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Ćirović A, Buha Đorđević A, Ćirović A, Jevtić J, Tasić D, Janković S, Antonijević B, Petrović Z, Orisakwe OE, Tasić N. Trace Element Concentrations in Autopsied Heart Tissues from Patients with Secondary Cardiomyopathy. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2442-2449. [PMID: 37747654 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathies (CMP) represent a significant health problem as they have a poor long-term prognosis and often require transplantation. Heavy metals are known to have cardiotoxic effects and some of them, such as cadmium (Cd), are found to be elevated in the urine and blood of individuals with heart diseases; nevertheless, direct measurement of metals (e.g. zinc (Zn) which is necessary for normal heart function), in the myocardium of individuals with CMP has not been performed. Here, we aimed to analyze the levels of a group of metals in the myocardium of the left ventricle in individuals with CMP. At the Institute of Pathology, we collected 52 samples of left ventricle post-mortem, out of which 19 subjects had been diagnosed with CMP (mean age: 72 y ± 10), and 33 subjects had not suffered from any heart disease (mean age: 67 y ± 15). We found out that individuals with CMP had a significantly higher concentrations of lead, nickel, manganese and copper than non-CMP subjects (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.011, and p = 0.002). Interestingly, zinc was significantly lower in CMP subjects than in n-CMP individuals (p = 0.017). Our results indicated the involvement of an increased lead, nickel, copper and manganese heart load in individuals with CMP coupled with lower concentrations of zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ćirović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha Đorđević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
- Center for Toxicological Risk Assessment, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Ćirović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Jovan Jevtić
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Tasić
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje, 5 Heroja Milana Tepica Street, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, RS, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Saša Janković
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kacanskog 13, 11040, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Petrović
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kacanskog 13, 11040, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Orish E Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, Port Harcourt, Choba, 5323, Nigeria
| | - Nebojša Tasić
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje, 5 Heroja Milana Tepica Street, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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2
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He P, Dai M, Li Z, Wang X, Liu H, He Y, Jiang H. Effect of connexin 43 in LPS/IL-4-induced macrophage M1/M2 polarization: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37811. [PMID: 38608055 PMCID: PMC11018209 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) play important roles in inducing M1 and M2 macrophage polarization. Studies have shown that LPS can promote the polarization of macrophages to M1-type and produce many pro-inflammatory cytokines, while IL-4 can promote the polarization of macrophages to M2-type and produce many anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Connexin 43 (Cx43) is widely expressed in macrophages and has various regulatory functions. However, whether Cx43 is involved in the regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization has not been fully studied. This study examined the role of Cx43 and M2 polarization markers using Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry. Cx43 overexpression was induced using Cx43 overexpressing lentivirus. The statistical software SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp.) and GraphPad Prism 8.0 (GraphPad Software, La Jolla, CA, United States) were used to analyze the results. P values < .05 were considered to indicate statistically significant differences. Our results showed that LPS promotes the polarization of macrophages to M1-type, which is accompanied by an increase in Cx43 expression from 0 to 24 hours. Moreover, the application of the Cx43-specific blockers Gap19 and Gap26 reduces the expression of macrophage M1-type polarization markers. Thus, the expression of Cx43 increases first, and then, due to the initiation of intracellular autophagy during LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization. Cx43 is degraded and the expression of Cx43 decreases from 24 hours to 48 hours. IL-4 decreases the expression of Cx43 from 24 hours to 48 hours and promotes the transformation of macrophages to M2-type. The application of Cx43 overexpression lentivirus leads to a reduction in the expression of M2 polarization markers. IL-4-induced M2 polarization of macrophages inhibits cell autophagy, reducing Cx43 degradation and leading to an increase in Cx43 from 24 hours to 48 hours. Thus, Cx43 expression in M2-type polarization experiences a reduction at first and then an increase from 24 hours to 48 hours. The direction of macrophage polarization can be controlled by regulating the expression of Cx43, thus providing a theoretical basis for treating atherosclerosis, tumors, and other diseases associated with macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchen He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Mingxing Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Zongpin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Hongyuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Yixiao He
- Department of Pathology, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
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3
