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Mun S, Lee YR, Lee J, Lee S, Yun Y, Kim J, Kwon JY, Kim WJ, Cho YM, Hong YS, Kang HG. Uncovering the health implications of abandoned mines through protein profiling of local residents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118869. [PMID: 38580000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118869] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Residents in areas with abandoned mines risk significant exposure to abundant heavy metals in the environment. However, current clinical indicators cannot fully reflect the health changes associated with abandoned mine exposure. The aim of this study was to identify biological changes in the residents of abandoned mine areas via proteomic analysis of their blood. Blood samples were collected from abandoned mine and control areas, and mass spectrometry was used for protein profiling. A total of 138 unique or common proteins that were differentially expressed in low-exposure abandoned mine area (LoAMA) or high-exposure abandoned mine area (HiAMA) compared to non-exposure control area (NEA) were analyzed, and identified 4 clusters based on functional similarity. Among the 10 proteins that showed specific change in LoAMA, 4 proteins(Apolipoprotein M, Apolipoprotein E, Apolipoprotein L1, and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein) were cluded in cluster 1(plasma lipoprotein remodeling), and linked to proteins that showed specific change in protein expression in HiAMA. Therefore, it is suggested that 4 proteins are changed at low exposure to an abandoned mine (or initial exposure), and then at high exposure, changes in various proteins involved in linked plasma lipoprotein remodeling are induced, which might triggered by the 4 proteins. Interestingly, in addition to plasma lipoprotein remodeling, proteins involved in other functional networks were changed in the high exposure group. These were all directly or indirectly linked to the 4 biomarkers(Apolipoprotein M, Apolipoprotein E, Apolipoprotein L1, and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein) that changed during low exposure. This suggests their potential utility in identifying areas impacted by abandoned mines. Especially, proteins involved in lipid metabolism and renal function-related diseases in individuals exposed to heavy metals in abandoned mine areas were correlated. Chronic kidney disease is predominantly instigated by cardiovascular disease and is commonly accompanied by dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sora Mun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, 13135, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Rim Lee
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, 11759, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyeon Lee
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeeun Yun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Kwon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, 32, Daesin Gongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea; Busan Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Min Cho
- Department of Nano, Chemical and Biological Engineering, SeoKyeong University, Seoul, 02713, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Seoub Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, 32, Daesin Gongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea; Busan Environmental Health Center, Dong-A University, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Gyoo Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, 13135, Republic of Korea; Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, 11759, Republic of Korea.
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Atanga R, Appell LL, Thompson MN, Lauer FT, Brearley A, Campen MJ, Castillo EF, In JG. Single Cell Analysis of Human Colonoids Exposed to Uranium-Bearing Dust. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:57006. [PMID: 38771937 PMCID: PMC11108582 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uranium exposure remains an important environmental legacy and physiological health concern, with hundreds of abandoned uranium mines located in the Southwestern United States largely impacting underserved indigenous communities. The negative effects of heavy metals on barrier permeability and inhibition of intestinal epithelial healing have been described; however, transcriptomic changes within the intestinal epithelial cells and impacts on lineage differentiation are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES Herein, we sought to determine the molecular and cellular changes that occur in the colon in response to uranium bearing dust (UBD) exposure. METHODS Human colonoids from three biologically distinct donors were acutely exposed to UBD then digested for single cell RNA sequencing to define the molecular changes that occur to specific identities of colonic epithelial cells. Validation in colonoids was assessed using morphological and imaging techniques. RESULTS Human colonoids acutely exposed to UBD exhibited disrupted proliferation and hyperplastic differentiation of the secretory lineage cell, enteroendocrine cells (EEC). Single-cell RNA sequencing also showed more EEC subtypes present in UBD-exposed colonoids. DISCUSSION These findings highlight the significance of crypt-based proliferative cells and secretory cell differentiation using human colonoids to model major colonic responses to uranium-bearing particulate dust exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13855.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Atanga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lidia L. Appell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Myranda N. Thompson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Fredine T. Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Eliseo F. Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Julie G. In
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Horvit AM, Molony DA. A systematic review and meta-analysis of mortality and kidney function in uranium-exposed individuals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118224. [PMID: 38242418 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118224] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to uranium (U) in a variety of applications. Both animal and observational human studies support an associated U nephrotoxicity. Few statistical syntheses of the human data have been performed and these analyses are limited in the types of exposures considered. OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the state of current evidence and to expand on existing meta-analyses by systematically evaluating kidney-associated causes of mortality in multiple U-exposed populations. This study also aims to evaluate the effect of U exposure on kidney function and biomarkers of kidney injury. METHODS The published and grey literature were systematically reviewed for studies that reported Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) for kidney cancer, chronic nephritis/nephrosis, all-cause mortality, diabetes, all circulatory/heart disease, and/or ischemic heart disease in U-exposed humans. Studies that reported kidney biomarker measures for U-exposed versus control subjects were identified separately. RESULTS 36 studies were included. The studies were parsed into subgroups based on setting of exposure. Analysis of kidney cancer and chronic nephritis/nephrosis mortality demonstrated an SMR of 0.93 (95CI: 0.82-1.05) and 0.82 (95CI: 0.70-0.96), respectively. The other clinical outcomes evaluated also demonstrated mortality deficits in exposed relative to unexposed individuals. Subgroup analyses demonstrated similar mortality deficits. Conversely, biomarker analyses suggested better kidney function in the controls, but none of these differences reached significance. DISCUSSION Given that most of the included mortality studies were conducted in occupational populations, the mortality deficits observed in our analyses were likely due to the healthy-worker effect. Additionally, our analyses of kidney biomarkers were severely limited by low precision due to a low number of available studies and small study-size. Future work needs to evaluate the progression of chronic and to end-stage kidney disease in community-based populations to better assess the full impact of prolonged chronic U exposure on kidney outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Horvit
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Donald A Molony
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Levin R, Villanueva CM, Beene D, Cradock AL, Donat-Vargas C, Lewis J, Martinez-Morata I, Minovi D, Nigra AE, Olson ED, Schaider LA, Ward MH, Deziel NC. US drinking water quality: exposure risk profiles for seven legacy and emerging contaminants. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:3-22. [PMID: 37739995 PMCID: PMC10907308 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in drinking water infrastructure and treatment throughout the 20th and early 21st century dramatically improved water reliability and quality in the United States (US) and other parts of the world. However, numerous chemical contaminants from a range of anthropogenic and natural sources continue to pose chronic health concerns, even in countries with established drinking water regulations, such as the US. OBJECTIVE/METHODS In this review, we summarize exposure risk profiles and health effects for seven legacy and emerging drinking water contaminants or contaminant groups: arsenic, disinfection by-products, fracking-related substances, lead, nitrate, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and uranium. We begin with an overview of US public water systems, and US and global drinking water regulation. We end with a summary of cross-cutting challenges that burden US drinking water systems: aging and deteriorated water infrastructure, vulnerabilities for children in school and childcare facilities, climate change, disparities in access to safe and reliable drinking water, uneven enforcement of drinking water standards, inadequate health assessments, large numbers of chemicals within a class, a preponderance of small water systems, and issues facing US Indigenous communities. RESULTS Research and data on US drinking water contamination show that exposure profiles, health risks, and water quality reliability issues vary widely across populations, geographically and by contaminant. Factors include water source, local and regional features, aging water infrastructure, industrial or commercial activities, and social determinants. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies. IMPACT STATEMENT Drinking water contamination is widespread, even in the US. Exposure risk profiles vary by contaminant. Understanding the risk profiles of different drinking water contaminants is necessary for anticipating local and general public health problems, ascertaining the state of drinking water resources, and developing mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Levin
