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Jiménez-Garza O, Ghosh M, Barrow TM, Godderis L. Toxicomethylomics revisited: A state-of-the-science review about DNA methylation modifications in blood cells from workers exposed to toxic agents. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1073658. [PMID: 36891347 PMCID: PMC9986591 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1073658] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epigenetic marks have been proposed as early changes, at the subcellular level, in disease development. To find more specific biomarkers of effect in occupational exposures to toxicants, DNA methylation studies in peripheral blood cells have been performed. The goal of this review is to summarize and contrast findings about DNA methylation in blood cells from workers exposed to toxicants. Methods A literature search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science. After first screening, we discarded all studies performed in vitro and in experimental animals, as well as those performed in other cell types other than peripheral blood cells. Results: 116 original research papers met the established criteria, published from 2007 to 2022. The most frequent investigated exposures/labor group were for benzene (18.9%) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (15.5%), particulate matter (10.3%), lead (8.6%), pesticides (7.7%), radiation (4.3%), volatile organic compound mixtures (4.3%), welding fumes (3.4%) chromium (2.5%), toluene (2.5%), firefighters (2.5%), coal (1.7%), hairdressers (1.7%), nanoparticles (1.7%), vinyl chloride (1.7%), and others. Few longitudinal studies have been performed, as well as few of them have explored mitochondrial DNA methylation. Methylation platforms have evolved from analysis in repetitive elements (global methylation), gene-specific promoter methylation, to epigenome-wide studies. The most reported observations were global hypomethylation as well as promoter hypermethylation in exposed groups compared to controls, while methylation at DNA repair/oncogenes genes were the most studied; studies from genome-wide studies detect differentially methylated regions, which could be either hypo or hypermethylated. Discussion Some evidence from longitudinal studies suggest that modifications observed in cross-sectional designs may be transitory; then, we cannot say that DNA methylation changes are predictive of disease development due to those exposures. Conclusion Due to the heterogeneity in the genes studied, and scarcity of longitudinal studies, we are far away from considering DNA methylation changes as biomarkers of effect in occupational exposures, and nor can we establish a clear functional or pathological correlate for those epigenetic modifications associated with the studied exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Jiménez-Garza
- Health Sciences Institute, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Environment and Health Department, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timothy M Barrow
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Lode Godderis
- Environment and Health Department, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Tumolo MR, Panico A, De Donno A, Mincarone P, Leo CG, Guarino R, Bagordo F, Serio F, Idolo A, Grassi T, Sabina S. The expression of microRNAs and exposure to environmental contaminants related to human health: a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:332-354. [PMID: 32393046 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2020.1757043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants exposure may lead to detrimental changes to the microRNAs (miRNAs) expression resulting in several health effects. miRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, have multiple transcript targets and thereby regulate several signalling molecules. Even a minor alteration in the abundance of one miRNA can have deep effects on global gene expression. Altered patterns of miRNAs can be responsible for changes linked to various health outcomes, suggesting that specific miRNAs are activated in pathophysiological processes. In this review, we provide an overview of studies investigating the impact of air pollution, organic chemicals, and heavy metals on miRNA expression and the potential biologic effects on humans.Abbreviations: AHRR, aryl-hydrocarbon receptor repressor; AHR, aryl-hydrocarbon receptor; As, arsenic; BCL2, B-cell lymphoma 2; BCL2L11, B-cell lymphoma 2 like 11; BCL6, B-cell lymphoma 6; BPA, bisphenol A; CVD, cardiovascular diseases; CD40, cluster of differentiation 40; CCND1, Cyclin D1; CDKN1A, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A; Cr, chromium; CTBP1, C-terminal binding protein 1; CXCL12, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12; DAZAP1, deleted in azoospermia associated protein 1; DEP, diesel exhaust particles; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase; EVs, extracellular vesicles; FAK, focal adhesion kinase; FAS, fas cell surface death receptor; FOXO, forkhead box O; HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin; Hg, mercury; HLA-A, human leukocyte antigen A; HMGB, high-mobility group protein B; IFNAR2, interferon alpha receptor subunit 2; IL-6, interleukin-6; IRAK1, interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase 1; JAK/STAT, janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; miRNAs, microRNAs; MVs, microvesicles; NCDs, noncommunicable diseases; NFAT, nuclear factor of activated T cells; NFkB, nuclear factor kappa B; NRF2, nuclear factor, erythroid-derived 2; NRG3, neuregulin 3; O3, ozone; OP, organophosphorus pesticides; PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Pb, lead; PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls; PDCD4, programmed cell death 4; PDGFB, platelet derived growth factor subunit beta; PDGFR, platelet-derived growth factor receptor; PI3K/Akt, phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B; PKA, protein kinase A; PM, particulate matter; PRKCQ, protein kinase C theta; PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog; SORT1, sortilin 1; TGFβ, transforming growth factor-β; TLR, toll-like receptor; TNF, tumor necrosis factors; TRAF1, tumor necrosis factors-receptor associated factors 1; TRAP, traffic-related air pollution; TREM1, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1; TRIAP1, TP53 regulated inhibitor of apoptosis 1; VCAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1; VEGFA, vascular endothelial growth factor A; XRCC2, X-ray repair cross complementing 2; YBX2, Y-box-binding protein 2; ZEB1, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1; ZEB2, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2; 8-OH-dG, 8-hydroxy-guanine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Tumolo
