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Dong J, Wang Y, Qian Q, Wu J, Yang D, Liu D. The alleviation effect and its mechanism of Niuhuang Jiedu prescription on realgar-induced genotoxicity in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118426. [PMID: 38844250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118426] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Realgar (As2S2 or As4S4) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) containing arsenic. Existing studies have shown that it has genotoxicity under long-term use with large doses. Niuhuang Jiedu (NHJD) is a Chinese medicine prescription containing realgar and seven other TCMs. Whether the multiple TCMs combination in NHJD can reduce the genotoxicity induced by realgar in equivalent doses is still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To research the effect of NHJD on realgar's genotoxicity and the possible mechanism involved based on the arsenic methylation metabolic pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six groups (control, realgar (0.8 g/kg), NHJD (12.48 g/kg), as well as Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (GU), Scutellaria baicalensis Georg (SB), Rheum palmatum L (RP) plus equivalent doses of realgar, respectively) were set up. ICR mice were intragastric administered for 12 weeks. First, genotoxicology tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of NHJD, GU, SB, and RP on reducing realgar's genotoxicity. The inorganic arsenic (iAs), dimethyl arsenic acid (DMA), and monomethyl arsenic acid (MMA) were determined by HPLC-AFS, and the iAs%, MMA%, DMA%, primary methylation index (PMI), etc. Were calculated. Meanwhile, the S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) and arsenate reductase (ARR) levels, the arsenic (+3)methyltransferase (As3MT), purine-nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), glutathione S-transfer omega1 (GSTO1) gene expression were detected, aimed to explore the possible alleviation mechanisms of NHJD. RESULTS The combination of multiple TCMs in NHJD decreased the levels of MN‰, SPA%, and DNA damage caused by realgar, with similar effects observed when SB, RP, and GU were used separately with realgar. Notably, the iAs% significantly decreased, while DMA% and PMI notably increased in the NHJD and realgar + SB (or RP) groups compared to the realgar-only group (P < 0.05). Increases in SAM and ARR levels were observed across various groups, but only the ARR increase in the NHJD group was statistically significant. Moreover, significant increases in As3MT mRNA and GSTO1 mRNA were noted in the NHJD group, and PNP mRNA levels significantly rose in the realgar + SB group. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that NHJD could attenuate the genotoxic effects of realgar. The botanicals SB, RP, and GU within NHJD may be key contributors to this effect. Enhancements in arsenic methylation capabilities through increased levels of SAM and ARR and elevated gene expressions of As3MT, PNP, and GSTO1 suggest potential mechanisms behind these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Dong
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qin Qian
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dongqing Yang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Deye Liu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Jiangsu Provincial, Nanjing, 210021, China
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Zhang J, Li W, Liu Y, He Y, Cheng Z, Li X, Chen Y, Zhang A, Peng Y, Zheng J. Arsenite-Induced Drug-Drug Interactions in Rats. Drug Metab Dispos 2024; 52:911-918. [PMID: 38849209 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.124.001772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Arsenite is an important heavy metal. Some Chinese traditional medicines contain significant amounts of arsenite. The aim of this study was to investigate subacute exposure of arsenite on activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes and pharmacokinetic behaviors of drugs in rats. Midazolam, tolbutamide, metoprolol, omeprazole, caffeine, and chlorzoxazone, the probe substrates for cytochrome P450 (CYP) s3A, 2C6, 2D, 2C11, 1A, and 2E, were selected as probe drugs for the pharmacokinetic study. Significant decreases in areas under the curves of probe substrates were observed in rats after consecutive 30-day exposure to As at 12 mg/kg. Microsomal incubation study showed that the subacute exposure to arsenite resulted in little change in effects on the activities of P450 enzymes examined. However, everted gut sac study demonstrated that such exposure induced significant decreases in intestinal absorption of these drugs by both passive diffusion and carrier-mediated transport. In addition, in vivo study showed that the arsenite exposure decreased the rate of peristaltic propulsion. The decreases in intestinal permeability of the probe drugs and peristaltic propulsion rate most likely resulted in the observed decreases in the internal exposure of the probe drugs. Exposure to arsenite may lead to the reduction of the efficiencies of pharmaceutical agents coadministered resulting from the observed drug-drug interactions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Exposure to arsenite may lead to the reduction of the efficiencies of pharmaceutical agents coadministered resulting from the observed drug-drug interactions. The present study, we found that P450 enzyme probe drug exposure was reduced in arsenic-exposed animals (areas under the curve) and the intestinal absorption of the drug was reduced in the animals. Subacute arsenic exposure tends to cause damage to intestinal function, which leads to reduced drug absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Weiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Yan He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Zihao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Ximei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Aihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Ying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
| | - Jiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), School of Pharmacy (J.Z., W.L., Y.L., Y.H., Z.C., X.L., Y.C., A.Z., J.Z.), Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, P. R. China (A.Z.); and Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China (Y.P., J.Z.)
