Cytotoxic effects and apoptosis induction of atrazine in a grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) cell line

Atrazine: cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, testicular effects and chemopreventive Interventions

Atrazine (ATZ) is an environmental pollutant that interferes with several aspects of mammalian cellular processes including germ cell development, immunological, reproductive and neurological functions. At the level of human exposure, ATZ reduces sperm count and contribute to infertility in men. ATZ also induces morphological changes similar to apoptosis and initiates mitochondria-dependent cell death in several experimental models. When in vitro experimental models are exposed to ATZ, they are faced with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytotoxicity and decreased growth rate at dosages that may vary with cell types. This results in differing cytotoxic responses that are influenced by the nature of target cells, assay types and concentrations of ATZ. However, oxidative stress could play salient role in the observed cellular and genetic toxicity and apoptosis-like effects which could be abrogated by antioxidant vitamins and flavonoids, including vitamin E, quercetin, kolaviron, myricetin and bioactive extractives with antioxidant effects. This review focuses on the differential responses of cell types to ATZ toxicity, testicular effects of ATZ in both in vitro and in vivo models and chemopreventive strategies, so as to highlight the current state of the art on the toxicological outcomes of ATZ exposure in several experimental model systems.

Environmentally relevant atrazine exposure leads to increases in DNA damage and changes in morphology in the hepatopancreas of crayfish (Faxonius virilis)

The herbicide atrazine is widely used for controlling broad leaf weeds and increasing crop yields in agricultural areas. Atrazine enters aquatic environments through runoff, ground water discharge and seepage where concentrations have been recorded above 300 ppb. Exposure to the herbicide atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations has been shown to negatively impact aquatic organisms, including crayfish. Because xenobiotics are concentrated in the crayfish hepatopancreas (digestive gland), we examined changes in morphology and DNA damage in hepatopancreatic tissue structure and cells following a 10-day exposure to atrazine (0, 10, 40, 80, 100 and 300 ppb). We found that there were marked morphological changes, post-exposure, for all atrazine concentrations tested. Hepatopancreatic tissue exhibited degenerated tubule epithelium with necrosis of microvilli, tubule lumen dilation, changes in tubular epithelium height and vacuolization of the epithelium. Likewise, we also performed a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay which showed the percentage of cells with DNA damage increased following atrazine exposure. Crayfish hepatopancreatic tissue displayed significant increases in TUNEL-positive cells following exposure to atrazine at 100 ppb and above. Overall, exposure to atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations damages hepatopancreatic tissue. This impairment could lead to changes in biotransformation, detoxification, digestion and molting, subsequently reducing crayfish populations and negatively impacting the aquatic ecosystem.

Non-targeted metabolomic profiling of atrazine in Caenorhabditis elegans using UHPLC-QE Orbitrap/MS

The widespread use of the herbicides Atrazine (ATR) has been raised attention due to its ubiquitous occurrence in the environment. As an endocrine disruptor, ATR causes reproductive, immune, nervous system toxicity in biota. In this study, we aimed to investigate metabolic profile characteristics and potential metabolic biomarker that reflects specific damage in toxic effect after ATR exposure. Hence, a metabolomics study was performed to determine the significantly affected metabolites and the reproduction and locomotion of C. elegans were investigated. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediating effect of metabolites on association between ATR exposure and toxic effect. ATR (≥0.04 mg/L) caused the significant dose dependent reduction of brood size and locomotion behavior, however, the body length and width were significantly decreased only in 40 mg/L group. These results suggesting that brood size, head thrashes and body bends are more sensitive indictor to assessment ATR toxicity in C. elegans. Meanwhile, metabolomics analysis revealed that ATR exposure can induce metabolic profiles significant alterations in C. elegans. We found that 9 metabolites significantly increased and 18 metabolites significantly decreased, such as phosphatidylcholine, GMP, CDP-choline, neopterin etc. Those alteration of metabolites were mainly involved in the pathways: glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, folate biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threoninemetabolism, pyrimidine and purine metabolism. Overall, these changes are signs of possible oxidative stress and ATP synthesis disruption modification. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of ATR exposure on brood size, via 7,8-dihydroneopterin 2',3'-cyclic-p, and phosphatidylcholine might mediate association between ATR exposure and body bends, suggesting that 7,8-dihydroneopterin 2',3'-cyclic-p and phosphatidylcholine might be potentially specificity marker for brood size and body bend respectively. This preliminary analysis investigates metabolic characteristics in C. elegans after ATR exposure, helping to understand the pathways involved in the response to ATR exposure and provide potential biomarkers for the safety evaluation of ATR.

Effect of environmental toxicants on neuronal functions

In the last few years, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have attracted attention due to their high prevalence worldwide. Environmental factors may be one of the biggest reasons for these diseases related to neuronal dysfunctions. Most of neuronal disorders are strongly associated with pre- and postnatal exposure to environmental toxins released from industries. Some of the neurotoxic metals such as lead, aluminum, mercury, manganese, cadmium, and arsenic as well as some pesticides and metal-based nanoparticles have been involved in AD and PD due to their ability to produce senile/amyloid plaques and NFTs which are the main feature of these neuronal dysfunctions. Exposure to solvents is also majorly responsible for neurodegenerative disorders. The present review highlights the impact of omnipresent heavy metals with some other neurotoxins on human health and how they give rise to neuronal dysfunctions which in turn causes socio-economic consequences due to increasing pollution worldwide. Graphical abstract.

