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Gu S, Wang J, Gao X, Zheng X, Liu Y, Chen Y, Sun L, Zhu J. Expression and Functional Analysis of the Metallothionein and Metal-Responsive Transcription Factor 1 in Phascolosoma esculenta under Zn Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7368. [PMID: 39000475 PMCID: PMC11242308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are non-enzymatic metal-binding proteins widely found in animals, plants, and microorganisms and are regulated by metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF1). MT and MTF1 play crucial roles in detoxification, antioxidation, and anti-apoptosis. Therefore, they are key factors allowing organisms to endure the toxicity of heavy metal pollution. Phascolosoma esculenta is a marine invertebrate that inhabits intertidal zones and has a high tolerance to heavy metal stress. In this study, we cloned and identified MT and MTF1 genes from P. esculenta (designated as PeMT and PeMTF1). PeMT and PeMTF1 were widely expressed in all tissues and highly expressed in the intestine. When exposed to 16.8, 33.6, and 84 mg/L of zinc ions, the expression levels of PeMT and PeMTF1 in the intestine increased first and then decreased, peaking at 12 and 6 h, respectively, indicating that both PeMT and PeMTF1 rapidly responded to Zn stress. The recombinant pGEX-6p-1-MT protein enhanced the Zn tolerance of Escherichia coli and showed a dose-dependent ABTS free radical scavenging ability. After RNA interference (RNAi) with PeMT and 24 h of Zn stress, the oxidative stress indices (MDA content, SOD activity, and GSH content) and the apoptosis indices (Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and Caspase 9 activities) were significantly increased, implying that PeMT plays an important role in Zn detoxification, antioxidation, and anti-apoptosis. Moreover, the expression level of PeMT in the intestine was significantly decreased after RNAi with PeMTF1 and 24 h of Zn stress, which preliminarily proved that PeMTF1 has a regulatory effect on PeMT. Our data suggest that PeMT and PeMTF1 play important roles in the resistance of P. esculenta to Zn stress and are the key factors allowing P. esculenta to endure the toxicity of Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenwei Gu
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jingqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xuebin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yiner Chen
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Lianlian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, College of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Xu G, Li W, Zhao Y, Fan T, Gao Q, Wang Y, Zhang F, Gao M, An Z, Yang Z. Overexpression of Lias Gene Alleviates Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury in Mice Involving Multiple Effects: Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2797-2811. [PMID: 37804446 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important mechanism underlying toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. However, there are significant differences of the antioxidant baseline in different populations. This means that different human has different intensity of oxidative stress in vivo after exposure to toxicants. LiasH/H mouse is a specific model which is created by genetically modifying the Lias 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). LiasH/H mice express high levels of LA and have high endogenous antioxidant capacity which is approximately 150% higher than wild-type C57BL/6 J mice (WT, Lias+/+). But more importantly, they have dual roles of metal chelator and antioxidant. Here, we applied this mouse model to evaluate the effect of endogenous antioxidant levels in the body on alleviating Cd-induced renal injury including Cd metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In the experiment, mice drank water containing Cd (50 mg/L), for 12 weeks. Many biomarkers of Cd metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and major pathological changes in the kidney were examined. The results showed overexpression of the Lias gene decreased Cd burden in the body of mice, mitigated oxidative stress, attenuated the inflammatory response, and subsequent alleviated cadmium-induced kidney injury in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangcui Xu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weibing Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingzheng Zhao
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Fan
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyu Gao
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongbin Wang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengquan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingjing Gao
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen An
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijiang Yang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, 453003, People's Republic of China.
