Modulation of ERK1/2 and p38(MAPK) by lead in the cerebellum of Brazilian catfish Rhamdia quelen

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes in response to salinity stress in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family has been systematically described in several fish species, but less so in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), which is an important global aquaculture species. In this study, 16 MAPK genes were identified in the channel catfish genome and classified into three subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis, including six extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) genes, six p38-MAPK genes and four C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) genes. All MAPK genes were distributed unevenly across 10 chromosomes, of which three (IpMAPK8, IpMAPK12 and IpMAPK14) underwent teleost-specific whole genome duplication during evolution. Gene expression profiles in channel catfish during salinity stress were analysed using transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription PCR). Results from reads per kilobase million (RPKM) analysis showed IpMAPK13, IpMAPK14a and IpMAPK14b genes were differentially expressed when compared with other genes between treatment and control groups. Furthermore, three of these genes were validated by qRT-PCR, of which IpMAPK14a expression levels were significantly upregulated in treatment groups (high and low salinity) when compared with the control group, with the highest expression levels in the low salinity group (P < 0.05). Therefore, IpMAPK14a may have important response roles to salinity stress in channel catfish.

Advances in understanding the impacts of global warming on marine fishes farmed offshore: Sparus aurata as a case study

Monitoring variations in proteins involved in metabolic processes, oxidative stress responses, cell signalling and protein homeostasis is a powerful tool for developing hypotheses of how environmental variations affect marine organisms' physiology and biology. According to the oxygen- and capacity-limited thermal tolerance hypothesis, thermal acclimation mechanisms such as adjusting the activities of enzymes of intermediary metabolism and of antioxidant defence mechanisms, inducing heat shock proteins (Hsps) or activating mitogen-activated protein kinases may all shift tolerance windows. Few studies have, however, investigated the molecular, biochemical and organismal responses by fishes to seasonal temperature variations in the field to link these to laboratory findings. Investigation of the impacts of global warming on fishes farmed offsore, in the open sea, can provide a stepping stone towards understanding effects on wild populations because they experience similar environmental fluctuations. Over the last 30 years, farming of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus 1758) has become widespread along the Mediterranean coastline, rendering this species a useful case study. Based on available information, the prevailing seasonal temperature variations expose the species to the upper and lower limits of its thermal range. Evidence for this includes oxygen restriction, reduced feeding, reduced responsiveness to environmental stimuli, plus a range of molecular and biochemical indicators that change across the thermal range. Additionally, close relationships between biochemical pathways and seasonal patterns of metabolism indicate a connection between energy demand and metabolic processes on the one hand, and cellular stress responses such as oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy on the other. Understanding physiological responses to temperature fluctuations in fishes farmed offshore can provide crucial background information for the conservation and successful management of aquaculture resources in the face of global change.

Perturbed MAPK signaling in ASD: Impact of metal neurotoxicity

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are intracellular signaling pathways necessary for regulating various physiological processes, including neurodevelopment. The developing brain is vulnerable to toxic substances, and metals, such as lead, mercury, nickel, manganese, and others, have been proven to induce disturbances in the MAPK signaling pathway. Since a well-regulated MAPK is necessary for normal neurodevelopment, perturbation of the MAPK pathway results in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD affects brain parts responsible for communication, cognition, social interaction, and other patterned behaviors. Several studies have addressed the role of metals in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Here, we briefly review the MAPK signaling pathway and its role in neurodevelopment. Furthermore, we highlight the role of metal toxicity in the development of ASD and how perturbed MAPK signaling may result in ASD.

Effect of water temperature on cellular stress responses in meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

