Interactions between cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic and depression: A molecular mechanism involved

Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate the role of metal exposure in depression: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data from 2007 to 2018

People are paying more and more attention to the effects of environmental factors such as heavy metals on depression, and heavy metals may destroy the homeostasis of vitamin D in the body by affecting human metabolism, and the lack of vitamin D will increase the risk of depression. There are few studies on vitamin D deficiency in depression caused by heavy metals, and it is not deep enough. Therefore, this study used logistic regression, restricted cubic spline curve, weighted quantile and Quantile g-computation model to analyze the effects of heavy metal exposure alone and in combination on vitamin D and depression, as well as the potential role of vitamin D deficiency in the process of heavy metal-induced depression. The results showed that cadmium exposure alone or in combination increased the risk of depression (P < 0.05). When Cd increased by 1 unit, the risk of depressive symptoms increased by 1.178 units. Arsenic and its compounds and lead affected vitamin D levels in the body and contributed the second highest or highest weight in the mixture (P < 0.05). It is worth noting that after grouping according to vitamin D deficiency, compared with the normal group, the mixed exposure of heavy metals in the vitamin D deficiency group had more types of metals related to depression and contributed more weight (P < 0.05). This study found that single metal or multi-metal mixed exposure is associated with depression. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of depression. Vitamin D may be a potential factor in the treatment of depression caused by metal, and the specific mechanism of action needs further study.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift for rapid and sensitive detection of Hg2+ in environmental water samples and its applications in living cells and zebrafish

Detection of highly toxic mercury ions (Hg2+) in actual environmental and biological samples is of significant importance for protecting environment and human health. In this paper, a new ratiometric fluorescent probe BTIA was designed and synthesized from 3-pinone based on Internal Charge Transfer (ICT) mechanism. BTIA could selectively recognize Hg2+ over other competitive analytes with short reaction time (5 s), distinct ratiometric response, strong anti-interference ability, large Stokes shift (200 nm), and low detection limit (2.36 × 10-7 M). Furthermore, BTIA was applicable for detecting Hg2+ in actual water samples and it also performed an excellent imaging capability in living RAW264.7 cells, zebrafish and onion tissue.

Transforming environmental health datasets from the comparative toxicogenomics database into chord diagrams to visualize molecular mechanisms

In environmental health, the specific molecular mechanisms connecting a chemical exposure to an adverse endpoint are often unknown, reflecting knowledge gaps. At the public Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD; https://ctdbase.org/), we integrate manually curated, literature-based interactions from CTD to compute four-unit blocks of information organized as a potential step-wise molecular mechanism, known as "CGPD-tetramers," wherein a chemical interacts with a gene product to trigger a phenotype which can be linked to a disease. These computationally derived datasets can be used to fill the gaps and offer testable mechanistic information. Users can generate CGPD-tetramers for any combination of chemical, gene, phenotype, and/or disease of interest at CTD; however, such queries typically result in the generation of thousands of CGPD-tetramers. Here, we describe a novel approach to transform these large datasets into user-friendly chord diagrams using R. This visualization process is straightforward, simple to implement, and accessible to inexperienced users that have never used R before. Combining CGPD-tetramers into a single chord diagram helps identify potential key chemicals, genes, phenotypes, and diseases. This visualization allows users to more readily analyze computational datasets that can fill the exposure knowledge gaps in the environmental health continuum.

A new method of alkalinity remediation for Cd-contaminated groundwater by PAAS-modified MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid

Mg(OH)2 dissolves slowly and can provide a long-term source of alkalinity, thus a promising alternative reagent for the in situ remediation of heavy metal polluted groundwater. Unfortunately, it exhibits a relatively poor stabilization effect on heavy metal Cd due to the higher solubility of the resulting stabilized product, Cd(OH)2. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the use of MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid modified by sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) to remove Cd from groundwater. Through ultrasonic dispersion, the molecular chains of PAAS are broken, causing a transformation from flocculation to surface modification, resulting in the production of a stable colloid. The colloidal particles of MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 have a smaller size and a negatively charged surface, which significantly enhances their migration ability in aquifers. The combination of MgCO3 and Mg(OH)2 provides a complementary effect, where MgCO3 effectively precipitates Cd in the aquifer while Mg(OH)2 maintains the required pH level for stabilization. The optimal compounding ratio of MgCO3 to Mg(OH)2 for achieving the best stabilization effect on Cd is found to be 1:1. Column experiments demonstrate that the injection of MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid substantially enhances Cd stability, reducing the exchangeable fraction of Cd in aquifer media from 88.61% to a range of 22.50-34.38%. Based on these results, the MgCO3/Mg(OH)2 colloid shows great potential as a reactive medium for remediating Cd-contaminated groundwater.

