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Santos PA, Uczay M, Pflüger P, Lobo LAC, Rott MB, Fontenla JA, Rodrigues Siqueira I, Pereira P. Toxicological assessment of the Achyrocline satureioides aqueous extract in the Caenorhabditis elegans alternative model. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2024; 87:730-751. [PMID: 38904345 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2368618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Achyrocline satureioides, popularly called "marcela" in Brazil, is used in traditional medicine in South America. A. satureioides, inflorescences are used for many conditions, including to minimize the Sars-Cov-2 symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the toxicity profile of A. satureioides aqueous extract (ASAE), using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) alternative model. Survival, reproduction, development, and transgenerational assays were performed. The effects of ASAE were investigated under conditions of thermal stress and presence of oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition, C. elegans strains containing high antioxidant enzyme levels and elevated lineages of daf-16, skn-1 and daf-2 regulatory pathways were examined. The ASAE LC50 value was found to be 77.3 ± 4 mg/ml. The concentration of ASAE 10 mg/ml (frequently used in humans) did not exhibit a significant reduction in worm survival at either the L1 or L4 stage, after 24 or 72 hr treatment. ASAE did not markedly alter the body area. In N2 strain, ASAE (10 or 25 mg/ml) reversed the damage initiated by H2O2. In addition, ASAE protected the damage produced by H2O2 in strains containing significant levels of sod-3, gst-4 and ctl - 1,2,3, suggesting modulation in these antioxidant systems by this plant extract. ASAE exposure activated daf-16 and skn-1 stress response transcriptional pathways independently of daf-2, even under extreme stress. Data suggest that ASAE, at the concentrations tested in C. elegans, exhibits a reliable toxicity profile, which may contribute to consideration for safe use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péterson Alves Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariana Uczay
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pricila Pflüger
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Larissa Aline Carneiro Lobo
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jose Angel Fontenla
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ionara Rodrigues Siqueira
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Caetano ELA, Novoa San Miguel FJ, Errázuriz León R, Grotto D, Hornos Carneiro MF. Exploring the impact of Agaricus bisporus on mitigating lead reproductive toxicity using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 283:109963. [PMID: 38889876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Given that Agaricus bisporus, an edible mushroom, has demonstrated antioxidant properties, our investigation aimed to assess whether Agaricus bisporus could mitigate the toxic effects of lead (Pb) on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. A dose-response study was conducted involving Pb and Agaricus bisporus to determine appropriate doses. Subsequently, a co-exposure study utilizing C. elegans strains N2 and CL2166 was implemented, with groups designated as Control, Pb, Agaricus bisporus, and Pb + Agaricus bisporus. Our findings revealed that co-exposure to Pb + 100 mg/mL Agaricus bisporus resulted in reduced embryonic and larval lethality, increased brood size, and enhanced motility compared to nematodes exposed solely to Pb. Notably, our observations indicated a transfer of reproductive toxicity from nematode parents to their offspring. Thus, Agaricus bisporus may play a significant role in Pb detoxification, suggesting its potential as a natural antioxidant for neutralizing the detrimental effects of Pb on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rocío Errázuriz León
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Santiago, Chile
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3
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Wang Y, Wang D. Exposure to 6-PPD quinone enhances glycogen accumulation in Caenorhabditiselegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124600. [PMID: 39047886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Glycogen metabolism is an important biological process for organisms. In Caenorhabditis elegans, effect of 6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ) on glycogen accumulation and underlying mechanism were examined. Exposure to 6-PPDQ (1 and 10 μg/L) increased glycogen accumulation. Meanwhile, exposure to 6-PPDQ (1 and 10 μg/L) increased expression of gsy-1 encoding glycogen synthase and decreased expression of pygl-1 encoding glycogen phosphorylase. In 6-PPDQ exposed animals, glycogen content and glycogen accumulation were inhibited by RNAi of gsy-1 and enhanced by RNAi of pygl-1. RNAi of gsy-1 increased pygl-1 expression, and RNAi of pygl-1 increased gsy-1 expression after 6-PPDQ exposure. In 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes, daf-16 and aak-2 expressions were decreased and glycogen accumulation was suppressed by RNAi of daf-16 and aak-2, suggesting alteration in daf-16 and aak-2 expressions did not mediate glycogen accumulation. Moreover, resistance to 6-PPDQ toxicity on locomotion and brood size was observed in gsy-1(RNAi) animals, and susceptibility to 6-PPDQ toxicity was found in pygl-1(RNAi) animals. Therefore, glycogen accumulation could be enhanced by exposure to 6-PPDQ in nematodes. In addition, alteration in expressions of gsy-1 and pygl-1 governing this enhancement in glycogen accumulation mediated induction of 6-PPDQ toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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4
