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Yao L, Wang L, Zhang R, Soukas AA, Wu L. The direct targets of metformin in diabetes and beyond. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00198-X. [PMID: 39227192 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.07.017] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Metformin, an oral antihyperglycemic drug that has been in use for over 60 years, remains a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have suggested that metformin promotes health benefits beyond T2D management, including weight loss, cancer prevention and treatment, and anti-aging, through several proposed mechanistic targets. Here we discuss the established effects of metformin and the progress made in identifying its direct targets. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of elucidating the structural bases of the drug and its direct targets. Ultimately, this review aims to highlight the current state of knowledge regarding metformin and its related emerging discoveries, while also outlining critical future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxia Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Runshuai Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Alexander A Soukas
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lianfeng Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Borreca A, Vuilleumier S, Imfeld G. Combined effects of micropollutants and their degradation on prokaryotic communities at the sediment-water interface. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16840. [PMID: 39039186 PMCID: PMC11263610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67308-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pesticides and pharmaceuticals enter aquatic ecosystems as complex mixtures. Various processes govern their dissipation and effect on the sediment and surface waters. These micropollutants often show persistence and can adversely affect microorganisms even at low concentrations. We investigated the dissipation and effects on procaryotic communities of metformin (antidiabetic drug), metolachlor (agricultural herbicide), and terbutryn (herbicide in building materials). These contaminants were introduced individually or as a mixture (17.6 µM per micropollutant) into laboratory microcosms mimicking the sediment-water interface. Metformin and metolachlor completely dissipated within 70 days, whereas terbutryn persisted. Dissipation did not differ whether the micropollutants were introduced individually or as part of a mixture. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons evidenced distinct responses of prokaryotic communities in both sediment and water. Prokaryotic community variations were mainly driven by matrix composition and incubation time. Micropollutant exposure played a secondary but influential role, with pronounced effects of recalcitrant metolachlor and terbutryn within the micropollutant mixture. Antagonistic and synergistic non-additive effects were identified for specific taxa across taxonomic levels in response to the micropollutant mixture. This study underscores the importance of considering the diversity of interactions between micropollutants, prokaryotic communities, and their respective environments when examining sediment-water interfaces affected by multiple contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Borreca
- Institut Terre Et Environnement de Strasbourg, UMR 7063 CNRS, ENGEES, Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie, UMR 7156 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphane Vuilleumier
- Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie, UMR 7156 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gwenaël Imfeld
- Institut Terre Et Environnement de Strasbourg, UMR 7063 CNRS, ENGEES, Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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3
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Rajendran D, Kamalakannan M, Doss GP, Chandrasekaran N. Surface functionalization, particle size and pharmaceutical co-contaminant dependent impact of nanoplastics on marine crustacean - Artemia salina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:1130-1146. [PMID: 38655700 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00010b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite a significant amount of research on micronanoplastics (MNPs), there is still a gap in our understanding of their function as transporters of other environmental pollutants (known as the Trojan horse effect) and the combined effects of ingestion, bioaccumulation, and toxicity to organisms. This study examined the individual effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) with various surface functionalizations (plain (PS), carboxylated (PS-COOH), and aminated (PS-NH2)), particle sizes (100 nm and 500 nm), and a pharmaceutical co-contaminant (metformin hydrochloride (MH), an anti-diabetic drug) on the marine crustacean - Artemia salina. The study specifically aimed to determine if MH alters the detrimental effects of PSNPs on A. salina. The potential toxicity of these emerging pollutants was assessed by examining mortality, hatching rate, morphological changes, and biochemical changes. Smaller nanoparticles had a more significant impact than larger ones, and PS-NH2 was more harmful than PS and PS-COOH. Exposure to the nanoparticle complex with MH resulted in a decrease in hatching rate, an increase in mortality, developmental abnormalities, an increase in reactive oxygen species, catalase, and lipid peroxidase, and a decrease in total protein and superoxide dismutase, indicating a synergistic effect. There were no significant differences between the complex and the individual nanoparticles. However, accumulating these particles in organisms could contaminate the food chain. These results highlight the potential environmental risks associated with the simultaneous exposure of aquatic species to plastics, particularly smaller PS, aminated PS, and pharmaceutical complex PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgalakshmi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | | | - George Priya Doss
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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4
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Zheng Y, Shao Y, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Zhao Z, Xu R, Ding J, Li W, Wang B, Zhang H. Metformin as an Emerging Pollutant in the Aquatic Environment: Occurrence, Analysis, and Toxicity. TOXICS 2024; 12:483. [PMID: 39058135 PMCID: PMC11281297 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The use of human and veterinary drugs has led to the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in various aquatic environments at progressively increasing levels, exhibiting strong ecological risks. Metformin is widely used as a first-line prescription drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as a livestock drug. Unlike other drugs, metformin is not metabolized in the body, and almost all of its intake is excreted and released into the aquatic environment via urine and feces, causing adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. This review provides an overview of the occurrence and detection of metformin in the aquatic environment and its toxic effects on different aquatic organisms (fish, daphnia, rotifers, chlorella). Metformin has been documented in a variety of aqueous environments such as wastewater, surface water, and groundwater as well as drinking water. The wide distribution of metformin in the aqueous environment calls for the development of more accurate detection methods. This paper reviews detection methods for metformin in the aqueous environment and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages. Toxicity studies have shown that metformin can cause adverse reactions in fish, such as oxidative stress, genotoxicity, disruption of intestinal flora, and morphological alterations; it also affects the growth and reproduction of small aquatic organisms. Knowledge gaps in the field of metformin research were assessed, and future research priorities were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Zheng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yongjian Shao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zirui Zhao
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ranyun Xu
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jiafeng Ding
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Wenbing Li
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Binhao Wang
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
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5
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Dong L, Li S, Huang J, Li WJ, Ali M. Co-occurrence, toxicity, and biotransformation pathways of metformin and its intermediate product guanylurea: Current state and future prospects for enhanced biodegradation strategy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171108. [PMID: 38395159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171108] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of metformin and its biotransformation product "guanylurea" are posing an increasing concern due to their low biodegradability under natural attenuated conditions. Therefore, in this study, we reviewed the unavoidable function of metformin in human body and the route of its release in different water ecosystems. In addition, metformin and its biotransformation product guanylurea in aquatic environments caused certain toxic effects on aquatic organisms which include neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, production of ROS, and acetylcholinesterase disturbance in aquatic organisms. Moreover, microorganisms are the first to expose and deal with the release of these contaminants, therefore, the mechanisms of biodegradation pathways of metformin and guanylurea under aerobic and anaerobic environments were studied. It has been reported that certain microbes, such as Aminobacter sp. and Pseudomonas putida can carry potential enzymatic pathways to degrade the dead-end product "guanylurea", and hence guanylurea is no longer the dead-end product of metformin. However, these microbes can easily be affected by certain geochemical cycles, therefore, we proposed certain strategies that can be helpful in the enhanced biodegradation of metformin and its biotransformation product guanylurea. A better understanding of the biodegradation potential is imperative to improve the use of these approaches for the sustainable and cost-effective remediation of the emerging contaminants of concern, metformin and guanylurea in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; School of Life Science, Jiaying University, Meizhou, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China..