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Liu J, Wang E, Xi Z, Dong J, Chen C, Xu P, Wang L. Zinc mitigates cadmium-induced sperm dysfunction through regulating Ca 2+ and metallothionein expression in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 279:109860. [PMID: 38387689 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109860] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal element that might adversely affect sperm function such as the acrosome reaction (AR). Although it is widely recognized that zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in sperm quality, the complete elucidation of how Zn ameliorates Cd-induced sperm dysfunction is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the protective effects of Zn against the sperm dysfunction induced by Cd in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. The results demonstrated that Cd exposure not only impaired the sperm ultrastructure, but also caused sperm dysfunction by decreasing the AR induction rate, acrosome enzyme activity, and Ca2+ content in sperm while elevating the activity and transcription expression of key Ca2+ signaling pathway-related proteins Calmodulin (CAM) and Ca2+-ATPase. However, the administration of Zn was found to alleviate Cd-induced sperm morphological and functional disorders by increasing the activity and transcription levels of CaM and Ca2+-ATPase, thereby regulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and reversing the decrease in Ca2+ contents caused by Cd. Furthermore, this study was the first to investigate the distribution of metallothionein (MT) in the AR of S. henanense, and it was found that Zn can reduce the elevated levels of MT in crabs caused by Cd, demonstrating the significance of Zn in inducing MT to participate in the AR process and in metal detoxification in S. henanense. These findings offer novel perspectives and substantiation regarding the utilization of Zn as a protective agent against Cd-induced toxicity and hold significant practical implications for mitigating Cd-induced sperm dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Ermeng Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhipeng Xi
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Jingwei Dong
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Chienmin Chen
- Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 000700, Taiwan
| | - Peng Xu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, China.
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. Cadmium as a male reproductive toxicant and natural and non-natural ways to tackle it: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:18340-18361. [PMID: 38349491 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32210-7] [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] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring environmental pollutant, a toxic substance that causes oxidative stress. According to epidemiological studies, the data suggested that environmental and occupational Cd exposure may be related to several diseases and severe testicular damage. However, studies are going on to explore the mechanism of Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity and its treatment strategies. Currently, researchers are focusing on naturally occurring bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and biochemical, which have better efficacy, less toxicity, and high bioavailability. This review focuses on the mechanistic effect of Cd on testicular toxicity and different categories of compounds having a beneficial impact on Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity. Some potent bioactive antioxidants are quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, curcumin, and silymarin. In comparison, plant extracts are Costus afer leaf methanol extract, methanol root extract of Carpolobia lutea, red carrot methanolic extract, Panax ginseng extract, and biochemicals including melatonin, progesterone, glutamine, L-carnitine, and selenium. Advanced and more detailed studies are needed on these compounds to explore their mechanism in attenuating Cd-induced testicular toxicity and can be potential therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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Hassanein EHM, Mohamed WR, Ahmed OS, Abdel-Daim MM, Sayed AM. The role of inflammation in cadmium nephrotoxicity: NF-κB comes into view. Life Sci 2022; 308:120971. [PMID: 36130617 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120971] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Kidney diseases are major health problem and understanding the underlined mechanisms that lead to kidney diseases are critical research points with a marked potential impact on health. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that occurs naturally and can be found in contaminated food. Kidneys are the most susceptible organ to heavy metal intoxication as it is the main route of waste excretion. The harmful effects of Cd were previously well proved. Cd induces inflammatory responses, oxidative injury, mitochondrial dysfunction and disturbs Ca2+ homeostasis. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a cellular transcription factor that regulates inflammation and controls the expression of many inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, great therapeutic benefits can be attained from NF-κB inhibition. In this review we focused on certain compounds including cytochalasin D, mangiferin, N-acetylcysteine, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, roflumilast, rosmarinic acid, sildenafil, sinapic acid, telmisartan and wogonin and certain plants as Astragalus Polysaccharide, Ginkgo Biloba and Thymus serrulatus that potently inhibit NF-κB and effectively counteracted Cd-associated renal intoxication. In conclusion, the proposed NF-κB involvement in Cd-renal intoxication clarified the underlined inflammation associated with Cd-nephropathy and the beneficial effects of NF-κB inhibitors that make them the potential to substantially optimize treatment protocols for Cd-renal intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Wafaa R Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Osama S Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Sayed
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Egypt.