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Cristina M Villanueva
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER epidemiología y salud pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Beene
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- University of New Mexico Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Carolina Donat-Vargas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER epidemiología y salud pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Irene Martinez-Morata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Darya Minovi
- Center for Science and Democracy, Union of Concerned Scientists, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anne E Nigra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erik D Olson
- Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Mary H Ward
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Hoover JH, Coker ES, Erdei E, Luo L, Begay D, MacKenzie D, Lewis J. Preterm Birth and Metal Mixture Exposure among Pregnant Women from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127014. [PMID: 38109118 PMCID: PMC10727039 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth before 37 wk gestation, is associated with hypertension, diabetes, inadequate prenatal care, unemployment or poverty, and metal exposure. Indigenous individuals are more likely to have maternal risk factors associated with PTB compared with other populations in the United States; however, the role of environmental metals on PTB among pregnant Indigenous women remains uncertain. Previous research identified associations between PTB and individual metals, but there is limited investigation on metal mixtures and this birth outcome. OBJECTIVES We used a mixtures analysis framework to investigate the association between metal mixtures and PTB among pregnant Indigenous women from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS). METHODS Maternal urine and blood samples were collected at the time of study enrollment and analyzed for metals by inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry. Bayesian Profile Regression was used to identify subgroups (clusters) of individuals with similar patterns of coexposure and to model association with PTB. RESULTS Results indicated six subgroups of maternal participants with distinct exposure profiles, including one group with low exposure to all metals and one group with total arsenic, cadmium, lead, and uranium concentrations exceeding representative concentrations calculated from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Compared with the reference group (i.e., the lowest exposure subgroup), the subgroup with the highest overall exposure had a relative risk of PTB of 2.9 times (95% credible interval: 1.1, 6.1). Exposures in this subgroup were also higher overall than NHANES median values for women 14-45 years of age. DISCUSSION Given the wide range of exposures and elevated PTB risk for the most exposed subgroups in a relatively small study, follow-up investigation is recommended to evaluate associations between metal mixture profiles and other birth outcomes and to test hypothesized mechanisms of action for PTB and oxidative stress caused by environmental metals. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10361.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Hoover
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric S. Coker
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David Begay
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - NBCS Study Team
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Erdei E, O'Donald ER, Luo L, Enright K, O'Leary M, MacKenzie D, Doyle J, Eggers M, Keil D, Lewis J, Henderson JA, Rubin RL. Comparison of circulating and excreted metals and of autoimmunity between two Great Plains Tribal communities. J Autoimmun 2023:103117. [PMID: 37813804 PMCID: PMC10998922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103117] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Metals contaminants of the environment from mine waste have been implicated as contributing agents in autoimmune disease. The current study compares metals and autoimmunity in two Tribal communities residing in the Black Hills and the Bighorn Mountains geographical regions that are scattered with extant hard rock mines. With documented drinking water contamination in both communities, in vivo levels of more than half of the measured serum and urine metals differed between the two communities and were substantially different from their national median values. Serum autoantibodies associated with systemic autoimmune disease were rare or at low-level, but antibodies to denatured (single-stranded) DNA and thyroid-specific autoantibodies were commonly elevated, especially in women. A three-tier statistical modeling process was carried out to examine individual metals exposure as predictors of autoantibody levels. For the most part only weak positive associations between individual metals and systemic autoantibodies were found, although univariate quantile regression analysis showed positive statistical associations of serum lead and antimony with anti-chromatin and anti-histone autoantibodies. Using age and gender-adjusted multivariable statistical models, metals did not predict anti-thyroglobulin or -thyroid peroxidase significantly and metals were generally negative predictors of the other autoantibodies. Overall these results suggest that elevated levels of environmental metals and metalloids in these communities may result in suppression of autoantibodies associated with systemic autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Elena R O'Donald
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA; University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kendra Enright
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc. Eagle Butte, SD, USA
| | - Marcia O'Leary
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc. Eagle Butte, SD, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - John Doyle
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT, USA
| | - Margaret Eggers
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT, USA; Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Robert L Rubin
- University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Atanga R, Appell LL, Lauer FT, Brearley A, Campen MJ, Castillo EF, In JG. Uranium-bearing dust induces differentiation and expansion of enteroendocrine cells in human colonoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552796. [PMID: 37609291 PMCID: PMC10441413 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals has been associated with intestinal inflammation, increased susceptibility to pathogen-induced diseases, and higher incidences of colorectal cancer, all of which have been steadily increasing in prevalence for the past 40 years. The negative effects of heavy metals on barrier permeability and inhibition of intestinal epithelial healing have been described; however, transcriptomic changes within the intestinal epithelial cells and impacts on lineage differentiation are largely unknown. Uranium exposure remains an important environmental legacy and physiological health concern, with hundreds of abandoned uranium mines located in the Southwestern United States largely impacting underserved indigenous communities. Herein, using human colonoids, we defined the molecular and cellular changes that occur in response to uranium bearing dust (UBD) exposure. We used single cell RNA sequencing to define the molecular changes that occur to specific identities of colonic epithelial cells. We demonstrate that this environmental toxicant disrupts proliferation and induces hyperplastic differentiation of secretory lineage cells, particularly enteroendocrine cells (EEC). EECs respond to UBD exposure with increased differentiation into de novo EEC sub-types not found in control colonoids. This UBD-induced EEC differentiation does not occur via canonical transcription factors NEUROG3 or NEUROD1. These findings highlight the significance of crypts-based proliferative cells and secretory cell differentiation as major colonic responses to heavy metal-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Atanga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Lidia L. Appell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Fredine T. Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Eliseo F. Castillo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Julie G. In
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
- Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