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6
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Klementova S, Poncarova M. Selected widely prescribed pharmaceuticals: toxicity of the drugs and the products of their photochemical degradation to aquatic organisms. J Appl Biomed 2024; 22:1-11. [PMID: 38505965 DOI: 10.32725/jab.2024.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidiabetics, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, and antibiotics belong to the most prescribed drugs worldwide. Because of the manufacture, excretion, and improper disposal of leftover drugs, the drugs enter waste waters and, subsequently, surface waters. They have been detected in surface waters all over the world, from concentrations of ng/l to concentrations several orders of magnitude higher. Since pharmaceuticals are designed to be both biologically and chemically stable, photochemical degradation by sun radiation represents a way of transformation in the natural environment. This review provides a survey of how selected drugs of the above-mentioned classes affect aquatic organisms of different trophic level. The emphasis is on the harmful effects of phototransformation products, an area of scientific investigation that has only attracted attention in the past few years, revealing the surprising fact that products of photochemical degradation might be even more toxic to aquatic organisms than the parent drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarka Klementova
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Poncarova
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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7
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Yavuz Guzel E, Atasoy Aydin A, Gören İE, Unuvar N, Daglioglu N. Estimation of anti-diabetes drug metformin in Turkiye using wastewater-based epidemiology. Drug Test Anal 2024. [PMID: 38296259 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3646] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Metformin is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is dramatically increasing due to factors such as increasing obesity, physical inactivity, and aging of the population. Metformin analysis was carried out in composite wastewater samples seasonally collected from wastewater treatment plants in 10 cities in 2019 and 2020 30 cities in 2021 in Turkiye. Metformin was measured in all wastewater samples, with an average concentration of 97.81 μg/l in 2019, 75.19 μg/l in 2020, and 69.13 μg/l in 2021. This study was utilized to predict metformin usage in different sociodemographic regions in Turkiye using a wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach. As a result of the analysis, the average metformin consumption in Turkiye was estimated to be 22.2 ± 9.6 [1.9-63.8] g/d/1,000 persons (mean ± SD [range]). Furthermore, these estimates were compared with data for time, sociodemographic characteristics, and patient numbers. Assessing the correlation with estimates and the socioeconomic classes of the cities in question revealed that cities with high-income levels had the lowest metformin use rate. Finally, the study provides supporting data aiding the development of public health strategies for decreasing the overall load of T2D across Turkiye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evsen Yavuz Guzel
- Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Science, Cukurova University, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Aslı Atasoy Aydin
- Institute of Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - İsmail Ethem Gören
- Institute of Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | | | - Nebile Daglioglu
- Institute of Forensic Sciences, Department of Forensic Toxicology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
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8
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He Y, Jin H, Ju F. Toxicological effects and underlying mechanisms of chlorination-derived metformin byproducts in Escherichia coli. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167281. [PMID: 37758144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167281] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Chlorination-derived byproducts of the emerging contaminant metformin, such as (3E)-3-(chloroimino)-N,N-dimethyl-3H-1,2,4-triazol-5-amine (3,3-CDTA) and N-cyano-N,N-dimethylcarbaminmidic chloride (NCDC), occur in global waters and are toxic to organisms, from bacteria to mice. However, the mechanisms underlying their toxicity remain unknown. Here, we explored the toxicological effects and potential molecular mechanisms of 3,3-CDTA and NCDC at milligram concentrations, using Escherichia coli as a model organism. Compared with metformin (>300 mg/L), 3,3-CDTA and NCDC exerted stronger toxicity to E. coli, with a 4-h half maximal inhibitory concentration of 2.97 mg/L and 75.7 mg/L, respectively. Both byproducts disrupted E. coli cellular structures and components, decreased membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis, and led to excessive reactive oxidative species (ROS), as well as the ROS-scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Proteomic analysis and molecular docking supported these biomarker responses in the byproduct-treated E. coli, and indicated potential damage to DNA/RNA processes, while also provided novel insights into the toxicological and detoxified-byproduct effects at the proteome level. The toxicity-related events of NCDC and 3,3-CDTA included membrane disruption, oxidative stress, and abnormal protein expression. This study is the first to examine the toxicological effects of chlorination-derived metformin byproducts in E. coli and the associated pathways involved; thereby broadening our understanding regarding the toxicity and transformation risks of metformin throughout its entire life process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen He
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Feng Ju
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China; Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China; Research Centre for Industries of the Future, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China.
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9
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Yang C, Liu K, Yang S, Zhu W, Tong L, Shi J, Wang Y. Prediction of metformin adsorption on subsurface sediments based on quantitative experiment and artificial neural network modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165666. [PMID: 37478922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (MET), a widely employed hypoglycemic pharmaceutical agent, has been frequently detected within groundwater, which has posed a threat to ecosystems and human health. However, the adsorption behavior of MET onto distinct constituent aquitards and aquifers sediments remains shrouded in uncertainty. To reveal the adsorption capacities and mechanisms of diverse sedimentary matrices, we delved into a series of adsorption experiments involving MET on 37 subsurface sediment samples obtained from four boreholes (ranging from 0 to 30 m in depth) in the Jianghan Plain. The quantitative analysis revealed that a majority of the sedimentary compositions consisted of clay minerals (mainly chlorite, montmorillonite and albite), with MET exhibiting considerable variability in across different sediment components (ranging from 15.5 to 489.4 mg/kg). In general, MET adsorption declined in proportion to an increase in quartz composition and depth. Consequently, an artificial neural network model was constructed (R2 = 0.971) to assess the influence of sediment composition on MET adsorption, and thereby elucidating the dominant roles played by chlorite and montmorillonite in this process. Notably, electrostatic attraction, cation exchange, and chemical bonding emerged as the primary mechanisms governing MET adsorption on sediments, particularly those rich in clay minerals. By shedding light on the adsorption mechanism of MET on clay-dominated subsurface sediments, our findings have contributed to a quantitative understanding of MET's adsorption capacity and have highlighted the associated environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sen Yang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjia Zhu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Tong
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jianbo Shi
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanxin Wang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
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Fu GL, Meng QY, Chen Y, Xin JZ, Liu JH, Dang W, Lu HL. Metformin exposure altered intestinal microbiota composition and metabolites in amphibian larvae. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115617. [PMID: 37866109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115617] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The antidiabetic pharmaceutical metformin (MET) is largely unmetabolized by the human body. Its residues are readily detectable in various aquatic environments and may have adverse impacts on the growth and survival of aquatic species. To date, its toxicological effects have scarcely been explored in non-fish species. Here, we exposed the tadpoles of black-spotted pond frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) to different concentrations (0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/L) of MET for 30 days and measured the body size, intestinal microbiota and metabolites to evaluate potential effects of MET exposure in amphibian larvae. MET exposure did not affect the growth and intestinal microbial diversity of tadpoles. However, intestinal microbial composition changed significantly, with some pathogenic bacteria (e.g., bacterial genera Salmonella, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, Trichococcus) increasing and some beneficial bacteria (e.g., Blautia, Prevotella) decreasing in MET-exposed tadpoles. The levels of some intestinal metabolites associated with growth and immune performance also changed significantly following MET exposure. Overall, our results indicated that exposure to MET, even at environmentally relevant concentrations, would cause intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and metabolite alteration, thereby influencing the health status of non-target aquatic organisms, such as amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Li Fu
- Herpetological Research Center, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin-Yuan Meng
- Herpetological Research Center, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Zhejiang Dapanshan National Nature Reserve, Jinhua 322300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-Zhao Xin
- Herpetological Research Center, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Hui Liu
- Herpetological Research Center, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Dang
- Herpetological Research Center, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hong-Liang Lu
- Herpetological Research Center, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China.
