1
|
Hussain A, Saeed A. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit (Phyto-mineral) with Emphasis on Heavy Metals Toxicity and Their Detoxification Mechanisms. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04109-4. [PMID: 38393486 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04109-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Shilajit is a phyto-mineral diffusion and semi-solid matter used as traditional medicine with extraordinary health benefits. This study provides a comprehensive data on Shilajit with emphasis on heavy metal profile, associated toxicities, and metal detoxification mechanisms by humic substances present in Shilajit. Data was searched across papers and traditional books using Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, SciELO, Web of Science, and Scopus as key scientific databases. Findings showed that Shilajit is distributed in almost 20 regions of the world with uses against 20 health problems as traditional medicine. With various humic substances, almost 11 biological activities were reported in Shilajit. This phyto-mineral diffusion possesses around 65 heavy metals including the toxic heavy metals like Cu, Al, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg. However, humic substances in Shilajit actively detoxify around 12 heavy metals. The recommended levels of heavy metals by WHO and FDA in herbal drugs is 0.20 and 0.30 ppm for Cd, 1 ppm for Hg, 10.00 ppm for As and Pb, 20 ppm for Cu, and 50 ppm for Zn. The levels of reported metals in Shilajit were found to be lower than the permissible limits set by WHO and FDA, except in few studies where exceeded levels were reported. Shilajit consumption without knowing permissible levels of metals is not safe and could pose serious health problems. Although the humic substances and few metals in Shilajit are beneficial in terms of chelating toxic heavy metals, the data on metal detoxification still needs to be clarified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adil Hussain
- Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, 54600, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Asma Saeed
- Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) Laboratories Complex, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, 54600, Punjab, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ghio AJ, Pavlisko EN, Roggli VL, Todd NW, Sangani RG. Cigarette Smoke Particle-Induced Lung Injury and Iron Homeostasis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2022; 17:117-140. [PMID: 35046648 PMCID: PMC8763205 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s337354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is proposed that the mechanistic basis for non-neoplastic lung injury with cigarette smoking is a disruption of iron homeostasis in cells after exposure to cigarette smoke particle (CSP). Following the complexation and sequestration of intracellular iron by CSP, the host response (eg, inflammation, mucus production, and fibrosis) attempts to reverse a functional metal deficiency. Clinical manifestations of this response can present as respiratory bronchiolitis, desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. If the response is unsuccessful, the functional deficiency of iron progresses to irreversible cell death evident in emphysema and bronchiectasis. The subsequent clinical and pathological presentation is a continuum of lung injuries, which overlap and coexist with one another. Designating these non-neoplastic lung injuries after smoking as distinct disease processes fails to recognize shared relationships to each other and ultimately to CSP, as well as the common mechanistic pathway (ie, disruption of iron homeostasis).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ghio
- Human Studies Facility, US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
- Correspondence: Andrew J Ghio Human Studies Facility, US Environmental Protection Agency, 104 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, USA Email
| | | | | | - Nevins W Todd
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Rahul G Sangani
- Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ghio AJ, Gonzalez DH, Paulson SE, Soukup JM, Dailey LA, Madden MC, Mahler B, Elmore SA, Schladweiler MC, Kodavanti UP. Ozone Reacts With Carbon Black to Produce a Fulvic Acid-Like Substance and Increase an Inflammatory Effect. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 48:887-898. [PMID: 32975498 DOI: 10.1177/0192623320961017] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient ozone has been associated with increased human mortality. Ozone exposure can introduce oxygen-containing functional groups in particulate matter (PM) effecting a greater capacity of the particle for metal complexation and inflammatory effect. We tested the postulate that (1) a fulvic acid-like substance can be produced through a reaction of a carbonaceous particle with high concentrations of ozone and (2) such a fulvic acid-like substance included in the PM can initiate inflammatory effects following exposure of respiratory epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells and an animal model (male Wistar Kyoto rats). Carbon black (CB) was exposed for 72 hours to either filtered air (CB-Air) or approximately 100 ppm ozone (CB-O3). Carbon black exposure to high levels of ozone produced water-soluble, fluorescent organic material. Iron import by BEAS-2B cells at 4 and 24 hours was not induced by incubations with CB-Air but was increased following coexposures of CB-O3 with ferric ammonium citrate. In contrast to CB-Air, exposure of BEAS-2B cells and rats to CB-O3 for 24 hours increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lung injury, respectively. It is concluded that inflammatory effects of carbonaceous particles on cells can potentially result from (1) an inclusion of a fulvic acid-like substance after reaction with ozone and (2) changes in iron homeostasis following such exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ghio
