Proteomic analysis of serum of workers occupationally exposed to arsenic, cadmium, and lead for biomarker research: a preliminary study

Metabolomics and proteomics in occupational medicine: a comprehensive systematic review

BACKGROUND

Occupational biomonitoring is essential for assessing health risks linked to workplace exposures. The use of 'omics' technologies, such as metabolomics and proteomics, has become crucial in detecting subtle biological alterations induced by occupational hazards, thereby opening novel avenues for biomarker discovery.

AIMS

This systematic review aims to evaluate the application of metabolomics and proteomics in occupational health.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for original human studies that use metabolomics or proteomics to assess occupational exposure biomarkers. The risk of bias was assessed by adapting the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

Of 2311 initially identified articles, 85 met the eligibility criteria. These studies were mainly conducted in China, Europe, and the United States of America, covering a wide range of occupational exposures. The findings revealed that metabolomics and proteomics approaches effectively identified biomarkers related to chemical, physical, biomechanical, and psychosocial hazards. Analytical methods varied, with mass spectrometry-based techniques emerging as the most prevalent. The risk of bias was generally low to moderate, with specific concerns about exposure measurement and confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating metabolomics and proteomics in occupational health biomonitoring significantly advances our understanding of exposure effects and facilitates the development of personalized preventive interventions. However, challenges remain regarding the complexity of data analysis, biomarker specificity, and the translation of findings into preventive measures. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and biomarker validation across diverse populations to improve the reliability and applicability of occupational health interventions.

Biomonitoring for workplace exposure to copper and its compounds is currently not interpretable

This paper sets out to explore the requirements needed to recommend a useable and reliable biomonitoring system for occupational exposure to copper and its inorganic compounds. Whilst workplace environmental monitoring of copper is used to measure ambient air concentrations for comparison against occupational exposure limits, biological monitoring could provide complementary information about the internal dose of workers, taking into account intra-individual variability and exposure from all routes. For biomonitoring to be of reliable use for copper, a biomarker and the analytical ability to measure it with sufficient sensitivity must be identified and this is discussed in a range of matrices. In addition, there needs to be a clear understanding of the dose-response relationship of the biomarker with any health-effect (clinical or sub-clinical) or, between the level of external exposure (by any route) and the level of the copper biomarker in the biological matrix being sampled, together with a knowledge of the half-life in the body to determine accurate sampling times. For many biologically non-essential metals the requirements for reliable biomarkers can be met, however, for 'essential' metals such as copper that are under homeostatic control, the relationship between exposure (short- or long-term) and the level of any copper biomarker in the blood or urine is complex, which may limit the use and interpretation of measured levels. There are a number of types of biomarker guidance values currently in use which are discussed in this paper, but no values have yet been determined for copper (or its inorganic compounds) due to the complexity of its essential nature; the US The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has however indicated that it is considering the development of a biological exposure index for copper and its compounds. In light of this, we present a review of the reliability of current copper biomarkers and their potential use in the occupational context to evaluate whether there is value in carrying out human biomonitoring for copper exposure. Based on the available evidence we have concluded that the reliable use of biomonitoring of occupational exposure to copper and its application in risk assessment is not possible at the present time.

Prenatal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals: The role of multi-omics in understanding toxicity

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse group of toxicants detected in populations globally. Prenatal EDC exposures impact birth and childhood outcomes. EDCs work through persistent changes at the molecular, cellular, and organ level. Molecular and biochemical signals or 'omics' can be measured at various functional levels - including the epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and the microbiome. In this narrative review, we introduce each omics and give examples of associations with prenatal EDC exposures. There is substantial research on epigenomic modifications in offspring exposed to EDCs during gestation, and a growing number of studies evaluating the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, or microbiome in response to these exposures. Multi-omics, integrating data across omics layers, may improve understanding of disrupted function pathways related to early life exposures. We highlight several data integration methods to consider in multi-omics studies. Information from multi-omics can improve understanding of the biological processes and mechanisms underlying prenatal EDC toxicity.

Integration of proteomic and metabolomic analyses: New insights for mapping informal workers exposed to potentially toxic elements

Occupational exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a concerning reality of informal workers engaged in the jewelry production chain that can lead to adverse health effects. In this study, untargeted proteomic and metabolomic analyses were employed to assess the impact of these exposures on informal workers' exposome in Limeira city, São Paulo state, Brazil. PTE levels (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, and Pb) were determined in blood, proteomic analyses were performed for saliva samples (n = 26), and metabolomic analyses in plasma (n = 145) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry. Blood PTE levels of workers, controls, and their family members were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). High concentration levels of Sn and Cu were detected in welders' blood (p < 0.001). Statistical analyses were performed using MetaboAnalyst 4.0. The results showed that 26 proteins were upregulated, and 14 proteins downregulated on the welder group, and thirty of these proteins were also correlated with blood Pb, Cu, Sb, and Sn blood levels in the welder group (p < 0.05). Using gene ontology analysis of these 40 proteins revealed the biological processes related to the upregulated proteins were translational initiation, SRP-dependent co-translational protein targeting to membrane, and viral transcription. A Metabolome-Wide Association Study (MWAS) was performed to search for associations between blood metabolites and exposure groups. A pathway enrichment analysis of significant features from the MWAS was then conducted with Mummichog. A total of 73 metabolomic compounds and 40 proteins up or down-regulated in welders were used to perform a multi-omics analysis, disclosing seven metabolic pathways potentially disturbed by the informal work: valine leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, valine leucine and isoleucine degradation, arginine and proline metabolism, ABC transporters, central carbon metabolism in cancer, arachidonic acid metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism. The majority of the proteins found to be statistically up or downregulated in welders also correlated with at least one blood PTE level, providing insights into the biological responses to PTE exposures in the informal work exposure scenario. These findings shed new light on the effects of occupational activity on workers' exposome, underscoring the harmful effects of PTE.