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Huang H, Yao J, Yang N, Yang L, Tao L, Yu J, Gao Y, Liu Z. Association between levels of blood trace minerals and periodontitis among United States adults. Front Nutr 2022; 9:999836. [PMID: 36159490 PMCID: PMC9490086 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.999836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Evidence linking trace minerals and periodontitis is limited. To investigate the relationship between trace minerals (selenium, manganese, lead, cadmium, and mercury) and periodontitis, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed after accounting for potential confounding factors. No known studies have explored the relationship between these five trace minerals and periodontitis. Materials and methods A total of 4,964 participants who had undergone a full-mouth periodontal examination and laboratory tests for five trace minerals were studied in a cross-sectional study. Clinical attachment loss (CAL) and periodontitis grading were used to measure periodontitis severity. Linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between trace minerals and periodontitis. Further subgroup analyses were performed. Results Blood lead and cadmium levels were positively associated with mean CAL, and blood selenium was negatively associated with mean CAL; however, blood mercury, blood manganese, and mean CAL were not significantly associated. The association between trace minerals and mean CAL was more significant in males, the elderly, and patients with diabetes. There was a threshold effect between blood cadmium levels and mean CAL. Among the Black population, the relationship between blood cadmium levels and mean CAL followed an inverted U-shaped curve. There was a saturation effect in the study of blood lead in people aged 45–59 years old. Conclusion Our study highlighted that blood selenium, lead, and cadmium levels were significantly associated with periodontitis in a nationally representative sample of United States adults.
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Boldrini GG, Martín Molinero G, Pérez Chaca MV, Ciminari ME, Moyano F, Córdoba ME, Pennacchio G, Fanelli M, Álvarez SM, Gómez NN. Glycine max (soy) based diet improves antioxidant defenses and prevents cell death in cadmium intoxicated lungs. Biometals 2022; 35:229-244. [PMID: 35038064 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00361-0] [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: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal and an important environmental contaminant. We analyzed its effects on oligoelements, oxidative stress, cell death, Hsp expression and the histoarchitecture of rat lung under different diets, using animal models of subchronic cadmium intoxication. We found that Cd lung content augmented in intoxicated groups: Zn, Mn and Se levels showed modifications among the different diets, while Cu showed no differences. Lipoperoxidation was higher in both intoxicated groups. Expression of Nrf-2 and SOD-2 increased only in SoCd. GPx levels showed a trend to increase in Cd groups. CAT activity was higher in intoxicated groups, and it was higher in Soy groups vs. Casein. LDH activity in BAL increased in CasCd and decreased in both soy-fed groups. BAX/Bcl-2 semiquantitative ratio showed similar results than LDH activity, confirmed by Caspase 3 immunofluorescence. The histological analysis revealed an infiltration process in CasCd lungs, with increased connective tissue, fused alveoli and capillary fragility. Histoarchitectural changes were less severe in soy groups. Hsp27 expression increased in both intoxicated groups, while Hsp70 only augmented in SoCd. This show that a soy-diet has a positive impact upon oxidative unbalance, cell death and morphological changes induced by Cd and it could be a good alternative strategy against Cd exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Giezi Boldrini
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Environment, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
- IMIBIO-SL CONICET, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Glenda Martín Molinero
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Environment, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
- IMIBIO-SL CONICET, San Luis, Argentina
| | - María Verónica Pérez Chaca
- Laboratory of Morphophysiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Ciminari
- Laboratory of Morphophysiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Mariel Fanelli
- Laboratory of Oncology, IMBECU (CCT), CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Silvina Mónica Álvarez
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Environment, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.
- IMIBIO-SL CONICET, San Luis, Argentina.
| | - Nidia Noemí Gómez
- IMIBIO-SL CONICET, San Luis, Argentina.
- Laboratory of Morphophysiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, National University of San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.