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Xue J, Liu H, Yin T, Zhou X, Song X, Zou Y, Li L, Jia R, Fu Y, Zhao X, Yin Z. Rat Hepatocytes Protect against Lead-Cadmium-Triggered Apoptosis Based on Autophagy Activation. TOXICS 2024; 12:285. [PMID: 38668508 PMCID: PMC11055059 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Lead and cadmium are foodborne contaminants that threaten human and animal health. It is well known that lead and cadmium produce hepatotoxicity; however, defense mechanisms against the co-toxic effects of lead and cadmium remain unknown. We investigated the mechanism of autophagy (defense mechanism) against the co-induced toxicity of lead and cadmium in rat hepatocytes (BRL-3A cells). Cultured rat liver BRL-3A cell lines were co-cultured with 10, 20, 40 μM lead and 2.5, 5, 10 μM cadmium alone and in co-culture for 12 h and exposed to 5 mM 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), 10 μM rapamycin (Rapa), and 50 nM Beclin1 siRNA to induce cellular autophagy. Our results show that treatment of BRL-3A cells with lead and cadmium significantly decreased the cell viability, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential levels, and induced apoptosis, which are factors leading to liver injury, and cell damage was exacerbated by co-exposure to lead-cadmium. In addition, the results showed that lead and cadmium co-treatment induced autophagy. We further observed that the suppression of autophagy with 3-MA or Beclin1 siRNA promoted lead-cadmium-induced apoptosis, whereas enhancement of autophagy with Rapa suppressed lead-cadmium-induced apoptosis. These results demonstrated that co-treatment with lead and cadmium induces apoptosis in BRL-3A cells. Interestingly, the activation of autophagy provides cells with a self-protective mechanism against induced apoptosis. This study provides insights into the role of autophagy in lead-cadmium-induced apoptosis, which may be beneficial for the treatment of lead-cadmium-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshu Xue
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Huimao Liu
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Tianyi Yin
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xu Song
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuanfeng Zou
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lixia Li
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (X.Z.)
| | - Yuping Fu
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xinghong Zhao
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhongqiong Yin
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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4
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Chen S, Abdulla A, Yan H, Mi Q, Ding X, He J, Yan C. Proteome signatures of joint toxicity to arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in human brain organoids with optic vesicles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117875. [PMID: 38072110 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117875] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are toxins found in the natural surroundings, and the harmful health outcomes caused by the co-exposure of such toxins have become a considerable problem. However, the joint neurotoxicity of As and Pb to neurodevelopment and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain organoids are emerging animal model alternatives for understanding neurological-related diseases. Therefore, we utilized brain organoids with optic vesicles (OVB-organoids) to systematically analyze the neurotoxicity of As and Pb. After 24 h of As and/or Pb exposure, hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that As and Pb exposure could cause disorders in the structure of the ventricular zone and general cell disarrangement in OVB-organoids. Immunostaining displayed that OVB-organoids are more susceptible to As and Pb co-exposure than independent exposure in apoptosis, proliferation, and cell differentiation. Meanwhile, even though As and Pb could both hinder cell proliferation, contrary to Pb, As could induce an increasing proportion of mitotic (G2/M) cells. The proteome landscape of OVB-organoids illustrated that Pb synergized with As in G2/M arrest and the common role of As and Pb in carcinogenesis. Besides, proteomics analyses suggested the consequential role of autophagy and Wnt pathway in the neurotoxicity of As and Pb co-exposure. Overall, our findings provide penetrating insights into the cell cycle, carcinogenesis, autophagy, and Wnt pathway underlying the As and Pb binary exposure scenarios, which could enhance our understanding of the mixture neurotoxicity mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Chen
- Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Aynur Abdulla
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Haoni Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Quanying Mi
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xianting Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jie He
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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5
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Kandouz M. Cell Death, by Any Other Name…. Cells 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38391938 PMCID: PMC10886887 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040325] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies trying to understand cell death, this ultimate biological process, can be traced back to a century ago. Yet, unlike many other fashionable research interests, research on cell death is more alive than ever. New modes of cell death are discovered in specific contexts, as are new molecular pathways. But what is "cell death", really? This question has not found a definitive answer yet. Nevertheless, part of the answer is irreversibility, whereby cells can no longer recover from stress or injury. Here, we identify the most distinctive features of different modes of cell death, focusing on the executive final stages. In addition to the final stages, these modes can differ in their triggering stimulus, thus referring to the initial stages. Within this framework, we use a few illustrative examples to examine how intercellular communication factors in the demise of cells. First, we discuss the interplay between cell-cell communication and cell death during a few steps in the early development of multicellular organisms. Next, we will discuss this interplay in a fully developed and functional tissue, the gut, which is among the most rapidly renewing tissues in the body and, therefore, makes extensive use of cell death. Furthermore, we will discuss how the balance between cell death and communication is modified during a pathological condition, i.e., colon tumorigenesis, and how it could shed light on resistance to cancer therapy. Finally, we briefly review data on the role of cell-cell communication modes in the propagation of cell death signals and how this has been considered as a potential therapeutic approach. Far from vainly trying to provide a comprehensive review, we launch an invitation to ponder over the significance of cell death diversity and how it provides multiple opportunities for the contribution of various modes of intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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6