Dietary Co-supplements attenuate the chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression in mice

Does it make a difference what we eat when it comes to our mental health? Food and nutrients are essential not only for human biology and physical appearance but also for mental and emotional well-being. There has been a significant increase in the favourable effects of dietary supplements in the treatment of depressive state in the latest days. Co-supplements which can be a great contribution in the management of depression from the future perspective and might help to reduce standard anti-depressant drug doses, which can be a strategic way to reduce the side effect of standard anti-depressants drugs. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the anti-depressant effects of cholecalciferol-D3 (V.D3), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and a combination of V.D3 + n-3 PUFA with fluoxetine treatment in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced depression in the mice model. We established CUMS depressant mice model and treated CUMS mice with V.D3, n-3 PUFA, and a combination of V.D3 + n-3 PUFA with fluoxetine. Behavioral changes were measured by the forced swim and tail suspension test. Oxidative stress markers and anti-depressant activity were assessed through parameters such as superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and serum corticosterone levels. Additionally, we measured the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. CUMS induced mice displayed depressive-like behaviours. Moreover, cholecalciferol-D3, n-3 PUFA, and a combination of Cholecalciferol-D3 + n-3 PUFA with fluoxetine treatment attenuated the depressive-like behaviour in CUMS mice accompanied with suppression of oxidative stress markers by up-regulated the expression of an antioxidant signalling pathway. The results suggested that treatment of cholecalciferol-D3, n-3 PUFA, and a combination of Cholecalciferol-D3 + n-3 PUFA with fluoxetine significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviours in CUMS induced depression in mice. To delve further into the implications of these findings, future studies could explore the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects on oxidative stress markers and the antioxidant signaling pathway. This could provide valuable insights into the potential of dietary supplements in the management of depression and help in reducing the reliance on conventional antidepressant medications, thus improving the overall quality of treatment for this prevalent mental health condition.

Trace elements in the muscle and liver tissues of Garra shamal from the freshwater ecosystem of Oman: an exposure risk assessment

Anthropogenic activities lead to environmental contamination with foreign substances such as heavy metals. This work was aimed to monitor trace elements (total arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)) contamination levels (dry weight base) in three natural freshwater reservoirs of Oman including Al Khawd and Al Amarat (Muscat Governorate) and Surur area (Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate as control area) using a native benthic inland fish (Garra shamal; Cyprinidae) for the first time. The muscle and liver of a hundred and twenty G. shamal were collected to assess the degree of metal contamination. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used as an analytical technique. From the spectrum of analyzed elements, we found Zn as a major element in monitored areas. The statistically significant (P < 0.05) highest concentrations of Zn liver (0.275 ± 0.065 µg/g) were in Al Amarat compared to the other areas. The concentrations of monitored elements in the fish muscle were lower than the liver samples. Furthermore, the fish length was significantly correlated with the accumulation of Hg and Co in both muscle and liver samples. In all analyzed fish from Oman inland water, the concentrations of elements were below the permissible limits; however, additional research is needed.

Association between blood cadmium and depression varies by age and smoking status in US adult women: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005-2016

BACKGROUND

Cadmium, a toxic metal, is widely encountered in diverse environmental contexts. Despite its pervasive exposure, there is limited research on the association between blood cadmium levels and depression, especially among females. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood cadmium levels and depression in adult women.

METHODS

Data spanning 2005-2016 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were selected. Depression was diagnosed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, score ≥10). Multiple logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and smoothed curve fitting were used to investigate the relationship between blood cadmium and depression. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were performed to evaluate the stability of this association across populations.