- 138030US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David H Gonzalez
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 8783University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Suzanne E Paulson
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 8783University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joleen M Soukup
- 138030US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lisa A Dailey
- 138030US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Michael C Madden
- 138030US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Beth Mahler
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan A Elmore
- National Toxicology Program, 6857National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Urmila P Kodavanti
- 138030US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dolenko SO, Kravchenko HM, Vember VV, Taranov VV. Analysis of the effect of concentration and magnetic field on bioactivity of humic acids from position of open non-equilibrium systems. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 41:2970-2976. [PMID: 30865556 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1591521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
On the example of cultures of bacteria Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. the effect of humic acids in the concentration range (0-15 mg/L) on the viability of these bacteria was studied. Multidirectional effects of humic acids on microorganisms were found, namely, at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/L, they reduce, and at 15 mg/L, they do not affect the survival of the studied cultures of bacteria. It has been established that the treatment of aqueous solutions of humic acids with a weak magnetic field affects their physicochemical properties and structural parameters, as well as enhances the biological effect in relation to different groups of microorganisms. It was established that the multidirectionality of the biological effect of humic acids on microorganisms is well explained from the position of considering humic acids as complex open non-equilibrium systems with a developed system for energy dissipation, which leads to the formation on their basis of diverse and complex self-organized structures with different physicochemical properties. The obtained concentration dependences confirm the possibility of the existence of humic acids in the studied concentration range in at least two states. Moreover, it is the state of the system (the level of self-organization), and not the relationship with the source of origin of a humic acids, mainly determines its properties. This fact determines the possibility of using the concentration of humic acids to establish the level of organization of the system, which will allow to manage the structural organization of these objects and predict their properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S O Dolenko
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Chemistry of Water, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - H M Kravchenko
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Chemistry of Water, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - V V Vember
- Department of Ecology and Technology of Plant Polymers, The National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute", Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - V V Taranov
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, Institute of Colloid Chemistry and Chemistry of Water, Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gonzalez DH, Soukup JM, Madden MC, Hays M, Berntsen J, Paulson SE, Ghio AJ. A Fulvic Acid-like Substance Participates in the Pro-inflammatory Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Wood Smoke Particles. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:999-1009. [PMID: 32191033 PMCID: PMC8274388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00036] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We tested the postulates that (1) a fulvic acid (FA)-like substance is included in cigarette smoke and wood smoke particles (WSP) and (2) cell exposure to this substance results in a disruption of iron homeostasis, associated with a deficiency of the metal and an inflammatory response. The fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectra of the water-soluble components of cigarette smoke condensate and WSP (Cig-WS and Wood-WS) approximated those for the standard reference materials, Suwanee River and Nordic fulvic acids (SRFA and NFA). Fourier transform infrared spectra for the FA fraction of cigarette smoke and WSP (Cig-FA and Wood-FA), SRFA, and NFA also revealed significant similarities (O-H bond in alcohols, phenols, and carboxylates, C═O in ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylates, and a significant carboxylate content). After exposure to Cig-WS and Wood-WS and the FA standards, iron was imported by respiratory epithelial cells, reflecting a functional iron deficiency. The release of pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 by respiratory epithelial cells also increased following exposures to Cig-WS, Wood-WS, SRFA, and NFA. Co-exposure of the respiratory epithelial cells with iron decreased supernatant concentrations of the ILs relative to exposures to Cig-WS, Wood-WS, SRFA, and NFA alone. It is concluded that (1) a FA-like substance is included in cigarette smoke and WSP and (2) respiratory epithelial cell exposure to this substance results in a disruption of iron homeostasis associated with both a cell deficiency of the metal and an inflammatory response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H Gonzalez