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Erdei E, Shuey C, Miller C, Hoover J, Cajero M, Lewis J. Metal mixture exposures and multiplexed autoantibody screening in Navajo communities exposed to uranium mine wastes. J Transl Autoimmun 2023; 6:100201. [PMID: 37169001 PMCID: PMC10165442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Environmental exposures to metals in uranium mining wastes and drinking water were documented in more than half of the 1304 Navajo community members of the Diné Network for Environmental Health (DiNEH) Project, the first comprehensive assessment of exposures to these metals and community health on the Navajo Nation. Objective Evaluate environmental exposures among participants who provided blood and urine samples using multiplexed autoantibody positivity as an early effect biomarker. Methods Survey and geospatial location data, well water quality, and metals biomonitoring were used to assess exposures to mixed-metal wastes from 100 abandoned uranium waste sites. Results We observed that the prevalence of multiplexed autoantibody positivity in 239 participants was more than double that reported for the U.S. population (27.2% v. 13.8%) even though the national prevalence was generated using a different assay, the HEp-2 cell-based antinuclear antibody test. Increased risk of multiplexed autoantibody screening positivity (OR = 3.07,95%CI 1.15-8.22) was found among DiNEH study people who lived close to uranium mine and milling wastes and consumed metals in drinking water. Associations for females were even stronger when they lived closed to contaminated uranium mining and milling sites. Anti-U1-RNP antibodies were associated with water consumption of nickel. Conclusion Proximity to waste sites and consumption of metals in water even below current drinking water standards were associated with perturbations of immune tolerance. These findings are consistent with previous studies of autoimmunity in the local population and demonstrate that multiplexed autoantibody screening method has a potential as sentinel indicator of exposures to environmental metals. Impact statement This is the first, community-engaged environmental health study in exposed Navajo communities that applied clinical multiplexed testing in risk assessment of environmental metals associated with abandoned, unremediated uranium mining and milling waste sites. Routine clinical autoimmunity measures could be used as early effect biomarkers of environmental metal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, 1 MSC 09 5360, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Chris Shuey
- Southwest Research and Information Center, 105 Stanford Drive, SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Curtis Miller
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, 1 MSC 09 5360, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Joseph Hoover
- University of Arizona Department of Environmental Sciences, 1177 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Miranda Cajero
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, 1 MSC 09 5360, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, 1 MSC 09 5360, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Erdei E, Zhou X, Shuey C, Ass'ad N, Page K, Gore B, Zhu C, Kanda D, Luo L, Sood A, Zychowski KE. Serum autoantibodies and exploratory molecular pathways in rural miners: A pilot study. J Transl Autoimmun 2023; 6:100197. [PMID: 36942097 PMCID: PMC10023988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100197] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Southwestern United States (SWUS) has an extensive history of coal and metal mining, including uranium (U) mining. Lung diseases, including but not limited to, lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, have been studied extensively in miners due to occupational, dust-related exposures. However, high-throughput autoimmune biomarkers are largely understudied in miners, despite the fact that ore miners, such as U-miners, are at an increased risk for the development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Additionally, there are current gaps in knowledge regarding which signaling pathways may play a role in occupational exposure-associated autoimmunity. Methods Most current and former miners in the SWUS live close to their previous workplaces, in remote areas, with limited access to healthcare. In this pilot study, by leveraging a mobile clinical platform for patient care and clinical outreach, we recruited 44 miners who self-identified as either U (n = 10) or non-U miners (n = 34) and received health screenings. Serum IgG and IgM autoantibodies against 128 antigens were assessed using a high-throughput molecular technique, as a preliminary health screening opportunity. Results Even when adjusting for age as a covariate, there was a significant (p < 0.05) association between self-reported U-mining exposure and biomarkers including IgM alpha-actinin, histones H2B, and H4, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and myelin basic protein. However, adjusting for age did not result in significant associations for IgG autoantibody production in U-miners. Bioinformatic pathway analysis revealed several altered signaling pathways between IgM and IgG autoantibodies among both U and non-U miners. Conclusions Further research is warranted regarding the mechanistic connection between U-exposure and autoantibody development, especially regarding histone-related alterations and IgM autoantibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Erdei
- College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico- Health Sciences Center, 905 Vassar Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Xixi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico- Health Sciences Center, 905 Vassar Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Chris Shuey
- Southwest Research and Information Center, 105 Stanford Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Nour Ass'ad
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Bobbi Gore
- Miners' Colfax Medical Center, 203 Hospital Drive, Raton, NM, 87740, USA
| | - Chengsong Zhu
- Department of Immunology and Microarray Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Deborah Kanda
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Akshay Sood
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- Miners' Colfax Medical Center, 203 Hospital Drive, Raton, NM, 87740, USA
| | - Katherine E. Zychowski
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico- Health Sciences Center, 2502 Marble Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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10
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Zhang H, Yan J, Nie G, Xie D, Luo B, Niu J, Wang H, Li X. Effects of cadmium and lead co-exposure on glucocorticoid levels in rural residents of northwest China. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 317:137783. [PMID: 36638928 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137783] [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] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are important environmental endocrine disruptors that are associated with adverse health problems. However, the effects of co-exposure to Cd and Pb on glucocorticoids (GCs) in the body at environmental levels are limited. A total of 468 subjects from the Dongdagou-Xinglong cohort (DDG-XL) were included in this study. We measured the serum levels of two representative endogenous GCs [cortisol (CRL) and cortisone (CRN)], and whole blood levels of Cd and Pb. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to explore the associations of single or combined Cd and Pb exposure with serum CRL and CRN levels. The interactive effects of Cd and Pb on GCs were further assessed using mediation analysis and moderation analysis. Single-heavy metal exposure analysis with adjustment for potential confounders showed that the serum CRL level decreased when the blood Cd or Pb concentration gradually increased (P trend <0.01). Additionally, subjects with high Cd or Pb exposure (Q4) had significantly reduced serum CRN levels compared to those with low Cd or Pb exposure (Q1) (P < 0.05). In Cd and Pb co-exposure analysis, significant negative dose-response relationships were observed between co-exposure to Cd and Pb and serum CRL and CRN levels. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that Cd completely mediated the relationship between Pb and GCs, and moderation analysis suggested that Pb might weaken the negative relationship between Cd and GCs. These findings suggest that single or combined exposure to Cd and Pb interferes with the homeostasis of serum CRL and CRN levels. Furthermore, we innovatively propose that Cd and Pb may have interactive effects on GCs levels, and Pb can antagonize the negative relationship between Cd and GCs, which may provide clues for further studies on endocrine and metabolic disorders related to these heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglong Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guole Nie
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Danna Xie
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Luo
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingping Niu
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiping Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China; Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Medical College Cancer Center of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Erdei E, Qeadan F, Miller CP, Kanda DA, Luo L, Gonzales M, Lewis JL, MacKenzie D. Environmental uranium exposures and cytokine profiles among mother-newborn baby pairs from the Navajo Βirth Cohort Study. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 456:116292. [PMID: 36270330 PMCID: PMC10228290 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116292] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Navajo Nation was heavily mined for uranium (U) during the cold-war leading to a legacy of >1100 abandoned U mining, milling and associated waste sites. The Navajo Birth Cohort Study was initiated to assess the effect of non-occupational legacy exposure to U during pregnancy on birth outcomes and child development. We report that 92% of babies with detectable urine U at birth were born from mothers who had urine U concentrations greater than national norms during pregnancy, indicative of prenatal exposure to U. To assess immune alterations associated with U exposure on both mothers and babies, we investigated associations between cytokine profiles and maternal U and associations of these measures with cytokine profiles in babies. Effect sizes for the differences in cytokine profiles were more evident among babies than mothers. Overall, there were seven cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, GM-CSF, and TNF-α), for which the effect size for babies with higher than the national U concentrations was medium to large (ORs of 2.21 (1.08-4.52) through 1.71(0.76-3.83). In contrast, only three cytokines (IL-8, IL-12p70, and TNF-α) had effect sizes which almost reached medium strength (ORs of 1.64 (0.74-4.05) through 1.36 (0.65-2.87) in mothers with U above national norms. The effects of prenatal exposures to uranium and associated alterations in systemic immune responses resulting from U exposure could impact both maternal health as well as healthy child development through induction of inflammation, autoimmunity or other chronic diseases related to immune dysfunction that may affect long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Erdei