Μeagre (Argyrosomus regius) is a newly introduced species in the aquaculture sector characterized by high growth rates and good nutritional value. However, the optimum conditions such as water temperature for the rearing of this species are still under research. The aim of the present study was to investigate several biochemical responses in the heart, muscle, liver, and intestine of meagre reared under different water temperatures (17, 23, and 26 °C) in comparison to the initial acclimation temperature at 20 °C. To assess its cellular stress response, the molecular markers of Hsp70 and Hsp90 induced levels, p38 MAPK and p44/42 MAPK phosphorylated levels, ubiquitin conjugates, and Bcl-2 levels were determined. Moreover, to investigate its antioxidant defense, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase were measured. The obtained results in meagre showed a distinct tissue-specific response regarding the variations observed in the studied parameters under different acclimation temperatures. Specifically, most examined tissues presented a decrease in the levels of the examined markers compared to 20 °C, while in the intestine, an increase of Hsp70 and p38 MAPK levels was observed at 23 and 26 °C. However, data on the final weight and length of the fish lead to the conclusion that high water temperatures such as 26 °C might be the best for the rearing of this species. Therefore, it is assumed that the observed differential molecular responses may act in a cell-protective way at all temperatures, irrespectively of the effect of temperature on growth parameters.

Ecogenetics of lead toxicity and its influence on risk assessment

Lead (Pb) toxicity is a public health problem affecting millions worldwide. Advances in 'omic' technology have paved the way to toxico-genomics which is currently revolutionizing the understanding of interindividual variations in susceptibility to Pb toxicity and its functional consequences to exposure. Our objective was to identify, comprehensively analyze, and curate all the potential genetic and epigenetic biomarkers studied to date in relation to Pb toxicity and its association with diseases. We screened a volume of research articles that focused on Pb toxicity and its association with genetic and epigenetic signatures in the perspective of occupational and environmental Pb exposure. Due to wide variations in population size, ethnicity, age-groups, and source of exposure in different studies, researchers continue to be skeptical on the topic of the influence of genetic variations in Pb toxicity. However, surface knowledge of the underlying genetic factors will aid in elucidating the mechanism of action of Pb. Moreover, in recent years, the application of epigenetics in Pb toxicity has become a promising area in toxicology to understand the influence of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and small RNAs for the regulation of genes in response to Pb exposure during early life. Growing evidences of ecogenetic understanding (both genetic and epigenetic processes) in a dose-dependent manner may help uncover the mechanism of action of Pb and in the identification of susceptible groups. Such studies will further help in refining uncertainty factors and in addressing risk assessment of Pb poisoning.

The cationic (calcium and lead) and enzyme conundrum

The environmental toxicant lead (Pb) and the essential element calcium (Ca) play an interactive role in extracellular and intracellular regulatory functions that affect health. Lead's usurping calcium binding sites, as well as its interactions with thiols and phosphates have been suggested to be the basis for adverse effects on many organ systems especially the nervous system. Among regulatory processes controlled by Ca are calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase, calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, calmodulin inhibitor sensitive potassium channels, and calmodulin-independent protein kinase C (PKC) activation. This review focused on Pb studies describing the modulation of PKC, which is also regulated by steroids. Steroid hormone regulation may relate to a focal point for the sex differences of Pb and cellular signaling events. Picomolar concentrations of Pb may stimulate partially purified PKC, but higher concentrations inhibit activity. Although knowledge exists regarding Pb and PKC isoforms, especially interaction of Pb with the purified enzyme, there are conflicting reports concerning metal-mediated activation or inhibition of PKC and downstream signaling events. The effect of Pb on PKC in vivo remains elusive. Most reports of Pb and PKC in whole animal and human studies indicated that Pb either inhibits PKC or exerts no significant effect. However, most of the animal studies were performed with males. Recent studies performed with females and males separately revealed that females and males respond to Pb quite differently, and for this reason, it is suggested that future Pb studies of PKC and other biomedical investigations be performed with females and males.

Effects of partial dietary supplementation of fish meal with soymeal on the stress and apoptosis response in the digestive system of common dentex (Dentex dentex)

Background

Soybean is a common alternative protein source of plant origin in aquafeeds as it has a reasonably balanced amino acid profile and is widely available. This study aimed to investigate the influence of partial substitution of fish meal with soy meal on cytoprotective pathways and apoptosis in the digestive system of common dentex (Dentex dentex), using the activation of Hsp70, p38 MAPK, Bcl-2 and caspase-3. The experimental approach involved feeding of common dentex with three isoprotein and isoenergetic diets that contained fish meal as a protein source (FM), partial replacement of fish meal by soy meal 25% (SM25) and 40% (SM40) for 3 months.

