Differences in Toxicokinetics and Maternal Transfer between Lipophilic and Proteinophilic Halogenated Organic Pollutants in Laying Hens

In this study,we conducted exposure experiments on egg-laying hens to explore the toxicokinetics and maternal transfer characteristics of lipophilic and proteinophilic halogenated organic pollutants(HOPs).The lipophilic HOPs included polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs),polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs),and dechlorane plus(DPs),while the proteinophilic HOPs included perfluorocarboxylic acids(PFCAs).The results revealed that most of lipophilic HOPs exhibit lower depuration rate(kd)than PFCAs.The kd of lipophilic HOPs correlated with the octanol−water partition coefficient(log KOW)values in a V-shaped curve,whereas that of PFCAs correlated with the protein−water partition coefficient(log KPW)values in an inverted V-shaped curve.The depuration rate,rather than the uptake rate,was a leading factor in determining the bioaccumulation potential of HOPs in hens.Although the dominant factors determining the tissue distribution of the two types of compounds were explicit(fats vs phospholipids),chemical-specific tissue distribution was still observed.The egg-maternal concentration ratio was dependent on the exposure status,concentration,and maternal tissue choice.Using a single maternal tissue may not be an appropriate method for assessing chemical maternal transfer potential.PFCAs have a greater maternal transfer potential(>80%of the total body burden)than lipophilic HOPs(approximately 30%for BDE209 and DPs,and less than 10%for the others).Their lipophilic and partly proteinophilic nature makes the toxicokinetics and maternal transfer characteristics of BDE209 and DPs different from those of other lipophilic HOPs.These findings are crucial for enhancing our understanding of the behavior and fate of HOPs in egg-laying hens.

Preliminary Investigation on the Role of Vitrification in Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Objective To investigate the feasibility of vitrification of blastocysts following blastomere biopsy. Methods Among patients undergoing pre-implantation genetic diagnosis （PGD）, artificial shrinkage of the blastocoelic cavity and subsequent vitrification of applicable surplus blastocysts after day-3 blastomere biopsy were performed. According to patient requirements, thawed blastocysts were transferred into patients due to pregnancy failure after fresh embryo transfer, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation. Results Twenty-four PGD cycles were carried out. According to genetic diagnosis and the development of blastocysts, transfer was cancelled in 7 cycles due to absence of applicable embryos or ovarian hyperstimulation. In the remaining 17 cycles, 26 blastocysts were thawed and transferred, which resulted in 13 implanted （50.0%）. Clinical pregnancies were observed in 11 patients （64.71%）. Following transfer, 30 applicable blastocysts in 10 cycles were cryopreserved. Six patients received transfer of thawed blastocysts. All 8 thawed embryos survived and were transferred, and singleton pregnancies occurred in 5 patients. Two women delivered healthy infants and 3 pregnancies are ongoing. Conclusion Vitrification with artificial shrinkage is effective for preserving blastocysts following blastomere biopsy.