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Zhao Q, Hao Y, Yang X, Mao J, Tian F, Gao Y, Tian X, Yan X, Qiu Y. Mitigation of maternal fecal microbiota transplantation on neurobehavioral deficits of offspring rats prenatally exposed to arsenic: Role of microbiota-gut-brain axis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131816. [PMID: 37307732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
It is established that gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in arsenic (As)-induced neurotoxic process, however, the underlying mode of action remains largely unclear. Here, through remodeling gut microbiota on As-intoxicated pregnancy rats using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Control rats, neuronal loss and neurobehavioral deficits in offspring prenatally exposed to As were significantly alleviated after maternal FMT treatment. In prenatal As-challenged offspring after maternal FMT treatment, remarkably, suppressed expression of inflammatory cytokines in tissues (colon, serum, and striatum) were observed along with reversed mRNA and protein expression of tight junction related molecules in intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier (BBB); Further, expression of serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88) and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) in colonic and striatal tissues were repressed with activation of astrocytes and microglia inhibited. In particular, tightly correlated and enriched microbiomes were identified such as higher-expressed g_Prevotella, g_UCG_005, and lower-expressed p_Desulfobacterota, g_Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group. Collectively, our results first demonstrated that reconstruction of normal gut microbiota by maternal FMT treatment alleviated prenatal As-induced overall inflammatory state and impairments of intestinal barrier and BBB integrity by impeding LPS-mediated TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway through microbiota-gut-brain axis, which provides a novel therapeutic avenue for developmental arsenic neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Daxing District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Yang
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jie Mao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Fengjie Tian
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yi Gao
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaolin Tian
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yan
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yulan Qiu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Huo T, Zhang W, Yang J, Li J, Zhang Y, Guo H, Wu X, Li A, Feng C, Jiang H. Effects of chronic realgar exposure on liver lipidome in mice and identification sensitive lipid biomarker model for realgar-induced liver damage. Toxicol Lett 2023; 372:1-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Wu J, Yang D, Song Z, Qian Q, Dai J, Dong J. Target RNA expression omics approach to reveal the liver detoxification effect induced by Chinese medicine prescription Niu Huang Jie Du against realgar overexposure to mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 298:115610. [PMID: 35973632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115610] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Niu Huang Jie Du prescription (NHJD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used in patients suffering from excessive inner fire toxin (Huo Du Nei Sheng) syndrome, such as sore throat, gingival swelling, and pain, mouth and tongue sores, etc. This formula contains realgar (As4S4) which is one of the 28 toxic medicinal materials promulgated by the Chinese Ministry of Health. Many studies reported its toxicity on the liver and kidney, and the detoxification effect of NHJD. However, its detoxification mechanism is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To clarify the detoxification mechanism of NHJD to realgar, this study evaluated the detoxification effect of NHJD on realgar exposure in mice, and analyzed differences in mRNA expression profiles in liver tissues and associated functional predictions. MATERIAL AND METHODS ICR mice were administered with NHJD, realgar, and CMC-Na as blank control for 12 weeks, respectively. Liver injury was evaluated by histopathologic examination and liver mRNA gene were sequenced by Illumina. Differentially expressed gene, functionally enrichment and protein association network analysis were conducted. RESULTS 43 genes were screened out, among which 15 genes in the realgar group were decreased, but the