Results

The SM40 diet induced Hsp70 activation only in the middle part of intestine. On the other hand, both SM25 and SM40 diets diminished the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the anterior and the middle part of intestine, whereas only SM25 induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in the stomach. Moreover, a decrease in the levels of caspase-3 activity was observed in the middle and posterior intestine, as well as in the stomach after feeding with SM25 diets. Furthermore, Bcl-2 levels were increased by SM40 in the anterior and by SM25 in the middle part of intestine.

Conclusions

SM25 and SM40 diets elicited a tissue and soy concentration specific cellular and cell protective response in the different parts of the digestive tract in common dentex.

Maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes under cadmium and lead exposures: Cell biology investigations

Since amphibians are recognised as good models to assess the quality of environments, only few studies have dealt with the impacts of chemical contaminants on their gametes, while toxic effects at this stage will alter all the next steps of their life cycle. Therefore, we propose to investigate the oocyte maturation of Xenopus laevis in cadmium- and lead-contaminated conditions. The impacts of cadmium and lead ions were explored on events involved in the hormone-dependent process of maturation. In time-course experiments, cadmium, at the highest concentration, delayed and prevented the germinal vesicle breakdown. Even in the absence of progesterone this ion could also induce it. No such spontaneous maturation was observed after lead exposures. An acceleration of the process at the highest tested concentration of lead (90μM), in presence of progesterone, was recorded. Cytological observations highlighted that cadmium exposures drove severe disturbances of meiotic spindle morphogenesis. At last, cadmium exposures altered the MAPK pathway, regarding the activation of ERK2 and RSK, but also the activation and the activity of the MPF, by disturbing the state of phosphorylation of Cdc2 and histone H3. Xenopus laevis oocytes were affected by these metal ion exposures, notably by Cd²⁺. Signatures of these metal exposures on the oocyte maturation were detected. This germ cell appeared to be a relevant model to assess the effects of environmental contaminants such as metals.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and its association with oxidative stress and apoptosis in lead-exposed hepatocytes

Lead toxicity has become a serious public health concern all over the world. Previous studies have shown that lead induces biochemical and structural changes in liver. However, although lead is known to alter liver functions, the underlying molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity are not yet clear. We hypothesized that a correlation exists between oxidative stress, apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lead-exposed liver. Wistar rats were treated with 0, 0.5%, and 1% lead acetate for 3d, 14d, and 35d and sacrificed the next day. On 4d, oxidative stress and apoptosis were correlated with downregulated expressions of ERK1/2 and p38-MAPKα/β, and upregulated expressions of JNK1/3 in males. In females, the correlation was with downregulated expressions of ERK1/2 and upregulated expressions of p38-MAPKα/β and JNK1/3. On 15d, the correlation was observed with upregulated expressions of p38-MAPKα/β in males and downregulated expressions of p38-MAPKα/β in females. In both sexes, a correlation was observed with upregulated expressions of ERK1/2 and JNK1/3 in 1% groups. On 36d, the correlation was observed with downregulated expressions of p38-MAPKα/β in males and their upregulated expressions in females. Time-dependent increase in lipid peroxidation on 15d and 36d correlated with upregulated expressions of p38-MAPKα/β in females and ERK1/2 in 1% groups in both sexes. The lower dose induced more apoptosis up to 15d in females and the higher dose induced in males on 36d. Generally, the female livers had more p38-MAPKα/β than the male livers. On 36d, the female livers showed more p38-MAPKα/β and JNK1/3 than the male livers. In conclusion, although not clearly defined, a correlation exists among oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the MAPKs in lead-exposed hepatocytes. The sex-dependent effects may be due to differences in hormonal or other physiological mechanisms. In lead-exposed hepatocytes, the apoptosis may be induced via oxidative stress-mediated alterations in the MAPKs.