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Cloning, Functional Characterization and Response to Cadmium Stress of the Thioredoxin-like Protein 1 Gene from Phascolosoma esculenta. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010332. [PMID: 35008758 PMCID: PMC8745482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal toxicant and is widely distributed in aquatic environments. It can cause excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the organism, which in turn leads to a series of oxidative damages. Thioredoxin (Trx), a highly conserved disulfide reductase, plays an important role in maintaining the intracellular redox homeostasis in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Phascolosoma esculenta is an edible marine worm, an invertebrate that is extensively found on the mudflats of coastal China. To explore the molecular response of Trx in mudflat organisms under Cd stress, we identified a new Trx isoform (Trx-like protein 1 gene) from P. esculenta for the first time, designated as PeTrxl. Molecular and structural characterization, as well as multiple sequence and phylogenetic tree analysis, demonstrated that PeTrxl belongs to the Trx superfamily. PeTrxl transcripts were found to be ubiquitous in all tissues, and the highest expression level occurred in the coelomic fluid. Exposure to three sublethal concentrations of Cd resulted in the upregulation and then downregulation of PeTrxl expression levels over time in coelomic fluid of P. esculenta. The significant elevation of PeTrxl expression after 12 and 24 h of Cd exposure at 6 and 96 mg/L, respectively, might reflect its important role in the resistance to Cd stress. Recombinant PeTrxl (rPeTrxl) showed prominent dose-dependent insulin-reducing and ABTS free radical-scavenging abilities. After exposure to 96 mg/L Cd for 24 h, the ROS level increased significantly in the coelomic fluid, suggesting that Cd induced oxidative stress in P. esculenta. Furthermore, the injection of rPeTrxl during Cd exposure significantly reduced the ROS in the coelomic fluid. Our data suggest that PeTrxl has significant antioxidant capacity and can protect P. esculenta from Cd-induced oxidative stress.
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Gao Y, Hong J, Guo Y, Chen M, Chang AK, Xie L, Ying X. Assessment spermatogenic cell apoptosis and the transcript levels of metallothionein and p53 in Meretrix meretrix induced by cadmium. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 217:112230. [PMID: 33864984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) has been widely used in industry and can accumulate in the water, soil, and food. Meretrix meretrix is one of the marine shellfishes cultivated for economic purpose in China. The increasing Cd levels in coastal marine water could adversely affect the economic benefits of shellfish cultivation. In the present study, M. meretrix were exposed to different Cd2+ concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 mg L-1) for 5 d to evaluate the effects of Cd on spermatogenic cell. The Cd accumulation, survival rate and the indices of oxidative stress and apoptosis were determined in the spermatogenic cells of M. meretrix. The expression levels of p53 and metallothionein (MT) mRNA were also measured in the spermatogenic cells. Cd accumulation and the mortality rate of spermatogenic cells were found to increase in a dose-response manner with Cd2+ concentrations. Histopathology changes, especially the damage of membranous structure, were more severe as the Cd2+ levels in the testis became higher. The indexes of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl derivates and DNA-protein crosslinks all increased after exposure to Cd2+. However, the total antioxidant capacity gradually decreased with the increasing Cd2+ concentration. In addition, exposure to Cd2+ increased the apoptotic rate and caspase-3 and 9 activities but decreased the level of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C oxidase in the spermatogenic cells. MT mRNA expression increased in lower Cd2+ concentration treated groups whereas decreased in higher groups, while the p53 mRNA expression increased in a dose-response manner with Cd2+ and was positively correlated with the oxidative damage indices. These results indicated that Cd2+ caused oxidative stress and p53 induced apoptosis in the spermatogenic cells, and thus decreased the survival rate of sperm cells. This finding highlights that Cd can reduce the reproductive capacity of M. meretrix, thus threatening to wild shellfish populations and reducing the efficiency of shellfish farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilu Gao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiameng Hong
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuke Guo
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengxu Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Alan K Chang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Lei Xie
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China.
| | - Xueping Ying
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035 Wenzhou, China.