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Joleen M Soukup
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Michael C Madden
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Michael Hays
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Jon Berntsen
- TRC Environmental, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Suzanne E Paulson
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Andrew J Ghio
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghio AJ, Soukup JM, Madden MC. The toxicology of air pollution predicts its epidemiology. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 30:327-334. [PMID: 30516398 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2018.1530316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiologic investigation has successively delineated associations of air pollution exposure with non-malignant and malignant lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, pregnancy outcomes, perinatal effects and other extra-pulmonary disease including diabetes. Defining these relationships between air pollution exposure and human health closely parallels results of an earlier epidemiologic investigation into cigarette smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), two other particle-related exposures. Humic-like substances (HULIS) have been identified as a chemical component common to cigarette smoke and air pollution particles. Toxicology studies provide evidence that a disruption of iron homeostasis with sequestration of host metal by HULIS is a fundamental mechanistic pathway through which biological effects are initiated by cigarette smoke and air pollution particles. As a result of a common chemical component and a shared mechanistic pathway, it should be possible to extrapolate from the epidemiology of cigarette smoking and ETS to predict associations of air pollution exposure with human disease, which are currently unrecognized. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the forthcoming epidemiologic investigation will demonstrate relationships of air pollution with COPD causation, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, renal disease, digestive disease, loss of bone mass/risk of fractures, dental disease, eye disease, fertility problems, and extrapulmonary malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ghio
- a The National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory , Environmental Protection Agency , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| | - Joleen M Soukup
- a The National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory , Environmental Protection Agency , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| | - Michael C Madden
- a The National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory , Environmental Protection Agency , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghio AJ, Madden MC. Human lung injury following exposure to humic substances and humic-like substances. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:571-581. [PMID: 28766124 PMCID: PMC8968324 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Among the myriad particles the human respiratory tract is exposed to, a significant number are distinctive in that they include humic substances (HS) and humic-like substances (HULIS) as organic components. HS are heterogeneous, amorphous, organic materials which are ubiquitous occurring in all terrestrial and aqueous environments. HULIS are a complex class of organic, macromolecular compounds initially extracted from atmospheric aerosol particles which share some features with HS including an aromatic, polyacidic nature. As a result of having a variety of oxygen-containing functional groups, both HS and HULIS complex metal cations, especially iron. Following particle uptake by cells resident in the lung, host iron will be sequestered by HS- and HULIS-containing particles initiating pathways of inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. It is proposed that (1) human exposures to HS and HULIS of respirable size (<10 µm diameter) are associated with inflammatory and fibrotic lung disease and (2) following retention of particles which include HS and HULIS, the mechanism of cell and tissue injury involves complexation of host iron. Human inflammatory and fibrotic lung injuries following HS and HULIS exposures may include coal workers' pneumoconiosis, sarcoidosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as diseases associated with cigarette smoking and exposures to emission and ambient air pollution particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ghio
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
- Human Studies Facility, 104 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7315, USA.
