The Dicentrarchus labrax estrogen screen test: A relevant tool to screen estrogen-like endocrine disrupting chemicals in the aquatic environment.

In response to the need for the diversification of regulatory bioassays to screen estrogen-like endocrine disrupting chemical (EEDC) in the environment, we propose the use of a reporter gene assay involving all nuclear estrogen receptors from Dicentrarchus labrax (i.e., sbEsr1, sbEsr2a, or sbEsr2b). Named DLES test (D. labrax estrogen screen), it aims at complementing existing standardized in vitro tests by implementing more estrogen receptors notably those that do not originate from humans. Positive responses were obtained with all three estrogen receptors, and-consistently with observations from other species-variations in sensitivity to E2 were measured. Sensitivity and EC50 values could be classified as follows: sbEsr2b < sbEsr2a < sbEsr1. The pharmacological characterization with a human estrogen receptor antagonist (fulvestrant) successfully validated the specific involvement of each sbEsr and evidenced the capacity of the DLES test to highlight antagonist interactions. The DLES test was applied to WWTP contaminant extracts. A positive response was detected in the inflow sample in accordance with the YES test, but not in the outflow sample. Notwithstanding, the DLES test (sbEsr2b) exhibited greater sensitivity for the screening of those samples. This study demonstrates the need for more comprehensive testing including representatives of marine species for a better detection of EEDCs. The DLES test appears as a pertinent tool to predict adverse effects and to widen the scope of screening and hazard assessment of EEDCs in the environment.