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Di W, Li Y, Zhang L, Zhou Q, Fu Z, Xi S. The hippo-YAP1/HIF-1α pathway mediates arsenic-induced renal fibrosis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119325. [PMID: 38844032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence reveals that arsenic increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans, but its mechanism of action has so far been unclear. Fibrosis is the manifestation of end-stage renal disease. Hypoxia is recognized as a vital event accompanying the progression of renal fibrosis. KM mice were exposed to 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L NaAsO2 for 12 weeks. HK-2 cells were treated with 1 μM NaAsO2 for 4 weeks. The results showed that arsenic increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) (P < 0.05), which is involved in inorganic arsenic-induced renal fibrosis. The Hippo signaling pathway is the upstream signal of HIF-1α and the kinase cascade of Large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is the heart of the Hippo pathway. Our results showed that protein expressions of LATS1 and phosphorylated YAP1 were decreased, and dephosphorylated YAP1 expression increased in arsenic-treated mouse kidneys and human HK-2 cells (P < 0.05). Our research manifested that arsenic treatment suppressed the Hippo signaling and induced high expression of YAP1 into the nucleus. We also found that YAP1 was involved in arsenic-induced renal fibrosis by forming a complex with HIF-1α and maintaining HIF-1α stability. Our findings indicate that YAP1 is a potential target for molecular-based therapy for arsenic-mediated renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Di
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Foreign Languages, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhushan Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; The Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province on Toxic and Biological Effects of Arsenicy, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China.
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Huertas-Abril PV, Prieto-Álamo MJ, Jurado J, Pérez J, Molina-Hernández V, García-Barrera T, Abril N. Transcriptional and biochemical changes in mouse liver following exposure to a metal/drug cocktail. Attenuating effect of a selenium-enriched diet. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 191:114845. [PMID: 38945390 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Real-life pollution usually involves simultaneous co-exposure to different chemicals. Metals and drugs are frequently and abundantly released into the environment, where they interact and bioaccumulate. Few studies analyze potential interactions between metals and pharmaceuticals in these mixtures, although their joint effects cannot be inferred from their individual properties. We have previously demonstrated that the mixture (PC) of the metals Cd and Hg, the metalloid As and the pharmaceuticals diclofenac (DCF) and flumequine (FLQ) impairs hepatic proteostasis. To gain a deeper vision of how PC affects mouse liver homeostasis, we evaluated here the effects of PC exposure upon some biochemical and morphometric parameters, and on the transcriptional profiles of selected group of genes. We found that exposure to PC caused oxidative damage that exceeded the antioxidant capacity of cells. The excessive oxidative stress response resulted in an overabundance of reducing equivalents, which hindered the metabolism and transport of metabolites, including cholesterol and bile acids, between organs. These processes have been linked to metabolic and inflammatory disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, our findings suggest that unintended exposure to mixtures of environmental pollutants may underlie the etiology of many human diseases. Fortunately, we also found that a diet enriched with selenium mitigated the harmful effects of this combination of toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula V Huertas-Abril
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - María-José Prieto-Álamo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Jurado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Pérez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Verónica Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Tamara García-Barrera
- Centro de Investigación de Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente (RENSMA). Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Campus El Carmen, Universidad de Huelva, Avda. Fuerzas Armadas, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - Nieves Abril
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396, 14014, Córdoba, Spain.
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3
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Ren M, Li J, Xu Z, Nan B, Gao H, Wang H, Lin Y, Shen H. Arsenic exposure induced renal fibrosis via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3-TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3679-3693. [PMID: 38511876 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Environmental arsenic exposure is one of the major global public health problems. Studies have shown that arsenic exposure can cause renal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Integrating the in vivo and in vitro models, this study investigated the potential molecular pathways for arsenic-induced renal fibrosis. In this study, SD rats were treated with 0, 5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L NaAsO2 for 8 weeks via drinking water, and HK2 cells were treated with different doses of NaAsO2 for 48 h. The in vivo results showed that arsenic content in the rats' kidneys increased as the dose increased. Body weight decreased and kidney coefficient increased at 100 mg/L. As a response to the elevated NaAsO2 dose, inflammatory cell infiltration, renal tubular injury, glomerular atrophy, tubulointerstitial hemorrhage, and fibrosis became more obvious indicated by HE and Masson staining. The kidney transcriptome profiles further supported the protein-protein interactions involved in NaAsO2-induced renal fibrosis. The in vivo results, in together with the in vitro experiments, have revealed that exposure to NaAsO2 disturbed mitochondrial dynamics, promoted mitophagy, activated inflammation and the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway, and finally resulted in fibrosis. In summary, arsenic exposure contributed to renal fibrosis via regulating the mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3-TGF-β1/SMAD signaling axis. This study presented an adverse outcome pathway for the development of renal fibrosis due to arsenic exposure through drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zehua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bingru Nan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Zhang X, Jackson S, Liu J, Li J, Yang Z, Sun D, Zhang W. Arsenic aggravates the progression of diabetic nephropathy through miRNA-mRNA-autophagy axis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 187:114628. [PMID: 38579892 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Environmental factors play an important role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), and previous study has shown that arsenic exposure can promote kidney damage in DN rats, however there is no relevant mechanism study so far. In this study, an arsenic-exposed (10 mg/L and 25 mg/L) DN mouse model was established through drinking water for 14 weeks. The results showed that 25 mg/L arsenic exposure increased the renal fibrosis in DN mice significantly, and urinary mAlb level increased with the increasing of arsenic exposure level. Transcriptome sequencing showed that autophagy-related pathways were significantly activated under the exposure dose of 25 mg/L, and levels of Beclin1 and p-ATG16L1/ATG16L1 were significantly higher in the 25 mg/L arsenic group compared to the control group. Silico analysis predicted the microRNAs those could regulate the hub genes of Mapk1, Rhoa and Cdc42, and dual-luciferase gene reporter assay was used to verify the targeted binding between these mRNAs and microRNAs. Our results suggested that high arsenic exposure could aggravate the progression of DN by altering autophagy, the miRNA-mRNA axles of let-7a-1-3p, let-7b-3p, let-7f-1-3p, miR-98-3p/Cdc42, Mapk1, Rhoa, could be considered promising targets to explore the mechanisms and therapeutic measures of DN after exposure to high levels of arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Zhang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Sira Jackson