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Fares Qeadan
- Loyola University Chicago, Parkinson School of Public Health, Maywood, IL, United States of America
| | - Curtis P Miller
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Kanda
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine & University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Li Luo
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine & University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Melissa Gonzales
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Preventive Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Johnnye L Lewis
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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12
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Thompson González N, Ong J, Luo L, MacKenzie D. Chronic Community Exposure to Environmental Metal Mixtures Is Associated with Selected Cytokines in the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14939. [PMID: 36429656 PMCID: PMC9690552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Many tribal populations are characterized by health disparities, including higher rates of infection, metabolic syndrome, and cancer-all of which are mediated by the immune system. Members of the Navajo Nation have suffered chronic low-level exposure to metal mixtures from uranium mine wastes for decades. We suspect that such metal and metalloid exposures lead to adverse health effects via their modulation of immune system function. We examined the relationships between nine key metal and metalloid exposures (in blood and urine) with 11 circulating biomarkers (cytokines and CRP in serum) in 231 pregnant Navajo women participating in the Navajo Birth Cohort Study. Biomonitored levels of uranium and arsenic species were considerably higher in participants than NHANES averages. Each biomarker was associated with a unique set of exposures, and arsenic species were generally immunosuppressive (decreased cellular and humoral stimulating cytokines). Overall, our results suggest that environmental metal and metalloid exposures modulate immune status in pregnant Navajo women, which may impact long-term health outcomes in mothers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Thompson González
- Integrative Anthropological Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Academic Science Education and Research Training Program, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jennifer Ong
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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13
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Liu JL, Woo JMP, Parks CG, Costenbader KH, Jacobsen S, Bernatsky S. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Risk: The Role of Environmental Factors. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2022; 48:827-843. [PMID: 36332998 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.06.005] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease. The etiology of SLE is multifactorial and includes potential environmental triggers, which may occur sequentially (the "multi-hit" hypothesis). This review focuses on SLE risk potentially associated with environmental factors including infections, the microbiome, diet, respirable exposures (eg, crystalline silica, smoking, air pollution), organic pollutants, heavy metals, and ultraviolet radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li Liu
- McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer M P Woo
- Epidemiology Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Christine G Parks
- Epidemiology Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Copenhagen Lupus and Vasculitis Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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14
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Folkers C, Gunter LP. Radioactive releases from the nuclear power sector and implications for child health. BMJ Paediatr Open 2022; 6:10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001326. [PMID: 36645750 PMCID: PMC9557777 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although radioactivity is released routinely at every stage of nuclear power generation, the regulation of these releases has never taken into account those potentially most sensitive-women, especially when pregnant, and children. From uranium mining and milling, to fuel manufacture, electricity generation and radioactive waste management, children in frontline and Indigenous communities can be disproportionately harmed due to often increased sensitivity of developing systems to toxic exposures, the lack of resources and racial and class discrimination. The reasons for the greater susceptibility of women and children to harm from radiation exposure is not fully understood. Regulatory practices, particularly in the establishment of protective exposure standards, have failed to take this difference into account. Anecdotal evidence within communities around nuclear facilities suggests an association between radiation exposure and increases in birth defects, miscarriages and childhood cancers. A significant number of academic studies tend to ascribe causality to other factors related to diet and lifestyle and dismiss these health indicators as statistically insignificant. In the case of a major release of radiation due to a serious nuclear accident, children are again on the frontlines, with a noted susceptibility to thyroid cancer, which has been found in significant numbers among children exposed both by the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine and the 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan. The response among authorities in Japan is to blame increased testing or to reduce testing. More independent studies are needed focused on children, especially those in vulnerable frontline and Indigenous communities. In conducting such studies, greater consideration must be applied to culturally significant traditions and habits in these communities.
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15
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Schilz JR, Dashner-Titus EJ, Simmons KA, Erdei E, Bolt AM, MacKenzie DA, Hudson LG. The immunotoxicity of natural and depleted uranium: From cells to people. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116252. [PMID: 36152676 PMCID: PMC10044422 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116252] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Uranium is a naturally occurring element found in the environment as a mixture of isotopes with differing radioactive properties. Enrichment of mined material results in depleted uranium waste with substantially reduced radioactivity but retains the capacity for chemical toxicity. Uranium mine and milling waste are dispersed by wind and rain leading to environmental exposures through soil, air, and water contamination. Uranium exposure is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes in humans, yet there is limited understanding of the effects of depleted uranium on the immune system. The purpose of this review is to summarize findings on uranium immunotoxicity obtained from cell, rodent and human population studies. We also highlight how each model contributes to an understanding of mechanisms that lead to immunotoxicity and limitations inherent within each system. Information from population, animal, and laboratory studies will be needed to significantly expand our knowledge of the contributions of depleted uranium to immune dysregulation, which may then inform prevention or intervention measures for exposed communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi R Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Erica J Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Karen A Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Esther Erdei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Debra A MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Laurie G Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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16
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Hettiarachchi E, Das M, Cadol D, Frey BA, Rubasinghege G. The fate of inhaled uranium-containing particles upon clearance to gastrointestinal tract. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1257-1266. [PMID: 35916312 PMCID: PMC11360387 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00209d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uranium-bearing respirable dust can cause various health problems, such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, cancers, immunosuppression, and autoimmunity. Exposure to elevated levels of uranium is linked to many such health conditions in Navajo Nation residents in northwestern New Mexico. Most studies have focused on the fate of inhaled dust particles (<4 μm) in the lungs. However, larger-sized inhaled particles (10-20 μm) can be cleared to the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT), thereby enabling them to interact with stomach and intestinal fluids. Despite the vital importance of understanding the fate of uranium-bearing solids entering the human GIT and their impact on body tissues, cells, and gut microbiota, our understanding remains limited. This study investigated uranium solubility from dust and sediment samples collected near two uranium mines in the Grants Mining District in New Mexico in two simulated gastrointestinal fluids representing fasting conditions in the GIT: Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) and Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF). The dissolution of uranium from dust depends on its mineralogy, fluid pH, and composition. The dust samples from the Jackpile mine favored higher solubility in the SIF solution, whereas the sediment samples from the St. Anthony Mine favored higher solubility in the SGF solution. Further, geochemical calculations performed with the PHREEQC modeling program suggested that samples rich in the minerals andersonite, tyuyamunite, and/or autunite have higher uranium dissolution in the SIF solution than in the SGF solution. We also tested the effect of added kaolinite and microcline, which are both present in some samples. The ratio of dissolved uranium in SGF relative to SIF decreases with the addition of kaolinite for all mineral phases but andersonite. With the addition of microcline, the ratio of dissolved uranium in SGF relative to SIF decreases for all the tested uranium minerals. The most prevalent oxidation state of dissolved uranium was computationally determined as +6, U(VI). The geochemical calculations made with PHREEQC agree with the experimentally observed results. Therefore, this study gives insight into the mineralogy-controlled toxicological assessment of uranium-containing inhaled dust cleared to the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshani Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
