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Van Quang H, Vuong NB, Trang BNL, Toan NL, Van Tong H. Association of UGT1A1 gene variants, expression levels, and enzyme concentrations with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3315. [PMID: 38332122 PMCID: PMC10853243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54004-0] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the congener of dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD is the most toxic, having a serious long-term impact on the environment and human health. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) plays a crucial role in the detoxification and excretion of endogenous and exogenous lipophilic compounds, primarily in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to investigate the association of UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms, expression levels, and enzyme concentration with Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure. The study included 100 individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin nearby Da Nang and Bien Hoa airports in Vietnam and 100 healthy controls. UGT1A1 SNP rs10929303, rs1042640 and rs8330 were determined by Sanger sequencing, mRNA expression was quantified by RT-qPCR and plasma UGT1A1 concentrations were measured by ELISA. The results showed that UGT1A1 polymorphisms at SNPs rs10929303, rs1042640 and rs8330 were associated with Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure (OR = 0.55, P = 0.018; OR = 0.55, P = 0.018 and OR = 0.57, P = 0.026, respectively). UGT1A1 mRNA expression levels and enzyme concentration were significantly elevated in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin compared to controls (P < 0.0001). Benchmark dose (BMD) analyses showed that chronic exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD contamination affects the UGT1A1 mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, UGT1A1 polymorphisms affected gene expression and enzyme concentrations in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin. In conclusion, UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms, UGT1A gene expression levels and UGT1A1 enzyme concentrations were associated with Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure. The metabolism of 2,3,7,8-TCDD may influence UGT1A gene expression and enzyme concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Van Quang
- Department of Haematology, Toxicology, Radiation, and Occupation, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- The Center of Toxicological and Radiological Training and Research, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Ba Vuong
- Department of Haematology, Toxicology, Radiation, and Occupation, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui Ngoc Linh Trang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Vu HT, Pham TN, Nishijo M, Yokawa T, Pham The T, Takiguchi T, Nishino Y, Nishijo H. Impact of dioxin exposure on brain morphometry and social anxiety in men living in the most dioxin-contaminated area in Vietnam. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:169-177. [PMID: 37774667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we reported that the global brain volume was significantly higher in men with estimated perinatal dioxin exposure in Vietnam. In this study, we aimed to clarify which brain lobes, consisting of several gyri, contributed to the increased global brain volume. We then analyzed associations between changes in brain volume and social anxiety symptoms to investigate the role of structural changes of the brain on social anxiety following perinatal dioxin exposure. METHODS Thirty-three men living near the dioxin-contaminated Bien Hoa airbase, underwent MRI examination. The regional gray matter volumes were extracted using the SPM12 in a MATLAB environment, and compared between subgroups with and without perinatal dioxin exposure estimated from their maternal residency in Bien Hoa during pregnancy. The social anxiety questionnaire for adults (SAQ-A30) was used to assess social anxiety. RESULTS In both hemispheres, higher gray matter volume in the frontal and temporal lobes, particularly in the superior frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and temporal pole were found in men with perinatal dioxin exposure. Superior temporal gyrus volume was significantly higher in men with perinatal exposure also after adjusting for reduction of its volume associated with increasing 1,2,3,7,8-PentaCDD levels in blood. Increased volume of these gyri, which showed higher volume in men with perinatal exposure, was associated with increased SAQ-A30 scores. CONCLUSION Perinatal dioxin exposure may increase the brain volume of gyri involved in social behavior, which was associated with increased social anxiety symptoms, suggesting functional effects accompanied the morphological effects of dioxin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa Thi Vu
- Department of Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, Japan; Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thao Ngoc Pham
- Department of Functional Diagnosis, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Muneko Nishijo
- Department of Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, Japan.
| | | | - Tai Pham The
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Center, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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Vuong NB, Quang HV, Linh Trang BN, Duong DH, Toan NL, Tong HV. Association of PKLR gene copy number, expression levels and enzyme activity with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin in Vietnam. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138677. [PMID: 37060958 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is the most toxic congener of dioxin and has serious long-term effects on the environment and human health. Pyruvate Kinase L/R (PKLR) gene expression levels and gene variants are associated with pyruvate kinase enzyme deficiency, which has been identified as the cause of several diseases linked to dioxin exposure. In this study, we estimated PKLR gene copy number and gene expression levels using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays, genotyped PKLR SNP rs3020781 by Sanger sequencing, and quantified plasma pyruvate kinase enzyme activity in 100 individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin near Bien Hoa and Da Nang airfields in Vietnam and 100 healthy controls. The means of PKLR copy numbers and PKLR gene expression levels were significantly higher, while pyruvate kinase enzyme activity was significantly decreased in Agent Orange/Dioxin-exposed individuals compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Positive correlations of PKLR gene copy number and gene expression with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations were observed (r = 0.2, P = 0.045 and r = 0.54, P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, pyruvate kinase enzyme activity was inversely correlated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations (r = -0.52, P < 0.0001). PKLR gene copy number and gene expression levels were also inversely correlated with pyruvate kinase enzyme activity. Additionally, PKLR SNP rs3020781 was found to be associated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations and PKLR gene expression. In conclusion, PKLR copy number, gene expression levels, and pyruvate kinase enzyme activity are associated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals living in Agent Orange/Dioxin-contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Ba Vuong
- Department of Haematology, Toxicology, Radiation, and Occupation, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ha Van Quang
- The Center of Toxicological and Radiological Training and Research, Vietnam Military Medical University, Viet Nam
| | - Bui Ngoc Linh Trang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Dao Hong Duong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