Environmentally relevant atrazine exposures cause DNA damage in cells of the lateral antennules of crayfish (Faxonius virilis)

The herbicide atrazine is heavily applied in agricultural areas in the Midwestern United States and can run-off and seep into surrounding aquatic habitats where concentrations can reach over 300 ppb. It is known that acute exposures to 80 ppb atrazine cause lasting deficiencies in the chemoreception of food and mate odors. Since atrazine impairs chemosensory responses, the goal of this study was to determine the effect of atrazine on cells, including olfactory sensory neurons, located in the lateral antennules of crayfish. In this experiment, we treated crayfish for 10 days with ecologically relevant concentrations of 0, 10, 40, 80, 100 and 300 ppb (μg L^-1) of atrazine. Following treatments, the distal portion of the lateral antennules was cryosectioned. We used a TdT mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay to determine if any cells had DNA damage and may be thus undergoing apoptosis. We found that as atrazine concentrations increase above 10 ppb, the number of TUNEL-positive cells, visualized in the lateral antennules, significantly increases. Our data show that atrazine exposure causes DNA damage in cells of the lateral antennules, including olfactory sensory neurons, thus leading to impairments in chemosensory abilities. Because crayfish rely heavily on chemoreception for survival, changes in their ability to perceive odors following atrazine exposure may have detrimental effects on population size.

Potential Health Risks Linked to Emerging Contaminants in Major Rivers and Treated Waters

The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our local waterways is becoming an increasing threat to the surrounding population. These compounds and their degradation products (found in pesticides, herbicides, and plastic waste) are known to interfere with a range of biological functions from reproduction to differentiation. To better understand these effects, we used an in silico ontological pathway analysis to identify the genes affected by the most commonly detected EDCs in large river water supplies, which we grouped together based on four common functions: Organismal injuries, cell death, cancer, and behavior. In addition to EDCs, we included the opioid buprenorphine in our study, as this similar ecological threat has become increasingly detected in river water supplies. Through the identification of the pleiotropic biological effects associated with both the acute and chronic exposure to EDCs and opioids in local water supplies, our results highlight a serious health threat worthy of additional investigations with a potential emphasis on the effects linked to increased DNA damage.

Cytotoxic effects, inflammatory response and apoptosis induction of cyclophosphamide in the peripheral blood leukocyte of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the cyclophosphamide (CY) exposure (Control, 0.032, 0.32, 1.0, 1.6 and 3.2 mg/mL) on the damage in the peripheral blood leukocytes of blunt snout bream for 24 h, which including cell viability, apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δѱm), ROS, antioxidant enzyme activity and the relative mRNA levels of apoptosis. Results showed that cell viability and Δѱm effects of CY were greatly reduced, and occurred in a dose-dependent manner. CY exposure (0.32-3.2 mg/mL) significantly increased the LDH release and induced apoptosis accompanied by ΔΨm disruption and ROS generation compared to the control. The cellular ROS was significantly increased with increase of CY level from 0.032 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL and the plateau occurred at 0.32 mg/mL. Additionally CY exposure led to oxidative stress as evidenced by significantly the decrease of SOD and CAT and increase of MDA concentration after treating cells with 3.2 mg/mL of CY. Besides, the relative mRNA levels of caspase-3 in the dose of 0.032, 0.32 mg/mL CY, caspase-9 and interleukins-1β (IL-1β) in the dose of 0.32 mg/mL CY, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the dose of 0.032 mg/mL CY significantly higher than that of the control. In conclusion, 0.32-3.2 mg/mL CY could lead to cytotoxic effect, inflammatory response and induce the apoptosis of the peripheral blood leukocyte of Megalobrama amblycephala.

Analysis of earthworm sublethal toxic responses to atrazine exposure using 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics

Atrazine toxicity to earthworms is still not fully understood, particularly at sublethal concentrations. Because of the ubiquity of atrazine in the environment, it is imperative to understand the impacts of atrazine presence to soil-dwelling organisms. To examine this in detail, we used ¹ H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics to elucidate earthworm (Eisenia fetida) responses after 48 h of atrazine exposure in contact tests. Earthworms were exposed to 4 sublethal concentrations of 362.4, 181.2, 90.6, and 45.3 ng/cm² , which correspond to 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, and 1/64th of the median lethal concentration (LC50) values, respectively. After exposure, polar metabolites were isolated from earthworm tissues and analyzed using ¹ H NMR spectroscopy. Sublethal atrazine exposure induced a nonmonotonic response with respect to exposure concentration and caused an overall suppression in earthworm metabolism. Maltose, fumarate, malate, threonine/lactate, adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP), betaine, scyllo-inositol, glutamate, arginine, and glutamine were the metabolites identified as most sensitive to atrazine exposure. These observed fluctuations in the metabolic profile suggest that atrazine reduced ATP synthesis and negatively impacted the health of earthworms after acute sublethal exposure. Our study also demonstrates the utility of NMR-based metabolomics for the basic assessment of sublethal toxicity, which can then be used for more targeted approaches with other molecular techniques. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:473-480. © 2017 SETAC.