| | - Milton Das
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
| | - Daniel Cadol
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Bonnie A Frey
- New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Gayan Rubasinghege
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
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17
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Coombs S, Sleeth DK, Jones RM. Environmental and occupational health on the Navajo Nation: a scoping review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:181-187. [PMID: 34968017 PMCID: PMC9150895 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A scoping review was performed to answer: what environmental health concerns have been associated with adverse health outcomes in the Navajo Nation? The review focused on occupational and ambient environmental exposures associated with human industrial activities. The search strategy was implemented in PubMed, and two investigators screened the retrieved literature. Thirteen studies were included for review. Data were extracted using the matrix method. Six studies described associations between work in uranium mining and cancer. Six studies focused on environmental exposures to uranium mine waste and other metals, with outcomes that included biological markers, kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension, and adverse birth outcomes. One study explored occupational exposure to Sin Nombre Virus and infection. Most research has focused on the health effects of uranium, where occupational exposures occurred among miners and environmental exposures are a legacy of uranium mining and milling. Gaps exist with respect to health outcomes associated with current occupations and the psychosocial impact of environmental hazards. Other environmental exposures and hazards are known to exist on the Navajo Nation, which may warrant epidemiologic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharly Coombs
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Darrah K. Sleeth
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rachael M. Jones
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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18
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Woo JMP, Parks CG, Jacobsen S, Costenbader KH, Bernatsky S. The role of environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematous. J Intern Med 2022; 291:755-778. [PMID: 35143075 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, chronic autoimmune disease, whose etiology includes both genetic and environmental factors. Individual genetic risk factors likely only account for about one-third of observed heritability among individuals with a family history of SLE. A large portion of the remaining risk may be attributable to environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions. This review focuses on SLE risk associated with environmental factors, ranging from chemical and physical environmental exposures to lifestyle behaviors, with the weight of evidence supporting positive associations between SLE and occupational exposure to crystalline silica, current smoking, and exogenous estrogens (e.g., oral contraceptives and postmenopausal hormones). Other risk factors may include lifestyle behaviors (e.g., dietary intake and sleep) and other exposures (e.g., ultraviolet [UV] radiation, air pollution, solvents, pesticides, vaccines and medications, and infections). Alcohol use may be associated with decreased SLE risk. We also describe the more limited body of knowledge on gene-environment interactions and SLE risk, including IL-10, ESR1, IL-33, ITGAM, and NAT2 and observed interactions with smoking, UV exposure, and alcohol. Understanding genetic and environmental risk factors for SLE, and how they may interact, can help to elucidate SLE pathogenesis and its clinical heterogeneity. Ultimately, this knowledge may facilitate the development of preventive interventions that address modifiable risk factors in susceptible individuals and vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M P Woo
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christine G Parks
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Copenhagen Lupus and Vasculitis Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Nozadi SS, Li L, Luo L, MacKenzie D, Erdei E, Du R, Roman CW, Hoover J, O’Donald E, Burnette C, Lewis J. Prenatal Metal Exposures and Infants' Developmental Outcomes in a Navajo Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:425. [PMID: 35010683 PMCID: PMC8744969 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to environmental toxicants can have detrimental effects on children's neurodevelopment. In the current study, we employed a causal modeling framework to examine the direct effect of specific maternal prenatal exposures on infants' neurodevelopment in the context of co-occurring metals. Maternal metal exposure and select micronutrients' concentrations were assessed using samples collected at the time of delivery from mothers living across Navajo Nation with community exposure to metal mixtures originating from abandoned uranium mines. Infants' development across five domains was measured at ages 10 to 13 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Inventory (ASQ:I), an early developmental screener. After adjusting for effects of other confounding metals and demographic variables, prenatal exposure to lead, arsenic, antimony, barium, copper, and molybdenum predicted deficits in at least one of the ASQ:I domain scores. Strontium, tungsten, and thallium were positively associated with several aspects of infants' development. Mothers with lower socioeconomic status (SES) had higher lead, cesium, and thallium exposures compared to mothers from high SES backgrounds. These mothers also had infants with lower scores across various developmental domains. The current study has many strengths including its focus on neurodevelopmental outcomes during infancy, an understudied developmental period, and the use of a novel analytical method to control for the effects of co-occurring metals while examining the effect of each metal on neurodevelopmental outcomes. Yet, future examination of how the effects of prenatal exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes unfold over time while considering all potential interactions among metals and micronutrients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Nozadi
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (D.M.); (E.E.); (C.W.R.); (E.O.); (J.L.)
| | - Li Li
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (D.M.); (E.E.); (C.W.R.); (E.O.); (J.L.)
| | - Esther Erdei
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (D.M.); (E.E.); (C.W.R.); (E.O.); (J.L.)
| | - Ruofei Du
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Carolyn W. Roman
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (D.M.); (E.E.); (C.W.R.); (E.O.); (J.L.)
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Social Science and Cultural Studies, Montana State University Billing, Billings, MT 59101, USA;
| | - Elena O’Donald
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (D.M.); (E.E.); (C.W.R.); (E.O.); (J.L.)
| | - Courtney Burnette
- Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Services, Omaha, NE 68106, USA;
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (D.M.); (E.E.); (C.W.R.); (E.O.); (J.L.)
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20
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Schilz JR, Dashner-Titus EJ, Luo L, Simmons KA, MacKenzie DA, Hudson LG. Co-exposure of sodium arsenite and uranyl acetate differentially alters gene expression in CD3/CD28 activated CD4+ T-cells. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1917-1929. [PMID: 34926170 PMCID: PMC8649082 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Communities in the western region of the United States experience environmental exposure to metal mixtures from living in proximity to numerous unremediated abandoned uranium mines. Metals including arsenic and uranium co-occur in and around these sites at levels higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels. To address the potential effect of these metals on the activation of CD4+ T-cells, we used RNA sequencing methods to determine the effect of exposure to sodium arsenite (1 μM and 10 μM), uranyl acetate (3 μM and 30 μM) or a mixture of sodium arsenite and uranyl acetate (1 μM sodium arsenite + 3 μM uranyl acetate). Sodium arsenite induced a dose dependent effect on activation associated gene expression; targeting immune response genes at the lower dose. Increases in oxidative stress gene expression were observed with both sodium arsenite doses. While uranyl acetate alone did not significantly alter activation associated gene expression, the mixture of uranyl acetate with sodium arsenite demonstrated a combined effect relative to sodium arsenite alone. The results demonstrate the need to investigate metal and metalloid mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations to better understand the toxicological impact of these mixtures on T-cell activation, function and immune dysregulation.