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Kanungo J, Sorkin BC, Krzykwa J, Mitchell CA, Embry M, Spencer P, Harry GJ, Cannon J, Liu F, McPherson CA, Gafner S, Westerink RHS. Screening tools to evaluate the neurotoxic potential of botanicals: building a strategy to assess safety. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:629-646. [PMID: 38984683 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2378895] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
AREAS COVERED This paper outlines the selection of NAMs, including in vitro assays using primary rat cortical neurons, zebrafish embryos, and Caenorhabditis elegans. These assays aim to assess neurotoxic endpoints such as neuronal activity and behavioral responses. Microelectrode array recordings of rat cortical neurons provide insights into the impact of botanical extracts on neuronal function, while the zebrafish embryos and C. elegans assays evaluate neurobehavioral responses. The paper also provides an account of the selection of botanical case studies based on expert judgment and existing neuroactivity/toxicity information. The proposed battery of assays will be tested with these case studies to evaluate their utility for neurotoxicity screening. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of botanicals necessitates the use of multiple NAMs for effective neurotoxicity screening. This paper discusses the evaluation of methodologies to develop a robust framework for evaluating botanical safety, including complex neuronal models and key neurodevelopmental process assays. It aims to establish a comprehensive screening framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotshna Kanungo
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Barbara C Sorkin
- Office of Dietary Supplements, Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie Krzykwa
- Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Michelle Embry
- Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - G Jean Harry
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jason Cannon
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Christopher A McPherson
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Remco H S Westerink
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Rodrigues DT, Padilha HA, Soares ATG, de Souza MEO, Guerra MT, Ávila DS. The Caenorhabditis elegans neuroendocrine system and their modulators: An overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 586:112191. [PMID: 38382589 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In this review we seek to systematically bring what has been published in the literature about the nervous system, endocrine system, neuroendocrine relationships, neuroendocrine modulations and endocrine disruptors in the alternative model Caenorhabditis elegans. The serotonergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitters are related to the modulation of the neuroendocrine axis, leading to the activation or inhibition of several processes that occur in the worm through distinct and interconnected pathways. Furthermore, this review addresses the gut-neuronal axis as it has been revealed in recent years that gut microbiota impacts on neuronal functions. This review also approaches xenobiotics that can positively or negatively impact the neuroendocrine system in C. elegans as in mammals, which allows the application of this nematode to screen new drugs and to identify toxicants that are endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teixeira Rodrigues
- Graduation Program in Biological Sciences- Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Graduation Program in Biological Sciences- Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Hughes S, Hessel EVS. Zebrafish and nematodes as whole organism models to measure developmental neurotoxicity. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:330-343. [PMID: 38832580 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2342448] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the growing epidemiological evidence of an association between toxin exposure and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), systematic testing of DNT is not mandatory in international regulations for admission of pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals. However, to date around 200 compounds, ranging from pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals, have been tested for DNT in the current OECD test guidelines (TG-443 or TG-426). There are calls for the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for DNT, which has resulted in a DNT testing battery using in vitro human cell-based assays. These assays provide a means to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of toxicity in humans which is lacking in animal-based toxicity tests. However, cell-based assays do not represent all steps of the complex process leading to DNT. Validated