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Elizalde-Velázquez GA, Herrera-Vázquez SE, Gómez-Oliván LM, García-Medina S. Health impact assessment after Danio rerio long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of metformin and guanylurea. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140070. [PMID: 37689151 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug metformin (MET) and its metabolite guanylurea (GUA) have been frequently and ubiquitously detected in surface water. Consequently, there has been a consistent rise in studying the toxicity of MET and GUA in fish over the past decade. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that no study has assessed the harmful effects both compounds might trigger on fish blood and organs after chronic exposure. Taking into consideration the data above, our research strived to accomplish two primary objectives: Firstly, to assess the effect of comparable concentrations of MET and GUA (1, 40, 100 μg/L) on the liver, gills, gut, and brain of Danio rerio after six months of flow-through exposure. Secondly, to compare the outcomes to identify which compound prompts more significant oxidative stress and apoptosis in organs and blood parameter alterations. Herein, findings indicate that both compounds induced oxidative damage and increased the expression of genes associated with apoptosis (bax, bcl2, p53, and casp3). Chronic exposure to MET and GUA also generated fluctuations in glucose, creatinine, phosphorus, liver enzymes, red and white blood count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. The observed biochemical changes indicate that MET and GUA are responsible for inducing hepatic damage in fish, whereas hematological alterations suggest that both compounds cause anemia. Considering GUA altered to a more considerable extent the values of all endpoints compared to the control group, it is suggested transformation product GUA is more toxic than MET. Moreover, based on the above evidence, it can be inferred that a six-month exposure to MET and GUA can impair REDOX status and generate apoptosis in fish, adversely affecting their essential organs' functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Axel Elizalde-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México. Paseo Colón Intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Selene Elizabeth Herrera-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México. Paseo Colón Intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma Del Estado de México. Paseo Colón Intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7248-3449
| | - Sandra García-Medina
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu S/n y Cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México, CP, 07700, Mexico
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12
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Rajendran D, Varghese RP, C GPD, Shivashankar M, Chandrasekaran N. Interaction of antidiabetic formulation with nanoplastics and its binary influence on plasma protein. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 102:104249. [PMID: 37597672 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics exposure to humans becomes inevitable due to its prevalence and permanence. Adsorption of emerging pollutant metformin hydrochloride (Met-HCl) -antidiabetic drug, on polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and influence on plasma protein binding was investigated. Fluorescence studies were carried out for human serum albumin (HSA) binding. Adsorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics, intraparticle-diffusion, and Langmuir isotherm, undergoing both physisorption and chemisorption which was validated by FE-SEM, FTIR, and HRMS measurements. Complex, experiences static quenching mechanism by hydrogen bonding and VanderWaals force of attraction to HSA. FTIR confirms the secondary structural alteration of HSA. Since Met-HCl covers the NPs' surface, NPs' affinity for HSA is reduced and they might reach the target organs of Met-HCl, disrupt antidiabetic mechanisms and cause far-reaching implications. Results from molecular docking and simulation studies backed up these results as hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds dominate the binding process of the HSA-Met-HCl-PSNPs complex. This work will aid in understanding of the toxico-kinetics/dynamics of binary contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgalakshmi Rajendran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rinku Polachirakkal Varghese
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Murugesh Shivashankar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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13
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Torunoglu ST, Zajda A, Tampio J, Markowicz-Piasecka M, Huttunen KM. Metformin derivatives - Researchers' friends or foes? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115743. [PMID: 37591450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has been used for ages to treat diabetes mellitus due to its safety profile and low cost. However, metformin has variable pharmacokinetics in patients, and due to its poor oral absorption, the therapeutic doses are relatively high, causing unpleasant gastrointestinal adverse effects. Therefore, novel derivatives of metformin have been synthesized during the past decades. Particularly, after the mid-2000 s, when organic cation transporters were identified as the main metformin carriers, metformin derivatives have been under intensive investigation. Nevertheless, due to the biguanide structure, derivatives of metformin have been challenging to synthesize. Moreover, the mechanisms of metformin's action are not fully understood to date, and since it has multifunctional properties, the interests have switched to re-purposing for other diseases. Indeed, metformin derivatives have been demonstrated in many cases to be more effective than metformin itself and have the potential to be used in different diseases, including several types of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, the pleiotropic nature of metformin and its derivatives can also create challenges. Not all properties are fit for all diseases. In this review, the history of the development of metformin-like compounds is summarized, and insights into their potential for future drug discovery are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema Tuna Torunoglu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Agnieszka Zajda
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janne Tampio
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Kristiina M Huttunen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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14
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O'Rourke K, Virgiliou C, Theodoridis G, Gika H, Grintzalis K. The impact of pharmaceutical pollutants on daphnids - A metabolomic approach. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104157. [PMID: 37225008 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals have been classified as emerging contaminants in the aquatic ecosystem, mainly due to their increased use and improper disposal. A significant range of pharmaceutical compounds and their metabolites have been globally detected in surface waters and pose detrimental effects to non-target organisms. Monitoring pharmaceutical water pollution relies on the analytical approaches for their detection, however, such approaches are limited by their sensitivity limit and coverage of the wide range pharmaceutical compounds. This lack of realism in risk assessment is bypassed with effect-based methods, which are complemented by chemical screening and impact modelling, and are able to provide mechanistic insight for pollution. Focusing on the freshwater ecosystem, in this study we evaluated the acute effects on daphnids for three distinct groups of pharmaceuticals; antibiotics, estrogens, and a range of commonly encountered environmentally relevant pharmaceutical pollutants. Combining several endpoints such as mortality, biochemical (enzyme activities) and holistic (metabolomics) we discovered distinct patterns in biological responses. In this study, changes in enzymes of metabolism e.g. phosphatases and lipase, as well as the detoxification enzyme, glutathione-S-transferase, were recorded following acute exposure to the selected pharmaceuticals. A targeted analysis of the hydrophilic profile of daphnids revealed mainly the up-regulation of metabolites following metformin, gabapentin, amoxicillin, trimethoprim and β-estradiol. Whereas gemfibrozil, sulfamethoxazole and oestrone exposure resulted in the down-regulation of majority of metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie O'Rourke
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Republic of Ireland.