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Jianhao Liu
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China; The Fourth Hospital of Baotou, Baotou, 014030, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhihan Yang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Dianjun Sun
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Key Lab of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province & Ministry of Health (23618504), Harbin, 150081, China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Iheanacho MS, Kandel R, Roy P, Singh KP. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates arsenic-induced fibrogenic changes in human kidney epithelial cells through reversal of epigenetic aberrations and antioxidant activities. Biofactors 2024; 50:542-557. [PMID: 38146662 PMCID: PMC11178478 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a pathogenic intermediate stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephrotoxicants including arsenic can cause kidney fibrosis through induction of oxidative stress and epigenetic aberrations. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, is known to have antioxidant and epigenetic modulation properties. Whether EGCG, through its antioxidant and epigenetic modulating activities, can attenuate fibrogenesis is not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine whether EGCG can attenuate arsenic-induced acute injury and long-term exposure associated fibrogenicity in kidney epithelial cells. To address this question, two human kidney epithelial cell lines Caki-1 and HK-2 exposed to arsenic for both acute and long-term durations were treated with EGCG. The protective effect of EGCG on arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and fibrogenicity were evaluated by measuring the cell growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, genes expression, and epigenetic changes in histone marks. Results revealed that EGCG has a protective effect in arsenic-induced acute cytotoxicity in these cells. EGCG scavenges the increased levels of ROS in arsenic exposed cells. Aberrant expression of fibrogenic genes in arsenic exposed cells were restored by EGCG. Abrogation of arsenic-induced fibrogenic changes was also associated with EGCG-mediated restoration of arsenic-induced aberrant expression of epigenetic regulatory proteins and histone marks. Novel findings of this study suggest that EGCG, through its antioxidant and epigenetic modulation capacities, has protective effects against arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and fibrogenic changes in kidney epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Sonia Iheanacho
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Ramji Kandel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Priti Roy
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Kamaleshwar P Singh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Epigenetic Regulation of EMP/EMT-Dependent Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2775. [PMID: 38474021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis represents a process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It often represents the evolution of pathological conditions, causes organ failure, and can, in extreme cases, compromise the functionality of organs to the point of causing death. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic evolution and to identify possible therapeutic strategies. Great interest has been aroused by the discovery of a molecular association between epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), in particular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrogenesis, which has led to the identification of complex molecular mechanisms closely interconnected with each other, which could explain EMT-dependent fibrosis. However, the result remains unsatisfactory from a therapeutic point of view. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, based on chromatin remodeling through various histone modifications or through the intervention of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have provided more information on the fibrotic process, and this could represent a promising path forward for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize current research on epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis, with a focus on epigenetic regulation of EMP/EMT-dependent fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
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Li S, Dong X, Xu L, Wu Z. Nephroprotective Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles Against Sodium Arsenite-Induced Damages. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:3157-3176. [PMID: 37333733 PMCID: PMC10276609 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s413362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The potential effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) administration on arsenic exposure-mediated nephrotoxicity by alleviating fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress-related damage, and apoptosis remains more detailed investigations. Methods After the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) through a versatile and green procedure, the biosafety of SeNPs was assessed by assaying renal functions and inflammation in mice. Subsequently, nephroprotective effects of SeNPs against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced damages were confirmed by biochemical, molecular, and histopathological assays, including renal function, histological lesion, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress-related damage, and apoptosis in mice renal tissues and renal tubular duct epithelial cells (HK2 cells). Results The excellent biocompatibility and safety of SeNPs prepared in this study were confirmed by the non-significant differences in the renal functions and inflammation levels in mice between the negative control (NC) and 1 mg/kg SeNPs groups (p>0.05). The results of biochemical, molecular, and histopathological assays confirmed that daily administration of 1 mg/kg SeNPs for 4 weeks not only ameliorated renal dysfunctions and injuries caused by NaAsO2 exposure but also inhibited the fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress-related damage, and apoptosis in the renal tissues of NaAsO2-exposed mice. In addition, altered viability, inflammation, oxidative stress-related damage, and apoptosis in the NaAsO2-exposed HK2 cells were effectively reversed after 100 μg/mL SeNPs supplementation. Conclusion Our findings authentically confirmed the biosafety and nephroprotective effects of SeNPs against NaAsO2 exposure-induced damages by alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress-related damage, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubin Li
