates potential endocrine-disrupting activity in vivo.
- Estrogen receptor activation is a potential mechanism for JP-5's endocrine-disrupting effects.
- Alternative jet fuels like HRJ may not pose the same endocrine disruption risks.
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