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Genchi G, Sinicropi MS, Lauria G, Carocci A, Catalano A. The Effects of Cadmium Toxicity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3782. [PMID: 32466586 PMCID: PMC7312803 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 850] [Impact Index Per Article: 212.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic non-essential transition metal that poses a health risk for both humans and animals. It is naturally occurring in the environment as a pollutant that is derived from agricultural and industrial sources. Exposure to cadmium primarily occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food and water and, to a significant extent, through inhalation and cigarette smoking. Cadmium accumulates in plants and animals with a long half-life of about 25-30 years. Epidemiological data suggest that occupational and environmental cadmium exposure may be related to various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, nasopharynx, pancreas, and kidney cancers. It has been also demonstrated that environmental cadmium may be a risk factor for osteoporosis. The liver and kidneys are extremely sensitive to cadmium's toxic effects. This may be due to the ability of these tissues to synthesize metallothioneins (MT), which are Cd-inducible proteins that protect the cell by tightly binding the toxic cadmium ions. The oxidative stress induced by this xenobiotic may be one of the mechanisms responsible for several liver and kidney diseases. Mitochondria damage is highly plausible given that these organelles play a crucial role in the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and are known to be among the key intracellular targets for cadmium. When mitochondria become dysfunctional after exposure to Cd, they produce less energy (ATP) and more ROS. Recent studies show that cadmium induces various epigenetic changes in mammalian cells, both in vivo and in vitro, causing pathogenic risks and the development of various types of cancers. The epigenetics present themselves as chemical modifications of DNA and histones that alter the chromatin without changing the sequence of the DNA nucleotide. DNA methyltransferase, histone acetyltransferase, histone deacetylase and histone methyltransferase, and micro RNA are involved in the epigenetic changes. Recently, investigations of the capability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), and river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) to remove cadmium from polluted soil and water have been carried out. Moreover, nanoparticles of TiO2 and Al2O3 have been used to efficiently remove cadmium from wastewater and soil. Finally, microbial fermentation has been studied as a promising method for removing cadmium from food. This review provides an update on the effects of Cd exposure on human health, focusing on the cellular and molecular alterations involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Genchi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Graziantonio Lauria
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Scienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza), Italy; (G.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “A. Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “A. Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
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Zhu QL, Li WY, Zheng JL. Life-cycle exposure to cadmium induced compensatory responses towards oxidative stress in the liver of female zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 210:949-957. [PMID: 30208555 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined effects of waterborne cadmium (Cd) at environmental relevant concentrations (0, 2.5 and 5 μg/L) on growth, survival, histology, ultrastructure, metal homeostasis, and antioxidant responses in female zebrafish from embryos to sexually maturity for 15 weeks. Growth and survival rate were not significantly affected by Cd exposure. There were no significant changes in ultrastructure of cellular organelles, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver. However, Cd exposure increased Cd and lipid accumulation, reduced contents of zinc, copper and reduced glutathione (GSH), and down-regulated activity of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) in liver of zebrafish. Contrarily, the mRNA and activity levels of catalase (CAT), the mRNA levels of Cu/Zn-SOD, and the mRNA and protein levels of metallothioneins (MTs) were up-regulated. The transcriptional regulation of Cu and Zn transporters might be a vital mechanism by which fish slow the Zn and Cu uptake. Taken together, our data demonstrated that long-term and low-dose Cd induced adaptive responses with interlinked compensatory mechanism, which may protect fish against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Ling Zhu
- Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Wei-Ye Li
- Zhoushan Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
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12
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Zheng JL, Guo SN, Yuan SS, Xia H, Zhu QL, Lv ZM. Preheating mitigates cadmium toxicity in zebrafish livers: Evidence from promoter demethylation, gene transcription to biochemical levels. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 190:104-111. [PMID: 28704659 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The working hypothesis for this study was that moderate heat stress would alleviate the deleterious effects of subsequent cadmium (Cd) exposure on fish. Thus, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were subjected to water maintained at 26°C and 34°C for 4days, and then exposed to 0 or 200μg/L Cd for 1 week at 26°C. Multiple indicators were measured from livers of zebrafish at different levels, including DNA, RNA, protein and enzymatic activity associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and metal transport. The ameliorative effect of preheatinging on Cd toxicity was demonstrated. In the Cd-exposed groups, preheating decreased mortality and lipid peroxidation, increased activity levels of catalase (CAT) and copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), and up-regulated mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock factor 2 (HSF2). Preheating also mitigated Cd-induced increases in protein and mRNA levels of metallothioneins (MTs), and mRNA levels of several inflammation-related genes. Furthermore, preheating alone dramatically up-regulated mRNA levels of genes related to antioxidant and immune defenses, zinc and copper transporters, protein folding, and reduced methylation levels in the HSF binding motif of the HSP70 promoter. Overall, preheating-induced accumulation of transcripts via demethylation might support the rapid defense responses at post-transcriptional levels caused by subsequent Cd exposure, indicating an adaptive mechanism for organisms exposed to one mild stressor followed by another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lang Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China.