extent of the decline has been restored in the NHJD group. The remaining 28 genes have exactly the opposite trends. Functional module analysis revealed that those detoxification function-related genes were primarily for positive regulation of glutathione metabolism, P450 on the metabolism of exogenous compounds, oxidative stress and immune-related, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that realgar mainly causes liver damage by changing the common enzymes of drug metabolism, especially the expression of genes related to CYPs, GSTs family, oxidative stress, and complement immunity, while the TCM prescription NHJD has a regulatory effect on the abnormal expression of corresponding genes. Our results will provide some clues for the detoxification mechanism of arsenic-containing TCM prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dongqing Yang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ziwei Song
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | | | - Jianguo Dai
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ju Dong
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Wu X, Zhong Z, Lin K, Liu X, Wu Z, Liu Z, Li Y. Comparative pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of arsenic and mercury after oral administration of realgar, cinnabar and AnGongNiuHuang Pill to rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:967608. [PMID: 36110533 PMCID: PMC9470115 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.967608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar- and cinnabar-containing AnGongNiuHuang Pill (AGNHP) is widely used for treating encephalopathy syndrome. However, it raises great safety concerns due to the adverse effects reported by arsenic or mercury poisoning. Although AGNHP has been generally recognized, little is known about the metabolism of arsenic and mercury and their resulting potential health risk in vivo. Thus, comparative pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of arsenic and mercury were conducted in rats after oral administration of realgar, cinnabar and AGNHP, respectively. The contents of arsenic and mercury in rat blood and urine were determined by hydride-generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) after wet digestion. AGNHP significantly reduced the absorption of arsenic in blood and promoted urinary arsenic excretion. Whereas, it increased the blood mercury absorption and reduced urinary mercury excretion. No significant toxicity was observed in the clinical dose range of AGNHP. However, excessive exposure to arsenic and mercury may still pose risks especially by long-term or excessive medication. The results are helpful for the rational clinical applications of realgar- and cinnabar-containing TCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- *Correspondence: Xiao Wu, ; Yongming Li,
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Compatibility of Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets Results in Attenuated Arsenic Bioaccumulation and Consequent Protection against Realgar-Induced Toxicity in Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7406694. [PMID: 35832514 PMCID: PMC9273386 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7406694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets (NJT) is a popular over-the-counter traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation. It is composed of realgar (As2S2) and seven other TCMs. The safety of NJT is of growing concern because arsenic (As) is carcinogenic to humans. The toxicity of realgar in vivo can mainly be attributed to the absorbed and accumulated As. This study investigated the correlation between the detoxification effects of the other TCMs in NJT on realgar and their influences on arsenic accumulation of realgar in mice. Histopathological examination, clinical biochemical test, and metabolic profiling analysis were used to evaluate the toxicity of realgar. The concentration of arsenic in mice whole blood as the hazard indicator was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The compatibility of NJT could decrease arsenic bioaccumulation of realgar in mice whole blood and consequently reduce the toxicity of realgar, which could be considered as one detoxification mechanism to realgar in NJT. The combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Platycodonis Radix, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma exhibited almost the same effects as NJT in regulating the serum biochemical parameters and metabolic profiles disturbed by realgar and in reducing arsenic accumulation of realgar in mice whole blood.
