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Yamagata R, Saito A, Fukushima R, Nakagawasai O, Yamashita N, Tan-No K, Hwang GW. Methylmercury exposure at dosage conditions that do not affect growth can impair memory in adolescent mice. Toxicol Res 2024; 40:441-448. [PMID: 38911546 PMCID: PMC11187021 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-024-00239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury is an environmental pollutant that can induce serious central nervous system damage. Its ubiquitous presence in the environment in trace amounts has raised concerns about potential adverse effects on human health. Although many studies have evaluated the effects of methylmercury on neural development in fetal and neonatal mice, there has been less focus on studies using adolescent mice. Therefore, in this study, the effects of methylmercury on brain neurodevelopment and maturation were evaluated by various neurobehavioral trials using adolescent mice exposed to 30 ppm methylmercuric chloride (approximately 24 ppm methylmercury) for up to 8 weeks. Under these administration conditions, weight gain in adolescent mice was unaffected by methylmercury exposure. Furthermore, methylmercury exposure in adolescent mice had no effect on sociability as assessed by the social interaction test, impulsivity as assessed by the cliff avoidance reaction test, depressive behavior as assessed by the tail-suspension test, or locomotor activity as assessed using the Supermex system. In contrast, short-term memory assessed by the Y-maze test, as well as long-term memory assessed by novel object recognition and passive avoidance tests, revealed impairments induced by methylmercury exposure in adolescent mice. These results suggest that long-term exposure to methylmercury during adolescence potentially impairs memory function, and the nervous pathway of brain areas involved in learning and memory are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of methylmercury. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00239-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Yamagata
- Division of Environmental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
| | - Ai Saito
- Division of Environmental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
| | - Ryoko Fukushima
- Division of Environmental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
| | - Osamu Nakagawasai
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
| | - Naoya Yamashita
- Division of Environmental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
| | - Koichi Tan-No
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
| | - Gi-Wook Hwang
- Division of Environmental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558 Japan
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Leung JWH, Loan A, Xu Y, Yang G, Wang J, Chan HM. Reduction of Glyoxalase 1 Expression Links Fetal Methylmercury Exposure to Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathogenesis. TOXICS 2024; 12:449. [PMID: 39058101 PMCID: PMC11280772 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is an essential enzyme to detoxify methylglyoxal (MGO), a cytotoxic byproduct of glycolysis. Accumulating studies have shown an important role of Glo1 in regulating cortical development and neurogenesis, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when impaired. We have previously shown that prenatal exposure to non-apoptotic low-dose methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental pollutant, induces premature cortical neurogenesis and ASD-like behaviors in a rodent model. In this study, we aimed to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate prenatal MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation and abnormal neurodevelopment. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we found that prenatal MeHg exposure at a non-apoptotic dose significantly reduced Glo1 gene expression in embryonic cultured radial glia precursors (RGPs). In cultured RGPs, the knockdown of Glo1 expression increased neuronal production at the expense of the cultured RGPs population, while overexpression of Glo1 restored MeHg-induced neuronal differentiation back to normal levels. Furthermore, we found that co-treatment with both MeHg and multiple MGO scavengers or a CREB inhibitor (iCREB) mitigated MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation, reinforcing the role of Glo1 and CREB in mediating MeHg-induced neuronal differentiation. Our findings demonstrate a direct link between MeHg exposure and expression of an ASD risk gene Glo1 in cortical development, supporting the important role of gene-environment interaction in contributing to the etiology of neural developmental disorders, such as ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Wai-Hin Leung
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.W.-H.L.); (A.L.); (Y.X.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Allison Loan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.W.-H.L.); (A.L.); (Y.X.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yilin Xu
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.W.-H.L.); (A.L.); (Y.X.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Childrens’ Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jing Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (J.W.-H.L.); (A.L.); (Y.X.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
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Sampson MM, Morgan RK, Sloan SA, Bakulski KM. Single-cell investigation of lead toxicity from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: Current review and future opportunities. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 38:100464. [PMID: 39086983 PMCID: PMC11290315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2024.100464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Human exposure to the metal lead (Pb) is prevalent and associated with adverse neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative outcomes. Pb disrupts normal brain function by inducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, altering cellular metabolism, and displacing essential metals. Prior studies on the molecular impacts of Pb have examined bulk tissues, which collapse information across all cell types, or in targeted cells, which are limited to cell autonomous effects. These approaches are unable to represent the complete biological implications of Pb exposure because the brain is a cooperative network of highly heterogeneous cells, with cellular diversity and proportions shifting throughout development, by brain region, and with disease. New technologies are necessary to investigate whether Pb and other environmental exposures alter cell composition in the brain and whether they cause molecular changes in a cell-type-specific manner. Cutting-edge, single-cell approaches now enable research resolving cell-type-specific effects from bulk tissues. This article reviews existing Pb neurotoxicology studies with genome-wide molecular signatures and provides a path forward for the field to implement single-cell approaches with practical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen M Sampson
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel K Morgan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Leal-Nazaré CG, Arrifano GP, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Barthelemy JL, Soares-Silva I, Crespo-Lopez ME, Augusto-Oliveira M. Methylmercury neurotoxicity: Beyond the neurocentric view. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170939. [PMID: 38365040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170939] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic metal widely used in human activities worldwide, therefore considered a global public health problem. Many cases of mercury intoxication have occurred in history and represent a huge challenge nowadays. Of particular importance is its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg). This mercurial species induces damage to several organs in the human body, especially to the central nervous system. Neurological impairments such as executive, memory, motor and visual deficits are associated with MeHg neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity include excitotoxicity due to glutamatergic imbalance, disturbance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, failure in synaptic support, and inflammatory response. Although neurons are largely affected by MeHg intoxication, they only represent half of the brain cells. Glial cells represent roughly 50 % of the brain cells and are key elements in the functioning of the central nervous system. Particularly, astrocytes and microglia are deeply involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, resulting in distinct neurological outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the main findings on astroglial and microglial involvement as mediators of neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses to MeHg intoxication. The literature shows that these responses depend on chemical and morphophysiological features, thus, we present some insights for future investigations, considering the particularities of the context, including time and dose of exposure, brain region, and species of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
