Assimilation behaviors and metabolite formations of estrone sulfate sodium (E1-3S) and 17 & beta;-estradiol-3-O-sulfate sodium (E2-3S) in the wheat

The conjugated steroid estrogens (CSEs), including estrone sulfate sodium (E1-3 S) and 17 & beta;-estradiol-3-O-sulfate sodium (E2-3 S), exhibit distinct metabolic behaviors in the aqueous and soil environments. However, their assimilation behaviors and metabolite formations in plant bodies (shoots and roots) remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study used a modified plant hydroponic system to explore the efficiency with which wheat (Triticum acstivnm L.) assimilated the two estrogen conjugates, E1-3 S and E2-3 S. Results indicated the potential of wheat to absorb E1-3 S and E2-3 S, with their assimilation in the root being significantly higher (104-105 ng/g dw) than in the shoot (103-104 ng/g dw). E1-3 S de-sulfated and transformed to estrone (E1) at a rate of 4%-45% in the root's oxidative environment, whereas E2-3 S converted to E1-3 S at 210%-570%. However, the root-toshoot transfer was impeded by a less potent metabolic activity within the shoot system. The co-exposure treatment revealed that E1 or 17 & beta;-estradiol (E2) affects the assimilation of E1-3 S and E2-3 S by wheat, with E1 inhibiting E1-3 S assimilation and E2 promoting E2-3 S assimilation in wheat bodies. Nonetheless, free-form steroid estrogens (FSEs), which typically have a significant hormone action, can oxidative-damage the wheat tissues, producing a progressive wilting of wheat leaf and so limiting the transpiration process. Co-exposure initially increased the assimilation amounts of E1-3 S (particularly in shoots) and E2-3 S (in both roots and shoots), but these values rapidly declined as exposure duration increased. The combined effects of E1-3 S and E23 S exposure also increased their assimilation. These findings suggest the need for further investigation into the cumulative impact of environmental estrogen contaminants. The findings of present study can potentially guide the development of strategies to prevent and manage steroid estrogen contamination in agricultural contexts.

Automated summary

This study investigated the assimilation behaviors of conjugated steroid estrogens (CSEs) in wheat plants and their impact on plant growth and transpiration. The results showed that wheat can absorb CSEs, with higher assimilation in the roots compared to the shoots. However, the metabolic activity in the shoots limits the transfer of CSEs from roots to shoots. Additionally, CSEs have oxidative damage effects on wheat tissues, leading to wilting and reduced transpiration. Further research is needed to understand the cumulative impact of environmental estrogen contaminants and develop strategies to mitigate their contamination in agriculture.