Commentary: Novel strategies and new tools to curtail the health effects of pesticides

BACKGROUND

Flaws in the science supporting pesticide risk assessment and regulation stand in the way of progress in mitigating the human health impacts of pesticides. Critical problems include the scope of regulatory testing protocols, the near-total focus on pure active ingredients rather than formulated products, lack of publicly accessible information on co-formulants, excessive reliance on industry-supported studies coupled with reticence to incorporate published results in the risk assessment process, and failure to take advantage of new scientific opportunities and advances, e.g. biomonitoring and "omics" technologies.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Problems in pesticide risk assessment are identified and linked to study design, data, and methodological shortcomings. Steps and strategies are presented that have potential to deepen scientific knowledge of pesticide toxicity, exposures, and risks. We propose four solutions: (1) End near-sole reliance in regulatory decision-making on industry-supported studies by supporting and relying more heavily on independent science, especially for core toxicology studies. The cost of conducting core toxicology studies at labs not affiliated with or funded directly by pesticide registrants should be covered via fees paid by manufacturers to public agencies. (2) Regulators should place more weight on mechanistic data and low-dose studies within the range of contemporary exposures. (3) Regulators, public health agencies, and funders should increase the share of exposure-assessment resources that produce direct measures of concentrations in bodily fluids and tissues. Human biomonitoring is vital in order to quickly identify rising exposures among vulnerable populations including applicators, pregnant women, and children. (4) Scientific tools across disciplines can accelerate progress in risk assessments if integrated more effectively. New genetic and metabolomic markers of adverse health impacts and heritable epigenetic impacts are emerging and should be included more routinely in risk assessment to effectively prevent disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventing adverse public health outcomes triggered or made worse by exposure to pesticides will require changes in policy and risk assessment procedures, more science free of industry influence, and innovative strategies that blend traditional methods with new tools and mechanistic insights.

Elevated lead levels and changes in blood morphology and erythrocyte CR1 in preschool children from an e-waste area

Improper dismantling and combustion of electronic waste (e-waste) may release persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals that possess potential risk for human health. Lead (Pb) is carried through the circulatory system by erythrocytes and is known to alter the functions of hematopoietic and immune systems. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Pb exposure on blood morphology and erythrocyte complement receptor 1 (CR1) levels as related to immunologic function in preschool children. We recruited 484 preschool children, 2- to 6-years of age, among whom 332 children were from Guiyu, a typical and primitive e-waste processing area, and 152 children from Haojiang (reference area). Results showed that the blood Pb level (BPb) and erythrocyte Pb level (EPb) of exposed children were significantly higher, but, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and erythrocyte CR1 levels were significantly lower than reference children. Elevated EPb and BPb was related to disadvantageous changes in hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCHC, respectively, in children from the e-waste recycling area. Furthermore, in the high Pb-exposed group, the Pb toxicity of erythrocytes was more significant compared to the low Pb-exposed group in e-waste-exposed children. Combine with the BPb and EPb would be better to evaluating the Pb toxicity of erythrocytes. Compared to low Pb exposure, high BPb and EPb were associated with lower erythrocyte CR1 expression in all children. Our data suggests that elevated Pb levels result in adverse changes in blood morphology, hemoglobin synthesis and CR1 expression, which might be a non-negligible threat to erythrocyte immunity development in local preschool children. It is therefore imperative for any intervention to control the Pb exposure of children and actively educate adults to raise their environmental awareness of potential e-waste pollution during the recycling process.

Heavy metal pollutant cadmium enhances malignant biological behavior of human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells via inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition

AIM

To investigate the influence of cadmium on the malignant biological behavior of HCT-116 cells and the mechanism involved.

METHODS

After HCT-116 cells were treated with cadmium, the changes in cell malignant biological behavior were assessed by MTT assay, colony forming assay, cell adhesion assay, and transwell migration and invasion assays. Western blot was used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and other proteins in cadmium treated cells.

RESULTS

Chronic exposure to cadmium enhanced the malignant biological behavior of HCT-116 cells, and the transformed cells formed mesenchymal-like intercellular junctions. The protein expression of vimentin, MMP3, and MMP9 was increased, while the expression of E-cadherin was decreased in a time-dependent manner. Overall, morphological and molecular changes suggested that HCT-116 cells underwent an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process after chronic cadmium exposure.