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Lyu K, Li J, Chen M, Li W, Zhang W, Hu M, Zhang Y, Feng X. A bibliometric analysis of autism spectrum disorder signaling pathways research in the past decade. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1304916. [PMID: 38410675 PMCID: PMC10895046 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1304916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study employs bibliometric methods to comprehensively understand the fundamental structure of research about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Signaling Pathways by examining key indicators such as nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords. Methodology We utilized the WoScc database to retrieve literature relevant to ASD Signaling Pathways published between 2013 and 2023. Through visual analysis and tools like CiteSpace and VosViewer, we explored nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords, thereby constructing relevant networks. Results 26 The study encompasses 1,396 articles, revealing a consistent increase in publications. The United States, China, and Germany are leading nations in this literature. Regarding research institutions, the University of California system and Eric Klann have garnered significant attention due to their substantial contributions to the field of ASD Signaling Pathways. Most relevant research is published in the journal "Molecular Autism." Research interests are concentrated across various themes, including "elevating neuronal β-catenin levels," "Tunisian children," "Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice," "de novo mutations," "autistic children," "local translation," "propionic acid-induced mouse models," "neurosystems," "glucose metabolism," and "neuronal migration." Future research may emphasize exploring aspects such as gut microbiota, genes, stress, maternal immune activation, memory, and neurodevelopmental disorders of ASD. Conclusion This study, through bibliometric analysis of key indicators such as nations, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on ASD Signaling Pathways. These investigations predominantly focus on molecular mechanisms, animal model studies, population-based research, and the structure and function of neurosystems. Future research directions are also clearly proposed. First, in-depth research on the genes and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with ASD will continue to reveal the genetic basis and provide support for precise treatments. At the same time, attention to the gut microbiota will help explore its association with ASD, which may provide clues for new treatments. In addition, the relationship between stress and ASD will become the focus of research to understand better the emotional and behavioral characteristics of ASD patients in stressful situations. Maternal immune activation will also be further studied to explore how environmental factors influence the risk and development of ASD. Finally, a deeper understanding of the cognitive functions of patients with ASD, especially memory and learning, will help develop individualized treatment strategies to improve patients' quality of life. These directions will work together and are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Signaling Pathways research in ASD and provide new ideas and opportunities for future intervention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifeng Lyu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Jiangshan Li
- College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Massage, and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Min Chen
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Wu Li
- College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Massage, and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Pediatrics One, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Meichao Hu
- Rehabilitation Department, Chifeng Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospitalal, Chifeng, China
| | - Yuxing Zhang
- College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Massage, and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Feng
- College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Massage, and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Algahtani MM, Ahmad SF, Alkharashi LA, Al-Harbi NO, Alanazi WA, Alhamed AS, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Ibrahim KE, Nadeem A. Exposure to Methylmercury at Juvenile Stage Worsens Autism-like Symptoms in Adult BTBR T+tf/J Mice Due to Lack of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Signaling Upregulation in Periphery and Brain. TOXICS 2023; 11:546. [PMID: 37368646 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11060546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted developmental condition that first appears in infancy. The condition is characterized by recurrent patterns in behavior and impairments in social and vocalization abilities. Methylmercury is a toxic environmental pollutant, and its derivatives are the major source of organic mercury to human beings. Inorganic mercury, which is released from a variety of pollutants into oceans, rivers, and streams, is transformed into methylmercury by bacteria and plankton in the water, which later builds up in fish and shellfish, and then enters humans through the consumption of fish and shellfish and increases the risk of developing ASD by disturbing the oxidant-antioxidant balance. However, there has been no prior research to determine the effect of juvenile exposure of methylmercury chloride on adult BTBR mice. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of methylmercury chloride administered during the juvenile stage on autism-like behavior (three-chambered sociability, marble burying, self-grooming tests) and oxidant-antioxidant balance (specifically Nrf2, HO-1, SOD-1, NF-kB, iNOS, MPO, and 3-nitrotyrosine) in the peripheral neutrophils and cortex of adult BTBR and C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Our results show that exposure to methylmercury chloride at a juvenile stage results in autism-like symptoms in adult BTBR mice which are related to a lack of upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway as demonstrated by no significant changes in the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD-1 in the periphery and cortex. On the other hand, methylmercury chloride administration at a juvenile stage increased oxidative inflammation as depicted by a significant increase in the levels of NF-kB, iNOS, MPO, and 3-nitrotyrosine in the periphery and cortex of adult BTBR mice. This study suggests that juvenile exposure to methylmercury chloride contributes to the worsening of autism-like behavior in adult BTBR mice through the disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the peripheral compartment and CNS. Strategies that elevate Nrf2 signaling may be useful to counteract toxicant-mediated worsening of ASD and may improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Algahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Layla A Alkharashi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S Alhamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid E Ibrahim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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