- Department of Geriatric Medical Center, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, 010021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingna Dong
- Department of Geriatric Medical Center, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, 010021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Limeng Xu
- Department of Geriatric Medical Center, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, 010021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenli Wu
- Department of Geriatric Medical Center, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, 010021, People’s Republic of China
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Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Lin YC, Huang YL, Shiue HS, Hsu SL, Hsueh YM. Chronic Kidney Disease: Combined Effects of Gene Polymorphisms of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 3, Total Urinary Arsenic, and Blood Lead Concentration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1886. [PMID: 36767251 PMCID: PMC9914449 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) is known to be an anti-fibrotic factor. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium exposure and selenium intake may affect TIMP3 expression. The downregulation of TIMP3 expression is related to kidney fibrosis. Genotypes of TIMP3 are related to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study explored whether TIMP3 polymorphism is associated with hypertension-related chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, the combined effects of TIMP3 polymorphism and total urinary arsenic, blood lead and cadmium, and plasma selenium concentrations on CKD, were investigated. This was a case-control study, with 213 CKD patients and 423 age- and sex-matched controls recruited. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine TIMP3 gene polymorphisms. The concentrations of urinary arsenic species, plasma selenium, and blood lead and cadmium were measured. The odds ratio (OR) of CKD in the TIMP3rs9609643 GA/AA genotype was higher than that of the GG genotype at high levels of total urinary arsenic and blood lead; the OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 0.57 (0.31-1.05) and 0.52 (0.30-0.93), respectively, after multivariate adjustment. High blood lead levels tended to interact with the TIMP3rs9609643 GG genotype to increase the OR of CKD, and gave the highest OR (95% CI) for CKD of 5.97 (2.60-13.67). Our study supports a possible role for the TIMP3rs9609643 risk genotype combined with high total urinary arsenic or with high blood lead concentration to increase the OR of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chin Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Li Huang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Sheng Shiue
- Department of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Lun Hsu
- Department of Family Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Mei Hsueh
- Department of Family Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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Wang D, Xu H, Fan L, Ruan W, Song Q, Diao H, He R, Jin Y. Hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling facilitates long-term arsenite-induced hepatocytes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and liver fibrosis in sprague-dawley rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114386. [PMID: 36508792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a well known environmental hazardous material, chronic arsenic exposure results in different types of liver damage. Among them, liver fibrosis has become a research hotspot because of its reversibility, while the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Previous studies revealed that EGFR/ERK signaling appears to play an important role in fibrosis diseases. In this study, sprague-dawley rats were exposed to different doses of arsenite for 36 weeks to investigate the roles of EGFR/ERK signaling on arsenite-induced liver fibrogenesis. Our results showed that long-term arsenite exposure induced liver fibrosis, accompanied by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, excessive serum secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM), and hepatocytes epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). In addition, arsenite exposure caused hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling in liver tissue of rats, indicating that EGFR/ERK signaling may be involved in arsenite-induced liver fibrosis. Indeed, erlotinib (a specific phosphorylation inhibitor of EGFR) intervention significantly decreased arsenite induced hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling, thereby suppressed hepatocytes EMT process and alleviated liver fibrogenesis in arsenite exposed rats. In summary, the present study provides evidences showing that hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling facilitates long-term arsenite-induced hepatocytes EMT and liver fibrosis in rats, which brings new insights into the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Huifen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenli Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; Tongren Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongren 554300, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Song
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Heng Diao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
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11
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Xu C, Zhang Q, Huang G, Huang J, Zhang H. The impact of PM2.5 on kidney. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:107-121. [PMID: 35671242 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PM2.5 poses a severe risk to kidneys, inducing kidney function decline, increasing the risk of suffering from chronic kidney diseases and promoting the occurrence and development of various renal tumors. The mechanism of PM2.5-induced renal injury may involve oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cytotoxicity. This paper elaborated PM2.5-induced kidney damage and the corresponding possible mechanism so as to raise awareness of air pollution and reduce the damage to human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunming Xu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.,Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.,Key Lab for Immunology in Universities of Shandong Province, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guochen Huang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.,Key Lab for Immunology in Universities of Shandong Province, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.,Neurologic Disorders and Regeneration Repair Lab of Shandong Higher Education, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.,Key Lab for Immunology in Universities of Shandong Province, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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12
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Zhao Y, Zeng X, Xu X, Wang W, Xu L, Wu Y, Li H. Low-dose 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine protects against early renal injury by increasing klotho expression. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1411-1425. [PMID: 36695107 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the effect of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza) on early renal injury. Materials & methods: Cell damage and inflammation are features of early renal injury. The apoptosis and inflammation in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and ischemia-reperfusion kidney were studied, and expression of the protein klotho was investigated. Results: Aza induced HK-2 apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, but low-dose Aza attenuated the apoptosis and inflammation in H/R-induced HK-2 cells and ischemia-reperfusion kidney. Low-dose Aza ameliorated renal function in mice with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Meanwhile, low-dose Aza upregulated klotho expression in H/R-induced HK-2 cells and ischemia-reperfusion kidney. Klotho knockdown abrogated the effects of low-dose Aza on apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusion: Low-dose Aza protects against renal early injury by increasing klotho expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Zhao