Atrazine affects the morphophysiology, tissue homeostasis and aromatase expression in the efferent ductules of adult rats with mild alterations in the ventral prostate

The widely used herbicide atrazine is a potent endocrine disruptor known to cause increased aromatase expression and transient increase in testicular weight followed by remarkable testis atrophy. However, whether the effects of atrazine on the testes are primary or secondary to dysfunctions in other components of male reproductive tract remains unknown. Given the high sensitivity of the efferent ductules to estrogen imbalance and the similarity to alterations previously described for other disruptors of these ductules function, and the testicular alterations observed after atrazine exposure, we hypothesized that the efferent ductules could be a target for atrazine. Herein we characterized the efferent ductules and the ventral prostate of adult Wistar rats treated with 200 mg/kg/day of atrazine for 7, 15, and 40 days. Additionally, we evaluated if the effects of atrazine in these organs could be reduced after discontinuation of the treatment. Atrazine exposure resulted in mild effects on the ventral prostate, but remarkable alterations on the efferent ductules, including luminal dilation, reduced epithelial height, and disruption of the epithelial homeostasis, which coincides with increased aromatase expression. Together with our previous data, these results suggest that at least part of the testicular effects of atrazine may be secondary to the alterations in the efferent ductules.

Acute toxicity of commercial atrazine in Piaractus mesopotamicus: Histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and genotoxic evaluation

Aim:

The aim of this work was to evaluate the sensitivity of Pacu fingerlings (Piaractus mesopotamicus) by measuring the effects of median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of atrazine (ATZ - 28.58 mg/L) after acute exposure (up to 96 h).

Materials and Methods:

The fish were exposed to the LC₅₀ of ATZ for 96 h (28.58 mg/L) in a static system. During the experiment, the fingerlings were randomly distributed in four glass tanks (50 L) containing dechlorinated water. Four glass tanks were for the control group, and four were for the ATZ-exposed group (n=4 per glass tank), given a total number of 16 animals tested per group. The genotoxicity was evaluated by micronucleus (MN) test in erythrocytes from peripheral blood. Qualitative and semi-quantitative histopathological analyses, and also ultrastructural study, were applied in liver and kidney samples. Finally, the content of heat shock protein (Hsp70) in the liver was evaluated by the western blotting method.

Results:

The morphological alterations in the liver, which was associated with increased expression of Hsp70, included nuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolization, cytoplasmic hyaline inclusions, and necrosis. The kidney presented edema and tubular cell degeneration with cytoplasmic hyaline inclusion. The semi-quantitative histopathological analyses indicated that the liver was more sensitive than kidney to ATZ-induced damage. Ultrastructural analysis showed that ATZ caused membrane alterations in several organelles and increased the number of lysosomes in hepatocytes and kidney proximal tubular cells. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in MN frequency in erythrocytes comparing treated and control groups.,

Conclusion:

These results indicated that ATZ-induced damage to the kidney and liver function, ATZ at the concentration tested did not induce a significant difference in MN frequency in Pacu erythrocytes comparing treated and control groups, and also that Pacu fingerlings may be a good bioindicator for testing freshwater contamination.

Atrazine induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of T lymphocytes via the caspase-8-dependent pathway

Atrazine (ATR) is one of the most commonly applied broad-spectrum herbicides. Although ATR is well known to be a biologically hazardous molecule with potential toxicity in the immune system, the molecular mechanisms responsible for ATR-induced immunotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, we found that the immunotoxic properties of ATR were mediated through the induction of apoptotic changes in T lymphocytes. Mice exposed to ATR for 4 weeks exhibited a significant decrease in the number of spleen CD3(+) T lymphocytes, while CD19(+) B lymphocytes and nonlymphoid cells were unaffected. ATR exposure also led to inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis in human Jurkat T-cells. Importantly, ATR triggered the activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of caspase-8 and PARP, whereas it did not affect the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria in Jurkat T-cells. In addition, ATR activated the unfolded protein response signaling pathway, as indicated by eIF2α phosphorylation and CHOP induction. Our results demonstrate that ATR elicited an immunotoxic effect by inducing ER stress-induced apoptosis in T-cells, therefore providing evidence for the molecular mechanism by which ATR induces dysregulation of the immune system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 998-1008, 2016.

Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture

The industrialization of the agricultural sector has increased the chemical burden on natural ecosystems. Pesticides are agrochemicals used in agricultural lands, public health programs, and urban green areas in order to protect plants and humans from various diseases. However, due to their known ability to cause a large number of negative health and environmental effects, their side effects can be an important environmental health risk factor. The urgent need for a more sustainable and ecological approach has produced many innovative ideas, among them agriculture reforms and food production implementing sustainable practice evolving to food sovereignty. It is more obvious than ever that the society needs the implementation of a new agricultural concept regarding food production, which is safer for man and the environment, and to this end, steps such as the declaration of Nyéléni have been taken.

Acute Atrazine Exposure has Lasting Effects on Chemosensory Responses to Food Odors in Crayfish (Orconectes virilis)

The herbicide atrazine is known to impact negatively olfactory-mediated behaviors in aquatic animals. We have shown that atrazine exposure has deleterious effects on olfactory-mediated behavioral responses to food odors in crayfish; however, recovery of chemosensory abilities post-atrazine exposure has not been investigated. We examined whether crayfish (Orconectes virilis) recovered chemosensory abilities after a 96-h exposure to sublethal, environmentally relevant concentrations of 80 ppb (µg/L) atrazine. Following treatment, we analyzed the ability of the crayfish to locate a food source using a Y-maze with one arm containing fish-flavored gelatin and the other containing unflavored gelatin. We compared the time spent in the food arm of the Y-maze, near the food source, as well as moving and walking speed of control and atrazine-treated crayfish. We also compared the number of crayfish that handled the food source and the amount of food consumed. Following 24-, 48-, and 72-h recovery periods in fresh water, behavioral trials were repeated to determine if there was any observable recovery of chemosensory-mediated behaviors. Atrazine-treated crayfish spent less time in the food arm, at the odor source, and were less successful at finding the food odor source than control crayfish for all times tested. Additionally, atrazine-treated crayfish consumed less fish-flavored than control crayfish; however, treatment did not affect locomotion. Overall, we found that crayfish are not able to recover chemosensory abilities 72 h post-atrazine exposure. Because crayfish rely heavily on their chemosensory abilities to acquire food, the negative impacts of atrazine exposure could affect population size in areas where atrazine is heavily applied.

Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture

The industrialization of the agricultural sector has increased the chemical burden on natural ecosystems. Pesticides are agrochemicals used in agricultural lands, public health programs, and urban green areas in order to protect plants and humans from various diseases. However, due to their known ability to cause a large number of negative health and environmental effects, their side effects can be an important environmental health risk factor. The urgent need for a more sustainable and ecological approach has produced many innovative ideas, among them agriculture reforms and food production implementing sustainable practice evolving to food sovereignty. It is more obvious than ever that the society needs the implementation of a new agricultural concept regarding food production, which is safer for man and the environment, and to this end, steps such as the declaration of Nyéléni have been taken.

Cytotoxic effects and apoptosis induction of enrofloxacin in hepatic cell line of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

We determined the effect of enrofloxacin on the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis in the hepatic cell line of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Cultured cells were treated with different concentrations of enrofloxacin (12.5-200 ug/mL) for 24 h. We found that the cytotoxic effect of enrofloxacin was mediated by apoptosis, and that this apoptosis occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The doses of 50,100 and 200 μg/mL enrofloxacin increased the LDH release and MDA concentration, induced cell apoptosis and reduced the ΔΨm compared to the control. The highest dose of 200 ug/mL enrofloxacin also significantly induced apoptosis accompanied by ΔΨm disruption and ROS generation and significantly reduced T-AOC and increased MDA concentration compared to the control. Our results suggest that the dose of 200 ug/mL enrofloxacin exerts its cytotoxic effect and produced ROS via apoptosis by affecting the mitochondria of the hepatic cells of grass carp.

Proteomics analysis of Xenopus laevis gonad tissue following chronic exposure to atrazine

Atrazine is the most commonly detected pesticide contaminant in ground and surface water. Previous studies have shown that atrazine is an endocrine disruptor owing to its adverse effects on the male reproductive system in several vertebrates, but very few molecular mechanisms for these effects have been revealed. In the present study, Xenopus laevis were exposed to 100 ppb of atrazine for 120 d, and then the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique was used to detect global changes in protein profiles of the testes and ovaries. The results showed that 100 ppb of atrazine exposure adversely affected the growth of X. laevis and did not induce hermaphroditism but delayed or prevented the development of male seminiferous tubules. Proteomic analysis showed that atrazine altered expression of 143 and 121 proteins in the testes and ovaries, respectively, and most of them are involved in cellular and metabolic processes and biological regulation based on their biological processes. In addition, apoptosis, tight junctions, and metabolic pathways were significantly altered in the atrazine-treated gonads. Based on the above results, it is postulated that the reproductive toxicity of atrazine may be the result of disruption of tight junctions and metabolic signaling pathways and/or induction of apoptosis in germ cells.

Effects of atrazine in fish, amphibians, and reptiles: an analysis based on quantitative weight of evidence

A quantitative weight of evidence (WoE) approach was developed to evaluate studies used for regulatory purposes, as well as those in the open literature, that report the effects of the herbicide atrazine on fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The methodology for WoE analysis incorporated a detailed assessment of the relevance of the responses observed to apical endpoints directly related to survival, growth, development, and reproduction, as well as the strength and appropriateness of the experimental methods employed. Numerical scores were assigned for strength and relevance. The means of the scores for relevance and strength were then used to summarize and weigh the evidence for atrazine contributing to ecologically significant responses in the organisms of interest. The summary was presented graphically in a two-dimensional graph which showed the distributions of all the reports for a response. Over 1290 individual responses from studies in 31 species of fish, 32 amphibians, and 8 reptiles were evaluated. Overall, the WoE showed that atrazine might affect biomarker-type responses, such as expression of genes and/or associated proteins, concentrations of hormones, and biochemical processes (e.g. induction of detoxification responses), at concentrations sometimes found in the environment. However, these effects were not translated to adverse outcomes in terms of apical endpoints. The WoE approach provided a quantitative, transparent, reproducible, and robust framework that can be used to assist the decision-making process when assessing environmental chemicals. In addition, the process allowed easy identification of uncertainty and inconsistency in observations, and thus clearly identified areas where future investigations can be best directed.

Atrazine Triggers DNA Damage Response and Induces DNA Double-Strand Breaks in MCF-10A Cells

Atrazine, a pre-emergent herbicide in the chloro-s-triazine family, has been widely used in crop lands and often detected in agriculture watersheds, which is considered as a potential threat to human health. Although atrazine and its metabolites showed an elevated incidence of mammary tumors in female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, no molecular evidence was found relevant to its carcinogenesis in humans. This study aims to determine whether atrazine could induce the expression of DNA damage response-related proteins in normal human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and to examine the cytotoxicity of atrazine at a molecular level. Our results indicate that a short-term exposure of MCF-10A to an environmentally-detectable concentration of atrazine (0.1 µg/mL) significantly increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNFR1) and phosphorylated Rad17 in the cells. Atrazine treatment increased H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) and the formation of γH2AX foci in the nuclei of MCF-10A cells. Atrazine also sequentially elevated DNA damage checkpoint proteins of ATM- and RAD3-related (ATR), ATRIP and phospho-Chk1, suggesting that atrazine could induce DNA double-strand breaks and trigger the DNA damage response ATR-Chk1 pathway in MCF-10A cells. Further investigations are needed to determine whether atrazine-triggered DNA double-strand breaks and DNA damage response ATR-Chk1 pathway occur in vivo.