| | - Michael C Madden
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pant K, Yadav AK, Gupta P, Rathore AS, Nayak B, Venugopal SK. Humic acid inhibits HBV-induced autophagosome formation and induces apoptosis in HBV-transfected Hep G2 cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34496. [PMID: 27708347 PMCID: PMC5052648 DOI: 10.1038/srep34496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) utilizes several mechanisms to survive in the host cells and one of the main pathways being autophagosome formation. Humic acid (HA), one of the major components of Mineral pitch, is an Ayurvedic medicinal food, commonly used by the people of the Himalayan regions of Nepal and India for various body ailments. We hypothesized that HA could induce cell death and inhibit HBV-induced autophagy in hepatic cells. Incubation of Hep G2.2.1.5 cells (HepG2 cells stably expressing HBV) with HA (100 μM) inhibited both cell proliferation and autophagosome formation significantly, while apoptosis induction was enhanced. Western blot results showed that HA incubation resulted in decreased levels of beclin-1, SIRT-1 and c-myc, while caspase-3 and β-catenin expression were up-regulated. Western blot results showed that HA significantly inhibited the expression of HBx (3-fold with 50 μM and 5-fold with 100 μM) compared to control cells. When HA was incubated with HBx-transfected Hep G2 cells, HBx-induced autophagosome formation and beclin-1 levels were decreased. These data showed that HA induced apoptosis and inhibited HBV-induced autophagosome formation and proliferation in hepatoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kishor Pant
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan Chanakyapuri New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay K. Yadav
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan Chanakyapuri New Delhi, India
| | - Parul Gupta
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan Chanakyapuri New Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek Singh Rathore
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan Chanakyapuri New Delhi, India
| | - Baibaswata Nayak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Senthil K. Venugopal
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Akbar Bhawan Chanakyapuri New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pant K, Gupta P, Damania P, Yadav AK, Gupta A, Ashraf A, Venugopal SK. Mineral pitch induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation via modulating reactive oxygen species in hepatic cancer cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:148. [PMID: 27233240 PMCID: PMC4882837 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1131-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Mineral Pitch (MP) is a dark brown coloured humic matter originating from high altitude rocks. It is an Ayurvedic medicinal food, commonly used by the people of the Himalayan regions of Nepal and India for various body ailments. Methods The Huh-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of MP for 24 h, and both apoptosis and proliferation was determined by the TUNEL and MTT assays respectively. The formation of ROS and nitric oxide was analysed by DCFH-DA and Griess reagent respectively. The expression of miRNA-21 and miRNA-22 were checked by the real time PCR. Effect of miRNA-22 on proliferation and c-myc was studied by over-expressing miRNA-22 premiRs in Huh-7 cells. Results We found that MP enhanced anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation. MP induced both ROS and NO, upon neutralizing them, there was a partial recovery of apoptosis and proliferation. MP also induced miRNA-22 expression, while miRNA-21 expression was inhibited. Over-expression of miRNA-22 resulted in a significant inhibition of proliferation. miRNA-22 directly targeted c-myc gene, thereby inhibited proliferation. These results clearly show that MP induces its anti-cancer activity by more than one pathway. Conclusion The data clearly indicate that MP induced apoptosis via the production of ROS, and inhibited proliferation by inducing miRNA-22 and inhibiting miRNA-21 in Huh-7 cells.
Collapse
|
10
|
de Melo BAG, Motta FL, Santana MHA. Humic acids: Structural properties and multiple functionalities for novel technological developments. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2015; 62:967-74. [PMID: 26952503 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Humic acids (HAs) are macromolecules that comprise humic substances (HS), which are organic matter distributed in terrestrial soil, natural water, and sediment. HAs differ from the other HS fractions (fulvic acid and humins) in that they are soluble in alkaline media, partially soluble in water, and insoluble in acidic media. Due to their amphiphilic character, HAs form micelle-like structures in neutral to acidic conditions, which are useful in agriculture, pollution remediation, medicine and pharmaceuticals. HAs have undefined compositions that vary according to the origin, process of obtainment, and functional groups present in their structures, such as quinones, phenols, and carboxylic acids. Quinones are responsible for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HAs, which are useful for wound healing and have fungicidal/bactericidal properties. Phenols and carboxylic acids deprotonate in neutral and alkaline media and are responsible for various other functions, such as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HAs. In particular, the presence of phenolic groups in HAs provides antioxidant properties due to their free radical scavenging capacity. This paper describes the main multifunctionalities of HAs associated with their structures and properties, focusing on human health applications, and we note perspectives that may lead to novel technological developments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to address this topic from this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Alice Gomes de Melo