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Stojilković N, Radović B, Vukelić D, Ćurčić M, Antonijević Miljaković E, Buha Đorđević A, Baralić K, Marić Đ, Bulat Z, Đukić-Ćosić D, Antonijević B. Involvement of toxic metals and PCBs mixture in the thyroid and male reproductive toxicity: In silico toxicogenomic data mining. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117274. [PMID: 37797666 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117274] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxicological research is mostly limited to considering the effects of a single substance, even though the real exposure of people is reflected in their daily exposure to many different chemical substances in low-doses. This in silico toxicogenomic study aims to provide evidence for the selected environmental (organo)metals (lead, cadmium, methyl mercury) + polychlorinated biphenyls mixture involvement in the possible alteration of thyroid, and male reproductive system function, and furthermore to predict the possible toxic mechanisms of the environmental cocktail. The Comparative Toxicogenomic Database, GeneMANIA online software, and ToppGene Suite portal were used as the main tools for toxicogenomic data mining and gene ontology analysis. The results show that 35 annotated common genes between selected chemicals and endocrine system diseases can interact on the co-expression level. Our study highlighted the disruption of the cytokines, the cell's response to oxidative stress, and the influence of the transcription factors as the potential core of toxicological mechanisms of the discussed mixture's effects. The connected toxicological effects of the tested mixture were abnormal sperm cells, a disrupted level of testosterone, and thyroid hormones. The core mechanisms of these effects were inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of androgen receptor signaling, and the alteration of the FOXO3-Keap-1/NRF2-HMOX1-NQO1 pathway signaling most likely controlled by the co-expression of overlapped genes among used chemicals. This in silico research can be used as a potential core for the determination of biomarkers that can be monitored in future further in vitro and in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Stojilković
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Radović
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Vukelić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Ćurčić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Evica Antonijević Miljaković
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha Đorđević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Baralić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Đurđica Marić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Bulat
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Đukić-Ćosić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia
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7
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Wechselberger C, Messner B, Bernhard D. The Role of Trace Elements in Cardiovascular Diseases. TOXICS 2023; 11:956. [PMID: 38133357 PMCID: PMC10747024 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Essential trace elements play an important role in human physiology and are associated with various functions regulating cellular metabolism. Non-essential trace elements, on the other hand, often have well-documented toxicities that are dangerous for the initiation and development of diseases due to their widespread occurrence in the environment and their accumulation in living organisms. Non-essential trace elements are therefore regarded as serious environmental hazards that are harmful to health even in low concentrations. Many representatives of these elements are present as pollutants in our environment, and many people may be exposed to significant amounts of these substances over the course of their lives. Among the most common non-essential trace elements are heavy metals, which are also associated with acute poisoning in humans. When these elements accumulate in the body over years of chronic exposure, they often cause severe health damage in a variety of tissues and organs. In this review article, the role of selected essential and non-essential trace elements and their role in the development of exemplary pathophysiological processes in the cardiovascular system will be examined in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Wechselberger
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Barbara Messner
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - David Bernhard
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