- National Research Council, Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, Research Unit of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Panico
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Mincarone
- National Research Council, Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, Research Unit of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Carlo Giacomo Leo
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Branch of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - Roberto Guarino
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Branch of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesco Bagordo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Francesca Serio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Adele Idolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Saverio Sabina
- National Research Council, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Branch of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
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Zhang L, Ou C, Magana-Arachchi D, Vithanage M, Vanka KS, Palanisami T, Masakorala K, Wijesekara H, Yan Y, Bolan N, Kirkham MB. Indoor Particulate Matter in Urban Households: Sources, Pathways, Characteristics, Health Effects, and Exposure Mitigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11055. [PMID: 34769574 PMCID: PMC8582694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air with varying size, shape, and chemical composition which intensifies significant concern due to severe health effects. Based on the well-established human health effects of outdoor PM, health-based standards for outdoor air have been promoted (e.g., the National Ambient Air Quality Standards formulated by the U.S.). Due to the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, the chemical composition of indoor particulate matter is related to the sources and components of outdoor PM. However, PM in the indoor environment has the potential to exceed outdoor PM levels. Indoor PM includes particles of outdoor origin that drift indoors and particles that originate from indoor activities, which include cooking, fireplaces, smoking, fuel combustion for heating, human activities, and burning incense. Indoor PM can be enriched with inorganic and organic contaminants, including toxic heavy metals and carcinogenic volatile organic compounds. As a potential health hazard, indoor exposure to PM has received increased attention in recent years because people spend most of their time indoors. In addition, as the quantity, quality, and scope of the research have expanded, it is necessary to conduct a systematic review of indoor PM. This review discusses the sources, pathways, characteristics, health effects, and exposure mitigation of indoor PM. Practical solutions and steps to reduce exposure to indoor PM are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Intelligent and New Energy Materials, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China;
- School of Health, Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huai’an 223003, China
| | - Changjin Ou
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Intelligent and New Energy Materials, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China;
| | - Dhammika Magana-Arachchi
- Molecular Microbiology and Human Diseases Project, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka; (D.M.-A.); (M.V.)
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Molecular Microbiology and Human Diseases Project, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka; (D.M.-A.); (M.V.)
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Kanth Swaroop Vanka
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Kanaji Masakorala
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Matara 80000, Sri Lanka;
| | - Hasintha Wijesekara
- Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya 70140, Sri Lanka;
| | - Yubo Yan
- Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Environment Functional Materials, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai’an 223300, China
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6001, Australia;
| | - M. B. Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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Activation of Endogenous Retrovirus, Brain Infections and Environmental Insults in Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147263. [PMID: 34298881 PMCID: PMC8303979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and their pathogenesis is uncertain. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain alteration that is responsible for most dementia cases in the elderly. AD etiology is still uncertain; however, chronic neuroinflammation is a constant component of brain pathology. Infections have been associated with several neurological diseases and viruses of the Herpes family appear to be a probable cause of AD neurodegenerative alterations. Several different factors may contribute to the AD clinical progression. Exogeneous viruses or other microbes and environmental pollutants may directly induce neurodegeneration by activating brain inflammation. In this paper, we suggest that exogeneous brain insults may also activate retrotransposons and silent human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). The initial inflammation of small brain areas induced by virus infections or other brain insults may activate HERV dis-regulation that contributes to neurodegenerative mechanisms. Chronic HERV activation in turn may cause progressive neurodegeneration that thereafter merges in cognitive impairment and dementia in genetically susceptible people. Specific treatment for exogenous end endogenous pathogens and decreasing pollutant exposure may show beneficial effect in early intervention protocol to prevent the progression of cognitive deterioration in the elderly.
