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Jeong H, Ali W, Zinck P, Souissi S, Lee JS. Toxicity of methylmercury in aquatic organisms and interaction with environmental factors and coexisting pollutants: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173574. [PMID: 38823721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a hazardous heavy metal that is distributed worldwide in aquatic ecosystems. Methylmercury (MeHg) poses significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms, primarily through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, due to its strong affinity for protein thiol groups, which results in negative effects even at low concentrations. MeHg exposure can cause various physiological changes, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, metabolic disorders, genetic damage, and immunotoxicity. To assess the risks of MeHg contamination in actual aquatic ecosystems, it is important to understand how MeHg interacts with environmental factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved organic matter, salinity, and other pollutants such as microplastics and organic compounds. Complex environmental conditions can cause potential toxicity, such as synergistic, antagonistic, and unchanged effects, of MeHg in aquatic organisms. This review focuses on demonstrating the toxic effects of single MeHg exposure and the interactive relationships between MeHg and surrounding environmental factors or pollutants on aquatic organisms. Our review also recommends further research on biological and molecular responses in aquatic organisms to better understand the potential toxicity of combinational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haksoo Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Wajid Ali
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Zinck
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sami Souissi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France; Center of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Operation Center for Enterprise Academia Networking, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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Yu G, Wu L, Su Q, Ji X, Zhou J, Wu S, Tang Y, Li H. Neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants in the environment: Focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123563. [PMID: 38355086 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123563] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment is a significant global environmental issue, characterized by its extensive distribution, severe contamination, and profound ecological impacts. Excessive exposure to heavy metal pollutants can damage the nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of most heavy metals are not completely understood. Epigenetics is defined as a heritable change in gene function that can influence gene and subsequent protein expression levels without altering the DNA sequence. Growing evidence indicates that heavy metals can induce neurotoxic effects by triggering epigenetic changes and disrupting the epigenome. Compared with genetic changes, epigenetic alterations are more easily reversible. Epigenetic reprogramming techniques, drugs, and certain nutrients targeting specific epigenetic mechanisms involved in gene expression regulation are emerging as potential preventive or therapeutic tools for diseases. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of epigenetic modifications encompassing DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the nervous system, elucidating their association with various heavy metal exposures. These primarily include manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), sliver (Ag), toxic metalloids arsenic (As), and etc. The potential epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology, precision prevention, and target therapy of various neurodevelopmental disorders or different neurodegenerative diseases are emphasized. In addition, the current gaps in research and future areas of study are discussed. From a perspective on epigenetics, this review offers novel insights for prevention and treatment of neurotoxicity induced by heavy metal pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxia Yu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Lingyan Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qianqian Su
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xianqi Ji
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jinfu Zhou
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Fujian Maternity and Child Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, Fuzhou 350125, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
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Li X, Kong L, Pan J, Liu H, Wang C, Xu S, Liu W, Sun J. N-acetylcysteine protects against neurodevelopmental injuries induced by methylmercury exposure during pregnancy and lactation. Brain Res 2024; 1827:148761. [PMID: 38211826 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
As an extremely dangerous environmental contaminant, methylmercury (MeHg) results in detrimental health effects in human brain nervous system, one of its main targets. However, as a developmental toxicant, the brain of offspring is vulnerable to MeHg during pregnancy and lactation exposure. Unfortunately, mechanisms of neurodevelopmental injuries induced by MeHg have not been fully elucidated. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used for several decades as an antioxidant to antagonize oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms of NAC alleviating MeHg-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity are not clear. Here, for evaluation of the dose-dependent effects of MeHg exposure on neurodevelopmental injuries of offspring, and the possible protective effects of NAC, the pregnant female mice were exposed to MeHg (4, 8, 12 mg/L, respectively) and NAC (50, 100, 150 mg/kg, respectively) from gestational day 1 (GD1) to postnatal day 21 (PND21). Our results indicated that administering MeHg caused behavioral impairment and neuronal injuries in the cerebral cortex of newborn mice. MeHg dose-dependently caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and oxidative stress aggravation, together with expression of Nrf2, HO-1, Notch1, and p21 up-regulation, and CDK2 inhibition. NAC treatment dose-dependently antagonized MeHg-induced oxidative stress that may contribute to alleviating neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental impairments. These results give insight into that NAC can protect against MeHg-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity by its antioxidation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Lingxu Kong
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingjing Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Haihui Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Si Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingyi Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, PR China.