CONCLUSION

Cadmium enhances the malignant biologic behavior of HCT-116 cells possibly by inducing EMT.

Metal mixture (As-Cd-Pb)-induced cell transformation is modulated by OLA1

Environmental pollutants are complex mixtures in which metals are ubiquitous. Metal mixtures of arsenic, cadmium and lead are present in the occupational environment and generate health effects such as cardiovascular, renal and cancer diseases. Cell transformation induced by metal mixtures that depend on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell viability maintenance and avoidance of senescence was previously reported by our group. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of a Obg-like ATPase1 (OLA1) in the cell transformation of BALB/c 3T3 A31-1-1 clonal cells induced by a metal mixture (2 µM NaAsO2, 2 µM CdCl2 and 5 µM Pb(C2H3O2)2 3H2O) through ROS generation. The interest in OLA1 is justified because this protein has been proposed to be a negative regulator of the cellular antioxidant response. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown OLA1 before the initiation stage of the transformation assay. We evaluated (ROS) and OLA1 protein expression throughout the initiation and promotion stages of transformation. OLA1 knockdown modulated metal mixture-induced cell transformation more strongly when the metal mixture was an initiator stimulus than when it was a promoter. The ability of the metal mixture to initiate cell transformation was diminished by OLA1 knockdown, an effect that depended on intracellular ROS levels. The effect of OLA1 was synergistic with N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) co-treatment. Oxidative stress-associated transcription factors Egr1 and Smad were also down-regulated by the OLA1 knockdown, contributing to the rescue of metal mixture cell transformation.

The Use of Legendre and Zernike Moment Functions for the Comparison of 2-D PAGE Maps

The comparison of 2-D maps is not trivial, the main difficulties being the high complexity of the sample and the large experimental variability characterizing 2-D gel electrophoresis. The comparison of maps from control and treated samples is usually performed by specific software, providing the so-called spot volume dataset where each spot of a specific map is matched to its analogous in other maps, and they are described by their optical density, which is supposed to be related to the underlying protein amount. Here, a different approach is presented, based on the direct comparison of 2-D map images: each map is decomposed in terms of moment functions, successively applying the multivariate tools usually adopted in image analysis problems. The moments calculated are then treated with multivariate classification techniques. Here, two types of moment functions are presented (Legendre and Zernike moments), while linear discriminant analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis are exploited as classification tools to provide the classification of the samples. The procedure is applied to a sample dataset to prove its effectiveness.

Metabonomic analysis of serum of workers occupationally exposed to arsenic, cadmium and lead for biomarker research: a preliminary study

Environmental metabonomics is the application of metabonomics to characterize the interactions of organisms with their environment. Metabolic profiling is an exciting addition to the armory of the epidemiologist for the discovery of new disease risk biomarkers and diagnostics. This work is a continuation of research searching for preclinical serum markers in a group of 389 healthy smelter workers exposed to lead, cadmium and arsenic. Changes in the metabolic profiles were studied using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy on pooled serum samples from both the metal exposed and control groups. These multivariate metabonomic datasets were analyzed with Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis. Analysis of metabolic profiles of people exposed to heavy metals suggests energy metabolism disturbance induced by heavy metals. Changes in lipid fraction (very-low-density lipoprotein - VLDL, low-density lipoprotein - LDL), unsaturated lipids and in the level of amino acids suggest perturbation of the metabolism of lipids and amino acids. This study illustrated the high reliability of NMR-based metabonomic profiling on the study of the biochemical effects induced by the mixture of heavy metals. This approach is capable of identifying intermediate biomarkers of response to toxicants at environmental/occupational concentrations, paving the way to its use in a monitoring of smelter workers exposed to low doses of lead, cadmium and arsenic.

The influence of the occupational exposure to heavy metals and tobacco smoke on the selected oxidative stress markers in smelters

The aim of the study was to verify if there is any association between exposure to Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As and the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and whether in this process cigarette smoking plays a role. The investigations were performed in the 352 smelters occupationally exposed to heavy metals and 73 persons of control group. Metals concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. MDA and AOPP concentrations were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The concentration of 8-OHdG was determined by ELISA method. It was demonstrated an increased Cu concentration in smoking smelters compared to non-smoking control group. It was noted no differences in Zn and Mg concentrations between the examined groups. Pb concentration was more than sixfold higher in the group of smoking smelters and about fivefold higher in the group of non-smoking smelters compared to the control groups (smokers and non-smokers). It was shown that Cd concentration in the blood was nearly fivefold higher in the smoking control group compared to the non-smoking control group and more than threefold higher in the group of smoking smelters compared to non-smoking. It was shown an increased As concentration (more than fourfold) and decreased Ca concentration in both groups of smelters compared to control groups. In groups of smelters (smokers and non-smokers), twofold higher MDA and AOPP concentrations, and AOPP/albumin index compared to control groups (smokers and non-smokers) were shown. Tobacco smoke is the major source of Cd in the blood of smelters. Occupational exposure causes accumulation of Pb in the blood. Occupational exposure to heavy metals causes raise of MDA concentration and causes greater increase in AOPP concentration than tobacco smoke.