Effects of Hg(II) exposure on MAPK phosphorylation and antioxidant system in D. melanogaster

The heavy metal mercury is a known toxin, but while the mechanisms involved in mercury toxicity have been well demonstrated in vertebrates, little is known about toxicological effects of this metal in invertebrates. Here, we present the results of our study investigating the effects associated with exposure of fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to inorganic mercury (HgCl2 ). We quantify survival and locomotor performance as well as a variety of biochemical parameters including antioxidant status, MAPK phosphorylation and gene expression following mercury treatment. Our results demonstrate that exposure to Hg(II) through diet induced mortality and affected locomotor performance as evaluated by negative geotaxis, in D. melanogaster. We also saw a significant impact on the antioxidant system including an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (Ache), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. We found no significant alteration in the levels of mRNA of antioxidant enzymes or NRF-2 transcriptional factor, but did detect a significant up regulation of the HSP83 gene. Mercury exposure also induced the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK, without altering p38(MAPK) and the concentration of these kinases. In parallel, Hg(II) induced PARP cleavage in a 89 kDa fragment, suggesting the triggering of apoptotic cell death in response to the treatment. Taken together, this data clarifies and extends our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating Hg(II) toxicity in an invertebrate model.

Role of calmodulin-calmodulin kinase II, cAMP/protein kinase A and ERK 1/2 on Aeromonas hydrophila-induced apoptosis of head kidney macrophages

The role of calcium (Ca²⁺) and its dependent protease calpain in Aeromonas hydrophila-induced head kidney macrophage (HKM) apoptosis has been reported. Here, we report the pro-apoptotic involvement of calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin kinase II gamma (CaMKIIg) in the process. We observed significant increase in CaM levels in A. hydrophila-infected HKM and the inhibitory role of BAPTA/AM, EGTA, nifedipine and verapamil suggested CaM elevation to be Ca²⁺-dependent. Our studies with CaM-specific siRNA and the CaM inhibitor calmidazolium chloride demonstrated CaM to be pro-apoptotic that initiated the downstream expression of CaMKIIg. Using the CaMKIIg-targeted siRNA, specific inhibitor KN-93 and its inactive structural analogue KN-92 we report CaM-CaMKIIg signalling to be critical for apoptosis of A. hydrophila-infected HKM. Inhibitor studies further suggested the role of calpain-2 in CaMKIIg expression. CaMK Kinase (CaMKK), the other CaM dependent kinase exhibited no role in A. hydrophila-induced HKM apoptosis. We report increased production of intracellular cAMP in infected HKM and our results with KN-93 or KN-92 implicate the role of CaMKIIg in cAMP production. Using siRNA to PKACA, the catalytic subunit of PKA, anti-PKACA antibody and H-89, the specific inhibitor for PKA we prove the pro-apoptotic involvement of cAMP/PKA pathway in the pathogenicity of A. hydrophila. Our inhibitor studies coupled with siRNA approach further implicated the role of cAMP/PKA in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2). We conclude that the alteration in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels initiated by A. hydrophila activates CaM and calpain-2; both pathways converge on CaMKIIg which in turn induces cAMP/PKA mediated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation leading to caspase-3 mediated apoptosis of infected HKM.

Aeromonas hydrophila is a natural fish pathogen and is known to induce apoptosis of HKM. Head kidney is an important immune-organ in fish and HKM are critical for immunity against the invading pathogen. The mechanisms of cell death induced by A. hydrophila are incompletely characterized. We have studied the role of Ca²⁺-dependent signalling pathways in the induction of A. hydrophila-induced HKM apoptosis. We observed that A. hydrophila infection led to increased CaM expression in infected HKM which was Ca²⁺-dependent. The inhibitor and siRNA studies suggested CaM to be pro-apoptotic and triggered CaMKIIg expression in the infected HKM. Calpain-2 appeared to influence CaMKIIg expression. However, further studies are needed to understand the process. We report that the CaM-CaMKIIg pathway is important for initiating cAMP production within the infected HKM. The pro-apoptotic activation of cAMP dependent PKA was quite evident. The activation of ERK 1/2 was observed in the HKM and results clearly suggested the pro-active role of cAMP/PKA in the process. Thus we conclude that CaM-CaMKIIg initiates the cAMP/PKA pathway that induces ERK 1/2 phosphorylation to promote caspase-3 mediated apoptosis of the A. hydrophila-infected HKM.