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Cirovic A, Orisakwe OE, Cirovic A, Jevtic J, Tasic D, Tasic N. Non-Uniform Bioaccumulation of Lead and Arsenic in Two Remote Regions of the Human Heart's Left Ventricle: A Post-Mortem Study. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1232. [PMID: 37627297 PMCID: PMC10452273 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081232] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The extent of heavy-metal-induced cardiotoxicity is proportional to the levels of metal bioaccumulation, and it was previously assumed that heavy metals accumulate uniformly in the myocardium. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate concentrations of metals and metalloids in two distant regions of the left ventricle (LV), the base of the LV, and apex of the LV using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We also examined the potential correlation between metal levels and the thickness of the interventricular septum in twenty LV specimens (ten from the base of LV and ten from the apex of LV) from 10 individuals (mean age 75 ± 6 years). We found significantly higher concentrations of arsenic and lead in the LV apex compared to the base of the LV. We also found a positive correlation between the concentrations of arsenic in the myocardium of LV and the thickness of the interventricular septum. Our results indicate that arsenic and lead accumulate to a higher extent in the apex of the LV compared to the base of the LV. Therefore, future studies designed to measure levels of metals in heart muscle should consider non-uniform accumulation of metals in the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Orish E. Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, Choba, Port Harcourt 5323, Nigeria;
| | - Aleksandar Cirovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 4/2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jovan Jevtic
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Danijela Tasic
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje, 5 Heroja Milana Tepica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.T.); (N.T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka 74278, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nebojsa Tasic
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje, 5 Heroja Milana Tepica Street, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.T.); (N.T.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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9
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Li Q, Feng Y, Wang R, Liu R, Ba Y, Huang H. Recent insights into autophagy and metals/nanoparticles exposure. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:355-372. [PMID: 37398566 PMCID: PMC10313637 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00184-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Some anthropogenic pollutants, such as heavy metals and nanoparticles (NPs), are widely distributed and a major threat to environmental safety and public health. In particular, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) have systemic toxicity even at extremely low concentrations, so they are listed as priority metals in relation to their significant public health burden. Aluminum (Al) is also toxic to multiple organs and is linked to Alzheimer's disease. As the utilization of many metal nanoparticles (MNPs) gradually gain traction in industrial and medical applications, they are increasingly being investigated to address potential toxicity by impairing certain biological barriers. The dominant toxic mechanism of these metals and MNPs is the induction of oxidative stress, which subsequently triggers lipid peroxidation, protein modification, and DNA damage. Notably, a growing body of research has revealed the linkage between dysregulated autophagy and some diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Among them, some metals or metal mixtures can act as environmental stimuli and disturb basal autophagic activity, which has an underlying adverse health effect. Some studies also revealed that specific autophagy inhibitors or activators could modify the abnormal autophagic flux attributed to continuous exposure to metals. In this review, we have gathered recent data about the contribution of the autophagy/mitophagy mediated toxic effects and focused on the involvement of some key regulatory factors of autophagic signaling during exposure to selected metals, metal mixtures, as well as MNPs in the real world. Besides this, we summarized the potential significance of interactions between autophagy and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage in the regulation of cell survival response to metals/NPs. A critical view is given on the application of autophagy activators/inhibitors to modulate the systematic toxicity of various metals/MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajing Feng
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Rundong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
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10
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Wang H, Wang H, Guan J, Guan W, Liu Z. Lead induces mouse skin fibroblast apoptosis by disrupting intracellular homeostasis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9670. [PMID: 37316700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a critical industrial and environmental contaminant that can cause pathophysiological changes in several cellular and organ systems and their processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. The skin is readily exposed to and damaged by Pb, but the mechanisms through which Pb damages cells are not fully understood. We examined the apoptotic properties of Pb in mouse skin fibroblast (MSF) in vitro. Treatment of fibroblasts with 40, 80, and 160 μM Pb for 24 h revealed morphological alterations, DNA damage, enhanced caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities, and apoptotic cell population. Furthermore, apoptosis was dosage (0-160 μM) and time (12-48 h) dependent. Concentrations of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and reactive oxygen species were increased, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in exposed cells. Cell cycle arrest was evident at the G0/G1 phase. The Bax, Fas, caspase-3 and -8, and p53 transcript levels were increased, whereas Bcl-2 gene expression was decreased. Based on our analysis, Pb triggers MSF apoptosis bydisrupting intracellular homeostasis. Our findings enrich the knowledge about the mechanistic function of Pb-induced cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblasts and could potentially guide future Pb health risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
- Meat Processing and Safety Control Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Huinuan Wang
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Jiawen Guan
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China
- Meat Processing and Safety Control Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou, 121001, China
| | - Weijun Guan
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, China.