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Zhang S, Cao S, Zhou H, Li L, Hu Q, Mao X, Ji S. Realgar induced nephrotoxicity via ferroptosis in mice. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1843-1853. [PMID: 35803278 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel form of iron-dependent cell death that is involved in arsenic-induced toxicity. Realgar is an arsenic-containing Chinese medicine, which can result in nephrotoxicity because of long-term exposure. However, it remains scientifically unknown whether Realgar is an inducer of ferroptosis in the kidney. This study investigated the role of ferroptosis in Realgar-induced kidney toxicity in mice. ICR mice were exposed to Realgar for 28 days and HK2 cells were exposed to Realgar in the presence or absence of treatment with ferrostatin-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor. The ferroptosis-related indicators were further evaluated. Realgar can cause nephrotoxicity in mice by continuous gavage for 28 days, accompanied by an increase in iron accumulation and reactive oxygen species. The reduced expression of Slc7A11 and Gpx4 further confirmed the ferroptosis mediated by Realgar. Meanwhile, Realgar disrupted the antioxidant system as evidenced by the formation of ROS leading to the inactivation of antioxidant enzymes. Realgar caused ferroptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which was significantly reduced by ferrostatin-1 in HK2 cells. This study revealed that Realgar-induced ferroptosis triggered nephrotoxicity in mice and provided new clues to elucidate the mechanism of Realgar-induced nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Cao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Limin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Hu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuhong Mao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Ji
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine of State Drug Administration, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
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An Experimental Study Reveals the Protective Effect of Autophagy against Realgar-Induced Liver Injury via Suppressing ROS-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105697. [PMID: 35628508 PMCID: PMC9145910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar, a poisonous traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to cause liver injury when used for long periods or overdoses. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to explore the role of autophagy in sub-chronic realgar exposure-induced liver injury. Here, the liver injury model was established by continuously administrating mice with 1.35 g/kg realgar for 8 weeks. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and rapamycin (RAPA) were used to regulate autophagy. The results showed that realgar induced abnormal changes in liver function, pathological morphology, expression of inflammatory cytokines, and upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in mouse livers. RAPA treatment (an inducer of autophagy) significantly improved realgar-induced liver injury and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while 3-MA (an inhibitor of autophagy) aggravated the realgar-induced liver injury and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, we found that realgar-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse livers is mediated by ROS. RAPA eliminates excessive ROS, inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation and down-regulates the TXNIP/NLRP3 axis, consequently suppressing ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which may be the underlying mechanism of the protective effect of autophagy on realgar-induced liver injury. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that autophagy alleviates realgar-induced liver injury by inhibiting ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Autophagy may represent a therapeutic target in modulating realgar-induced liver injury.
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Wu X, Yan R, Guan R, Du Y, Liu Y, Wu S, Zhu S, Song M, Hang T. Arsenic-Related Health Risk Assessment of Realgar-Containing NiuHuangJieDu Tablets in Healthy Volunteers Po Administration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:761801. [PMID: 35069195 PMCID: PMC8776706 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.761801] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar, an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine of As2S2, has significant therapeutic effects for hundreds of years. NiuHuangJieDu tablets (NHJDT) is one of the most commonly prescribed realgar-containing preparations for the treatment of sore throat, swelling, and aching of gums. However, realgar-containing TCMs raise great safety concerns due to the adverse effects reported by arsenic poisoning. In this study, the arsenic-related health risk assessment of NHJDT was conducted in healthy volunteers after single and multiple doses oral administration. Blood, plasma, and urine samples were collected after dosing at predetermined time points or periods. Simple, rapid, and sensitive methods were established for the quantification of total arsenic and arsenic speciation in biological samples. The total arsenic and arsenic speciation were determined by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) and high-performance liquid chromatography–hydride generation–atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS), respectively. No significant fluctuation of total arsenic was observed in human blood, and no traces of arsenic speciation were found in human plasma. Dimethylarsenic acid was detected as the predominated arsenic species in human urine after dosing. Therapeutic dose administration of NHJDT was relatively safe in single dose for the limited blood arsenic exposure, but long-term medication may still pose health risks due to the accumulation of arsenics in blood and its extremely slow excretion rate. Therefore, arsenic exposure should be carefully monitored during realgar-containing TCM medication, especially for long-term regimen. The results obtained in this study will provide scientific references for the clinical application of realgar and its-containing TCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruoning Yan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Guan