models with a multi-organ network of pathways that interact at the molecular, cellular and tissue level at very specific timepoints in a life cycle are currently missing. Consequently, whole model organisms are being developed to screen for, and causally link, new molecular targets of DNT compounds and how they affect whole brain development and neurobehavioral endpoints. Given the practical and ethical restraints associated with vertebrate testing, lower animal models that qualify as 3 R (reduce, refine and replace) models, including the nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) will prove particularly valuable for unravelling toxicity pathways leading to DNT. Although not as complex as the human brain, these 3 R-models develop a complete functioning brain with numerous neurodevelopmental processes overlapping with human brain development. Importantly, the main signalling pathways relating to (neuro)development, metabolism and growth are highly conserved in these models. We propose the use of whole model organisms specifically zebrafish and C. elegans for DNT relevant endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hughes
- Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, A-LIFE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Serafini MM, Sepehri S, Midali M, Stinckens M, Biesiekierska M, Wolniakowska A, Gatzios A, Rundén-Pran E, Reszka E, Marinovich M, Vanhaecke T, Roszak J, Viviani B, SenGupta T. Recent advances and current challenges of new approach methodologies in developmental and adult neurotoxicity testing. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1271-1295. [PMID: 38480536 PMCID: PMC10965660 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Adult neurotoxicity (ANT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessments aim to understand the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of toxicants on the human nervous system. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the so-called new approach methodologies (NAMs). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), together with European and American regulatory agencies, promote the use of validated alternative test systems, but to date, guidelines for regulatory DNT and ANT assessment rely primarily on classical animal testing. Alternative methods include both non-animal approaches and test systems on non-vertebrates (e.g., nematodes) or non-mammals (e.g., fish). Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advances of NAMs focusing on ANT and DNT and highlights the potential and current critical issues for the full implementation of these methods in the future. The status of the DNT in vitro battery (DNT IVB) is also reviewed as a first step of NAMs for the assessment of neurotoxicity in the regulatory context. Critical issues such as (i) the need for test batteries and method integration (from in silico and in vitro to in vivo alternatives, e.g., zebrafish, C. elegans) requiring interdisciplinarity to manage complexity, (ii) interlaboratory transferability, and (iii) the urgent need for method validation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Maria Serafini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Sepehri
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miriam Midali
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marth Stinckens
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marta Biesiekierska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Wolniakowska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alexandra Gatzios
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Edyta Reszka
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center of Research on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment (SAFE-MI), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joanna Roszak
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center of Research on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment (SAFE-MI), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tanima SenGupta
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
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de Oliveira GV, Soares MV, Cordeiro LM, da Silva AF, Venturini L, Ilha L, Baptista FBO, da Silveira TL, Soares FAA, Iglesias BA. Toxicological assessment of photoactivated tetra-cationic porphyrin molecules under white light exposure in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Toxicology 2024; 504:153793. [PMID: 38574843 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153793] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes the potential of photosensitizing substances to absorb light energy and produce reactive oxygen species. Tetra-cationic porphyrins, which have organic or coordination compounds attached to their periphery, are heterocyclic derivatives with well-described antimicrobial and antitumoral properties. This is due to their ability to produce reactive oxygen species and their photobiological properties in solution. Consequently, these molecules are promising candidates as new and more effective photosensitizers with biomedical, environmental, and other biomedical applications. Prior to human exposure, it is essential to establish the toxicological profile of these molecules using in vivo models. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans, a small free-living nematode, as a model for assessing toxic effects and predicting toxicity in preclinical research. We evaluated the toxic effects of porphyrins (neutral and tetra-cationic) on nematodes under dark/light conditions. Our findings demonstrate that tetra-methylated porphyrins (3TMeP and 4TMeP) at a concentration of 3.3 µg/mL (1.36 and 0.93 µM) exhibit high toxicity (as evidenced by reduced survival, development, and locomotion) under dark conditions. Moreover, photoactivated tetra-methylated porphyrins induce higher ROS levels compared to neutral (3TPyP and 4TPyP), tetra-palladated (3PdTPyP and 4PdTPyP), and tetra-platinated (3PtTPyP and 4PtTPyP) porphyrins, which may be responsible for the observed toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Vitória de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcell Valandro Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Larissa Marafiga Cordeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aline Franzen da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiza Venturini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Larissa Ilha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Bicca Obetine Baptista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tássia Limana da Silveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Félix Alexandre Antunes Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Bernardo Almeida Iglesias
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Porphyrinic Materials, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Collins EMS, Hessel EVS, Hughes S. How neurobehavior and brain development in alternative whole-organism models can contribute to prediction of developmental neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2024; 102:48-57. [PMID: 38552718 PMCID: PMC11139590 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is not routinely evaluated in chemical risk assessment because current test paradigms for DNT require the use of mammalian models which are ethically controversial, expensive, and resource demanding. Consequently, efforts have focused on revolutionizing DNT testing through affordable novel alternative methods for risk assessment. The goal is to develop a DNT in vitro test battery amenable to high-throughput screening (HTS). Currently, the DNT in vitro test battery consists primarily of human cell-based assays because of their immediate relevance to human health. However, such cell-based assays alone are unable to capture the complexity of a developing nervous system. Whole organismal systems that qualify as 3 R (Replace, Reduce and Refine) models are urgently needed to complement cell-based DNT testing. These models can provide the necessary organismal context and be used to explore the impact of chemicals on brain function by linking molecular and/or cellular changes to behavioural readouts. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the planarian Dugesia japonica, and embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio are all suited to low-cost HTS and each has unique strengths for DNT testing. Here, we review the strengths and the complementarity of these organisms in a novel, integrative context and highlight how they can augment current cell-based assays for more comprehensive and robust DNT screening of chemicals. Considering the limitations of all in vitro test systems, we discuss how a smart combinatory use of these systems will contribute to a better human relevant risk assessment of chemicals that considers the complexity of the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria S Collins
- Swarthmore College, Biology, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, 3721 MA, the Netherlands
| | - Samantha Hughes
- Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, A-LIFE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands.
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Liu J, Yuan X, Fan C, Ma G. Application of the zebrafish model in human viral research. Virus Res 2024; 341:199327. [PMID: 38262567 PMCID: PMC10835014 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199327] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Viruses are a leading cause of infectious diseases. Well-developed animal models are valuable for understanding the immune responses to viral infections and the pathogenesis of viral diseases. Zebrafish is a commonly used small vertebrate model organism with strong reproductive ability, a short life cycle, and rapid embryonic development. Moreover, zebrafish and human genomes are highly similar; they have approximately 70 % homology in protein-coding genes, and 84 % of genes associated with human diseases have zebrafish counterparts. Recent years, different groups have developed zebrafish models for human viral infections and diseases, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms of human viral pathogenesis as well as the development of antiviral strategies. The zebrafish model has become a simple and effective model system for understanding host-virus interaction. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the use of zebrafish models in human viral research, particularly in SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Xiaoyi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, China.
| | - Chunxin Fan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China
| | - Guangyong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, China.