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xiaorong Zeng
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xinli Xu
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Graduate School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Graduate School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Yiying Wu
- Graduate School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Hang Li
- Graduate School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
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13
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Su F, Zeeshan M, Xiong LH, Lv JY, Wu Y, Tang XJ, Zhou Y, Ou YQ, Huang WZ, Feng WR, Zeng XW, Dong GH. Co-exposure to perfluoroalkyl acids and heavy metals mixtures associated with impaired kidney function in adults: A community-based population study in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156299. [PMID: 35643130 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have separately linked either perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) or heavy metal exposure with kidney dysfunction. However, the relationships of co-exposure to PFAAs and heavy metals with kidney function are still unclear. OBJECTIVES To explore the associations between exposure to PFAAs and heavy metals mixtures and kidney function in adults. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional community-based population study in Guangzhou, China, enrolling 1312 adults from November 2018 to August 2019. We quantified 13 PFAAs in serum and 14 heavy metals in plasma. We chose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) as outcomes of interest. Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs) were used to check nonlinearity of individual pollutant with kidney function. Joint associations of pollutant mixtures on kidney function were assessed by Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models. We further explored modification effects of gender. RESULTS Most individual PFAA and heavy metal were associated with declined kidney function in single-pollutant models. We also observed significant dose-response relationships of pollutant mixtures with reduced eGFR levels and increased odds of CKD in BKMR models. Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), arsenic (As) and strontium (Sr) were the predominant contributors among pollutant mixtures. A change in log PFHpS, As and Sr concentrations from the 25th to the 75th percentile were associated with a decrease in eGFR of -5.42 (95% confidence interval (CI): -6.86, -3.98), -2.14 (95% CI: -3.70, -0.58) and -1.87 (95% CI: -3.03, -0.72) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, when other pollutants were at their median values. In addition, the observed associations were more obvious in females. CONCLUSIONS We provided new evidence that co-exposure to PFAAs and heavy metals mixtures was associated with reduced kidney function in adults and PFHpS, As and Sr appeared to be the major contributors. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Su
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Hua Xiong
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Jia-Yun Lv
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Tang
- Guangzhou JES+US Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Ou
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen-Zhong Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Wen-Ru Feng
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China.
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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14
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Liu R, Deng Z, Lin M, Ruan F, Luo G, Luo Z, Dou L, Wang L, Qiu G, Huang Z, Hou X, Wang D, Guo D, Zhou H, An R, Yao Y, Zhang Y. Arsenic induces bronchial epithelial carcinogenesis with mitochondrial dysfunction through AKAP95-mediated cell cycle alterations. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 450:116166. [PMID: 35842138 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic is a widely existing pollutant in the environment, but the mechanism of occurrence and development of lung cancer by long-term arsenic exposure needs to be elucidated further. How the high and low doses of arsenic induce human bronchial epithelial cell transformation is yet to be elucidated. In the present study, human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to varying high-dose sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) for the short-term or treated with low dose for long-term. The data showed that both short- and long-term treatment promoted G1/S transition of Beas-2B cells, inducing a significant increase in the expression of AKAP95, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, and cyclin E1. However, silencing AKAP95 by treating cells with siAKAP95 exerted a protective function that inhibited G1/S transition, suggesting a regulatory mechanism of AKAP95 on the cell cycle during cell malignant transformation induced by NaAsO2. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunctions occurred during NaAsO2 exposure. Beas-2B cells exposed to low-dose NaAsO2 for long-term were subcultured for 20 generations, and the exposure time was positively proportional to the growth and migration rate of the cells. The exposed cells were used in a tumor-bearing transplantation experiment (mice), and the results showed that the longer the exposure time, the faster the tumor volume growth rate of As-Beas-2B cells. Tumor tissues were excised for hematoxylin-eosin staining, which showed altered cell morphology and increased volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zifeng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Mo Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Fengkai Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Guangping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Liangding Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Guihua Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Dai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Dongbei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Haitao Zhou
- Microbiology laboratory, Futian District Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Shenzhen City, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Ran An
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Youliang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
| | - Yongxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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15