A small heat shock protein (sHSP) from Sinonovacula constricta against heavy metals stresses

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ATP-independent molecular chaperones and involved into many physiological and stress processes. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of sHSP was cloned from razor clam Sinonovacula constricta (denoted as ScsHSP) through cDNA library and PCR approaches. Some feature motifs like the typical α-crystalline domain with six beta strands, three susceptible phosphorylation serines (S(15), S(78), and S(82)) were conserved in the deduce amino acid of ScsHSP. Tissue distribution analysis of the ScsHSP revealed that the mRNA transcripts of ScsHSP were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues with the highest expressions in the haemocytes. The temporal expression of ScsHSP in gill and haemocytes after PbCl2 and CdCl2 exposure were recorded by qPCR. The suppressed expression patterns were detected in CdCl2 stress at both tissues, and the minimum expression were detected at 36 h with 0.58-fold decrease in haemocytes and 0.30-fold in gill compared to each control group. During the PbCl2 exposure experiment, the expression level of ScsHSP increased significantly with larger amplitude in haemocytes. As time progressed, the mRNA transcripts of ScsHSP recovered almost to the original level at 36 h. All our results indicated that ScsHSP was involved into mediating environmental pollutants exposure and considered to be a promising candidate bio-mark for heavy metals monitoring.

Starvation and re-feeding affect Hsp expression, MAPK activation and antioxidant enzymes activity of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

In the context of food deprivation in fish (wild and farmed), understanding of cellular responses is necessary in order to develop strategies to minimize stress caused by starvation in the aquaculture section. The present study evaluates the effects of long term starvation (1F-3S: one-month feeding-three-month starvation) and starvation/re-feeding (2S-2F: two-month starvation-two-month re-feeding) compared to the control group (4F-0S: four-month feeding-zero month starvation) on cellular stress response and antioxidant defense in organs, like the intestine, the liver, the red and white muscle of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Molecular responses were addressed through the expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90, the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinases and particularly p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK-1/2). For the determination of the effect of the oxidative stress caused by food deprivation and/or re-feeding, the (maximum) activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidise (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were studied. The experimental feeding trials caused a tissue distinct and differential response on the cellular and antioxidant capacity of sea bass not only during the stressful process of starvation but also in re-feeding. Specifically, the intestine phosphorylation of ERKs and antioxidant enzymatic activities increased in the 2S-2F fish group, while in the 1F-3S group an increase was detected in the levels of the same proteins except for GPx. In the liver and the red muscle of 2S-2F fish, decreased Hsp70 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK levels and increased Hsp90 levels were observed. Additionally, SOD activity decreased in the red muscle of 2S-2F and 1F-3S groups. In the liver and red muscle of 1F-3S group Hsp70 levels increased, while the activation of p38 MAPK in the liver decreased. In the white muscle, Hsp90 levels decreased and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK increased in both feeding regimes compared to control. In the same tissue, GPx and catalase levels were decreased in 2S-2F regime, while SOD levels were decreased in 1F-3S regime.

Molecular evolutionary and population genomic analysis of the nine-spined stickleback using a modified restriction-site-associated DNA tag approach

In recent years, the explosion of affordable next generation sequencing technology has provided an unprecedented opportunity to conduct genome-wide studies of adaptive evolution in organisms previously lacking extensive genomic resources. Here, we characterize genome-wide patterns of variability and differentiation using pooled DNA from eight populations of the nine-spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius L.) from marine, lake and pond environments. We developed a novel genome complexity reduction protocol, defined as paired-end double restriction-site-associated DNA (PE dRAD), to maximize read coverage at sequenced locations. This allowed us to identify over 114,000 short consensus sequences and 15,000 SNPs throughout the genome. A total of 6834 SNPs mapped to a single position on the related three-spined stickleback genome, allowing the detection of genomic regions affected by divergent and balancing selection, both between species and between freshwater and marine populations of the nine-spined stickleback. Gene ontology analysis revealed 15 genomic regions with elevated diversity, enriched for genes involved in functions including immunity, chemical stimulus response, lipid metabolism and signalling pathways. Comparisons of marine and freshwater populations identified nine regions with elevated differentiation related to kidney development, immunity and MAP kinase pathways. In addition, our analysis revealed that a large proportion of the identified SNPs mapping to LG XII is likely to represent alternative alleles from divergent X and Y chromosomes, rather than true autosomal markers following Mendelian segregation. Our work demonstrates how population-wide sequencing and combining inter- and intra-specific RAD analysis can uncover genome-wide patterns of differentiation and adaptations in a non-model species.