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Du
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuexin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanhu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Song Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taijun Hang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Li A, Wu X, Yang J, Li J, Guo H, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Huo T. Sub-chronic exposure to realgar induces liver injury via upregulating the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and disturbing bile acid homeostasis in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 281:114584. [PMID: 34469792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114584] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Realgar is a traditional Chinese medicine used in China for a long history. Long-time or excessive use of realgar causes liver injury. However, its underlying mechanism is not fully clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we investigated the toxic effect of sub-chronic exposure to realgar on mice liver, and further revealed its underlying mechanism focused on the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and bile acid homeostasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mice were divided into control and different doses of sub-chronic realgar exposed groups. Total arsenic levels in the blood and liver were determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The effect of realgar on liver function was evaluated by biochemical analysis and histopathological examination. Assay kits were applied for the measurement of oxidative stress indexes, MPO and plasma inflammatory cytokines. The mRNA and proteins involved in the TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF-κB pathways were determined by RT-qPCR, western blot, Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry. UHPLC/MS/MS was used for the quantitative analysis of bile acids (BAs) in mice plasma, liver and urine. The genes related to BAs metabolism were measured by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Sub-chronic exposure to realgar led to arsenic accumulation and caused oxidative damage and inflammatory infiltration in mouse liver, finally resulting in liver injury. Realgar treatment activated the NF-κB pathway and significantly upregulated the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway in mouse liver. Realgar altered the metabolic balance of BAs, which is related to the abnormal expression of BAs transporters and enzymes. CONCLUSION Sub-chronic exposure to realgar caused liver injury in mouse, and the mechanism may involve the upregulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and disordered BAs homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aihong Li
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Haoqi Guo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China; Key Laboratory of Arsenic-related Biological Effects and Prevention and Treatment in Liaoning Province, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China
| | - Taoguang Huo
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China; Key Laboratory of Arsenic-related Biological Effects and Prevention and Treatment in Liaoning Province, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, PR China.
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12
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Zhang S, Li C, Feng T, Cao S, Zhou H, Li L, Hu Q, Mao X, Ji S. A Metabolic Profiling Study of Realgar-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:706249. [PMID: 34497512 PMCID: PMC8419260 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.706249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Realgar has been used as a type of mineral drug that contains arsenic for thousands of years. Previous studies have shown that Realgar-induced acute kidney injury is associated with abnormal metabolism, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the metabolic changes in serum and kidney tissues of mice exposed to Realgar by using a metabolomic approach and explore the molecular mechanisms of acute kidney injury induced by Realgar. Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, 0.5-, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg Realgar group. After 1 week, the body weight and kidney weight of the mice were measured. The serum and kidney samples were used for LC-MS spectroscopic metabolic profiling. Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and pathway analysis were used to detect the nephrotoxic effects of Realgar. Body weight decreased significantly in the 2.0 g/kg group, and the kidney weight index also showed a dose-dependent increase in Realgar. The PCA score plot showed the serum and kidney tissue metabolic profile of mice exposed to 2.0 g/kg Realgar separated from the control group, while the lower-doses of 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg Realgar shown a similar view to the Control group. Thirty-three metabolites and seventeen metabolites were screened and identified in the serum and kidney of mice in a dose-dependent manner. respectively. Correlation analysis showed a strong correlation among these metabolites. Amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and purine metabolism pathways were found to be mainly associated with Realgar nephrotoxicity. This work illustrated the metabolic alterations in Realgar-induced nephrotoxic mice through a metabolomic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Cao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Limin Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Hu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuhong Mao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Ji
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
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13