RESULTS

A total of 1,173 individuals were diagnosed with depression. The heightened prevalence of depression was linked to increased blood cadmium levels, a trend that persisted even after quartering blood cadmium. In the fully adjusted model, each incremental unit of blood cadmium was associated with a 33% rise in the prevalence of depression (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.21-1.45). Participants in the highest quartile were 63% more likely to experience depression compared to those in the lowest quartile of blood cadmium (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15-2.30), and PHQ-9 score increased by 0.73 (β = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.30-1.17). This positive association may be relevant to the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood cadmium levels are associated with depression in adult women, and this association varies by age and smoking status.

Trace Elements Levels in Major Depressive Disorder-Evaluation of Potential Threats and Possible Therapeutic Approaches

The multifactorial etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) includes biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological aspects. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in metallomic studies in psychiatry, aiming to evaluate the role of chosen trace elements in the MDD etiology as well as the progression of symptoms. This narrative review aims to summarize the available literature on the relationship between the concentration of chosen elements in the serum of patients with MDD and the onset and progression of this psychiatric condition. The authors reviewed PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases searching for elements that had been investigated so far and further evaluated them in this paper. Ultimately, 15 elements were evaluated, namely, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, copper, aluminium, cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, calcium, manganese, chromium, nickel, and phosphorus. The association between metallomic studies and psychiatry has been developing dynamically recently. According to the results of current research, metallomics might act as a potential screening tool for patients with MDD while at the same time providing an assessment of the severity of symptoms. Either deficiencies or excessive amounts of chosen elements might be associated with the progression of depressive symptoms or even the onset of the disease among people predisposed to MDD.

CTD tetramers: a new online tool that computationally links curated chemicals, genes, phenotypes, and diseases to inform molecular mechanisms for environmental health

The molecular mechanisms connecting environmental exposures to adverse endpoints are often unknown, reflecting knowledge gaps. At the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), we developed a bioinformatics approach that integrates manually curated, literature-based interactions from CTD to generate a "CGPD-tetramer": a 4-unit block of information organized as a step-wise molecular mechanism linking an initiating Chemical, an interacting Gene, a Phenotype, and a Disease outcome. Here, we describe a novel, user-friendly tool called CTD Tetramers that generates these evidence-based CGPD-tetramers for any curated chemical, gene, phenotype, or disease of interest. Tetramers offer potential solutions for the unknown underlying mechanisms and intermediary phenotypes connecting a chemical exposure to a disease. Additionally, multiple tetramers can be assembled to construct detailed modes-of-action for chemical-induced disease pathways. As well, tetramers can help inform environmental influences on adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). We demonstrate the tool's utility with relevant use cases for a variety of environmental chemicals (eg, perfluoroalkyl substances, bisphenol A), phenotypes (eg, apoptosis, spermatogenesis, inflammatory response), and diseases (eg, asthma, obesity, male infertility). Finally, we map AOP adverse outcome terms to corresponding CTD terms, allowing users to query for tetramers that can help augment AOP pathways with additional stressors, genes, and phenotypes, as well as formulate potential AOP disease networks (eg, liver cirrhosis and prostate cancer). This novel tool, as part of the complete suite of tools offered at CTD, provides users with computational datasets and their supporting evidence to potentially fill exposure knowledge gaps and develop testable hypotheses about environmental health.

Exploration of Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Curcumin in the Treatment of COVID-19 with Depression by an Integrative Pharmacology Strategy

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only causes a range of respiratory symptoms but also has a great impact on individual mental health. With the global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of COVID-19 comorbid with depression has increased significantly. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol compound, has been shown to have antidepressant and anti-coronavirus activities.

METHODS

This study aimed to explore the molecular targets and underlying biological mechanisms of curcumin in the treatment of COVID-19 with depression through an integrative pharmacology strategy, including target prediction, network analysis, PPI analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, and molecular docking.

RESULTS

After a comprehensive search and thorough analysis, 8 core targets (ALB, AKT1, CASP3, STAT3, EGFR, PTGS2, FOS, and SERPINE1) were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis results revealed that the pathways related to viral infection, immune regulation, neuronal reorganization, apoptosis, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were involved in the pathological process. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that curcumin could spontaneously bind to the SARS-CoV-2-related receptor proteins and the core targets with a strong binding force.

CONCLUSION

The potential pharmacological mechanisms of curcumin in COVID-19 comorbid depression were evaluated. Curcumin can be used as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 comorbid depression. One of the potential mechanisms may be to reduce the inflammatory response and suppress the cytokine storm by regulating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. These findings may help to overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological health.