- Meat Processing and Safety Control Engineering Technology Research Center of Liaoning Province, Jinzhou, 121001, China.
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11
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Vukelić D, Djordjevic AB, Anđelković M, Repić A, Baralić K, Ćurčić M, Đukić-Ćosić D, Boričić N, Antonijević B, Bulat Z. Derivation of benchmark doses for male reproductive toxicity in a subacute low-level Pb exposure model in rats. Toxicol Lett 2023; 375:69-76. [PMID: 36610527 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.01.001] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the study were to simulate low-level Pb exposure scenario in an animal model and to examine reproductive adverse effects. Based on obtained data, we have performed Benchmark dose (BMD)-response modelling. Male Wistar rats were randomized in seven groups (n = 6): one control and six treated with: 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, 7, and 15 mg Pb/kg body weight, daily for 28 days by oral gavage. The rats were sacrificed and the blood and testes were used for further analysis of testosterone levels in serum, testicular essential metal levels and histological analysis. The Pb treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease of serum testosterone levels with a negative trend (BMDI 0.17-6.13 mg Pb/kg). Increase of Zn (dose-dependent, BMDI 0.004-19.7 mg Pb/kg) and Cu and a decrease of Mn testicular levels were also detected with unscathed histology of the testes. The presented results might be used in further evaluation of the point of departure in human health risk assessment for Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Vukelić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Anđelković
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; Health Center Kosovska Mitrovica, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Repić
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Baralić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Ćurčić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Đukić-Ćosić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Novica Boričić
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Bulat
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
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12
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Combined exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and polystyrene microplastics induced renal autophagy through the ROS/AMPK/ULK1 pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 171:113521. [PMID: 36423728 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113521] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are new environmental pollutants that attracted increased attention. At present, the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of combined exposure of DEHP and PS-MPs on the kidney have not been elucidated. To investigate the renal toxicity of DEHP and PS-MPs exposure, we established single and combined DEHP and PS-MPs exposure models in mice and HEK293 cells, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, monodansylcadaverine staining, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis and other methods were used to detect relevant indicators. The results showed that the expression levels of ROS/AMPK/ULK1 and Ppargc1α/Mfn2 signaling pathway-related genes were significantly increased in the DEHP and PS-MPs exposure models. The mRNA and protein expression levels of autophagy markers were also upregulated. In addition, we found that the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins in the combined exposure group were more significantly increased than those in the single exposure group. In conclusion, combined exposure to DEHP and PS-MPs caused oxidative stress and activated the AMPK/ULK1 pathway, thereby inducing renal autophagy. Our results enhance the field of nephrotoxicity studies of plasticizers and microplastics and provide new light on combined toxicity studies of DEHP and PS-MPs.