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Chen XL, Xu YM, Lau ATY. Toxic metals in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity: demons or angels? Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:237. [PMID: 35897065 PMCID: PMC9327425 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells can trans-differentiate into motile mesenchymal cells through a dynamic process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is crucial in embryonic development and wound healing but also contributes to human diseases such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. Heavy metals are environmental pollutants that can affect human health in various ways, including causing cancers. The cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of heavy metals are complex, and studies have demonstrated that some of these metals can affect the progress of EMT. Here, we focus on reviewing the roles of six environmentally common toxic metals concerning EMT: arsenic (AS), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Noteworthily, the effects of these elements on EMT may vary according to the form, dose, and exposure time; the dual role of heavy metals (e.g., AS, Cd, and Cu) on EMT is also observed, in which, sometimes they can promote while sometimes inhibit the EMT process. Given the vast number of toxicologically relevant metals that exist in nature, we believe a comprehensive understanding of their effects on EMT is required to dictate in what circumstances these metals act more likely as demons or angels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Li Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Andy T. Y. Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041 People’s Republic of China
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16
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Hashem A, Shameem N, Parray JA, Abd‐Allah EF. Mycorrhizal Strategy for the Management of Hazardous Chromium Contaminants. CORE MICROBIOME 2022:298-314. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119830795.ch18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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17
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Chen HC, Chiou HYC, Tsai ML, Chen SC, Lin MH, Chuang TC, Hung CH, Kuo CH. Effects of Montelukast on Arsenic-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:877125. [PMID: 35517780 PMCID: PMC9063880 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.877125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of airway lung epithelial cells is considered a major driver of fibrosis and airway remodeling. Arsenic exposure is well known to cause the malignant transformation of cells, including those in the lung. Accumulating studies have shown that arsenic exposure is associated with chronic pulmonary diseases. However, clinical treatment for arsenic-induced pulmonary damage has not been well investigated. Materials and Methods: The therapeutic effects of montelukast and its combination with fluticasone on sodium arsenite-induced EMT changes in normal human bronchial cells were investigated. The cell migration ability was evaluated by Transwell and wound healing assays. EMT marker expression was determined by immunoblotting. Furthermore, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in arsenic-induced EMT and the effect of montelukast on this process were determined by ROS inhibitor treatment and ROS measurement, respectively. Results: Montelukast was effective at reducing arsenic-induced cell migration and mesenchymal protein (fibronectin, MMP-2, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and SMAD2/3) expression. Arsenic-induced ROS production was attenuated by pretreatment with montelukast. Treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl cysteine reduced arsenic-induced NF-kB phosphorylation and the mesenchymal protein expression, indicating that ROS production is critical for arsenic-induced EMT. In addition, combined treatment with montelukast and fluticasone reversed the inhibitory effects of montelukast on cell migration. The expression of fibronectin, MMP-2 induced by arsenic was further enhanced by the combination treatment compared with montelukast treatment only. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that montelukast is effective at reducing arsenic-induced EMT in human bronchial epithelial cells. Through the inhibition of arsenic-induced ROS generation and NF-kB activation, which is critical for arsenic-induced EMT, montelukast inhibited arsenic-induced cell migration and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and several EMT-regulating transcription factors. The combination of fluticasone with montelukast reversed the inhibitory effect of montelukast on arsenic-induced EMT. This study provides therapeutic strategies and mechanisms for arsenic-induced pulmonary epithelial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Chi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Clair Chiou
- Teaching and Research Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Lan Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chia Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hong Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,M.Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Chuang
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsing Hung
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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18
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Muzaffar S, Khan J, Srivastava R, Gorbatyuk MS, Athar M. Mechanistic understanding of the toxic effects of arsenic and warfare arsenicals on human health and environment. Cell Biol Toxicol 2022; 39:85-110. [PMID: 35362847 PMCID: PMC10042769 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-022-09710-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, more than 200 million people are estimated to be exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic. Chronic exposure to unsafe levels of groundwater arsenic is responsible for multiple human disorders, including dermal, cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary, renal, and metabolic conditions. Consumption of rice and seafood (where high levels of arsenic are accumulated) is also responsible for human exposure to arsenic. The toxicity of arsenic compounds varies greatly and may depend on their chemical form, solubility, and concentration. Surprisingly, synthetic organoarsenicals are extremely toxic molecules which created interest in their development as chemical warfare agents (CWAs) during World War I (WWI). Among these CWAs, adamsite, Clark I, Clark II, and lewisite are of critical importance, as stockpiles of these agents still exist worldwide. In addition, unused WWII weaponized arsenicals discarded in water bodies or buried in many parts of the world continue to pose a serious threat to the environment and human health. Metabolic inhibition, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and epigenetic alterations including micro-RNA-dependent regulation are some of the underlying mechanisms of arsenic toxicity. Mechanistic understanding of the toxicity of organoarsenicals is also critical for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This review provides comprehensive details and a critical assessment of recently published data on various chemical forms of arsenic, their exposure, and implications on human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Muzaffar
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals and Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Volker Hall - Room 509 1670 University Blvd. , Birmingham, AL, 35294-0019, USA
| | - Jasim Khan
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals and Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Volker Hall - Room 509 1670 University Blvd. , Birmingham, AL, 35294-0019, USA
| | - Ritesh Srivastava
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals and Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Volker Hall - Room 509 1670 University Blvd. , Birmingham, AL, 35294-0019, USA
| | - Marina S Gorbatyuk
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mohammad Athar
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals and Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Volker Hall - Room 509 1670 University Blvd. , Birmingham, AL, 35294-0019, USA.