| | - Sai-Nan Guo
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Yuan
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Hu Xia
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Health Aquaculture and Product Processing in Dongting Lake Area of Hunan Province, Zoology Key Laboratory of Hunan Higher Education, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Hunan Changde 415000, PR China
| | - Qing-Ling Zhu
- Postgraduate Work Department, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
| | - Zhen-Ming Lv
- National Engineering Research Center of Marine Facilities Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, PR China
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13
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Scudiero R, Verderame M, Motta CM, Simoniello P. Unravelling the Role of Metallothionein on Development, Reproduction and Detoxification in the Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071569. [PMID: 28753953 PMCID: PMC5536057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are an evolutionary conserved multigene family of proteins whose role was initially identified in binding essential metals. The physiological role of MT, however, has been revealed to be more complex than expected, since not only are MTs able to bind to toxic heavy metals, but many isoforms have shown specialized and alternative functions. Within this uncertainty, the information available on MTs in non-mammalian vertebrates, particularly in neglected tetrapods such as the reptiles, is even more scant. In this review, we provide a summary of the current understanding on metallothionein presence and function in the oviparous lizard Podarcis sicula, highlighting the results obtained by studying MT gene expression in most representative adult and embryonic tissues. The results demonstrate that in adults, cadmium induces MT transcription in a dose- and tissue-specific manner. Thus, the MT mRNAs appear, at least in some cases, to be an unsuitable tool for detecting environmental ion contamination. In early embryos, maternal RNAs sustain developmental needs for MT protein until organogenesis is well on its way. At this time, transcription starts, but again in a tissue- and organ-specific manner, suggesting an involvement in alternative roles. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal distribution of transcripts in adults and embryos definitively confirms that MT has deserved the title of elusive protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Chiara Maria Motta
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Sciences and Technology, University Parthenope, Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, 80143 Napoli, Italy.
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14
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Liu GD, Sheng Z, Hou CC, Ni J, Han YL, Wang YF, Zhou Y, Fu SY, Zhu JQ. Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of metallothionein in the liver of the teleost Acrossocheilus fasciatus exposed to cadmium chloride. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 53:1-9. [PMID: 28482255 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) has a characteristic molecular structure with a cysteine-rich content. This unique structure provides metal-binding and redox capabilities and promoting metal homeostasis and detoxification in living animals. In order to evaluate the effects of cadmium (Cd) on hepatic MT expression in the liver of Acrossocheilus fasciatus, we obtained the complete cDNA of the A. fasciatus liver MT for the first time. The MT cDNA contains a 605-bp sequence, which codes for 60 amino acids. Protein alignment showed that the similarity between MT protein sequences of A. fasciatus and those of other vertebrates (especially teleosts) was very high and a cysteine residue structure was also conserved. MT was detected in the liver, kidney, gill, testis, muscle, spleen, heart and brain tissues of A. fasciatus by tissue-specific expression analysis. After Cd exposure, Cd/hemoglobin saturation assay, immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to describe MT expression in liver tissue. These techniques indicate a sensitive response by liver MT to Cd exposure. The results suggest that A. fasciatus MT may play an important role in the detoxification processes in the liver, and also would be a useful biomarker for monitoring metal pollution in aquatic environments. In addition, A. fasciatus could be regarded as one candidate for a model species for bony fishes in ecotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Di Liu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Zhang Sheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jie Ni
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Ying-Li Han
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - You-Fa Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Su-Yan Fu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, PR China.