Atrazine Causes Autophagy- and Apoptosis-Related Neurodegenerative Effects in Dopaminergic Neurons in the Rat Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethytlamino-6-isopropylamine-1,3,5-triazine; ATR) is widely used as a broad-spectrum herbicide. Animal studies have demonstrated that ATR exposure can cause cell death in dopaminergic neurons. The molecular mechanisms underlying ATR-induced neuronal cell death, however, are unknown. In this study, we investigated the autophagy and apoptosis induced by ATR in dopaminergic neurons in vivo. Wistar rats were administered with ATR at doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage for three months. In terms of histopathology, the expression of autophagy- and apoptosis-related genes as well as proteins related to the Beclin-1/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) autophagy and apoptosis pathways were examined in the rat nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. We observed degenerative micromorphology indicative of neuronal apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy by electron microscopy in ATR-exposed rat striatum. The rat ventral mesencephalon in the ATR-exposed groups also showed increased expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II, Bax and Caspase-9, and decreased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), Bcl-xl and Bcl-2. These findings indicate that ATR may induce autophagy- and apoptosis-related changes in doparminergic neurons. Furthermore, this induction may be regulated by the Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 autophagy and apoptosis pathways, and this may help to better understand the mechanism underlying the neurotoxicity of ATR.

Atrazine induces apoptosis of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells via the regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3-dependent pathway

Atrazine (ATZ) is a well known herbicide that is frequently detected in ground and surface water at significant levels. Our objective was to study the toxic effect of ATZ on the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells, and the degree of cytotoxicity and morphological changes were followed during the cell death. Application of cytotoxicity bioassays indicates that ATZ (5-50 µg/mL) decreases cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The evidence of apoptosis was confirmed by an increase in caspase-3 activity, and cell death was blocked when caspase-3 activity was inhibited. Typical apoptotic phenotype that includes nuclear fragmentation, micro nuclei formation, DNA fragmentation and increase in the expressions apoptosis-associated markers Bax, p53 and p21 and decreased expression of Bcl-2 were observed in treated cells. We also observed dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ATZ-treated cells. These results suggest that ATZ-induces apoptosis and ROS levels in SH-SY5Y cells, and could be implicated in human neurodegenerative disorder.

Atrazine affects phosphoprotein and protein expression in MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells

Atrazine, a member of the 2-chloro-s-triazine family of herbicides, is the most widely used pesticide in the world and often detected in agriculture watersheds. Although it was generally considered as an endocrine disruptor, posing a potential threat to human health, the molecular mechanisms of atrazine effects remain unclear. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we identified a panel of differentially expressed phosphoproteins and total proteins in human breast epithelial MCF-10A cells after being exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine. Atrazine treatments for 6 h resulted in differential expression of 4 phosphoproteins and 8 total-proteins as compared to the control cells (>1.5-fold, p < 0.05). MALDI-TOF MS/MS analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins belong to various cellular compartments (nucleus, cytosol, membrane) and varied in function, including those regulating the stress response such as peroxiredoxin I, HSP70 and HSP27; structural proteins such as tropomyosin and profilin 1; and oncogenesis proteins such as ANP32A. Six of the 12 identified proteins were verified by quantitative PCR for their transcript levels. The most up-regulated phosphoprotein by atrazine treatment, ANP32A, was further analyzed for its expression, distribution and cellular localization using Western blot and immunocytochemical approaches. The results revealed that ANP32 expression after atrazine treatment increased dose and time dependently and was primarily located in the nucleus. This study may provide new evidence on the potential toxicity of atrazine in human cells.

Effects of short term exposure of atrazine on the liver and kidney of normal and diabetic rats

The present study evaluates the effects of short term (15 days) exposure of low dose (300 μg kg(-1)) of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) on antioxidant status and markers of liver and kidney damage in normal (nondiabetic) and diabetic male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into four groups: Group I as normal control, Group II as atrazine treated, Group III as diabetic control, and Group IV as atrazine treated diabetic rats. Atrazine administration resulted in increased MDA concentration as well as increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx in both liver and kidney of atrazine treated and atrazine treated diabetic rats. However, GSH level was decreased in both liver and kidney of atrazine treated and atrazine treated diabetic rats. Atrazine administration led to significant increase in liver damage biomarkers such as AST, ALT, and ALP as well as kidney damage biomarkers such as creatinine and urea in both normal and diabetic rats, but this increase was more pronounced in diabetic rats when compared to normal rats. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that short term exposure of atrazine at a dose of 300 μg kg(-1) could potentially induce oxidative damage in liver and kidney of both normal and diabetic rats.

Differentiation state-dependent effects of in vitro exposure to atrazine or its metabolite diaminochlorotriazine in a dopaminergic cell line

AIMS

This study sought to determine the impact of in vitro exposure to the herbicide atrazine (ATR) or its major mammalian metabolite diaminochlorotriazine (DACT) on dopaminergic cell differentiation.