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Vu TS, Nishijo M, Nishino Y, Vu CT, Nguyen VC, Pham TT, Do NA, Vu NH, Le DC, Dao VN, Dinh VH, Pham NT, Do DT. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in blood samples from historically herbicide-sprayed areas and rural and industrialized unsprayed areas in Vietnam. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 326:138331. [PMID: 36958494 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We investigated dioxin concentrations in the blood of residents living in areas with different sources of dioxin pollution in Vietnam. A total of 823 individual blood samples were collected in 2014-2015 from residents of 16 provinces in Vietnam who were born between 1972 and 1976, and who lived in rural unsprayed areas (the control area), industrialized unsprayed areas (the industrialized area), and areas in which herbicides were sprayed during the Vietnam War (the sprayed area). After blood collection, pooled samples were obtained by combining 10-25 individual samples by age and sex for each area. A total of 6, 10, and 26 pooled blood samples were obtained for the control area, industrialized area, and sprayed area, respectively. The concentrations of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans were quantified in each pooled blood sample. The concentrations of TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, and OCDF were significantly higher in the sprayed area than in the unsprayed area, which comprised the control and industrialized areas. The toxic equivalents of PCDDs, TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF were significantly higher in the sprayed area than in the control area. No significant difference in dioxin concentration was found between the sprayed and industrialized areas after adjusting for sex. The 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF concentration was significantly higher in the industrialized area than in the control area. The findings indicate that there are different dioxin congener blood profiles in residents of industrialized areas and areas in which herbicides were historically sprayed during the Vietnam War.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Son Vu
- Department of Epidemiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, 12108, Viet Nam
| | - Muneko Nishijo
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Kanazawa Medical University, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nishino
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Kanazawa Medical University, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Chien Thang Vu
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Hanoi, 11300, Viet Nam
| | - Van Chuyen Nguyen
- Department of Hygiene, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, 12108, Viet Nam
| | - The Tai Pham
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 12108, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Anh Do
- Department of Parasitology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 12108, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Hoan Vu
- Department of Epidemiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, 12108, Viet Nam
| | - Duy Chi Le
- Department of Ultrasound, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, 12108, Viet Nam
| | - Van Nhat Dao
- Department of Urology, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, 12108, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Viet Hung Dinh
- Deparment of Psychiatric, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, 12108, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Thao Pham
- Department of Functional Diagnosis, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, 12108, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
| | - Duc Thuan Do
- Department of Stroke, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, 12108, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
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Manh HD, Kido T, Takasuga T, Yamashita M, Giang LM, Nakagawa H. The Relationship of Dioxin Levels in Serum of 9-Year-Old Vietnamese Children and Their Mothers’ Breast Milk. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040155. [PMID: 35448416 PMCID: PMC9030040 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we measured the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the blood of 9-year-old children living in a dioxin hotspot area and a nonexposed area in Vietnam. Forty-five blood samples were collected in the hotspot area while twelve pooled blood samples were collected in the nonexposed area. We found that the dioxin level of children in the hotspot was significantly higher than that of children in the nonexposed area. The total TEQ of PCDD/Fs in the hotspot and the nonexposed was 10.7 and 3.3 pg TEQ/g fat, respectively. However, TCDD, the maker of Agent Orange, was not detected in the blood of children in the hotspot area. In the hotspot area, four congeners 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF in mothers’ breast milk showed a significantly positive correlation with those in children’s serum although the correlations of 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF were not significant. In addition, the duration of breastfeeding also correlates with dioxins in children. These results suggested that children in the hotspot area were exposed to dioxin through mothers’ milk and other foods or environmental factors. The present study is the first study that shows dioxin levels in Vietnamese children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Dung Manh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lac Hong University, No. 10 Huynh Van Nghe, Buu Long, Bien Hoa 02513, Dong Nai, Vietnam;
| | - Teruhiko Kido
- Division of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, 5-11-80 Kodatsuno, Kanazawa 920-0942, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-762652565
| | - Takumi Takasuga
- Shimadzu Techno-Research Inc., 1 Nishinokyo Shimoaicho Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8436, Japan; (T.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Michiko Yamashita
- Shimadzu Techno-Research Inc., 1 Nishinokyo Shimoaicho Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8436, Japan; (T.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Le Minh Giang
- 10-80 Division, Hanoi Medical University, No. 1 Ton That Tung, Dong Da, Hanoi 116500, Vietnam;
| | - Hideaki Nakagawa
- Department of Hygiene, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Kahoku 920-0265, Japan;
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Alterations in Regional Brain Regional Volume Associated with Dioxin Exposure in Men Living in the Most Dioxin-Contaminated Area in Vietnam: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Analysis Using Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM). TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9120353. [PMID: 34941787 PMCID: PMC8703540 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
To clarify the influence of dioxin exposure on brain morphometry, the present study investigated associations between dioxin exposure at high levels and brain structural irregularities in 32 Vietnamese men. Two exposure markers were used: blood dioxin levels, as a marker of exposure in adulthood, and perinatal dioxin exposure, estimated by maternal residency in a dioxin-contaminated area during pregnancy. All subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We analyzed correlations between regional gray matter volumes and blood dioxin levels, and compared regional volumes between men with and without perinatal dioxin exposure using the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) tool from Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 (SPM12). Blood 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was associated with low volume of the medial temporal pole and fusiform gyrus. Toxic equivalency (TEQ)-PCDDs were correlated with low medial temporal pole volume. However, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD was associated with high middle frontal gyrus and cerebellum volume. In men with perinatal dioxin exposure, the left inferior frontal gyrus pars orbitalis volume was significantly lower than in those without perinatal exposure. These results suggest that dioxin exposure during the perinatal period and in adulthood may alter regional brain volume, which might lead to cognitive deficits and unusual social emotional behavior in Vietnamese men living in dioxin-contaminated areas.
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