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Key Words
- APC, antigen presenting cell
- AUM, abandoned uranium mine
- Arsenic
- DEG, differentially expressed gene
- GCLM, glutamate-cysteine ligase
- HMOX1, heme oxygenase 1
- IFNγ, interferon gamma
- IL-2, interleukin 2
- MHC, major histone compatibility complex
- Mixture toxicology
- NQO1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase
- PCA, principal component analysis
- SOD1, super oxide dismutase 1
- T-lymphocytes
- TCR, T-cell receptor
- Th, T-helper
- Uranium
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi R. Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Erica J. Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Li Luo
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Karen A. Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Debra A. MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Laurie G. Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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21
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Webber ZR, Webber KGI, Rock T, St Clair I, Thompson C, Groenwald S, Aanderud Z, Carling GT, Frei RJ, Abbott BW. Diné citizen science: Phytoremediation of uranium and arsenic in the Navajo Nation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 794:148665. [PMID: 34218141 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mid-20th century mining in Naabeehó Bináhásdzo (Navajo Nation) polluted soil and groundwater with uranium and arsenic. The Diné and other indigenous residents of this region use groundwater for drinking, livestock, and irrigation, creating a serious environmental health risk. Currently, many individuals and communities on the Navajo Nation must purchase and transport treated water from hours away. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) preferentially take up uranium and arsenic, potentially representing a tool to remove these contaminants through on-site, low-cost phytoremediation. This study reports the results of a collaboration among researchers, high school students, teachers, and tribal leaders to analyze water chemistry and perform a phytoremediation experiment. In 2018 and 2019, we compiled existing data from the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) and collected samples from surface and groundwater. We then used sunflower seedlings grown in local soil to assess whether phytoremediation could be effective at removing arsenic and uranium. For the NNEPA-sampled wells, 9.5% exceeded the maximum contaminant level for uranium (30 μg per liter) and 16% for arsenic (10 μg per liter). For the new samples, uranium was highest in surface pools, suggesting leaching from local soil. Unlike studies from humid regions, sunflowers did not decrease uranium and arsenic in soil water. Instead, there was no change in arsenic concentration and an increase in uranium concentration in both planted and control treatments, attributable to weathering of uranium-bearing minerals in the desert soil. Because much of global uranium mining occurs in arid and semiarid regions, the ineffectiveness of phytoremediation on the Navajo Nation emphasizes the importance of prevention and conventional remediation. More generally, the participatory science approach created meaningful relationships and an important collaboration between a tribal chapter and a university, providing both cultural and scientific experiential learning opportunities for Diné high school students, undergraduate researchers, and senior personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zak R Webber
- Brigham Young University, Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, 4105 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Kei G I Webber
- Brigham Young University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, C-104 BNSN, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Tommy Rock
- University of Utah Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, 391 Chipeta Way Suite C, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Isaac St Clair
- Brigham Young University, Department of Statistics, 223 TMCB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Carson Thompson
- Brigham Young University, Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, 4105 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Zach Aanderud
- Brigham Young University, Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, 4105 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Gregory T Carling
- Brigham Young University, Department of Geological Sciences, S-389 ESC, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Rebecca J Frei
- University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, 751 General Services Building University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Benjamin W Abbott
- Brigham Young University, Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, 4105 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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22
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Abstract
Based on the PubMed data, we have been performing a yearly evaluation of the publications related to autoimmune diseases and immunology to ascertain the relative weight of the former in the scientific literature. It is particularly intriguing to observe that despite the numerous new avenues of immune-related mechanisms, such as cancer immunotherapy, the proportion of immunology manuscripts related to autoimmunity continues to increase and has been approaching 20% in 2019. As in the previous 13 years, we performed an arbitrary selection of the peer-reviewed articles published by the major dedicated Journals and discussed the common themes which continue to outnumber peculiarites in autoimmune diseases. The investigated areas included systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), autoantibodies (autoAbs), and common therapeutic avenues and novel pathogenic mechanisms for autoimmune conditions. Some examples include new pathogenetic evidence which is well represented by IL21 or P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in SLE or the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mass cytometry, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and flow cytometry for the analysis of different cellular populations in RA. Cumulatively and of interest to the clinicians, a large number of findings continue to underline the importance of a strict relationship between basic and clinical science to define new pathogenetic and therapeutic developments. The therapeutic pipeline in autoimmunity continues to grow and maintain a constant flow of new molecules, as well illustrated in RA and PsA, and this is most certainly derived from the new basic evidence and the high-throughput tools applied to autoimmune diseases.