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13
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Liu J, Hu Z, Zheng A, Ma Q, Liu D. Identification of exudate metabolites associated with quality in beef during refrigeration. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.114241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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14
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Vitale E, Rosso R, Lo Iacono M, Cristallini C, Giachino C, Rastaldo R. Apelin-13 Increases Functional Connexin-43 through Autophagy Inhibition via AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Non-Myocytic Cell Population of the Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13073. [PMID: 36361860 PMCID: PMC9655608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown a link between the downregulation of connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominant isoform in cardiac gap junctions, and high susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyocyte death. Non-myocytic cells (NMCs), the most abundant component of the heart, exert multiple cardiac functions and represent an important therapeutic target for diseased cardiac tissue. A few studies have investigated the effect of Apelin-13, an endogenous peptide with a key role in various cardiovascular functions, on Cx43 expression in cardiomyocytes. However, it remained unknown whether Apelin-13 influences Cx43 expression in NMCs. Here, we found that in NMCs, Cx43 protein expression increased after Apelin-13 treatment (100 nM for 48 h). Furthermore, dye transfer assays proved that Apelin-13-treated NMCs had a greater ability to communicate with surrounding cardiomyocytes, and this effect was abrogated by carbenoxolone, a gap junction inhibitor. Interestingly, we showed that Apelin-13 increased Cx43 through autophagy inhibition, as proved by the upregulation of p62 and LC3I, acting as 3-MA, a well-known autophagy inhibitor. In addition, Apelin-13-induced AKT and mTOR phosphorylation was abolished by LY294002 and rapamycin inhibitors resulting in Cx43 increased suppression. These results open the possibility of targeting gap junctions in NMCs with Apelin-13 as an exciting therapeutic approach with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Rachele Rosso
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Marco Lo Iacono
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Caterina Cristallini
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, IPCF ss Pisa, CNR, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Giachino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rastaldo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
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Effect of WenXin KeLi on Improvement of Arrhythmia after Myocardial Infarction by Intervening PI3K-AKT-mTOR Autophagy Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2022970. [PMID: 36212955 PMCID: PMC9536921 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2022970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Myocardial infarction (MI) is an acute and serious cardiovascular disease. Arrhythmia after MI can lead to sudden cardiac death, which seriously affects the survival outcome of patients. WenXin KeLi is a Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of arrhythmia in a clinic, which can significantly improve symptoms of palpitation and play an important role in reducing the risk of arrhythmia after MI. In this study, we aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of WenXin KeLi in protecting the heart. Methods The MI model was established by ligating the left coronary artery and the ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was measured by electrical stimulation. The expression of connexin43 (CX43) and autophagy-related protein were measured by Western Blot, and correlation analysis was conducted to study the relationship between cardiac autophagy, CX43, and arrhythmia in rats after MI. The effects of WenXin KeLi on arrhythmia, cardiac structure, and function in MI rats were respectively observed by electrical stimulation, cardiac gross section, Masson staining, and cardiac ultrasound. The effects of WenXin KeLi on the expression of phosphoinositide 3 kinase-protein kinase B-mammalian targets of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) autophagy pathway and CX43 were observed by Western Blot. Results After 4 weeks of MI, the VFT in the model group was significantly reduced, the expression levels of yeast ATG6 homolog (Beclin1), microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3II/LC3I), and p-CX43 (S368) significantly increased, the expression of sequestosome-1(P62) and CX43 significantly decreased. LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 expression were significantly negatively correlated with the VFT, and the expression of P62 and CX43 were significantly positively correlated with the VFT. LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 expression were negatively correlated with CX43 expression, while P62 expression was positively correlated with CX43 expression. WenXin KeLi could significantly increase the VFT, reduce the deposition of collagen fibers, and increase the index levels of the left ventricular end-diastolic anterior wall (LVEDAW), interventricular septum end-diastolic (IVSED), left ventricular end-systolic anterior wall (LVESAW), interventricular septum end-systolic (IVSES), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall (LVEDPW), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall (LVESPW), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), and reduce the index levels of the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV). WenXin KeLi could increase the expression of CX43, P62, AKT, p-PI3K, p-AKT (308), p-AKT (473), and p-mTOR and decrease the expression of LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1. Conclusion WenXin KeLi can activate the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, improve cardiac autophagy and Cx43 expression in rats after MI, reduce the risk of arrhythmia after MI, and play a cardioprotective role.