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Sharma S, Kaur T, Sharma AK, Singh B, Pathak D, Yadav HN, Singh AP. Betaine attenuates sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:2488-2495. [PMID: 34380335 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1959699] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to higher levels of arsenic is a serious threat affecting human health worldwide. We investigated the protective role of betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, oral) was given to rats for 4 weeks to induce nephrotoxicity. Betaine (125 and 250 mg/kg, oral) was administered in rats for 4 weeks along with sodium-arsenite feeding. Arsenic-induced renal dysfunction was demonstrated by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, and microproteinuria. Oxidative stress in rat kidneys was determined by assaying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide anion generation, and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, hydroxyproline assay was done to assess renal fibrosis in arsenic intoxicated rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red staining revealed pathological alterations in rat kidneys. Renal endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was determined by immuno-histochemistry. Concurrent administration of betaine abrogated arsenic-induced renal biochemical and histological changes in rats. Betaine treatment significantly attenuated arsenic-induced decrease in renal eNOS expression. In conclusion, betaine is protective against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction, which may be attributed to its anti-oxidant activity and modulation of renal eNOS expression in rat kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumedha Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Tajpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Amritsar, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Balbir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Devendra Pathak
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | | | - Amrit Pal Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
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14
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Zhang S, Li C, Feng T, Cao S, Zhou H, Li L, Hu Q, Mao X, Ji S. Proteomics analysis in the kidney of mice following oral feeding Realgar. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 275:114118. [PMID: 33878415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Realgar, a famous traditional Chinese mineral medicine, has been toxic to the renal system. However, the underlying mechanism of Realgar nephrotoxicity is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of Realgar-induced nephrotoxicity by using a label-free quantitative proteomic method. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, 0.5-, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg Realgar group. After one week, serum biochemical parameters and renal histopathological examination were performed. Label-free quantitative proteomics was used to identify differentially expressed proteins which were subsequently analyzed with bioinformatics methods. Western blot was utilized to verify the six representative protein expressions. RESULTS The results showed that 2.0 g/kg Realgar significantly increased blood urea nitrogen and induced the formation of tube cast of renal tubules, while the lower-dose of 0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg Realgar showed no changes. Label-free proteomic analysis identified 3138 proteins, and 272 of those proteins were screened for significant changes in a dose-dependent manner. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these proteins could affect the apoptotic process and oxidative stress. Representative proteins in the 2.0 g/kg Realgar group, including Cat, Bad, Cycs, Nqo1, Podxl, and Hmox1, were verified by western blot. CONCLUSIONS The results in this study suggest that apoptosis and oxidative stress might be related to the Realgar-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Moreover, the strategy of proteomics could contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of nephrotoxicity in mice exposed to Realgar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300139, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chao Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shuai Cao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Liming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qing Hu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiuhong Mao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shen Ji
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300139, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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15
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Liu W, Wang B, Zhao Y, Wu Z, Dong A, Chen H, Lin L, Lu J, Hai X. Pharmacokinetic Characteristics, Tissue Bioaccumulation and Toxicity Profiles of Oral Arsenic Trioxide in Rats: Implications for the Treatment and Risk Assessment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:647687. [PMID: 34122070 PMCID: PMC8194082 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.647687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral arsenic trioxide (ATO) has demonstrated a favorable clinical efficiency in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the pharmacokinetic characteristics, tissue bioaccumulation, and toxicity profiles of arsenic metabolites in vivo following oral administration of ATO have not yet been characterized. The present study uses high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC-HG-AFS) to assess the pharmacokinetics of arsenic metabolites in rat plasma after oral and intravenous administration of 1 mg kg-1 ATO. In addition, the bioaccumulation of arsenic metabolites in blood and selected tissues were evaluated after 28 days oral administration of ATO in rats at a dose of 0, 2, 8, and 20 mg kg-1 d-1. The HPLC-HG-AFS analysis was complemented by a biochemical, hematological, and histopathological evaluation conducted upon completion of ATO treatment. Pharmacokinetic results showed that arsenite (AsIII) reached a maximum plasma concentration rapidly after initial dosing, and the absolute bioavailability of AsIII was 81.03%. Toxicological results showed that the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and white blood cells (WBC) in the 20 mg kg-1 d-1 ATO group were significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The distribution trend of total arsenic in the rat was as follows: whole blood > kidney > liver > heart. Dimethylated arsenic (DMA) was the predominant bioaccumulative metabolite in the whole blood, liver, and heart, while monomethylated arsenic (MMA) was the predominant one in the kidney. Collectively, these results revealed that oral ATO was rapidly absorbed, well-tolerated, and showed organ-specific and dose-specific bioaccumulation of arsenic metabolites. The present study provides preliminary evidence for clinical applications and the long-term safety evaluation of oral ATO in the treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yilei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Andi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongzhu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Liwang Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Hai