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23
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Wilson A, Velasco CA, Herbert GW, Lucas SN, Sanchez BN, Cerrato JM, Spilde M, Li QZ, Campen MJ, Zychowski KE. Mine-site derived particulate matter exposure exacerbates neurological and pulmonary inflammatory outcomes in an autoimmune mouse model. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021; 84:503-517. [PMID: 33682625 PMCID: PMC8052313 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1891488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The Southwestern United States has a legacy of industrial mining due to the presence of rich mineral ore deposits. The relationship between environmental inhaled particulate matter (PM) exposures and neurological outcomes within an autoimmune context is understudied. The aim of this study was to compare two regionally-relevant dusts from high-priority abandoned mine-sites, Claim 28 PM, from Blue Gap Tachee, AZ and St. Anthony mine PM, from the Pueblo of Laguna, NM and to expose autoimmune-prone mice (NZBWF1/J). Mice were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 8/group): DM (dispersion media, control), Claim 28 PM, or St. Anthony PM, subjected to oropharyngeal aspiration of (100 µg/50 µl), once per week for a total of 4 consecutive doses. A battery of immunological and neurological endpoints was assessed at 24 weeks of age including: bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts, lung gene expression, brain immunohistochemistry, behavioral tasks and serum autoimmune biomarkers. Bronchoalveolar lavage results demonstrated a significant increase in number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils following Claim 28 and St. Anthony mine PM aspiration. Lung mRNA expression showed significant upregulation in CCL-2 and IL-1ß following St. Anthony mine PM aspiration. In addition, neuroinflammation was present in both Claim 28 and St. Anthony mine-site derived PM exposure groups. Behavioral tasks resulted in significant deficits as determined by Y-maze new arm frequency following Claim 28 aspiration. Neutrophil elastase was significantly upregulated in the St. Anthony mine exposure group. Interestingly, there were no significant changes in serum autoantigens suggesting systemic inflammatory effects may be mediated through other molecular mechanisms following low-dose PM exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Carmen A. Velasco
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Ritter s/n & Bolivia, Quito 17-01-3972, Ecuador
| | - Guy W. Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Selita N. Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Bethany N. Sanchez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - José M. Cerrato
- Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC03 2040, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Quan-Zhen Li
- Department of Immunology and Microarray Core, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Matthew J. Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Katherine E. Zychowski
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico-Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
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24
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Redvers N, Chischilly AM, Warne D, Pino M, Lyon-Colbert A. Uranium Exposure in American Indian Communities: Health, Policy, and the Way Forward. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:35002. [PMID: 33769848 PMCID: PMC7997609 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uranium contamination of drinking-water sources on American Indian (AI) reservations in the United States is a largely ignored and underfunded public health crisis. With an estimated 40% of the headwaters in the western U.S. watershed, home to many AI reservation communities, being contaminated with untreated mine waste, the potential health effects have largely been unexplored. With AI populations already facing continued and progressive economic and social marginalization, higher prevalence of chronic disease, and systemic discrimination, associations between various toxicant exposures, including uranium, and various chronic conditions, need further examination. OBJECTIVES Uranium's health effects, in addition to considerations for uranium drinking-water testing, reporting, and mitigation in reference to AI communities through the lens of water quality, is reviewed. DISCUSSION A series of environmental health policy recommendations are described with the intent to proactively improve responsiveness to the water quality crisis in AI reservation communities in the United States specific to uranium. There is a serious and immediate need for better coordination of uranium-related drinking-water testing and reporting on reservations in the United States that will better support and guide best practices for uranium mitigation efforts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7537.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
- Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Worldwide Universities Network, West New York, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Donald Warne
- University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Manuel Pino
- Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Amber Lyon-Colbert
- University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
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25
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Medina S, Zhou X, Lauer FT, Zhang H, Liu KJ, Lewis J, Burchiel SW. Modulation of PARP activity by Monomethylarsonous (MMA +3) acid and uranium in mouse thymus. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 411:115362. [PMID: 33279514 PMCID: PMC7855914 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure is well established to impair the function of zinc finger proteins, including PARP-1. Previous studies from our lab show that early developing T cells in the thymus are very sensitive to arsenite (As+3)-induced genotoxicity mediated through PARP-1 inhibition. Additionally, it has been shown that uranium (in the form of uranyl acetate, UA) also suppresses PARP-1 activity in HEK cells. However, very little is known about whether the As+3 metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3), also inhibits PARP-1 activity and if this is modified by combined exposures with other metals, such as uranium. In the present study, we found that MMA+3 significantly suppressed PARP-1 function, whereas UA at high concentrations significantly increased PARP-1 activity. To evaluate whether the effects on PARP-1 activity were mediated through oxidative stress, we measured the induction of hemoxygenase-1 (Hmox-1) expression by qPCR. MMA+3, but not UA, significantly induced oxidative stress; however, the inhibition of PARP-1 produced by MMA+3 was not reversed by the addition of the antioxidant, Tempol. Further evaluation revealed minimal interactive effects of MMA+3 and UA on PARP-1 function. Collectively, our results show that contrary to As+3, the suppressive effects of MMA+3 on PARP-1 were not substantially driven by oxidative stress. in mouse thymus cells. Results for this study provide important insights into the effects of MMA+3 and uranium exposures on PARP-1 function, which is essential for future studies focused on understanding the effects of complex environmentally relevant metal mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Medina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA; Department of Biology, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM, USA
| | - Xixi Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Haikun Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Scott W Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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26
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Dashner-Titus EJ, Schilz JR, Simmons KA, Duncan TR, Alvarez SC, Hudson LG. Differential response of human T-lymphocytes to arsenic and uranium. Toxicol Lett 2020; 333:269-278. [PMID: 32866568 PMCID: PMC7590629 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of arsenic and uranium have been detected in water sources near abandoned uranium mines in the Southwest. Evidence suggests uranium exposure increases the likelihood of immune dysfunction and this study investigates the impact of arsenic and uranium on human immune cell lines. Concentration-dependent cytotoxicity occurred following exposure to arsenite, whereas cells remained viable after 48 -h treatment with up to 100 μM uranyl acetate despite uptake of uranium into cells. Arsenite stimulated an oxidative stress response as detected by Nrf-2 nuclear accumulation and induction of HMOX-1 and NQO1, which was not detected with up to 30 μM uranyl acetate. Cellular oxidative stress can promote DNA damage and arsenite, but not uranium, stimulated DNA damage as measured by pH2AX. Arsenic enhanced the cytotoxic response to etoposide suggesting an inhibition of DNA repair, unlike uranium. Similarly, uranium did not inhibit PARP-1 activity. Because uranium reportedly stimulates oxidative stress, DNA damage and cytotoxicity in adherent epithelial cells, the current study suggests distinct cell type differences in response to uranium that may relate to generation of oxidative stress and associated downstream consequences. Delineating the actions of uranium across different cell targets will be important for understanding the potential health effects of uranium exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Jodi R Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Karen A Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Tammi R Duncan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Sandra C Alvarez
- Early Childhood Services Center, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Laurie G Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
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27
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Medina S, Lauer FT, Castillo EF, Bolt AM, Ali AMS, Liu KJ, Burchiel SW. Exposures to uranium and arsenic alter intraepithelial and innate immune cells in the small intestine of male and female mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115155. [PMID: 32710956 PMCID: PMC7490749 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human exposures to environmental metals, including uranium (U) and arsenic (As) are a global public health concern. Chronic exposures to U and As are linked to many adverse health effects including, immune suppression and autoimmunity. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to many immune cells vital in the maintenance of systemic immune health. However, very little is known about the immunotoxicity of U and As at this site. The present study examined the burden of U and As exposure in the GI tract as well as the resultant immunotoxicity to intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and innate immune cells of the small intestine following chronic drinking water exposures of male and female mice to U (in the form of uranyl acetate, UA) and As (in the form of sodium arsenite, As3+). Exposure to U or As3+ resulted in high levels of U or As in the GI tract of male and female mice, respectively. A reduction of small intestinal CD4+ IELs (TCRαβ+, CD8αα+) was found following As3+ exposure, whereas U produced widespread suppression of CD4- IEL subsets (TCRαβ+ and TCRγδ+). Evaluation of innate immune cell subsets in the small intestinal lamina propria revealed a decrease in mature macrophages, along with a corresponding increase in immature/proinflammatory macrophages following As3+ exposures. These data show that exposures to two prevalent environmental contaminants, U and As produce significant immunotoxicity in the GI tract. Collectively, these findings provide a critical framework for understanding the underlying immune health issues reported in human populations chronically exposed to environmental metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Medina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eliseo F Castillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Scott W Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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28