| | - Christina Virgiliou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, and Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH) Biomic_AUTh, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Georgios Theodoridis
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece; Biomic_AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, B1.4, Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, GR 57001, Greece; FoodOmicsGR, Research Infrastructure, Aristotle University Node, Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, 57001,Greece.
| | - Helen Gika
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; Biomic AUTH, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, Thessaloniki GR 57001, Greece.
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15
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Foretz M, Guigas B, Viollet B. Metformin: update on mechanisms of action and repurposing potential. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023:10.1038/s41574-023-00833-4. [PMID: 37130947 PMCID: PMC10153049 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00833-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Currently, metformin is the first-line medication to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in most guidelines and is used daily by >200 million patients. Surprisingly, the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic action are complex and are still not fully understood. Early evidence highlighted the liver as the major organ involved in the effect of metformin on reducing blood levels of glucose. However, increasing evidence points towards other sites of action that might also have an important role, including the gastrointestinal tract, the gut microbial communities and the tissue-resident immune cells. At the molecular level, it seems that the mechanisms of action vary depending on the dose of metformin used and duration of treatment. Initial studies have shown that metformin targets hepatic mitochondria; however, the identification of a novel target at low concentrations of metformin at the lysosome surface might reveal a new mechanism of action. Based on the efficacy and safety records in T2DM, attention has been given to the repurposing of metformin as part of adjunct therapy for the treatment of cancer, age-related diseases, inflammatory diseases and COVID-19. In this Review, we highlight the latest advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of metformin and discuss potential emerging novel therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Foretz
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Guigas
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Benoit Viollet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.
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16
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Sousa M, Rodrigues S, Pretti C, Meucci V, Battaglia F, Freitas R, Antunes SC. A forecast effects of climate change and anthropogenic compounds in Gambusia holbrooki: ecotoxicological effects of salinity and metformin. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 258:106494. [PMID: 36948067 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106494] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to global warming and extreme weather events, estuarine and coastal ecosystems are facing sudden fluctuations in salinity. These ecosystems are also threatened by organic and inorganic compounds that increase water pollution. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug commonly used by patients with type-2 diabetes, and an increase in environmental concentration has been recorded. To better understand the impacts of these two stressors on aquatic organisms, this study assessed: 1) the acute (96 h) ecotoxicological effects (antioxidant and biotransformation capacity, oxidative damage, energetic reserves, and protein content, neurotoxicity) induced by a range of metformin concentrations in Gambusia holbrooki under different salinities (17, 24, 31 expressed as Practical Salinity Units - PSU); and 2) the same endpoints after chronic exposure (28 d) under a range of metformin concentrations at a salinity of 17. The results obtained from the acute exposure showed interactions between salinity and metformin in G. holbrooki superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, body protein, and glycogen (GLY) contents. The results revealed that an increase in salinity can modulate the response of G. holbrooki to metformin. Chronically exposed organisms showed that metformin led to a significant decrease in SOD activity at most of the tested concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 10 µg/L). In addition, glutathione S-transferases increased and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased significantly at concentrations of metformin of 5 and 10 at the µg/L, respectively. Therefore, overall, metformin can lead to potential oxidative stress in G. holbrooki the highest metformin concentrations tested and the GLY content in G. holbrooki increased after exposure to metformin concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 μg/L. Published studies have already shown that metformin alone can lead to oxidative damage in aquatic species, endangering the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, additional ecotoxicological studies should be performed to characterize if other metformin concentrations combined with salinity, or other climate change-related factors, might impact non-target species. Standard toxicity bioassays may not be predictive of actual pollutants (e.g. metformin) toxicity under variable environmental conditions, and the investigation of a wider range of exposure conditions could improve the accuracy of chemical risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sousa
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Sara Rodrigues
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões | Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, Universidade do Porto, Matosinhos 4450-208, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado (PI), 56122, Italy; Interuniversity Consortium of Marine Biology of Leghorn "G. Bacci", Livorno 57128, Italy
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado (PI), 56122, Italy
| | - Federica Battaglia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, San Piero a Grado (PI), 56122, Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal; CESAM - Centro de Estudos dos Ambiente e do Mar, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Sara C Antunes
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões | Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, Universidade do Porto, Matosinhos 4450-208, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre S/N, Porto 4169-007, Portugal.