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15
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Verderame M, Limatola E, Scudiero R. Metallothionein expression and synthesis in the testis of the lizard Podarcis sicula under natural conditions and following estrogenic exposure. Eur J Histochem 2017; 61:2777. [PMID: 28735517 PMCID: PMC5641668 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2017.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) is the main protein involved in the homeostasis of metallic micronutrients and in cellular defence against heavy metals and reactive oxygen species. Found in almost all vertebrate tissues, MT presence and localization in the testis has been controversial. In the present study, by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis we assessed the localization of both MT transcript and protein in Podarcis sicula testes during two different phases of the reproductive cycle: the autumnal resumption and the springearly summer mating period. In addition, with the same methodological approach, we verified the effect of estradiol-1711and nonylphenol, a potent xenoestrogen, on MT expression and synthesis. These results, the first collected in a non-mammalian oviparous vertebrate, demonstrated that the expression profile of MT mRNA and protein changes during the reproductive cycle. In the fall resumption, MT transcripts are absent in spermatogonia and present in all the other cells of tubules, including spermatozoa; vice versa, the MT protein is evident only in spermatozoa and somatic cells. In the mating period, both MT transcripts and proteins are present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, whereas in the spermatozoa only the proteins are detected, thus suggesting that the MTs translated in the earlier germinal stages are stored up to spermatozoa. Results also demonstrated that in lizard testis the expression of MT gene undergoes a cell-specific regulation after estrogenic exposure; the possible role and the mechanism by which this regulation occurs have been discussed.
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16
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Effect of cadmium exposure on antioxidant enzyme catalase in different tissues of Acrossocheilus fasciatus. Mol Cell Toxicol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-016-0030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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17
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Chen F, Luo Z, Fan YF, Wu K, Pan YX, Liu X, Zhang LH, Song YF. Five metal elements homeostasis-related genes in Synechogobius hasta: Molecular characterization, tissue expression and transcriptional response to Cu and Fe exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 159:392-402. [PMID: 27323292 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Two isoforms of Cu transporter (CTR1 and CTR2) and metallothionein (MT1 and MT2), and divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT1) were cloned and characterized in Synechogobius hasta, respectively. The protein sequences of S. hasta CTRs possessed two methionine-rich regions (MxM and MxxxM) and three transmembrane regions. At the C-terminus, CTR1 contained a sequence of conserved cysteine and histidine residues (HCH), while CTR2 did not contain the conserved sequence. The protein sequence of S. hasta DMT1 possessed all the characteristic features of DMT1, including twelve conserved hydrophobic cores of transmembrane domains. The protein sequences of S. hasta MTs were highly conserved in the total number of cysteine residues and their locations. mRNA of the five genes were expressed in a wide range of tissues but the levels were relatively higher in the liver. Cu exposure tended to up-regulate the mRNA expressions of CTR2, DMT1, MT1 and MT2. However, Fe down-regulated the Cu-induced increase of CTR2 and DMT1 mRNA levels. For the first time, our study cloned and characterized CTR1, CTR2, DMT1, MT1 and MT2 genes in S. hasta and determined their tissue-specific expression, and also the transcriptional change by Cu and Fe exposure, which shed new light on the CuFe relationship and help to understand the basic mechanisms of Cu and Fe homeostasis in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde 415000, China.
| | - Yao-Fang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Postgraduate Research Base, Panjin Guanghe Fishery Co. Ltd., Panjin 124200, China
| | - Li-Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yu-Feng Song
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of P.R.C., Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Li LS, Meng YP, Cao QF, Yang YZ, Wang F, Jia HS, Wu SB, Liu XG. Type 1 Metallothionein (ZjMT) Is Responsible for Heavy Metal Tolerance in Ziziphus jujuba. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 81:565-73. [PMID: 27301284 DOI: 10.1134/s000629791606002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins that are able to make cells to uptake heavy metals from the environment. Molecular and functional characterization of this gene family improves understanding of the mechanisms underlying heavy metal tolerance in higher organisms. In this study, a cDNA clone, encoding 74-a.a. metallothionein type 1 protein (ZjMT), was isolated from the cDNA library of Ziziphus jujuba. At the N- and C-terminals of the deduced amino acid sequence of ZjMT, six cysteine residues were arranged in a CXCXXXCXCXXXCXC and CXCXXXCXCXXCXC structure, respectively, indicating that ZjMT is a type 1 MT. Quantitative PCR analysis of plants subjected to cadmium stress showed enhanced expression of ZjMT gene in Z. jujuba within 24 h upon Cd exposure. Escherichia coli cells expressing ZjMT exhibited enhanced metal tolerance and higher accumulation of metal ions compared with control cells. The results indicate that ZjMT contributes to the detoxification of metal ions and provides marked tolerance against metal stresses. Therefore, ZjMT may be a potential candidate for tolerance enhancement in vulnerable plants to heavy metal stress and E. coli cells containing the ZjMT gene may be applied to adsorb heavy metals in polluted wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Song Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024 Taiyuan, China.