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19
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Liu W, Wang B, Zhao Y, Wu Z, Dong A, Chen H, Lin L, Lu J, Hai X. Pharmacokinetic Characteristics, Tissue Bioaccumulation and Toxicity Profiles of Oral Arsenic Trioxide in Rats: Implications for the Treatment and Risk Assessment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:647687. [PMID: 34122070 PMCID: PMC8194082 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.647687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral arsenic trioxide (ATO) has demonstrated a favorable clinical efficiency in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the pharmacokinetic characteristics, tissue bioaccumulation, and toxicity profiles of arsenic metabolites in vivo following oral administration of ATO have not yet been characterized. The present study uses high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS) to assess the pharmacokinetics of arsenic metabolites in rat plasma after oral and intravenous administration of 1 mg kg-1 ATO. In addition, the bioaccumulation of arsenic metabolites in blood and selected tissues were evaluated after 28 days oral administration of ATO in rats at a dose of 0, 2, 8, and 20 mg kg-1 d-1. The HPLC-HG-AFS analysis was complemented by a biochemical, hematological, and histopathological evaluation conducted upon completion of ATO treatment. Pharmacokinetic results showed that arsenite (AsIII) reached a maximum plasma concentration rapidly after initial dosing, and the absolute bioavailability of AsIII was 81.03%. Toxicological results showed that the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and white blood cells (WBC) in the 20 mg kg-1 d-1 ATO group were significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The distribution trend of total arsenic in the rat was as follows: whole blood > kidney > liver > heart. Dimethylated arsenic (DMA) was the predominant bioaccumulative metabolite in the whole blood, liver, and heart, while monomethylated arsenic (MMA) was the predominant one in the kidney. Collectively, these results revealed that oral ATO was rapidly absorbed, well-tolerated, and showed organ-specific and dose-specific bioaccumulation of arsenic metabolites. The present study provides preliminary evidence for clinical applications and the long-term safety evaluation of oral ATO in the treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yilei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Andi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongzhu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Liwang Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Hai
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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20
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Jain RB. Concentrations of selected arsenic species in urine across various stages of renal function including hyperfiltration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:8594-8605. [PMID: 33067786 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11189-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Data (N = 10,590) from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2005-2016 for US adults aged ≥ 20 years were analyzed to study how concentrations of arsenobetaine (UAB), monomethylarsonic acid (UMMA), dimethylarsenic acid (UDMA), and total arsenic (UAS) in urine vary across the stages of renal function (RF). Data were analyzed over RF-1A (eGFR > 110 mL/min/1.73 m2), RF-1B (eGFR between 90 and 110 mL/min/1.73 m2), RF-2 (eGFR between 60 and 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), RF-3A (eGFR between 45 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), and RF-3B/4 (eGFR between 15 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m2). Adjusted geometric mean (AGM) concentrations of the total population, males, and females for UAS, UAB, and UDMA were observed to follow inverted U-shaped distributions with points of inflection located at RF-3A. For example, adjusted concentrations for the total population for UAS were 8.8, 8.8, 9.5, 11.7, and 9.6 μg/L for those in RF-1A, RF-1B, RF-2, RF-3A, and RF-3B/4 respectively. While statistically significant differences were only occasionally observed, males, in general, had lower AGMs than females for UAS and UDMA, but females had lower AGMs than males for UAB. Among the various racial/ethnic groups, non-Hispanic whites had the lowest adjusted concentrations of all four arsenic variables. Adjusted levels of all four arsenic variables were observed to decrease over survey years of 2005-2006 through 2015-2016. However, statistical significance was not necessarily reached for all RF stages. Smoking was associated with reduced levels of four arsenic variables over RF-1A through RF-2. Diabetes was associated with increased levels of UMMA and UDMA at RF-2.
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Xue J, Xiao T, Wei S, Sun J, Zou Z, Shi M, Sun Q, Dai X, Wu L, Li J, Xia H, Tang H, Zhang A, Liu Q. miR-21-regulated M2 polarization of macrophage is involved in arsenicosis-induced hepatic fibrosis through the activation of hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6025-6041. [PMID: 33481270 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arsenicosis induced by chronic exposure to arsenic is recognized as one of the main damaging effects on public health. Exposure to arsenic can cause hepatic fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are complex and elusive. It is not known if miRNAs are involved in arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. We found that in the livers of mice exposed to arsenite, there were elevated levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and arginase 1 (Arg1); low levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and more extensive liver fibrosis. For cultured cells, arsenite-induced miR-21, p-mTOR, and Arg1; decreased PTEN; and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes (THP-M), which caused secretion of fibrogenic cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β1. Coculture of arsenite-treated, THP-M with LX-2 cells induced α-SMA and collagen I in the LX-2 cells and resulted in the activation of these cells. Downregulation of miR-21 in THP-M inhibited arsenite-induced M2 polarization and activation of LX-2 cells, but cotransfection with PTEN siRNA or a miR-21 inhibitor reversed this inhibition. Moreover, knockout of miR-21 in mice attenuated liver fibrosis and M2 polarization compared with WT mice exposed to arsenite. Additionally, LN, PCIII, and HA levels were higher in patients with higher hair arsenic levels, and levels of miR-21 were higher than controls and positively correlated with PCIII, LN, and HA levels. Thus, arsenite induces the M2 polarization of macrophages via miR-21 regulation of PTEN, which is involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis. The results establish a previously unknown mechanism for arsenicosis-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Xue
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaofeng Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonglan Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ming Shi
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Dai
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huanwen Tang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Wang Y, Zhao H, Nie X, Guo M, Jiang G, Xing M. Zinc application alleviates the adverse renal effects of arsenic stress in a protein quality control way in common carp. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110063. [PMID: 32818499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The potential antagonistic mechanism between zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) on renal toxicity was investigated in common carp. The results showed that by increased Zn efflux and retention (as reflected by zinc transporter 1 (ZnT-1), Zrt- and Irt- 1ike protein (ZIP) and metallothionein (MT) expression), Zn co-administration significantly recovered the antioxidant function (catalase, CAT) and the level of renal barrier function (Occludin, Claudins and Zonula Occludens) in comparison to As treatment. Interestingly, Zn co-administration with As resulted in carps undergoing reduction of heat shock response (HSPs), a low induction of autophagy flux (Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and sequestosome 1 (P62)) and decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6), inositol requiring-1α (IRE1) and PKR-like ER kinase (PERK)) in the aspect of mRNA or protein levels. All these alleviated protein quality control processes induced by Zn under As stress was correlated with the no longer loosen tight connection, less swollen endoplasmic reticulum as well as reduced formation of autophagosomes and autophagic vesicles. Mechanically, post-transcriptional regulated protein quantities compromising phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was demonstrated true causative forces inside the cell for Zn against As poisoning. In conclusion, we suggested the potential renal protective effect of Zn supplementation against As exposure by the modulation of protein quality control processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Hongjing Zhao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Xiaopan Nie