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Methylmercury promotes oxidative stress and autophagy in rat cerebral cortex: Involvement of PI3K/AKT/mTOR or AMPK/TSC2/mTOR pathways and attenuation by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 95:107137. [PMID: 36403891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxicant that could induce oxidative stress and autophagy. However, the underlying mechanisms through which MeHg affects the central nervous system have not been fully elucidated, and little has been known of the interaction between oxidative stress and autophagy. Therefore, rats were administrated with different MeHg concentrations to evaluate the neurotoxic effects and autophagy in cerebral cortex. Moreover, we have investigated the neuroprotective role of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in order to estimate the regulation effects of oxidative stress on autophagy. A total of 64 rats, 40 of which were randomly divided into control and MeHg-treated (4, 8 and 12 μ mol/kg) groups. The remaining 24 rats were divided into control, NAC control (1 mmol/kg), 12 μ mol/kg MeHg, and NAC pretreatment. Administration of 12 μ mol/kg MeHg significantly increased behavioral and pathological abnormalities, and autophagy levels. In addition, the oxidative stress levels increased, together with abnormal expression of autophagy-related molecules. Pretreatment with NAC significantly prevented MeHg-induced oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT/mTOR or AMPK/TSC2/mTOR-mediated autophagy. In conclusion, the present study suggested that oxidative stress can regulate autophagy through PI3K/AKT/mTOR or AMPK/TSC2/mTOR pathways. This study provides a theoretical basis for the study and treatment of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Methamphetamine and HIV-1 Tat proteins synergistically induce microglial autophagy via activation of the Nrf2/NQO1/HO-1 signal pathway. Neuropharmacology 2022; 220:109256. [PMID: 36162528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant that is abused throughout the world. METH is a highly addictive drug commonly used by persons living with HIV, and its use can result in cognitive impairment and memory deficits. METH and human immunodeficiency virus-1 transactivator of transcription (HIV-1Tat) have toxic and synergistic effects on the nervous system; however, the mechanism of their synergistic effects has not been clarified. We used BV2 cells, primary microglia, Nrf2-KO C57BL/6J mice, and autopsied brain tissues of METH-abusing, HIV infection, and METH-abusing individuals comorbid with HIV to explore the regulatory role of Nrf2/NQO1/HO-1 signal pathway on microglia autophagy. Our results showed that microglia were significantly activated by METH and HIV-1Tat protein. METH and HIV-1Tat protein combination significantly increase the autophagy-related proteins (LC3-II, Beclin-1, ATG5, and ATG7) expression in microglia and striatum of C57BL/6J mice. After silencing or knocking out the Nrf2 gene, the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins were significantly increased. In human brain tissue, microglia were activated, Nrf2, LC3-II, and Beclin-1 expression levels were raised, and the p62 expression level was decreased. Our results suggested that METH and HIV or HIV-1Tat synergistically affect autophagy. And the Nrf2 pathway plays a vital role in regulating the synergistic induction of microglial autophagy by METH and HIV-1Tat protein. This study may provide a theoretical basis and new ideas for effective targets for pharmacological intervention in HIV-infected patients with drug abuse.
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Zhang X, Ye Y, Sun J, Xu Y, Huang Y, Wang JS, Tang L, Ji J, Chen BY, Sun X. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide extract relieves FB1-induced neurotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in Caenorhabditis elegans. FOOD BIOSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ni L, Wei Y, Pan J, Li X, Xu B, Deng Y, Yang T, Liu W. Shedding New Light on Methylmercury-induced Neurotoxicity Through the Crosstalk Between Autophagy and Apoptosis. Toxicol Lett 2022; 359:55-64. [PMID: 35122893 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bio-accumulative global environmental contaminant present in fish and seafood. MeHg accumulates in the aquatic environment and eventually reaches the human system via the food chain by bio-magnification. The central nervous system is the primary target of toxicity and is particularly vulnerable during development. It is well documented that developmental MeHg exposure can lead to neurological alterations, including cognitive and motor dysfunction. Apoptosis is a primary characteristic of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, and may be regulated by autophagic activity. However, mechanisms mediating the interaction between apoptosis and autophagy remains to be explored. Autophagy is an adaptive response under stressful conditions, and the basal level of autophagy ensures the physiological turnover of old and damaged organelles. Autophagy can regulate cell fate through different crosstalk signaling pathways. A complex interplay between autophagy and apoptosis determines the degree of apoptosis and the progression of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity as demonstrated by pre-clinical models and clinical trials. This review summarizes recent advances in the roles of autophagy and apoptosis in MeHg neurotoxicity and thoroughly explores the relationship between them. The autophagic pathway may be a potential therapeutic target in MeHg neurotoxicity through modulation of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Ni
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfeng Wei
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyao Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Liu W, Gong Z, Zhang K, Dong W, Zou H, Song R, Bian J, Zhu J, Liu G, Liu Z. Paeonol protects renal tubular cells against cadmium-induced cytotoxicity via alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory responses and restoring autophagy. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 230:111733. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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