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Wang W, Li S, Li X, Chen S, Pang S, Zhang Y. CCL21 contributes to Th17 cell migration in neuroinflammation in obese mice following lead exposure. Toxicol Lett 2022; 366:7-16. [PMID: 35752368 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.06.003] [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: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and lead exposure can independently cause neuroinflammation, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Although Th17 cells play critical roles in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, few studies have evaluated their role in neuroinflammation in the background of obesity and lead exposure. In this study, the mechanism underlying inflammatory injury was evaluated in a mouse model of high fat diet-induced obesity following lead exposure. Neuroinflammation was aggravated in mice with obesity following lead exposure, and this was accompanied by increases in Th17 cells in the brain and IL-17A and IL-22 secretion. An antibody array using Z310, a choroid plexus epithelium cell line, revealed that CCL21 was the most highly altered chemokine. CCL21 expression was higher in the choroid plexus of obese mice treated with lead than in mice with obesity or lead treatment alone and was higher in Z310 cells treated with lead and palmitic acid. CCL21 knockout reduced chemotaxis. Our findings suggest that lead exposure can aggravate inflammation in brain tissues of obese mice, possibly by the CCL21-mediated regulation of the passage of Th17 cells through the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the combined effects of lead and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixuan Wang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China
| | - Xinying Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China
| | - Song Chen
- Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shulang Pang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China
| | - Yanshu Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China; Laboratory Animal Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan Hebei 063210, China
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17
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Wu L, Wang Z, He X, Jiang Y, Pan R, Chen S, Chen Y, Han Y, Yu H, Zhang T. GJA1 reverses arsenic-induced EMT via modulating MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 450:116138. [PMID: 35750204 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116138] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic is known as a well-established human carcinogen. Gap Junction Protein Alpha 1 (GJA1) is a multifunction protein that forms gap junction channels and is important for intercellular communication. Recently, its aberrant expression has been shown to associate with cancer recurrence and metastatic spread. However, whether GJA1 plays a role in arsenic carcinogenesis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that chronic exposure of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells to sodium arsenite promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via increasing the expression of EMT inducer S100A4 and activation of MAPK/ERK signaling. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that chronic exposure to sodium arsenite reduced GJA1 expression. Forced expression of GJA1 inhibited sodium arsenite-induced EMT via suppressing MAPK/ERK signaling whereas GJA1 knockdown produced an opposite effect. Intriguingly, chronic exposure to sodium arsenite increased autophagy flux. Inhibition of autophagy by pharmacological intervention or genetic deletion of autophagy core gene Beclin-1 upregulated GJA1 expression. These results suggested that GJA1 restrained the carcinogenic effect of sodium arsenite by limiting MAPK/ERK signaling, and GJA1 expression was decreased by arsenic-activated autophagy. In addition, interventions directed at enhancing the level or functional activity of GJA1 could be of preventive and therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqing Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zengbin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli He
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | | | | | - Shi Chen
- Kindstar Global Medical Special Inspection Group, Wuhan, China
| | - Yizhong Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Han
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huahui Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Comprehensive insight into the neurotoxic mechanisms of low dose Pb exposure in Wistar rats: Benchmark dose analysis. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 360:109932. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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19
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Li M, Kong Y, Wu X, Yin Z, Niu X, Wang G. Dietary α-lipoic acid can alleviate the bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation induced by lead (Pb) in Channa argus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 119:249-261. [PMID: 34653663 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary α-lipoic acid (α-LA) on bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in Channa argus after 28 d of lead (Pb) exposure. A total of 300 fish were divided into five groups: the first group was the control group and the other four groups were exposed to waterborne Pb (800 ppb) and fed α-LA diets supplemented with 0, 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg. The results demonstrated that dietary α-LA effectively reduced the Pb accumulation in the liver, kidney, gill, intestine, and muscle of C. argus after exposure to Pb. Meanwhile, dietary α-LA reversed alterations in the biochemical parameters (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cortisol (COR), and creatinine (CRE)) and immunity parameters (myeloperoxidase (MPO), complement 3 (C3), lysozyme (LYS), complement 4 (C4), C-reactive protein (CRP), and immunoglobulin M (IgM)) in the serum of fish caused by Pb. Pb-induced reduction of antioxidant enzyme activities (Catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) was inhibited by dietary α-LA. And malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) content exhibited an opposite trend. Meanwhile, dietary supplemented with α-LA was found to relieve Pb-induced oxidative stress by downregulating Keap1 mRNA expression levels and upregulating the expression levels of CAT, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), GSH-Px, and Cu/Zn SOD. Furthermore, α-LA supplementation reversed Pb-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)), Pro-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), caspase (Cas)-3, and tumor protein p53 (p53)) and Hsp70, and downregulation of anti-inflammatory genes (IL-10, inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)) and anti-apoptosis gene (B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)). Overall, dietary α-LA supplementation could enhance the innate immunity and antioxidant capacity of fish, attenuating the Pb accumulation, and cell apoptosis after being exposed to Pb. Furthermore, dietary α-LA could relieve Pb-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress of fish via regulating NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China; Ministry of Education Laboratory of Animal Production and Quality Security, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Yidi Kong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China; Ministry of Education Laboratory of Animal Production and Quality Security, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xueqin Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China; Ministry of Education Laboratory of Animal Production and Quality Security, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Zhuang Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China; Ministry of Education Laboratory of Animal Production and Quality Security, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xiaotian Niu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China; Ministry of Education Laboratory of Animal Production and Quality Security, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
| | - Guiqin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, China; Ministry of Education Laboratory of Animal Production and Quality Security, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, 130118, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
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20
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Wang Y, Wang J, Hao Z, Yang H, Li Y, Tan M, Liu L, Feng S, Mei L, Qian B. Inhibition of gap junction communication between cells can induce apoptosis of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in guinea pigs. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14287. [PMID: 34755909 DOI: 10.1111/and.14287] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of gap junction (GJ) on apoptosis of smooth muscle. Forty adult male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups with 10 guinea pigs in each group. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Gap27 were injected at the root of the corpus cavernosum. Two weeks later, the corpus cavernosum tissue was taken to be tested. The expression of Cx43 and α-SMC protein was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The content of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle was detected by Masson trichrome staining. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and Western blotting. The results showed that Gap27 did not affect Cx43 but decreased the expression of smooth muscle. The results of TUNEL staining and detection of apoptosis-related proteins showed that apoptosis was induced by Gap27. In addition, we found that corpus cavernosum injection of AAV could induce obvious apoptosis. In this study, we examined the effect of inhibition of gap junction on smooth muscle, and suggested that the decrease of gap junction function may be a potential mechanism of smooth muscle apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jingshen Wang
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hao
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Heng Yang
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yongle Li
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Minghui Tan
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- The People's Hospital of Yudu county, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shiming Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Liang Mei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Biao Qian
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Duan J, Chen H, Li Y, Xu D, Li X, Zhang Z, Cheng J, Yang L, Li Q. 17β-Estradiol Enhances Porcine Meiosis Resumption from Autophagy-Induced Gap Junction Intercellular Communications and Connexin 43 Phosphorylation via the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:11847-11855. [PMID: 34609142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c04212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen and its analogues are ubiquitous in agricultural environments, with large biological functions of oocyte development. Gap junction intercellular communications (GJICs) are the structural basis in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and regulate oocyte maturation and developmental material transport through a number of pathways. This study mainly determines the effect and potential mechanism of estrogen (17β-estradiol) in regulating GJICs in porcine COCs. In our study, 17β-estradiol increased porcine nuclear maturation in a time-dependent manner. The analysis revealed that 17β-estradiol upregulated the autophagy in COCs during in vitro maturation. In contrast with the control, 17β-estradiol decreased GJICs in a time-dependent manner between cumulus cells and oocytes, while it was consistent with the control group at 24 h. Carbenoxolone (CBX) blocks GJICs as a negative control group used in our system. Autophagy inhibitor autophinib decreased oocyte maturation, and the reduced nuclear maturation treated with autophinib was abolished by 17β-estradiol. Besides, the upregulation effect of autophinib on GJICs and transzonal projections (TZPs) was decreased by 17β-estradiol. 17β-Estradiol could reduce serine 368 phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43) protein by autophinib in porcine COCs. These results were dependent upon the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, 17β-estradiol-induced GJICs and Cx43 phosphorylation were inhibited by autophinib or the MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors (Trametinib and FR 180204), indicating that 17β-estradiol regulated GJICs through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, 17β-estradiol improves the autophagy-mediated nuclear maturation with downregulating GJICs and TZPs in porcine COCs. Such an effect occurs by phosphorylation of Cx43, which was regulated via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Huali Chen
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Dejun Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, Sichuan 400000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoya Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zelin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyong Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712100, People's Republic of China
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