MAIN METHODS

N27 dopaminergic cells were exposed for 24 or 48 h to ATR or DACT (12-300 μM) and their effects on cell viability, ATP levels, ADP:ATP ratio and differentiation markers, such as soma size and neurite outgrowth, were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

Overall, intracellular ATP levels and soma size (decreased by ATR at ≥12 μM; 48 h) were the two parameters most sensitive to ATR exposure in undifferentiated and differentiating dopaminergic cells, respectively. At the morphological level, ATR, but not DACT, increased the percentage of morphologically abnormal undifferentiated N27 cells. On the other hand, exposure to DACT (300 μM; 48 h), but not ATR, increased the ADP:ATP ratio regardless of the differentiation state and it moderately disrupted thin neurite outgrowth. Only the highest concentration of ATR or DACT (300 μM) was cytotoxic after a longer exposure (48 h) and undifferentiated N27 cells were the least sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of ATR or DACT.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that the energy perturbation and morphological disruption of dopaminergic neuronal differentiation induced by ATR and, to a lesser extent, DACT, may be associated with reported neurological deficits caused by developmental ATR exposure in rodents.

Immunotoxic and cytotoxic effects of atrazine, permethrin and piperonyl butoxide to rainbow trout following in vitro exposure

For many current use pesticides, limited information exists on their cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity in non-target organisms such as fish. We examined the effects of atrazine, permethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) exposure, in vitro, on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) lymphocyte viability and proliferation. Purified rainbow trout peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) were exposed in vitro to the test chemicals (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 μM) for 96 h, with and without the mitogen lipopolysaccharide. All three chemicals caused a decrease in both lymphocyte viability and proliferation at 10 μM, while atrazine also suppressed proliferation of PBLs at 1 μM. The in vitro toxicity of these chemicals to this salmonid underscores the need for further investigation using in vivo studies and host resistance models.

Kolaviron Biflavanoids of Garcinia Kola Seeds Protect Atrazine-Induced Cytotoxicity in Primary Cultures of Rat Leydig Cells

We sought to explore the mechanism by which kolaviron (Kol) protects against atrazine (ATZ)-induced toxicity of cultured interstitial Leydig cells (ILCs). In our experiments, treatment with Kol improved Leydig cell viability and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Further investigations revealed a reduction in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and elevation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2) as measured by messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Additionally, the ATZ-induced alterations in the mRNA transcript copy numbers of steroidogenesis genes: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) were shifted toward the control values by Kol. Taken together, these findings indicate that Kol protects ILCs from ATZ-induced toxicity via the reduction in ROS and MDA levels and induce normalization of mRNA levels of all the tested genes.

Early cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of atrazine on Wistar rat liver: a morphological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular study

Risk assessments suggest that intermediate and long-term exposure to triazine herbicides and its metabolites through water can cause severe damage to human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of atrazine on Wistar rats submitted to subacute treatment. For this purpose, the activity of catalase and alanine aminotransferase was quantified, and the effect of the herbicide on cell membranes was examined based on the measurement of lipid peroxidation and consequent formation of malondialdehyde and on the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (Mn-superoxide dismutase [SOD] and GSTM1) and connexins. In addition, we evaluated histopathological alterations in the liver, cellular expression of SOD and glutathione (GST), activation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) by immunohistochemistry, and the induction of apoptosis. The genotoxic potential of the herbicide was investigated by the micronucleus test in bone marrow smears. Adult male Wistar rats were treated with an aqueous solution of atrazine at a concentration of 400mg/kg/day, by gavage, for 14 consecutive days. Control groups were also included. The results showed an increase of catalase levels and maintenance of the expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GST). In addition, lipid peroxidation, hepatic tissue degeneration, activation of HSP90, increased levels of connexin mRNA, and genotoxicity were observed. In conclusion, atrazine induced early hepatic oxidative stress that triggered defense mechanisms to maintain the morphophysiological integrity of the liver. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of this herbicide on human health.

Effect of chronic pesticide exposure in farm workers of a Mexico community

Pesticides are frequently used substances worldwide, even when the use of some of them is forbidden due to the recognized adverse effect they have on the health of not only the people who apply the pesticides, but also of those that consume the contaminated products. The objectives of this study were to know the health issues of farm workers chronically exposed to pesticides, to evaluate possible damage at genetic level, as well as to explore some hepatic, renal, and hematological alterations. A transversal comparative study was performed between 2 groups, one composed of 25 farm workers engaged in pesticide spraying, and a control group of 21 workers not exposed to pesticides; both groups belonged to the Nextipac community in Jalisco, Mexico. Each member of both groups underwent a full medical history. Blood samples were taken from all farm workers in order to obtain a complete blood count and chemistry, clinical chemistry, lipid profile, liver and kidney function tests, erythrocyte cholinesterase quantification, lipid peroxidation profile, and free DNA fragment quantification. For the information analysis, central tendency and dispersion measurements were registered. In order to know the differences between groups, a cluster multivariate method was used, as well as prevalence reasons. The most used pesticides were mainly organophosphates, triazines and organochlorine compounds. The exposed group showed acute poisoning (20% of the cases) and diverse alterations of the digestive, neurological, respiratory, circulatory, dermatological, renal, and reproductive system probably associated to pesticide exposure. More importantly, they presented free DNA fragments in plasma (90.8 vs 49.05 ng/mL) as well as a higher level of lipid peroxidation (41.85 vs. 31.91 nmol/mL) in comparison with those data from unexposed farm workers. These results suggest that there exist health hazards for those farm workers exposed to pesticides, at organic and cellular levels.

Atrazine-induced apoptosis of splenocytes in BALB/C mice

BACKGROUND

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethytlamino-6-isopropylamine-1,3,5-triazine; ATR), is the most commonly applied broad-spectrum herbicide in the world. Unintentional overspray of ATR poses an immune function health hazard. The biomolecular mechanisms responsible for ATR-induced immunotoxicity, however, are little understood. This study presents on our investigation into the apoptosis of splenocytes in mice exposed to ATR as we explore possible immunotoxic mechanisms.