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19
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Lang X, Wang L, Zhang Z. Stability evaluation of reference genes for real-time PCR in zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to cadmium chloride and subsequently infected by bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 170:240-250. [PMID: 26675370 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a global concern, and the model organism zebrafish is an ideal species to investigate Cd toxicity. Among various detecting techniques, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is a sensitive and efficient tool. Stable reference genes are critical for relative qPCR analysis. However, accumulated evidence shows that conventional reference genes can vary significantly under different experimental setups. Here we evaluated the stability of eight candidate reference genes of zebrafish with or without exposure to different concentrations of Cd. The results showed that the best four suitable reference genes in the five selected organs were: (1) spleen: β-actin>gapdh>ef1α>rpl13α; (2) kidney: rplp2>rpl7>β-actin>ef1α; (3) liver: rpl7>rpl13α>β-actin>ef1α; (4) gills: rplp2>gapdh>rnf7>ef1α; (5) intestine: ef1α>rnf7>rplp2>rpl13α. Moreover, we further assessed the expression stability of the four reference genes for Cd immunotoxicology studies in zebrafish. The expression profiles showed that ef1α in spleen and kidney, rpl13a in liver and rplp2 in intestine were the most suitable reference genes at 12h and 9 days after the injection with Aeromonas hydrophila following Cd exposure. In gills, the expression of gapdh was more stable than ef1α after 9 days of bacteria challenge while ef1α showed a higher stability than gapdh at 12h after bacteria injection. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that different tissues of zebrafish have different suitable reference genes after Cd exposure and the subsequently pathogenic insults for qPCR. It emphasized the importance of reference gene evaluation for studies using qPCR, in particular when investigations involve factors not explored previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingping Lang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006 Shanxi Province, China
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006 Shanxi Province, China.
| | - Zuobing Zhang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006 Shanxi Province, China.
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20
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Molecular cloning, expression pattern, and chemical analysis of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the mudskipper Boleophthalmus pectinirostris: Evidence for its role in regulating spermatogenesis. Gene 2016; 575:331-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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21
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Simoncelli F, Belia S, Di Rosa I, Paracucchi R, Rossi R, La Porta G, Lucentini L, Fagotti A. Short-term cadmium exposure induces stress responses in frog (Pelophylax bergeri) skin organ culture. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 122:221-229. [PMID: 26277541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There have been a few studies on the negative effects of pollutants on amphibian skin, the first structural barrier that interacts with the environment and its potential contaminants. In this study an ex vivo skin organ culture from the amphibian Pelophylax bergeri was used to evaluate cell stress responses induced by short-term exposure to cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal known to be an environmental hazard to both humans and wildlife. Histopathological studies were carried out on skin explants using light microscopy and changes in the expression of stress proteins, such as Metallothionein (MT) and Heat shock proteins (HSPs), were investigated by Real-time RT-PCR. Results revealed that amphibian skin reacts to Cd-induced stress by activating biological responses such as morphological alterations and dose- and time-dependent induction of Mt and Hsp70 mRNA expression, suggesting their potential role as biomarkers of exposure to Cd. This work provides a basis for a better understanding of the tissue-specific responses of amphibian skin as a target organ to Cd exposure and its in vitro use for testing potentially harmful substances present in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Simoncelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Belia
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ines Di Rosa
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Romina Paracucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Gianandrea La Porta
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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