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Menghao Guo
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Guangshun Jiang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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23
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Sheng L, Zhuang S. New Insights Into the Role and Mechanism of Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Kidney Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2020; 11:569322. [PMID: 33041867 PMCID: PMC7522479 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.569322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is described as the process in which injured renal tubular epithelial cells undergo a phenotype change, acquiring mesenchymal characteristics and morphing into fibroblasts. Initially, it was widely thought of as a critical mechanism of fibrogenesis underlying chronic kidney disease. However, evidence that renal tubular epithelial cells can cross the basement membrane and become fibroblasts in the renal interstitium is rare, leading to debate about the existence of EMT. Recent research has demonstrated that after injury, renal tubular epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics and the ability to produce a variety of profibrotic factors and cytokines, but remain attached to the basement membrane. On this basis, a new concept of “partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT)” was proposed to explain the contribution of renal epithelial cells to renal fibrogenesis. In this review, we discuss the concept of pEMT and the most recent findings related to this process, including cell cycle arrest, metabolic alternation of epithelial cells, infiltration of immune cells, epigenetic regulation as well as the novel signaling pathways that mediate this disturbed epithelial-mesenchymal communication. A deeper understanding of the role and the mechanism of pEMT may help in developing novel therapies to prevent and halt fibrosis in kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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24
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Sosa C, Guillén N, Lucea S, Sorribas V. Effects of oral exposure to arsenite on arsenic metabolism and transport in rat kidney. Toxicol Lett 2020; 333:4-12. [PMID: 32736004 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nephrotoxicity is within the recognized toxic effects of arsenic. In this study we assessed the effect of arsenite on the renal capacity to metabolize and handle arsenicals in rats exposed to drinking water with 0, 1, 5, or 10 ppm sodium arsenite for ten days. Arsenite treatment did not affect the gene expression of the main enzyme catalyzing methylation of arsenite, As3mt, while it reduced the expression of GSTO1 mRNA and protein. Arsenite decreased the expression of Aqp3, Mrp1, Mrp4, and Mdr1b (i.e., transporters and channels used by arsenic), but not that of Aqp7, Glut1, Mrp2, and Mdr1a. The protein abundance of AQP3 was also reduced by arsenite. Arsenite increased urinary NGAL and FABP3 and decreased Klotho plasma levels, without alteration of creatinine, which evidenced early tubular damage. Renal Klotho mRNA and protein expressions were also downregulated, which may exacerbate renal damage. No effect was observed in selected miRNAs putatively associated with renal injury. Plasma PTH and FGF23 were similar between groups, but arsenite decreased the renal expression of Fgfr1 mRNA. In conclusion, exposure to arsenite alters the gene expression of proteins involved in the cellular handling of arsenical species and elicits tubular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Sosa
- Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza. Miguel Servet 177, 50.013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Natalia Guillén
- Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza. Miguel Servet 177, 50.013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Susana Lucea
- Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza. Miguel Servet 177, 50.013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Víctor Sorribas
- Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza. Miguel Servet 177, 50.013 Zaragoza, Spain
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25
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Mumtaz F, Albeltagy RS, Diab MSM, Abdel Moneim AE, El-Habit OH. Exposure to arsenite and cadmium induces organotoxicity and miRNAs deregulation in male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:17184-17193. [PMID: 32152865 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) are two prime examples of un-biodegradable compounds that accumulate in the ecosystems causing great threats to human health and produce severe adverse effects. However, their joint toxicities are poorly understood in mammals. This study aimed to identify the effect of exposure to NaAsO2 (5 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and CdCl2 (1 mg/kg injected interperitoneal, i.p.) either alone or in combinations after 14 and 28 days on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes. The results revealed a downregulation of miR-146a also, in miR-let7a after 14 days and a notable upregulation after 28 days. However, administrations of their combinations for 14 days caused downregulated miR-146a and miR-let7a. However, upregulation miR-let7a was observed only after 28 days. Organotoxicity of liver results in a remarkable increase in oxidative stress biomarkers by the two metals either alone or in combinations. A remarkable decrease was noted in an antioxidant enzyme activity indicating a defect in the antioxidant defense system. Also, CdCl2 alone showed remarkable liver histopathological changes. This study concluded that there was a close relationship of high epigenetic changes as deregulation of both miR-146a and miR-let7a as a result of the joint toxicity of both compounds, and ultimately major changes in hepatic tissues that may lead to cell transformations. However, further studies are needed to investigate the target genes for those miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Mumtaz
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha S Albeltagy
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa S M Diab
- Molecular Drug Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control & Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ola H El-Habit
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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26
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Circulating Arsenic is Associated with Long-Term Risk of Graft Failure in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020417. [PMID: 32028652 PMCID: PMC7073559 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is toxic to many organ systems, the kidney being the most sensitive target organ. We aimed to investigate whether, in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), the nephrotoxic exposure to arsenic could represent an overlooked hazard for graft survival. We performed a prospective cohort study of 665 KTRs with a functional graft ≥1 year, recruited in a university setting (2008‒2011), in The Netherlands. Plasma arsenic was measured by ICP-MS, and dietary intake was comprehensively assessed using a validated 177-item food-frequency questionnaire. The endpoint graft failure was defined as restart of dialysis or re-transplantation. Median arsenic concentration was 1.26 (IQR, 1.04‒2.04) µg/L. In backwards linear regression analyses we found that fish consumption (std β = 0.26; p < 0.001) was the major independent determinant of plasma arsenic. During 5 years of follow-up, 72 KTRs developed graft failure. In Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses, we found that arsenic was associated with increased risk of graft failure (HR 1.80; 95% CI 1.28-2.53; p = 0.001). This association remained materially unaltered after adjustment for donor and recipient characteristics, immunosuppressive therapy, eGFR, primary renal disease, and proteinuria. In conclusion, in KTRs, plasma arsenic is independently associated with increased risk of late graft failure.