METHODS

Oral doses of ATR were administered to BALB/C mice for 21 days. The histopathology, lymphocyte apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins from the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) apoptotic pathway were examined from spleen samples.

RESULTS

Mice administered ATR exhibited a significant decrease in spleen and thymus weight. Electron microscope histology of ultrathin sections of spleen revealed degenerative micromorphology indicative of apoptosis of splenocytes. Flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes increased in a dose-dependent manner after ATR treatment. Western blots identified increased expression of Fas, FasL and active caspase-3 proteins in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ATR is capable of inducing splenocytic apoptosis mediated by the Fas/FasL pathway in mice, which could be the potential mechanism underlying the immunotoxicity of ATR.

Allicin induces apoptosis in EL-4 cells in vitro by activation of expression of caspase-3 and -12 and up-regulation of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2

Garlic (Allium sativum L.; Liliaceae) has been widely demonstrated in the role of cancer prevention, but the specific compound in garlic corresponding to this effect and its mechanisms are not clearly known. Allicin is one of the organic sulphur compounds derived from garlic. In the present study we investigated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of allicin in murine T-lymphocytes (EL-4) and the mechanism of inducing apoptosis in vitro. The results showed that allicin was effective in inhibiting the proliferation of EL-4 cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, allicin could induce the formation of apoptotic bodies, nuclear condensation, DNA spallation, and even activated the expression of caspase-3, -12 and cytochrome C (cyt C). Finally, allicin up-regulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and induced a mitochondrion membrane potential (MMP) decrease. Allicin induced apoptosis in EL-4 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, in which the mitochondrial pathway might play a central role.

Effects of the endocrine disruptors atrazine and PCB 153 on the protein expression of MCF-7 human cells

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and a number of pesticides can act as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). These molecules exhibit hormonal activity in vivo, and can therefore interact and perturb normal physiological functions. Many of these compounds are persistent in the environment, and their bioaccumulation may constitute a significant threat for human health. Physiological abnormalities following exposure to these xenobiotic compounds go along with alterations at the protein level of individual cells. In this study, MCF-7 cells were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine, PCB153 (100 ppb, respectively), 17-beta estradiol (positive control, 10 nM) and a negative control (solvent) for t = 24 h (n = 3 replicates/exposure group). After trizol extraction and protein solubilization, protein expression levels were studied by 2D-DIGE. Proteins differentially expressed were excised, trypsin-digested, and identified by MALDI-ToF-ToF, followed by NCBInr database search. 2D-DIGE experiments demonstrated that 49 spots corresponding to 29 proteins were significantly differentially expressed in MCF-7 cells (>1.5-fold, P < 0.05, Student's paired t test). These proteins belonged to various cellular compartments (nucleus, cytosol, membrane), and varied in function; 88% of proteins were down-regulated during atrazine exposure, whereas 75% of proteins were up-regulated by PCB153. Affected proteins included those regulating oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase and structural proteins such as actin or tropomyosin, which may explain morphological changes of cells already observed under the microscope. This study highlights the susceptibility of human cells to compounds with endocrine disrupting properties.

Glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in common carp after exposure to simazine

Several water contamination incidents with simazine have occurred in the province of Badajoz (Spain). Simazine residues were also detected in drinking water, increasing public health concern. Since little information was found concerning the effects of sublethal concentrations of simazine on aquatic organisms, we investigated some oxidative stress biomarkers in tissues of carps from contaminated waters. Results confirmed an increase in tissue reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in carps inhabiting one of the contaminated ponds. To assess the biological significance of this finding, a laboratory study in which carps were exposed to simazine at 45μgL(-1) (10-fold that of the natural water levels) for 90 days was developed. The results obtained in the field study were not confirmed in the laboratory exposure, where no differences were seen between the control and the exposure groups. Therefore, carps did not suffer oxidative stress phenomena by the presence of the simazine, at concentrations found in both studies.

Oxygen flux as an indicator of physiological stress in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos: a real-time biomonitoring system of water quality

The detection of harmful chemicals and biological agents in real time is a critical need for protecting freshwater ecosystems. We studied the real-time effects of five environmental contaminants with differing modes of action (atrazine, cadmium chloride, pentachlorophenol, malathion, and potassium cyanide) on respiratory oxygen consumption in 2-day postfertilization fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) eggs. Our objective was to assess the sensitivity of fathead minnow eggs using the self-referencing micro-optrode technique to detect instantaneous changes in oxygen consumption after brief exposures to low concentrations of contaminants. Oxygen consumption data indicated that the technique is indeed sensitive enough to reliably detect physiological alterations induced by four of the five contaminants. After 2 h of exposure, we identified significant increases in oxygen consumption upon exposure to pentachlorophenol (100 and 1000 microg/L), cadmium chloride (0.0002 and 0.002 microg/L), and atrazine (150 microg/L). In contrast, we observed a significant decrease in oxygen flux after exposuresto potassium cyanide (44 and 66 microg/L) and atrazine (1500 microg/L). No effects were detected after exposures to malathion (200 and 340 microg/L). Our work is the first step in development of a new technique for physiologically coupled biomonitoring as a sensitive and reliable tool for the detection of environmental toxicants.