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17
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Khan J, Pernicova I, Nisar K, Korbonits M. Mechanisms of ageing: growth hormone, dietary restriction, and metformin. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:261-281. [PMID: 36848915 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Tackling the mechanisms underlying ageing is desirable to help to extend the duration and improve the quality of life. Life extension has been achieved in animal models by suppressing the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis and also via dietary restriction. Metformin has become the focus of increased interest as a possible anti-ageing drug. There is some overlap in the postulated mechanisms of how these three approaches could produce anti-ageing effects, with convergence on common downstream pathways. In this Review, we draw on evidence from both animal models and human studies to assess the effects of suppression of the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis, dietary restriction, and metformin on ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jansher Khan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ida Pernicova
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kiran Nisar
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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18
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Astuti MP, Notodarmojo S, Priadi CR, Padhye LP. Contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) in a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Indonesia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21512-21532. [PMID: 36272003 PMCID: PMC9938049 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study provides the first set of quantitative data on the occurrence and fate of a wide range of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) in Indonesia's largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP employs waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) as the secondary treatment before discharging the effluent to the Citarum River. Fourteen out of twenty-two monitored CECs were detected in the wastewater influent, and seven were present in the effluent, with a total concentration of 29.8 ± 0.4 µg/L and 0.5 ± 0.0 µg/L, respectively. The occurrence of the CECs in this study was found to be well correlated with their possible use and known detection in surface waters in Indonesia. Caffeine (CAF) at 12.2 ± 0.1 µg/L, acetaminophen (ACT) at 9.1 ± 0.1 µg/L, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) at 5.0 ± 0.1 µg/L, ibuprofen (IBU) at 2.3 ± 0.0 µg/L, and triclosan (TCS) at 470 ± 64 ng/L were discovered as the five most prevalent CECs, followed by bisphenol A (BPA), trimethoprim (TMP), Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), sulfamethazine (SMZ), carbamazepine (CBZ), fluoxetine (FLX), benzotriazole (BTA), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and metformin (METF). Biodegradable CECs (SMX, SMZ, ACT, IBU, TCS, BPA, CAF, DEET, and TMP) were efficiently removed (83-100%) by the WSP. In contrast, recalcitrant CECs achieved poor removal efficiencies (e.g., FLX at 24%), and for others, treatment processes even resulted in elevated concentrations in the effluent (CBZ by 85%, TCEP by 149%, and BTA by 92%). The CECs' influent concentrations were determined to pose a moderate aquatic cumulative risk, while no such risk was associated with their effluent concentrations. The study demonstrates the importance of conventional WWTPs in reducing the concentrations of CECs to minimize their aquatic contamination risk. The findings are relevant for countries, such as Indonesia, with limited resources for advanced centralized wastewater treatments, and which are exploring the efficacy of centralized WSP against the existing decentralized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryani Paramita Astuti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Environmental Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, President University, Cikarang, Indonesia
| | - Suprihanto Notodarmojo
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Cindy Rianti Priadi
- Environmental Engineering Study Program, Civil Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, University of Indonesia (UI), Depok, Indonesia
| | - Lokesh P Padhye
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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19
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Barros S, Alves N, Pinheiro M, Ribeiro M, Morais H, Montes R, Rodil R, Quintana JB, Coimbra AM, Santos MM, Neuparth T. Are Fish Populations at Risk? Metformin Disrupts Zebrafish Development and Reproductive Processes at Chronic Environmentally Relevant Concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1049-1059. [PMID: 36580485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug Metformin (MET), one of the most prevalent pharmaceuticals in the environment, is currently detected in surface waters in the range of ng/L to low μg/L. As current knowledge regarding the long-term effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MET in nontarget organisms is limited, the present study aimed at investigating the generational effects of MET, in concentrations ranging from 390 to 14 423 ng/L in the model organism Danio rerio (up to 9 mpf), including the effects on its nonexposed offspring (until 60 dpf). We integrate several apical end points, i.e., embryonic development, survival, growth, and reproduction, with qRT-PCR and RNA-seq analyses to provide additional insights into the mode of action of MET. Reproductive-related parameters in the first generation were particularly sensitive to MET. MET parental exposure impacted critical molecular processes involved in the metabolism of zebrafish males, which in turn affected steroid hormone biosynthesis and upregulated male vtg1 expression by 99.78- to 155.47-fold at 390 and 14 432 MET treatment, respectively, pointing to an estrogenic effect. These findings can potentially explain the significant decrease in the fertilization rate and the increase of unactivated eggs. Nonexposed offspring was also affected by parental MET exposure, impacting its survival and growth. Altogether, these results suggest that MET, at environmentally relevant concentrations, severely affects several biological processes in zebrafish, supporting the urgent need to revise the proposed Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) and the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Barros
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Pavilhão 2, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Nélson Alves
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marlene Pinheiro
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Ribeiro
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Morais
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosa Montes
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosario Rodil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Benito Quintana
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana M Coimbra
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Pavilhão 2, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Inov4Agro - Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Pavilhão 2, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
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20
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Tominaga FK, Boiani NF, Silva TT, Garcia VSG, Borrely SI. Acute and chronic ecotoxicological effects of pharmaceuticals and their mixtures in Daphnia similis. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136671. [PMID: 36209851 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals have increasingly received attention from the scientific community due to their growing intake, improved detection and potential ecological risks. Several pharmaceuticals, including antidepressants, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic compounds and antibiotics, have been described as contaminants in different water matrices. In this context, the aim of the present study was to assess the acute and chronic effects of four classes of pharmaceuticals (acetylsalicylic acid, fluoxetine, metformin and ciprofloxacin) individually and in binary and quartenary mixture. Furthermore, the toxicity of binary mixtures containing the antidepressant fluoxetine was also evaluated. The results of the single acute and chronic toxicity assays indicate lower acetylsalicylic acid and higher fluoxetine toxicity towards Daphnia similis. Regarding the evaluated mixture toxicity, the nature of potential toxicological interactions was predicted by applying mathematical concentration addition and independent action models. The findings revealed both antagonistic and synergistic features, depending on the applied amounts and doses. Finally, the chronic assays performed with the quaternary mixture indicated the presence of a hormetic effect at low concentrations. In sum, the present study demonstrated that the effects of individual pharmaceuticals can underestimate the risk level of these contaminants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Kiyoshi Tominaga
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Radiation Technology Center - IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, CEP 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Nathalia Fonseca Boiani
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Radiation Technology Center - IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, CEP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thalita Tieko Silva
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Radiation Technology Center - IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, CEP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Silva Granadeiro Garcia
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Radiation Technology Center - IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, CEP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Sueli Ivone Borrely
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Radiation Technology Center - IPEN-CNEN/SP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, CEP 05508-000, Brazil
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21
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Kiyoshi Tominaga F, Fonseca Boiani N, Tieko Silva T, Gomes dos Santos J, Temponi Lebre D, Leo P, Ivone Borrely S. Electron beam irradiation applied for the detoxification and degradation of single ciprofloxacin aqueous solution and multiclass pharmaceutical quaternary mixture. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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22