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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16
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Li J, Guo Y, Duan X, Li B. Tissue- and Region-Specific Accumulation of Arsenic Species, Especially in the Brain of Mice, After Long-term Arsenite Exposure in Drinking Water. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:168-176. [PMID: 31925743 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is identified as a known carcinogen and ubiquitously exists in nature. It appears that accumulation of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and its methylated metabolites in various tissues is closely correlated with the long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity of this metalloid. In this study, various arsenic species in murine tissues, especially in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus, were determined after long-term exposure to 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L sodium arsenite in drinking water for 1 and 12 months. Our data showed that the amount of total arsenic (TAs) increased in an obvious dose-dependent manner in various tissues, and TAs levels were in the order of urinary bladder > brain > lung > liver > kidney > spleen. Furthermore, iAsIII and DMA could be observed in all tissues and brain regions with DMA being the predominant metabolite. The bladder, brain, and lung orderly contained the higher levels of DMA, while the liver, kidney, and spleen accumulated the higher proportion of iAsIII. MMA was preferentially accumulated in the lung and bladder of mice regardless of arsenic exposure doses or duration. What's more, amazingly higher levels of MMA were observed in the hippocampus, which was distinguished from the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Together with these results, our study clearly demonstrates that the accumulation of iAs and its methylated metabolites is tissue-specific and even not homogeneous among different brain regions in mice by long-term exposure to arsenite. Our study thus provides crucial information for recognizing arsenical neurotoxicity, and reducing the uncertainty in the risk assessment for this toxic metalloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Li
- Environment and Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arsenic-related Biological Effects and Prevention and Treatment in Liaoning Province, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Pu he Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry in Hebei Province, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Environment and Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arsenic-related Biological Effects and Prevention and Treatment in Liaoning Province, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Pu he Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxu Duan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110034, China
| | - Bing Li
- Environment and Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Key Laboratory of Arsenic-related Biological Effects and Prevention and Treatment in Liaoning Province, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Pu he Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Li C, Zhang S, Li L, Hu Q, Ji S. Ursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Against Arsenic Induced Hepatotoxicity by the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:594496. [PMID: 33178028 PMCID: PMC7596389 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.594496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is ubiquitous toxic metalloid responsible for many human diseases all over the world. Contrastingly, Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been suggested as efficient antioxidant in various liver diseases. However, there are no reports of the effects of UDCA on arsenious acid [As(III)]-induced hepatotoxicity. The objective of this study is to elucidate the protective actions of UDCA on As(III)-induced hepatotoxicity and explore its controlling role in biomolecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. The remarkable liver damage induced by As(III) was ameliorated by treatment with UDCA, as reflected by reduced histopathological changes of liver and elevation of serum AST, ALT levels. UDCA play a critical role in stabilization of cellular membrane potential, inhibition of apoptosis and LDH leakage in LO2 cells. Meanwhile, the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px and the level of TSH, GSH were enhanced with UDCA administration, while the accumulations of intracellular ROS, MDA and rate of GSSG/GSH were decreased in vivo and in vitro. Further study disclosed that UDCA significantly inhibited As(III)-induced apoptosis through increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of Bax, p53, Cyt C, Cleaved caspase-3 and 9. Moreover, UDCA promoted the expression of nuclear Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, although arsenic regulated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 positively. When Nrf2 was silenced, the protective effect of UDCA was abolished. Collectively, the results of this study showed that UDCA protects hepatocytes antagonize As(III)-induced cytotoxicity, and its mechanism may be related to activation of Nrf2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Liming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Hu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
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