- Development of Biotechnological Processes Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, 13083-852 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Lopes Motta
- Development of Biotechnological Processes Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, 13083-852 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Helena Andrade Santana
- Development of Biotechnological Processes Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, 13083-852 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
PCB126 induces apoptosis of chondrocytes via ROS-dependent pathways. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2012; 20:1179-85. [PMID: 22750746 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chondrocyte apoptosis represents an important component in the osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. This study sought to investigate the potential of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)126, the most potent and ubiquitous environmental pollutant of PCB congeners, on chondrocyte apoptosis and its mechanism of action. METHODS Rabbit articular chondrocytes cultured from tibial and femoral in cartilage were exposed to PCB126. Productions of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) binding activity were measured. After 24 h exposure to PCB126, the apoptotic cell death was detected by caspase-3 activity, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies against DNA and histone, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. RESULTS PCB126 generated ROS, which was blocked by the antioxidants (N-acetylcystein and trolox), or the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor, α-naphthoflavone (α-NF). PCB126 exposure also increased NO production and NF-kB binding activity in the chondrocytes, which were blocked by the iNOS inhibitor, N-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA). All apoptosis detection techniques used in this study revealed an increase of apoptotic effects by PCB126 exposure, which was blocked by inhibitors of ROS or iNOS. This is the first report to demonstrate the potential of a PCB congener to induce chondrocytes apoptosis, which could be an initial process in cartilage degradation. CONCLUSIONS PCB may be an initiator of chondrocyte apoptosis, which is closely linked to degradation of cartilage in OA pathogenesis. This study may contribute to identifying the possible causes of arthritis in our environment.
Collapse
|
12
|
Menzel S, Bouchnak R, Menzel R, Steinberg CEW. Dissolved humic substances initiate DNA-methylation in cladocerans. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 105:640-2. [PMID: 21963594 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
DNA-methylation is one pathway of epigenetic programming of gene expression and can be responsive to environmental challenges such as methylating agents in the food. Here we report on the DNA-methylation in the cladocerans Daphnia magna and Moina macrocopa exposed to humic substances, ubiquitous biogeochemicals. The methylation of DNA can alter the stress response, presumably including exposure to synthetic xenobiotic chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Menzel
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Freshwater & Stress Ecology, Späthstrasse 80/81, D-12437 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effects of humic acids in vitro. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2011; 47:376-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s11626-011-9405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
14
|
Microarray analysis of immediate-type allergy in KU812 cells in response to fulvic acid. Cytotechnology 2011; 63:181-90. [PMID: 21331654 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-010-9333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fulvic acid (FA) is class of compounds of humic substances formed through the degradation of organic substances by chemical and biological processes. FA has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and possesses various pharmacological properties. Previously, we reported that FA extracted from solubilized excess sludge (SS-FA) had an inhibitory effect on β-hexosaminidase release in human leukemia basophilic (KU812) cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of SS-FA on the immediate-type allergic reaction and studied its possible mechanisms of action in KU812 cells following activation with phorbol myristate acetate (20 nmol L(-1)) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (1 μmol L(-1)) (PMACI). The inhibitory effect of SS-FA on degranulation in PMACI-stimulated KU812 cells was examined using histamine release assay. SS-FA significantly decreased the histamine release in KU812 cells at concentrations of 0.1-10.0 μg mL(-1). To gain more information regarding the mechanism of the suppression of degranulation following SS-FA treatment, microarray was conducted to determine which genes were differentially expressed in response to SS-FA in PMACI-activated KU812 cells. From a total of 201 genes in the DNA chip, 28 genes were up-regulated and 173 genes were down-regulated in cells pretreated with SS-FA for 15 min and stimulated with PMACI. From the 71 genes that showed more than two fold change in expression, 16 genes were significantly down-regulated that were subjected to hierarchical clustering. SS-FA affected the expression of genes that were involved in the following pathways: signal transduction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, immune response, cell adhesion molecules and IgE receptor β subunit response.