Protective effects of vitamin E against atrazine-induced genotoxicity in rats

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine) is one of the most commonly used herbicides to control grasses and weeds. The widespread contamination and persistence of atrazine residues in the environment has resulted in human exposure. Vitamin E is a primary antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting cells against toxicity by inactivating free radicals generated following pesticides exposure. The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of vitamin E against atrazine-induced genotoxicity. Three different methods: gel electrophoresis, comet assay and micronucleus test were used to assess the atrazine-induced genotoxicity and to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E. Atrazine was administered to male rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. There was a significant increase (P<0.001) in tail length of comets from blood and liver cells treated with atrazine as compared to controls. Co-administration of vitamin E (100 mg/kg body weight) along with atrazine resulted in decrease in tail length of comets as compared to the group treated with atrazine alone. Micronucleus assay revealed a significant increase (P<0.001) in the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNCs) following atrazine administration. In the animals administrated vitamin E along with atrazine there was a significant decrease in percentage of micronuclei as compared to atrazine treated rats. The increase in frequency of micronuclei in liver cells and tail length of comets confirm genotoxicity induced by atrazine in blood and liver cells. In addition, the findings clearly demonstrate protective effect of vitamin E in attenuating atrazine-induced DNA damage.

Alteration of dopamine uptake into rat striatal vesicles and synaptosomes caused by an in vitro exposure to atrazine and some of its metabolites

Studies have shown that both in vivo and in vitro exposure to the herbicide atrazine (ATR) results in dopaminergic neurotoxicity manifested by decreased striatal dopamine (DA) levels. However, the mechanism behind this reduction is largely unknown. A decrease in striatal DA could be due to ATR exposure affecting vesicular and/or synaptosomal uptake resulting in disrupted vesicular storage and/or cellular uptake of DA. Hence, we investigated the effects of in vitro ATR exposure on DA uptake into isolated rat striatal synaptosomes and synaptic vesicles. In addition to ATR, effects of its major mammalian metabolites, didealkyl atrazine (DACT), desethyl atrazine (DE) and desiopropyl atrazine (DIP) were investigated. ATR (1-250 microM) inhibited DA uptake into synaptic vesicles in a dose-dependent manner. Of the three ATR metabolites tested, DACT did not affect vesicular DA uptake. DE and DIP, on the other hand, significantly decreased vesicular DA uptake with the effect of 100 microM DE/DIP being similar to the effect of the same concentration of ATR. Kinetic analysis of vesicular DA uptake indicated that ATR significantly decreased the V(max) while the K(m) value was not affected. Contrary to the inhibitory effects on vesicular DA uptake, synaptosomal DA uptake was marginally (6-13%) increased by ATR and DE, but not by DACT and DIP, at concentrations of <or=100 microM. As a result, ATR, DIP and DE increased the synaptosomal/vesicular (DAT/VMAT-2) uptake ratio. Collectively, results from this study suggest that ATR and two of its metabolites, DIP and DE, but not its major mammalian metabolite, DACT, decrease striatal DA levels, at least in part, by increasing cytosolic DA, which is prone to oxidative breakdown.

Perturbation of organogenesis by the herbicide atrazine in the amphibian Xenopus laevis

BACKGROUND

Exposure to anthropogenic chemicals during development can disrupt the morphogenesis of organ systems. Use of the herbicide atrazine has been debated in recent years because of its implicated, but poorly characterized, effects on vertebrates. Previous studies primarily examined the effects of atrazine exposure during metamorphosis or early developmental stages of amphibians.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to identify and characterize the susceptibility during the often-overlooked developmental stage of organ morphogenesis.

METHODS

We used a static renewal experimental treatment to investigate the effects of 10, 25, and 35 mg/L atrazine from early organ morphogenesis through the onset of tadpole feeding in the aquatic amphibian model system, Xenopus laevis. We quantified malformations of the body axis, heart, and intestine, as well as apoptosis in the midbrain and pronephric kidney.

RESULTS

We found a significant dose-dependent increase in the percentage of atrazine-exposed tadpoles with malformations of multiple tissues including the main body axis, circulatory system, kidney, and digestive system. Incidence of apoptotic cells also increased in the both midbrain and kidney of atrazine-exposed tadpoles.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that acute atrazine exposure (10-35 mg/L for < or = 48 hr) during early organ morphogenesis disrupts proper organ development in an amphibian model system. The concurrent atrazine-induced apoptosis in the pronephric kidney and midbrain begins to elucidate a mechanism by which atrazine may disrupt developmental processes in nontarget organisms.

Pro-apoptotic effect of fly ash leachates in hepatocytes of freshwater fish (Channa punctata Bloch)

The pro-apoptotic effect of fly ash leachates (FAL) was studied in the hepatocytes of an Indian freshwater fish, Channa punctata Bloch. Hepatocytes were exposed to different concentrations of '7-day' FAL for 24 and 48h and various parameters of apoptosis were studied using standardized procedures. FAL-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes was indicated by cytological examination, DNA fragmentation and DNA laddering. The induction in cytochrome-c release, caspases 3, 7, 10 and 9 activities and lactate dehydrogenase level provide mechanistic platform for FAL-induced apoptosis. Cytological examination showed an unambiguous apoptotic effect of ash leachates in fish hepatocytes. Exposed hepatocytes also showed increased production of H(2)O(2), superoxide ions and an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO). The present study suggests a possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in FAL-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. Lactate dehydrogenase, LPO and apoptosis as biomarkers of cytotoxicity have recently been used for assessment of ecotoxicological impact of environmental chemicals. Our findings show that these biomarkers may also be used for evaluation of ecotoxicological impact of complex chemical mixture such as fly ash and its leachates.