Evaluation of estrogenicity of major heavy metals

Sci Total Environ. 2003 Aug 1;312(1-3):15-21. doi: 10.1016/S0048-9697(03)00190-6.

Abstract

We have employed an estrogen receptor dependent transcriptional expression assay and E-Screen assay systems to evaluate the estrogenicity of various heavy metals and their species. Using the former, the following estrogenicity ranking was measured: bis(tri-n-butyltin)>cadmium chloride>antimony chloride>barium chloride=chromium chloride>lithium hydroxide>sodium selenate=lead acetate>stannous chloride. Using the latter, the following estrogenicity ranking was measured: bis(tri-n-butyltin)>cadmium chloride>antimony chloride>lithium hydroxide>barium chloride>sodium selenate>chromium chloride. Especially, bis(tri-n-butyltin), cadmium chloride, antimony chloride, lithium hydroxide, barium chloride, and chromium chloride showed estrogenicity in both assay systems. Recent studies suggesting that bis(tri-n-butyltin), cadmium chloride, and lithium hydroxide have estrogenicities are compatible with the present findings. Furthermore, our studies are the first to suggest that antimony, barium, chromium may be estrogenic. A range of estrogenicity was observed for different species of the same heavy metal. The results demonstrate that an estrogen receptor dependent transcriptional expression assay and the E-Screen assay systems could serve as a useful method to assess the estrogenicity of heavy metals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Environmental Pollutants / adverse effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Humans
  • Luciferases / pharmacology
  • Metals, Heavy / adverse effects*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / drug effects*
  • Reference Values
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Luciferases