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee HG, Yang JH. PKC-δ mediates TCDD-induced apoptosis of chondrocyte in ROS-dependent manner. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 81:1039-1044. [PMID: 20846705 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to dioxin-like compounds is associated with arthritis in humans. A recent study reported that 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces apoptosis in chondrocytes, which is a critical event in the pathogenesis of cartilage disease. In this study, protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway was investigated to determine the mechanism of TCDD-induced rabbit articular chondrocyte apoptosis. TCDD exposure induced glutathione-mediated ROS generation and the translocation of PKC isozymes. Among the PKC isozymes tested, PKC-δ showed the most sensitive translocation. The translocation was then blocked by ROS inhibitors (trolox and N-acetyl cysteine), a PKC-δ inhibitor (rottlerin), a caspase-3 inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) or an AhR blocker (α-naphthoflavone). TCDD increased caspase-3 activity, the activating enzyme for PKC-δ, and prior treatment with trolox blocked such an increase. These results suggest that the translocation of PKC-δ was mediated by ROS-dependent caspase-3 activity. Pretreatment with rottlerin or trolox dampened TCDD-induced apoptosis of chondrocyte, as determined by TUNEL staining and ELISA. Taken together, this study suggests that ROS generation is an upstream event for TCDD-induced chondrocyte apoptosis and PKC-δ mediates the apoptotic processes through ROS-dependent caspase-3 activation. This is a first finding demonstrating the role of PKC-δ in chondrocyte apoptosis stimulated by an environmental pollutant. The results may contribute to understanding the mechanism of joint disease associated with the exposure of dioxin-like compounds and identifying a target for the therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Gyo Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang JH, Lee HG. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces apoptosis of articular chondrocytes in culture. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 79:278-284. [PMID: 20153503 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Positive associations of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and arthritis have been reported in human populations. Although 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most potent congener of its class, is associated with musculoskeletal dysfunctions in humans and animals, its role on arthritis remains unknown. Apoptosis of chondrocytes has become a focus of interest in the pathogenesis of arthritis. We investigated the potential of TCDD as an inducer of chondrocyte apoptosis and evaluated its mechanism of action. Rabbit chondrocytes in culture were exposed to TCDD. Responses of dioxin-responsive genes and enzyme activity were analyzed by RT-PCR and EROD assay, respectively. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) were also determined. A panel of different approaches including caspase-3 assay, ELISA, flow cytometry, and TUNEL staining was utilized to detect apoptotic effects. Dioxin induced mRNAs of dioxin-responsive genes and EROD activity in an AhR-dependent manner. Dose-dependent increases in ROS and NO production were observed. All apoptosis detection techniques used in this study revealed an increase of apoptotic effects in a dose-dependent manner. The increase of apoptosis was blocked by inhibitors of ROS or NO, suggesting that apoptotic effects may be mediated via ROS- and NO-dependent pathways. This is a first report to demonstrate the potential of TCDD to induce apoptosis in chondrocytes, which could be an initial process in cartilage degradation. This finding may shed a new light in studying the possible role of environmental pollutants in the etiology of arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ho Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ting HC, Yen CC, Chen WK, Chang WH, Chou MC, Lu FJ. Humic acid enhances the cytotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide on human cervical cancer cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2010; 29:117-125. [PMID: 21787592 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2009.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer affecting women, and recent studies have demonstrated arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) has therapeutic effects on cervical cancer by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Humic acid (HA) possesses various pharmacologic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, and anti-proliferative effects by inducing apoptosis. We examined the growth inhibition properties and the combined effects of HA and As(2)O(3) in human cervical adenocarcinoma cell lines. Our results shown both As(2)O(3) and HA-induced inhibition of cell growth, most likely by ROS-mediated cell damage and activation of the apoptosis pathway, and HA enhanced the anti-proliferative action of As(2)O(3) in HeLa and SiHa cells, which reduced the LC(50) about 57.62 or 73.52% (300μg HA/mL) to 83.67 or 79.03% (500μg HA/mL), respectively. This study is relevant to the development of chemotherapeutic approaches using As(2)O(3) in treating human cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chih Ting