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Lin Y, Hoover J, Beene D, Erdei E, Liu Z. Environmental risk mapping of potential abandoned uranium mine contamination on the Navajo Nation, USA, using a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:30542-30557. [PMID: 32468361 PMCID: PMC7387200 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09257-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The Navajo Nation (NN), a sovereign indigenous tribal nation in the Southwestern United States, is home to 523 abandoned uranium mines (AUMs). Previous health studies have articulated numerous human health hazards associated with AUMs and multiple environmental mechanisms/pathways (e.g., air, water, and soil) for contaminant transport. Despite this evidence, the limited modeling of AUM contamination that exists relies solely on proximity to mines and only considers single rather than combined pathways from which the contamination is a product. In order to better understand the spatial dynamics of contaminant exposure across the NN, we adopted the following established geospatial and computational methods to develop a more sophisticated environmental risk map illustrating the potential for AUM contamination: GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA), fuzzy logic, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Eight criteria layers were selected for the GIS-MCDA model: proximity to AUMs, roadway proximity, drainage proximity, topographic landforms, wind index, topographic wind exposure, vegetation index, and groundwater contamination. Model sensitivity was evaluated using the one-at-a-time method, and statistical validation analysis was conducted using two separate environmental datasets. The sensitivity analysis indicated consistency and reliability of the model. Model results were strongly associated with environmental uranium concentrations. The model classifies 20.2% of the NN as high potential for AUM contamination while 65.7% and 14.1% of the region are at medium and low risk, respectively. This study is entirely a novel application and a crucial first step toward informing future epidemiologic studies and ongoing remediation efforts to reduce human exposure to AUM waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, Montana State University Billings, Billings, MT, USA
| | - Daniel Beene
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Zhuoming Liu
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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29
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Urinary Metals Concentrations and Biomarkers of Autoimmunity among Navajo and Nicaraguan Men. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155263. [PMID: 32707746 PMCID: PMC7432079 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Metals are suspected contributors of autoimmune disease among indigenous Americans. However, the association between metals exposure and biomarkers of autoimmunity is under-studied. In Nicaragua, environmental exposure to metals is also largely unexamined with regard to autoimmunity. We analyzed pooled and stratified exposure and outcome data from Navajo (n = 68) and Nicaraguan (n = 47) men of similar age and health status in order to characterize urinary concentrations of metals, compare concentrations with the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) male population, and examine the associations with biomarkers of autoimmunity. Urine samples were analyzed for metals via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serum samples were examined for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) at 1:160 and 1:40 dilutions, using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and for specific autoantibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression analyses evaluated associations of urinary metals with autoimmune biomarkers, adjusted for group (Navajo or Nicaraguan), age, and seafood consumption. The Nicaraguan men had higher urinary metal concentrations compared with both NHANES and the Navajo for most metals; however, tin was highest among the Navajo, and uranium was much higher in both populations compared with NHANES. Upper tertile associations with ANA positivity at the 1:160 dilution were observed for barium, cesium, lead, strontium and tungsten.
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30
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Bjørklund G, Semenova Y, Pivina L, Dadar M, Rahman MM, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Uranium in drinking water: a public health threat. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1551-1560. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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31
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Parks CG, Santos ADSE, Lerro CC, DellaValle CT, Ward MH, Alavanja MC, Berndt SI, Beane Freeman LE, Sandler DP, Hofmann JN. Lifetime Pesticide Use and Antinuclear Antibodies in Male Farmers From the Agricultural Health Study. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1476. [PMID: 31354699 PMCID: PMC6637299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Farming and pesticide use have been associated with systemic autoimmune diseases, and while certain organochlorine insecticides and other pesticides are suspected to influence risk, the role of specific pesticides in the development of systemic autoimmunity is not known. We measured serum antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) by immunofluorescence on Hep-2 cells in 668 male farmers in the study of Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in Agriculture (BEEA; 2010-2013), an Agricultural Health Study (AHS) subcohort. We examined ANA in relation to lifetime use of 46 pesticides first reported at AHS enrollment (1993-1997) and updated at intervals through BEEA enrollment. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated after adjusting for age, state, education, season of blood draw, current pesticide use, and correlated pesticides. Having ANA antibodies (3 or 4+ intensity at a 1:80 dilution, 21% of study participants) was associated with a reported history of seeking medical care due to exposure to pesticides (OR 2.15; 95%CI 1.17, 3.95), use of the fumigant methyl bromide (OR 3.16; 95%CI 1.05, 9.5), and use of petroleum oil/distillates (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.00, 2.25). Using a higher threshold (3 or 4+ at a 1:160 dilution, 9%) ANA positivity was associated with the carbamate insecticide aldicarb (OR 4.82; 95%CI 1.33, 17.5) and greater combined use of four cyclodiene organochlorine insecticides (top tertile of intensity-weighted lifetime days vs. no use; OR T3 3.20; 95%CI 1.10, 9.27). By contrast, greater use of non-cyclodiene organochlorine insecticides was inversely associated with ANA (1:80 dilution 3 or 4+, OR T3 0.24; 95%CI 0.08, 0.72). Specific autoantibodies (to extractable nuclear antigens and anti-dsDNA), measured on those with ANA detected at the 1:80 dilution 3 or 4+, were seen in 15 individuals (2%), and were associated with use of two or more cyclodiene organochlorine insecticides and several other pesticides (e.g., carbofuran, ethylene dibromide). These findings suggest that specific pesticide exposures may have long-term effects on ANA prevalence and support the hypothesis that certain organochlorine insecticides may increase the risk of developing systemic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine G. Parks
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Catherine C. Lerro
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Curt T. DellaValle
- All of Us Research Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mary H. Ward
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael C. Alavanja
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sonja I. Berndt
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan N. Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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32
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Bolt AM, Medina S, Lauer FT, Liu KJ, Burchiel SW. Minimal uranium immunotoxicity following a 60-day drinking water exposure to uranyl acetate in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 372:33-39. [PMID: 30978399 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Historical uranium (U) mining in the Southwestern United States resulted in significant environmental contamination throughout this region and presents a significant risk of chronic metal exposure and toxicity for communities living in close proximity to mine waste sites. Uranium exposure is associated with numerous deleterious health effects including immune dysfunction; however, its effects on the immune system have yet to be fully characterized. We recently published that drinking water exposure to U, in the form of uranyl acetate (UA), results in low overall tissue retention of U (<0.01%), with very little accumulation in immune organs (blood, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus) of male and female mice. In the present study we characterized the immunotoxicity of U, in the form of UA, following a 60-day drinking water exposure to 5 and 50 ppm in male and female C57BL/6J mice. The following immunotoxicity endpoints were evaluated: hematology, immune tissue weights and total cell recoveries, immunophenotying of the spleen and thymus, and immune cell function (lymphocyte mitogenesis and T-dependent antibody response). Uranium exposure had subtle impacts on the immune endpoints evaluated, likely due to low U accumulation at these sites. The only significant alterations were a slight decrease in the percentages of splenic natural killer T-cells and macrophages in exposed male mice. Despite minimal immunological effects, this study highlights the importance of investigating toxicological endpoints in both sexes and developing accurate animal models that model epidemiological exposures in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Bolt
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America.
| | - Sebastian Medina
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Scott W Burchiel
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
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