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27
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Dai X, Chen C, Xue J, Xiao T, Mostofa G, Wang D, Chen X, Xu H, Sun Q, Li J, Wei Y, Chen F, Quamruzzaman Q, Zhang A, Liu Q. Exosomal MALAT1 derived from hepatic cells is involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells via miRNA-26b in fibrosis induced by arsenite. Toxicol Lett 2019; 316:73-84. [PMID: 31513886 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the liver microenvironment, interactions among diverse types of hepatic cells are involved in liver fibrosis. In fibrotic tissues, exosomes act as transporters in intercellular communication. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are participants in liver fibrosis. However, the functions of exosomal lncRNAs in liver fibrosis induced by arsenite are undefined. The purposes of the present study were (a) to determine if lncRNAs secreted from human hepatic (L-02) cells exposed to arsenite are shuttled to hepatic stellate LX-2 cells and (b) to establish their effects on LX-2 cells. In mice, MALAT1 was overexpressed in the progression of liver fibrosis induced by arsenite as well as in L-02 cells exposed to arsenite. Co-cultures with arsenite-treated L-02 cells induced the activation of LX-2 cells and overexpression of MALAT1. Arsenite-treated L-02 cells transported MALAT1 into LX-2 cells. Downregulation of MALAT1, which reduced the MALAT1 levels in exosomes derived from arsenite-treated L-02 cells, inhibited the activation of LX-2 cells. Additionally, exosomal MALAT1 derived from arsenite-treated L-02 cells promoted the activation of LX-2 cells via microRNA-26b regulation of COL1A2. Furthermore, circulating exosomal MALAT1 was up-regulated in people exposed to arsenite. In sum, exosomes derived from arsenite-treated hepatic cells transferred MALAT1 to HSCs, which induced their activation. These findings support the concept that, during liver fibrosis induced by arsenite, exosomal lncRNAs are involved in cell-cell communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Dai
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, Henan, people's Republic of China
| | - Junchao Xue
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Golam Mostofa
- Dhaka Community Hospital Trust, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Dapeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiong Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Xu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Sun
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyue Wei
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Xu Y, Zou Z, Liu Y, Wang Q, Sun B, Zeng Q, Liu Q, Zhang A. miR-191 is involved in renal dysfunction in arsenic-exposed populations by regulating inflammatory response caused by arsenic from burning arsenic-contaminated coal. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 39:37-46. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327119874423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to arsenic may result in the manifestation of damage in multiple organs or systems of the body. Arsenic-induced renal dysfunction has been determined, but their pathogenesis has not been fully examined. In this study, we measured the expression levels of miR-191 in plasma, the contents of pro-inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and anti-inflammatory (IL-2 and transforming growth factor beta) cytokines, and renal dysfunction indicators (blood urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, uric acid, and cystatin C) in serum from control and arsenic poisoning populations and analyzed the relationship between the miR-191, cytokines, and renal dysfunction indicators. The results clearly show the alteration of miR-191 expression was significantly associated with arsenic-induced renal dysfunction. Overall, the association of miR-191, inflammatory response and renal dysfunction, is clearly supported by the current findings. In other words, miR-191 is involved in renal dysfunction in exposed populations by regulating inflammatory response caused by coal-burning arsenic. The study provides a scientific basis for further studies of the causes of the arsenic-induced renal dysfunction, the biological role of miR-191, and targeted prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Z Zou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Y Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Q Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - B Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Q Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Q Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - A Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Chang YW, Singh KP. Arsenic-Induced Neoplastic Transformation Involves Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Activation of the β-Catenin/c-Myc Pathway in Human Kidney Epithelial Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:1299-1309. [PMID: 31120745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic contamination is a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide including the United States. Accumulating evidence suggests that kidney is one of the target organs for arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism of arsenic-induced renal carcinogenesis is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the carcinogenicity of chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of arsenic on kidney epithelial cells and identify the molecular mechanism underlying this process. HK-2 kidney epithelial cells were treated with arsenic for acute, long-term, and chronic durations, and cellular responses to arsenic exposure at these time points were evaluated by the changes in growth, morphology, and expression of genes. The results revealed a significant growth increase after long-term and chronic exposure to arsenic in HK-2 cells. The morphological changes of EMT and stem cell sphere formation were also observed in long-term arsenic exposed cells. The anchorage-independent growth assay for colony formation and cell maintenance in cancer stem cell medium further confirmed neoplastic transformation and the induced cancer stem cell properties of arsenic-exposed cells. Additionally, the expression of marker genes confirmed the increased growth, EMT, and stemness during arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Moreover, the increase expression of β-catenin and c-Myc further suggested the role of these signaling molecules during carcinogenesis in HK-2 cells. In summary, results of this study suggest that chronic exposure to arsenic even at a relatively lower concentration can induce neoplastic transformation through acquisitions of EMT, stemness, and MET phenotypes, which might be related to the β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chang
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) , Texas Tech University , Lubbock , Texas , United States
| | - Kamaleshwar P Singh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) , Texas Tech University , Lubbock , Texas , United States
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