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Chaignaud P, Gruffaz C, Borreca A, Fouteau S, Kuhn L, Masbou J, Rouy Z, Hammann P, Imfeld G, Roche D, Vuilleumier S. A Methylotrophic Bacterium Growing with the Antidiabetic Drug Metformin as Its Sole Carbon, Nitrogen and Energy Source. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2302. [PMID: 36422372 PMCID: PMC9699525 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is one of the most prescribed antidiabetic agents worldwide and is also considered for other therapeutic applications including cancer and endocrine disorders. It is largely unmetabolized by human enzymes and its presence in the environment has raised concern, with reported toxic effects on aquatic life and potentially also on humans. We report on the isolation and characterisation of strain MD1, an aerobic methylotrophic bacterium growing with metformin as its sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. Strain MD1 degrades metformin into dimethylamine used for growth, and guanylurea as a side-product. Sequence analysis of its fully assembled genome showed its affiliation to Aminobacter niigataensis. Differential proteomics and transcriptomics, as well as mini-transposon mutagenesis of the strain, point to genes and proteins essential for growth with metformin and potentially associated with hydrolytic C-N cleavage of metformin or with cellular transport of metformin and guanylurea. The obtained results suggest the recent evolution of the growth-supporting capacity of strain MD1 to degrade metformin. Our results identify candidate proteins of the enzymatic system for metformin transformation in strain MD1 and will inform future research on the fate of metformin and its degradation products in the environment and in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Chaignaud
- Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie, UMR 7156 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Gruffaz
- Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie, UMR 7156 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Adrien Borreca
- Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie, UMR 7156 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg, UMR 7063 CNRS, ENGEES, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphanie Fouteau
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université d’Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Lauriane Kuhn
- Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg-Esplanade, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, FR 1589 CNRS, CEDEX, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérémy Masbou
- Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg, UMR 7063 CNRS, ENGEES, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Zoé Rouy
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université d’Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Philippe Hammann
- Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg-Esplanade, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, FR 1589 CNRS, CEDEX, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Gwenaël Imfeld
- Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg, UMR 7063 CNRS, ENGEES, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - David Roche
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université d’Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, CEDEX, 91057 Evry, France
| | - Stéphane Vuilleumier
- Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie, UMR 7156 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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23
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Michalaki A, McGivern AR, Poschet G, Büttner M, Altenburger R, Grintzalis K. The Effects of Single and Combined Stressors on Daphnids-Enzyme Markers of Physiology and Metabolomics Validate the Impact of Pollution. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10100604. [PMID: 36287884 PMCID: PMC9609890 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The continuous global increase in population and consumption of resources due to human activities has had a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, assessment of environmental exposure to toxic chemicals as well as their impact on biological systems is of significant importance. Freshwater systems are currently under threat and monitored; however, current methods for pollution assessment can neither provide mechanistic insight nor predict adverse effects from complex pollution. Using daphnids as a bioindicator, we assessed the impact in acute exposures of eight individual chemicals and specifically two metals, four pharmaceuticals, a pesticide and a stimulant, and their composite mixture combining phenotypic, biochemical and metabolic markers of physiology. Toxicity levels were in the same order of magnitude and significantly enhanced in the composite mixture. Results from individual chemicals showed distinct biochemical responses for key enzyme activities such as phosphatases, lipase, peptidase, β-galactosidase and glutathione-S-transferase. Following this, a more realistic mixture scenario was assessed with the aforementioned enzyme markers and a metabolomic approach. A clear dose-dependent effect for the composite mixture was validated with enzyme markers of physiology, and the metabolomic analysis verified the effects observed, thus providing a sensitive metrics in metabolite perturbations. Our study highlights that sensitive enzyme markers can be used in advance on the design of metabolic and holistic assays to guide the selection of chemicals and the trajectory of the study, while providing mechanistic insight. In the future this could prove to become a useful tool for understanding and predicting freshwater pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michalaki
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 Y5NO Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Gernot Poschet
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Büttner
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Altenburger
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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24
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He Y, Zhang Y, Ju F. Metformin Contamination in Global Waters: Biotic and Abiotic Transformation, Byproduct Generation and Toxicity, and Evaluation as a Pharmaceutical Indicator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13528-13545. [PMID: 36107956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is the first-line antidiabetic drug and one of the most prescribed medications worldwide. Because of its ubiquitous occurrence in global waters and demonstrated ecotoxicity, metformin, as with other pharmaceuticals, has become a concerning emerging contaminant. Metformin is subject to transformation, producing numerous problematic transformation byproducts (TPs). The occurrence, removal, and toxicity of metformin have been continually reviewed; yet, a comprehensive analysis of its transformation pathways, byproduct generation, and the associated change in adverse effects is lacking. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the transformation fate of metformin during water treatments and natural processes and compile the 32 organic TPs generated from biotic and abiotic pathways. These TPs occur in aquatic systems worldwide along with metformin. Enhanced toxicity of several TPs compared to metformin has been demonstrated through organism tests and necessitates the development of complete mineralization techniques for metformin and more attention on TP monitoring. We also assess the potential of metformin to indicate overall contamination of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments, and compared to the previously acknowledged ones, metformin is found to be a more robust or comparable indicator of such overall pharmaceutical contamination. In addition, we provide insightful avenues for future research on metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen He
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Feng Ju
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Advanced Technology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future (RCIF), School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, 310024, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Balakrishnan A, Sillanpää M, Jacob MM, Vo DVN. Metformin as an emerging concern in wastewater: Occurrence, analysis and treatment methods. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113613. [PMID: 35697083 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is a wonder drug used as an anti-hypoglycemic medication; it is also used as a cancer suppression medicament. Metformin is a first line of drug choice used by doctors for patients with type 2 diabetes. It is used worldwide where the drug's application varies from an anti-hypoglycemic medication to cancer oppression and as a weight loss treatment drug. Due to its wide range of usage, metformin and its byproducts are found in waste water and receiving aquatic environment. This leads to the accumulation of metformin in living beings and the environment where excess concentration levels can lead to ailments such as lactic acidosis or vitamin B12 deficiency. This drug could become of future water treatment concerns with its tons of production per year and vast usage. As a result of continuous occurrence of metformin has demanded the need of implementing and adopting different strategies to save the aquatic systems and the exposure to metformin. This review discuss the various methods for the elimination of metformin from wastewater. Along with that, the properties, occurrence, and health and environmental impacts of metformin are addressed. The different analytical methods for the detection of metformin are also explained. The main findings are discussed with respect to the management of metformin as an emerging contaminants and the major recommendations are discussed to understand the major research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Balakrishnan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa; Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; International Research Centre of Nanotechnology for Himalayan Sustainability (IRCNHS), Shoolini University, Solan, 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India; Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Norrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Meenu Mariam Jacob
- Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Dai-Viet N Vo
- Center of Excellence for Green Energy and Environmental Nanomaterials (CE@GrEEN), Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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26
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Barbieri PA, Mari-Ribeiro IP, Lupepsa L, Gigliolli AAS, Paupitz BR, de Melo RF, de Souza Leite Mello EV, de Brito Portela-Castro AL, Borin-Carvalho LA. Metformin-induced alterations in gills of the freshwater fish Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875) detected by histological and scanning electron microscopy. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1205-1216. [PMID: 36042120 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug metformin is widely prescribed and found in different concentrations in the environment around the world, raising concern about potential impacts on aquatic life. Analyses of the effects of exposure of biological models to aquatic contaminants are important for assessing pollution effects on fish health. The gills of fishes represent primary targets of disturbance by pollutants, mainly because of the large surface of the respiratory epithelium and the high perfusion rate, which both help the entry of pollutants into this tissue. In this context, the aim of this work was to use gill histological analyses biomarkers to evaluate the toxicity of metformin on aquatic environmental systems, by means of chronic exposure for 90 days of Astyanax lacustris (lambari), an ecologically important neotropical species that can be used as an environmental bioindicator. Histopathological analyses were performed using Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The main changes were lamellar fusion, telangiectasia hyperplasia and disappearance of microridges. The morphological changes observed possibly interfere with the gill physiology, indicating an unfavorable situation to the presence of metformin in the water, pointing to a concern that metformin may pose a risk to Astyanax lacustris and likely to other fish species, compromising the dynamics of the aquatic ecosystem as a whole. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Americo Barbieri
- Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Isabelle Pereira Mari-Ribeiro
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Luara Lupepsa
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | | | - Brennda Ribeiro Paupitz
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Fernando de Melo
- Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Luiza de Brito Portela-Castro
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (Nupélia), Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
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27
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Genotoxicity Evaluation of Metformin in Freshwater Planarian Dugesia japonica by the Comet Assay and RAPD Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2822605. [PMID: 36033573 PMCID: PMC9403254 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2822605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the genotoxicity of metformin on planarian with different concentrations and exposure times. Methods The planarians were treated, respectively, with 10 mmol/L and 50 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days, and then, the comet assay and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis were performed. 13 random primers were used for PCR amplification with the genomic DNAs as templates. Planarians cultured in clear water were used as the control. Genomic template stability (GTS) was calculated by comparing and analyzing the RAPD patterns of the control group and the treatment groups. Results In the comet assay, DNA damage of planarians treated with 10 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days was 10.2%, 25.4%, and 36.8%, respectively, and that of planarians treated with 50 mmol/L metformin was 40.6%, 62.8%, and 65.4%, respectively. GTS values of planarians exposed to 10 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days were 64.1%, 62.8%, and 52.6%, respectively, and those of planarians exposed to 50 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days were 52.6%, 51.3%, and 50%, respectively. DNA damage increased and GTS values decreased with the increasing metformin exposure concentration and exposure time. Conclusion Metformin has certain genotoxicity on planarian in a dose- and time-related manner. The comet assay and RAPD analysis are highly sensitive methods for detecting genotoxicity with drugs.
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28
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Triggle CR, Mohammed I, Bshesh K, Marei I, Ye K, Ding H, MacDonald R, Hollenberg MD, Hill MA. Metformin: Is it a drug for all reasons and diseases? Metabolism 2022; 133:155223. [PMID: 35640743 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metformin was first used to treat type 2 diabetes in the late 1950s and in 2022 remains the first-choice drug used daily by approximately 150 million people. An accumulation of positive pre-clinical and clinical data has stimulated interest in re-purposing metformin to treat a variety of diseases including COVID-19. In polycystic ovary syndrome metformin improves insulin sensitivity. In type 1 diabetes metformin may help reduce the insulin dose. Meta-analysis and data from pre-clinical and clinical studies link metformin to a reduction in the incidence of cancer. Clinical trials, including MILES (Metformin In Longevity Study), and TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin), have been designed to determine if metformin can offset aging and extend lifespan. Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that metformin, via suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways, protection of mitochondria and vascular function, and direct actions on neuronal stem cells, may protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Metformin has also been studied for its anti-bacterial, -viral, -malaria efficacy. Collectively, these data raise the question: Is metformin a drug for all diseases? It remains unclear as to whether all of these putative beneficial effects are secondary to its actions as an anti-hyperglycemic and insulin-sensitizing drug, or result from other cellular actions, including inhibition of mTOR (mammalian target for rapamycin), or direct anti-viral actions. Clarification is also sought as to whether data from ex vivo studies based on the use of high concentrations of metformin can be translated into clinical benefits, or whether they reflect a 'Paracelsus' effect. The environmental impact of metformin, a drug with no known metabolites, is another emerging issue that has been linked to endocrine disruption in fish, and extensive use in T2D has also raised concerns over effects on human reproduction. The objectives for this review are to: 1) evaluate the putative mechanism(s) of action of metformin; 2) analyze the controversial evidence for metformin's effectiveness in the treatment of diseases other than type 2 diabetes; 3) assess the reproducibility of the data, and finally 4) reach an informed conclusion as to whether metformin is a drug for all diseases and reasons. We conclude that the primary clinical benefits of metformin result from its insulin-sensitizing and antihyperglycaemic effects that secondarily contribute to a reduced risk of a number of diseases and thereby enhancing healthspan. However, benefits like improving vascular endothelial function that are independent of effects on glucose homeostasis add to metformin's therapeutic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris R Triggle
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khalifa Bshesh
- Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Isra Marei
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kevin Ye
- Department of Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Hong Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ross MacDonald
- Distribution eLibrary, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, P.O. Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, a Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael A Hill
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medical Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, MO, USA
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29
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Nielsen KM, DeCamp L, Birgisson M, Palace VP, Kidd KA, Parrott JL, McMaster ME, Alaee M, Blandford N, Ussery EJ. Comparative Effects of Embryonic Metformin Exposure on Wild and Laboratory-Spawned Fathead Minnow ( Pimephales promelas) Populations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10193-10203. [PMID: 35748754 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is routinely detected in aquatic ecosystems because of its widespread use as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Laboratory studies have shown that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of metformin can alter metabolic pathways and impact the growth of early life stage (ELS) fish; however, it is unknown whether these effects occur in wild populations. Herein, we evaluate whether findings from laboratory studies are representative and describe the relative sensitivities of both populations. Duplicate exposures (0, 5, or 50 μg/L metformin) were conducted using wild- and lab-spawned fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos. Apart from the water source, exposure conditions remained constant. Wild embryos were exposed to previously dosed lake water to account for changes in bioavailability, while reconstituted freshwater was used for the laboratory study. Developmental metformin exposure differentially impacted the growth and morphology of both cohorts, with energy dyshomeostasis and visual effects indicated. The fitness of wild-spawned larvae was impacted to a greater extent relative to lab-spawned fish. Moreover, baseline data reveal important morphological differences between wild- and lab-spawned ELS fatheads that may diminish representativeness of lab studies. Findings also confirm the bioavailability of metformin in naturally occurring systems and suggest current exposure scenarios may be sufficient to negatively impact developing fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Nielsen
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, USA
| | - Lily DeCamp
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, USA
| | - Mona Birgisson