Central nervous system cytokine gene expression: modulation by lead

The environmental heavy metal toxicant, lead (Pb) has been shown to be more harmful to the central nervous system (CNS) of children than to adults, given that Pb exposure affects the neural system during development. Because growth factors and cytokines play very important roles in development of the CNS, we have examined the impact of Pb exposure on the expression of cytokines during CNS development. Cytokine expression was studied in post-natal-day 21 (pnd21) mice by microarray, real-time RT-PCR, Luminex, and ELISA methodologies. BALB/c mouse pups were exposed to Pb through the dam's drinking water (0.1 mM Pb acetate), from gestation-day 8 (gd8) to pnd21. Two cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), displayed significantly changed transcript levels in the presence of Pb. IL-6 and TGF-β1 both have signal transduction cascades that can cooperatively turn on the gene for the astrocyte marker glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Microarray results indicated that Pb exposure significantly increased expression of GFAP. Pb also modulated IL-6, TGF-β1, and IL-18 protein expression in select brain regions. The deleterious effects of Pb on learning and long-term memory are posited to result from excessive astrocyte growth and/or activation with concomitant interference with neural connections. Differential neural expression of cytokines in brain regions needs to be further investigated to mechanistically associate Pb and neuroinflammation with behavioral and cognitive changes.

Biochemical alterations in juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to zinc: glutathione reductase as a target

The aim of this study was to investigate biochemical changes in juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to zinc chloride (10, 30 and 100 microM) for a period of 48 h. Zinc exposure caused a concentration-dependent reduction in glutathione reductase (GR) activity in gills, liver and brain. Gill glutathione S-transferase (GST) was reduced when animals were exposed to the highest concentration of 100 microM zinc. The phosphorylation of p38(MAPK) increased in the brain of fish exposed to zinc 100 microM, while phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) remained unchanged. Expression of proteins HSP60 and HSP70 were not affected by zinc exposure. Considering the significant concentration-dependent inhibition of GR in all tissues analyzed, this enzyme could be a potential biomarker of exposure to zinc, which has to be confirmed.

Involvement of p38MAPK on the antinociceptive action of myricitrin in mice

Previous studies from our group investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the flavonoid myricitrin. Here, we demonstrated the role of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) on the antinociceptive action of myricitrin. The nociceptive response was evaluated by monitoring biting behaviour following intratecal (i.t.) administration of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in mice. Western blot analyses of total and phosphorylated MAPKs: p38(MAPK), extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK1/2) from the spinal cord of mice injected with cytokines were measured. Myricitrin (0.03-30mg/kg) or vehicle (control) was administered 30 min beforehand by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Myricitrin pre-treatment prevented cytokine-induced biting behaviour. The calculated ID(50) of myricitrin were 6.8 (4.6-9.0) and 2.6 (0.3-4.9) mg/kg and maximal inhibition of 83+/-9 and 100+/-0% for IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, respectively. Intrathecal injection of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha significantly increased p38(MAPK) phosphorylation and this was inhibited by myricitrin treatment. Cytokines administration did not alter ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 phosphorylation. Myricitrin prevented cytokine-induced biting behaviour and inhibited p38(MAPK) phosphorylation in response to cytokines stimulation. Taken together, it suggests that the mechanism for antinociceptive action of myricitrin in response to cytokines may involve a blockage on p38(MAPK) pathway. This finding could explain, at least in part, the antinociceptive action of this flavonoid in process like neuropathic and inflammatory chronic pain.

Lead induces chondrogenesis and alters transforming growth factor-beta and bone morphogenetic protein signaling in mesenchymal cell populations

BACKGROUND

It has been established that skeletal growth is stunted in lead-exposed children. Because chondrogenesis is a seminal step during skeletal development, elucidating the impact of Pb on this process is the first step toward understanding the mechanism of Pb toxicity in the skeleton.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Pb alters chondrogenic commitment of mesenchymal cells and to assess the effects of Pb on various signaling pathways.