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Silva IR, Francisco LFV, Bernardo C, Oliveira MA, Barbosa F, Silveira HCS. DNA methylation changes in promoter region of CDKN2A gene in workers exposed in construction environment. Biomarkers 2020; 25:594-602. [PMID: 32875942 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2020.1817981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Construction workers are exposed to a mixture of substances in the workplace considered carcinogenic. This study aimed to characterise gene-specific changes in DNA methylation over the workweek in this population as this type of environmental exposure has not been studied extensively. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated their DNA methylation in 4 gene-promoter regions (CDKN2A, RASSF1A, MLH1 and APC) and 2 repeat elements (ALU and LINE-1) in blood samples obtained on the first and fifth day of the same workweek of a group of 39 male construction workers. DNA methylation was measured by bisulphite-PCR-Pyrosequencing. We also measured the levels of trace elements in the whole blood by ICP-MS. RESULTS Only the CDKN2A gene had significant differences in the average methylation level between the first and fifth day of the workweek. We also observed that the levels of Cu, Pb, Se, Mn, and Ti decreased during the fifth day of exposure, and only lead, titanium and copper showed a low significant correlation with the methylation level mean for three specific CpG sites of the CDKN2A. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the data suggest that altered levels of CDKN2A methylation in construction workers may be a potential biomarker of recent exposure in this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cassia Bernardo
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Barbosa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique César Santejo Silveira
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil.,University of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, 78008-000, Brazil Cuiabá
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Extracellular Vesicles Released by Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines Modulate Innate Immune Response in Zebrafish Model: The Possible Role of Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153669. [PMID: 31357477 PMCID: PMC6695895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important components of the metastatic niche and are crucial in infiltration, metastasis, and immune tolerance processes during tumorigenesis. We hypothesized that human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) positive EVs derived from tumor cellsmay have a role in modulating the innate immune response. The study was conducted in two different colorectal cancer cell lines, representing different stages of cancer development: Caco-2, derived from a non-metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma, and SK-CO-1, derived from metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma (ascites). Both cell lines were treated with decitabine to induce global hypomethylation and to reactivate HERV expression. EVs were quantified by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and HERV-positive EV concentrations were measured by flow cytometry. The effect of EVs isolated from both untreated and decitabine-treated cells on the innate immune response was evaluated by injecting them in zebrafish embryos and then assessing Interleukin 1β (IL1-β), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), and the myeloperoxidase (mpx) expression levels by real-time qPCR. Interestingly, HERV-K positive EVs concentrations were significantly associated with a reduced expression of IL1-β and mpx, supporting our hypothesis that HERV-positive EVs may act as immunomodulators in tumor progression. The obtained results open new perspectives about the modulation of the immune response in cancer therapy.
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The Decrease in Human Endogenous Retrovirus-H Activity Runs in Parallel with Improvement in ADHD Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Methylphenidate Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113286. [PMID: 30360480 PMCID: PMC6274708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing scientific evidence demonstrated the deregulation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) expression in complex diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune, psychiatric, and neurological disorders. The dynamic regulation of HERV activity and their responsiveness to a variety of environmental stimuli designate HERVs as genetic elements that could be modulated by drugs. Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of human endogenous retrovirus H (HERV-H) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with respect to clinical response in ADHD patients undergoing MPH therapy. A fast reduction in HERV-H activity in ADHD patients undergoing MPH therapy was observed in parallel with an improvement in clinical symptoms. Moreover, when PBMCs from drug-naïve patients were cultured in vitro, HERV-H expression increased, while no changes in the expression levels were found in ADHD patients undergoing therapy. This suggests that MPH could affect the HERV-H activity and supports the hypothesis that high expression levels of HERV-H could be considered a distinctive trait of ADHD patients.
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Balestrieri E, Argaw-Denboba A, Gambacurta A, Cipriani C, Bei R, Serafino A, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Matteucci C. Human Endogenous Retrovirus K in the Crosstalk Between Cancer Cells Microenvironment and Plasticity: A New Perspective for Combination Therapy. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1448. [PMID: 30013542 PMCID: PMC6036167 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) has been associated with several diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and neurological disorders. In particular, in cancer HERV activity and expression have been specifically associated with tumor aggressiveness and patient outcomes. Cancer cell aggressiveness is intimately linked to the acquisition of peculiar plasticity and heterogeneity based on cell stemness features, as well as on the crosstalk between cancer cells and the microenvironment. The latter is a driving factor in the acquisition of aggressive phenotypes, associated with metastasis and resistance to conventional cancer therapies. Remarkably, in different cell types and stages of development, HERV expression is mainly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and is subjected to a very precise temporal and spatial regulation according to the surrounding microenvironment. Focusing on our research experience with HERV-K involvement in the aggressiveness and plasticity of melanoma cells, this perspective aims to highlight the role of HERV-K in the crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. The implications for a combination therapy targeted at HERVs with standard approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gambacurta
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Annalucia Serafino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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