Exposure to the UV Filter Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate in the Postnatal Period Induces Thyroid Dysregulation and Perturbs the Immune System of Mice

Abstract

Evidence demonstrates the bidirectional communication and regulation between the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Thyroid hormones play key roles in nervous system development and can exert influence on various immune cells contributing to pathophysiological conditions. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) is one of the most commonly used UV filters, and in vitro and in vivo studies have found thyroid disrupting effects. The present study assessed whether OMC administration in mice dams during the lactational period can cause thyroid disruption and generate immunologic alterations in the offspring. Indirect exposure to the OMC (1,000 mg/kg) in the lactational period affected neurodevelopment parameters, such as delayed eye-opening and weight gain in mice of both sexes, and these alterations are corroborated by the decrease in the T4 levels present in the pups' blood. No significant changes were observed in the thymus of these pups, but the number of lymphocytes increased in the spleen of the animals exposed to OMC, similar to the animals treated with propyl-thiouracil (PTU), a well-known thyroid disruptor. OMC modulated the percentage of leukocyte populations in peripheral blood, and the number of circulating polymorphonuclear cells increased twofold. In vitro, OMC exhibited an inhibitory effect on splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 production induced by anti-CD3 antibody; however, this effect was reversed with the addition of T4 in the cell culture. In summary, the results of the present study demonstrate the influence of OMC on thyroid dysregulation and its impact on the modulation of the immune system in mice pups.

Benzophenone-3 and antinuclear antibodies in U.S. adolescents and adults ages 12-39 years

“…While the finding for BP-3 appeared fairly specific, we cannot rule out the role of unmeasured confounders. We did not consider mixtures or other chemicals included in personal care products, such as phthalates, or other chemical sunscreens, some of which may also impact the immune system ( 27 , 28 ).…”

Occurrence of major organic UV filters in aquatic environments and their endocrine disruption potentials: A mini‐review

“…None of test organisms showed alterations in serum T4 levels. Furthermore, OMC was shown to perturb serum T4 levels in both male and female Swiss Webster mice (Ferraris et al, 2020) and increase thyroid tissue weight in male and female Wistar rats (Axelstad et al, 2011).…”

UV-B Filter Octylmethoxycinnamate Alters the Vascular Contractility Patterns in Pregnant Women with Hypothyroidism

“…Octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC) is probably the world’s most widely used UV-B filter [ 14 ] in the cosmetics industry [ 15 ]. In addition to its presence in hair products, lipsticks, makeup, perfumes and skin care products [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], the OMC is also widely found in powder samples [ 20 ], pool, tap and drinking water [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], increasing human exposure to this UV filter.…”

“…In addition to its presence in hair products, lipsticks, makeup, perfumes and skin care products [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], the OMC is also widely found in powder samples [ 20 ], pool, tap and drinking water [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], increasing human exposure to this UV filter. Due to its high lipophilic character, low molecular weight and poor degradability, OMC is an emerging contaminant that can be bioaccumulated in several organisms [ 15 ]. Recently, this UV-B filter was banned in Hawaii owing to its toxic effects on marine ecosystems [ 2 , 24 ].…”