METHODS

We assessed the influence of Pb on chondrogenesis in murine limb bud mesenchymal cells (MSCs) using nodule formation assays and gene analyses. The effects of Pb on transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling was studied using luciferase-based reporters and Western analyses, and luciferase-based assays were used to study cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB), beta-catenin, AP-1, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling. We also used an ectopic bone formation assay to determine how Pb affects chondrogenesis in vivo.

RESULTS

Pb-exposed MSCs showed enhanced basal and TGF-beta/BMP induction of chondrogenesis, evidenced by enhanced nodule formation and up-regulation of Sox-9, type 2 collagen, and aggrecan, all key markers of chondrogenesis. We observed enhanced chondrogenesis during ectopic bone formation in mice preexposed to Pb via drinking water. In MSCs, Pb enhanced TGF-beta but inhibited BMP-2 signaling, as measured by luciferase reporter assays and Western analyses of Smad phosphorylation. Although Pb had no effect on basal CREB or Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activity, it induced NFkappaB signaling and inhibited AP-1 signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vitro and in vivo induction of chondrogenesis by Pb likely involves modulation and integration of multiple signaling pathways including TGF-beta, BMP, AP-1, and NFkappaB.

Pollution biomarkers in estuarine animals: critical review and new perspectives

In this review, recent developments in monitoring toxicological responses in estuarine animals are analyzed, considering the biomarker responses to different classes of pollutants. The estuarine environment imposes stressful conditions to the organisms that inhabit it, and this situation can alter their sensitivity to many pollutants. The specificity of some biomarkers like metallothionein tissue concentration is discussed in virtue of its dependence on salinity, which is highly variable in estuaries. Examples of cholinesterase activity measurements are also provided and criteria to select sensitive enzymes to detect pesticides and toxins are discussed. Regarding non-specific biomarkers, toxic responses in terms of antioxidant defenses and/or oxidative damage are also considered in this review, focusing on invertebrate species. In addition, the presence of an antioxidant gradient along the body of the estuarine polychaete Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae) and its relationship to different strategies, which deal with the generation of oxidative stress, is reviewed. Also, unusual antioxidant defenses against environmental pro-oxidants are discussed, including the mucus secreted by L. acuta. Disruption of osmoregulation by pollutants is of paramount importance in several estuarine species. In some cases such as in the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulatus, there is a trade off between bioavailability of toxicants (e.g. metals) and their interaction with key enzymes such as Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase. Thus, the metal effect on osmoregulation is also discussed in the present review. Finally, field case studies with fish species like the croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Scianidae) are used to illustrate the application of DNA damage and immunosuppressive responses as potential biomarkers of complex mixture of pollutants.

Exposure of C6 glioma cells to Pb(II) increases the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and JNK1/2 but not of ERK1/2

Pb(II) is a neurotoxic pollutant that produces permanent cognitive deficits in children. Pb(II) can modulate cell signaling pathways and cell viability in a variety of cell types. However, these actions are not well demonstrated on glial cells, which represent an important target for metals into the central nervous system. The present work was undertaken to determine the ability of Pb(II) in modulating the activity of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in cultures of C6 rat glioma cells, a useful functional model for the study of astrocytes. Additionally, cell viability was analyzed by measurement of MTT reduction. Cells were exposed to lead acetate 0.1, 1, 10 microM for 24 and 48 h. MAPKs activation - in particular ERK1/2, p38(MAPK) and JNK1/2 - were analyzed by western blotting. Results showed that 10 microM Pb(II) treatment for 24 h caused a discrete stimulation of p38(MAPK) phosphorylation. However, 1 and 10 microM Pb(II) treatment for 48 h provoked a significant stimulation in the phosphorylation state of p38(MAPK) and JNK1/2. The phosphorylation state of ERK1/2 was not modified by any Pb(II) treatment. Moreover, data indicate that at 48 h treatment even 1 microM Pb(II) can be cytotoxic, causing impairment on cell viability. Therefore, depending on a long incubation period, a significant concomitant activation of p38(MAPK) and JNK1/2 by Pb(II) took place in parallel with the impairment of C6 glioma cells viability.