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, USA
| | - Vince P Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development─Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0T4, Canada
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mark E McMaster
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mehran Alaee
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | | | - Erin J Ussery
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
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30
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Feng J, Wang X, Ye X, Ares I, Lopez-Torres B, Martínez M, Martínez-Larrañaga MR, Wang X, Anadón A, Martínez MA. Mitochondria as an important target of metformin: The mechanism of action, toxic and side effects, and new therapeutic applications. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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31
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Sengar A, Vijayanandan A. Human health and ecological risk assessment of 98 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) detected in Indian surface and wastewaters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:150677. [PMID: 34599960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The release of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in environmental waters has become an urgent issue due to their pseudo-persistent traits. The present study was undertaken to conduct a screening-level risk assessment of 98 PPCPs, detected in different water matrices (treated wastewater, surface water, and groundwater) of India, for evaluating ecological risk (risk to fish, daphnia, and algae), human health risk, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) selection risk by following risk quotient (RQ) based methodology. In the present study, 47% of the detected PPCPs in Indian waters were found to exert a possible risk (RQ > 1) to either aquatic species and human health, or cause AMR selection risk. 17 out of 25 antibiotics detected in the environmental waters were found to pose a threat of AMR selection. 11 out of 49 pharmaceuticals were found to exert human health risk from ingesting contaminated surface water, whereas only 2 pharmaceuticals out of 25 were found to exert risk from the intake of groundwater. Very high RQs (>1000) for few pharmaceuticals were obtained, signifying a great potential of the detected PPCPs in causing severe health concern, aquatic toxicity, and AMR spread. Within India, special attention needs to be given to the pharmaceutical hubs, as the environmental waters in these regions were found to be severely contaminated with drug residues resulting in extremely high RQs. The present study will be helpful in prioritizing the detected PPCPs in the environmental waters of India, for which immediate attention and enforceable guidelines are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Sengar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Arya Vijayanandan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
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32
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Tavlo M, Skakkebæk NE, Mathiesen ER, Kristensen DM, Kjær KH, Andersson AM, Lindahl-Jacobsen R. Hypothesis: Metformin is a potential reproductive toxicant. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1000872. [PMID: 36339411 PMCID: PMC9627511 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1000872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin is the first-line oral treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus and is prescribed to more than 150 million people worldwide. Metformin's effect as a glucose-lowering drug is well documented but the precise mechanism of action is unknown. A recent finding of an association between paternal metformin treatment and increased numbers of genital birth defects in sons and a tendency towards a skewed secondary sex ratio with less male offspring prompted us to focus on other evidence of reproductive side effects of this drug. Metformin in humans is documented to reduce the circulating level of testosterone in both men and women. In experimental animal models, metformin exposure in utero induced sex-specific reproductive changes in adult rat male offspring with reduced fertility manifested as a 30% decrease in litter size and metformin exposure to fish, induced intersex documented in testicular tissue. Metformin is excreted unchanged into urine and feces and is present in wastewater and even in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants from where it spreads to rivers, lakes, and drinking water. It is documented to be present in numerous freshwater samples throughout the world - and even in drinking water. We here present the hypothesis that metformin needs to be considered a potential reproductive toxicant for humans, and probably also for wildlife. There is an urgent need for studies exploring the association between metformin exposure and reproductive outcomes in humans, experimental animals, and aquatic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Tavlo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Center on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Maja Tavlo,
| | - Niels E. Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital — Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth R. Mathiesen
- Centre for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David M. Kristensen
- Department of Neurology, Danish Headache Center, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Rennes, Inserm, École des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP), Irset (Institut de recherche en santé environment et travail) UMR_S, Rennes, France
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kurt H. Kjær
- Globe Institute, Section for GeoGenetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital — Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Lindahl-Jacobsen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Center on Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
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Koagouw W, Hazell RJ, Ciocan C. Induction of apoptosis in the gonads of Mytilus edulis by metformin and increased temperature, via regulation of HSP70, CASP8, BCL2 and FAS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113011. [PMID: 34649205 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113011] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutically active compounds have been considered contaminants of emerging concern, in response to evidence that these substances may adversely affect aquatic organisms. Here we expose mussels for 7 days to metformin, the most commonly prescribed anti-diabetes treatment, at a concentration of 40 μg/L and a high temperature of 20 °C. The apoptosis-related genes HSP70, CASP8, BCL2 and FAS showed variation in expression in gonadal tissue. The results suggest that complex interactions between these genes are modulating the onset of apoptotic changes such as atresia and follicle degeneration. The temperature induced apoptosis may be initiated by overexpression of CASP8. Conversely, metformin may induce apoptosis by suppressing the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2, thus promoting the process. Interestingly, apoptosis and follicle degeneration are likely FAS-mediated, following the synergistic effect of metformin and temperature. The potential of metformin to act as a non-traditional EDC, due to its impact on the reproductive system in mussels is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulan Koagouw
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Aquatic Environments, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom; National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. M. H. Thamrin No. 8 Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Richard J Hazell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Corina Ciocan
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Aquatic Environments, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom.
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Pugajeva I, Ikkere LE, Jansons M, Perkons I, Sukajeva V, Bartkevics V. Two-dimensional liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry as an effective tool for assessing a wide range of pharmaceuticals and biomarkers in wastewater-based epidemiology studies. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 205:114295. [PMID: 34364149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The biomarkers used in wastewater-based epidemiology studies have a wide range of physicochemical properties, making simultaneous analysis extremely challenging or even impossible. So far, the majority of analytical procedures employed in this field have focused on specific classes or a limited number of analytes. The heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technique (2D-LC-MS/MS) has enabled the incorporation of compounds with significantly different polarities in a single analytical method. In this study, a 2D-LC-MS/MS method has been developed and optimized for the simultaneous analysis of various biomarkers in wastewater, providing relevant information about lifestyle habits (the usage of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine), health and well-being (pharmaceuticals), and a population size biomarker (5-HIAA) that is useful for correct calculation of human population during wastewater-based epidemiology studies. A single-laboratory validation procedure showed satisfactory analytical performance, with the mean trueness for most compounds falling in the range of 80÷110 % and the mean repeatability being less than 20 %. The applicability of the method was evaluated by testing 28 wastewater samples collected at different wastewater treatment plants in Latvia. The obtained results revealed the occurrence of 44 out of 62 selected biomarkers, with the lowest quantified concentration at 1.1 ng L-1 in the case of xylometazoline and up to 148 μg L-1 in the case of metformin and 156 μg L-1 for caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Pugajeva
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia.
| | - Laura Elina Ikkere
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Martins Jansons
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Ingus Perkons
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Veronika Sukajeva
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia
| | - Vadims Bartkevics
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes iela 3, Riga, LV-1076, Latvia
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