- Institutes of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
CHEN MY, CHANG YZ, LU FJ, CHEN JL. Capillary Electrophoretic Determination of Selected Phenolic Compounds in Humic Substances of Well Waters and Fertilizers. ANAL SCI 2010; 26:561-7. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.26.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan-Zin CHANG
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Toxicology, Chung-Shan Medical University
| | - Fung-Jou LU
- Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Steinberg CEW, Meinelt T, Timofeyev MA, Bittner M, Menzel R. Humic substances. Part 2: Interactions with organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2008; 15:128-35. [PMID: 18380231 DOI: 10.1065/espr2007.07.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND Freshwater bodies which chemistry is dominated by dissolved humic substances (HS) seem to be the major type on Earth, due to huge non-calcareous geological formations in the Northern Hemisphere and in the tropics. Based on the paradigm of the inertness of being organic, direct interactions of dissolved HS with freshwater organisms are mostly neglected. However, dissolved organic carbon, the majority of which being HS, are natural environmental chemicals and should therefore directly interact with organisms. Major results that widened our perspective on humic substance ecology come from experiments with the compost nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, which behaved contradictorily to textbook knowledge and provoked an in-depth re-consideration of some paradigms. APPROACH To overcome old paradigms on HS and their potential interactions with organisms, we reviewed recent international literature, as well as 'grey' literature. We also include results from own ongoing studies. RESULTS This review focuses on direct interactions of dissolved HS with freshwater organisms and disregards indirect effects, such as under-water light quenching. Instead we show with some macrophyte and algal species that HS adversely interfere with photosynthesis and growth, whereby closely related algal species show different response patterns. In addition to this, HS suppress cyanobacteria more than eukaryotic algae. Quinones in the HS appear to be the effective structure. Furthermore, HS can modulate the offspring numbers in the nematode C. elegans and cause feminization of fish and amphibians--they possess hormone-like properties. The ecological consequences of this potential remain obscure at present. HS also have the potential to act as chemical attractants as shown with C. elegans and exert a mild chemical stress upon aquatic organisms in many ways: induction of molecular chaperons (stress proteins), induction and modulation of biotransformation and anti-oxidant enzymes. Furthermore, they produce an oxidative stress with lipidperoxidation as one clear symptom or even stress defense strategy. Stronger chemical stresses by HS may even lead to teratogenic effects as shown with fish embryos; all physiological responses to HS-mediated stress require energy, which were compensated on the expense of yolk as shown with zebra fish embryos. One Finnish field survey supports the view of a strong chemical stress, as the weight yield in fish species decreases with increasing HS content in the lakes. DISCUSSION HS exert a variety of stress symptoms in aquatic and compost organisms. According to current paradigms of ecotoxicology, these symptoms have to be considered adverse, because their compensation consumes energy which is deducted from the main metabolism. However, the nematode C. elegans looks actively for such stressful environments, and this behavior is only understandable in the light of new paradigms of aging mechanisms, particularly the Green Theory of Aging. In this respect, we discuss the mild HS-mediated stress to aquatic and compost organisms. New empirical findings with HS themselves and HS building blocks appear to be consistent with this emerging paradigm and show that the individual lifespan may be expanded. At present the ecological consequences of these findings remain obscure. However, a multiple-stress resistance may be acquired which improves the individual fitness in a fluctuating environment. CONCLUSIONS It appears that dissolved HS have to be considered abiotic ecological driving forces, somewhat less obvious than temperature, nutrients, or light. PERSPECTIVES The understanding of the ecological control by dissolved humic substances is still fragmentary and needs to be studied in more details.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian E W Steinberg
- Humboldt University at Berlin, Institute of Biology, Freshwater and Stress Ecology, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|