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Schröter L, Jentsch L, Maglioni S, Muñoz-Juan A, Wahle T, Limke A, von Mikecz A, Laromaine A, Ventura N. A Multisystemic Approach Revealed Aminated Polystyrene Nanoparticles-Induced Neurotoxicity. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2302907. [PMID: 37899301 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to plastic nanoparticles has dramatically increased in the last 50 years, and there is evidence that plastic nanoparticles can be absorbed by organisms and cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). However, their toxic effects, especially on the nervous system, have not yet been extensively investigated, and most of the knowledge is based on studies using different conditions and systems, thus hard to compare. In this work, physicochemical properties of non-modified polystyrene (PS) and amine-functionalized PS (PS-NH2 ) nanoparticles are initially characterized. Advantage of a multisystemic approach is then taken to compare plastic nanoparticles effects in vitro, through cytotoxic readouts in mammalian cell culture, and in vivo, through behavioral readouts in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a powerful 3R-complying model organism for toxicology studies. In vitro experiments in neuroblastoma cells indicate a specific cytotoxic effect of PS-NH2 particles, including a decreased neuronal differentiation and an increased Amyloid β (Aβ) secretion, a sensitive readout correlating with Alzheimer's disease pathology. In parallel, only in vivo treatments with PS-NH2 particles affect C. elegans development, decrease lifespan, and reveal higher sensitivity of animals expressing human Aβ compared to wild-type animals. In summary, the multisystemic approach discloses a neurotoxic effect induced by aminated polystyrene nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schröter
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Lena Jentsch
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Silvia Maglioni
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Amanda Muñoz-Juan
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Tina Wahle
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Annette Limke
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna von Mikecz
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Laromaine
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Natascia Ventura
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
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12
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Guerreiro Gomes E, Dorneles Caldeira Balboni M, Velasque Werhli A, Dos Santos Machado K, Monserrat JM. In silico simulation of benzo[a]pyrene toxicity in the worm Caenorhabditiselegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122782. [PMID: 37865330 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122782] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a toxicological screening tool using a virtual (in silico) population of Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to different concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (BAP). The model used computational tools based on a previous study to simulate the life cycle and characteristics of C. elegans. The model was implemented in Python and adapted with fewer repetitions of simulations to reduce execution time. The toxicity function was based on in vivo data from previous studies, and the results of the model were compared with experimental results. The model showed good accuracy in reproducing the survival data of worms exposed to BAP since the lethal concentration for 50% (LC50) and the 95% confidence interval of exposed worms during 72 h was 77.92 μg/L (71.32-85.12 μg/L). The LC50 of the simulated data was 87.10 μg/L (76.13-99.85 μg/L). It was concluded that the in silico model can be a useful alternative to conventional in vivo testing methods, saving cost and time and addressing ethical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Guerreiro Gomes
- Graduate Program in Physiological Science, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Adriano Velasque Werhli
- Computational Biology Laboratory - COMBI-Lab, Center for Computational Sciences (C3), FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Karina Dos Santos Machado
- Computational Biology Laboratory - COMBI-Lab, Center for Computational Sciences (C3), FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - José María Monserrat
- Graduate Program in Physiological Science, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
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13
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Ngo LT, Huang WT, Chan MH, Su TY, Li CH, Hsiao M, Liu RS. Comprehensive Neurotoxicity of Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals in Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306020. [PMID: 37661358 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
To date, all-inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots have emerged as promising materials for photonic, optoelectronic devices, and biological applications, especially in solar cells, raising numerous concerns about their biosafety. Most of the studies related to the toxicity of perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs) have focused on the potential risks of hybrid perovskites by using zebrafish or human cells. So far, the neurotoxic effects and fundamental mechanisms of PeQDs remain unknown. Herein, a comprehensive methodology is designed to investigate the neurotoxicity of PeQDs by using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The results show that the accumulation of PeQDs mainly focuses on the alimentary system and head region. Acute exposure to PeQDs results in a decrease in locomotor behaviors and pharyngeal pumping, whereas chronic exposure to PeQDs causes brood decline and shortens lifespan. In addition, some abnormal issues occur in the uterus during reproduction assays, such as vulva protrusion, impaired eggs left in the vulva, and egg hatching inside the mother. Excessive reactive oxygen species formation is also observed. The neurotoxicity of PeQDs is explained by gene expression. This study provides a complete insight into the neurotoxicity of PeQD and encourages the development of novel nontoxic PeQDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loan Thi Ngo
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan University, Academia Road 128, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tse Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Academia Road 128, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yi Su
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiu Li
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Academia Road 128, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Academia Road 128, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Shi Liu
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
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14
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Fernandez-Hubeid LE, Albrecht PA, Aschner M, Virgolini MB. Enduring Ethanol-Induced Behavioral Alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans After Developmental Lead Exposure. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:307-316. [PMID: 38285346 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_15] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has become a powerful tool to evaluate the deleterious effects of early-life exposure to xenobiotics, including metals. The present chapter describes a detailed protocol for developmental lead (Pb)-exposure in C. elegans. Preliminary assays as well as the final procedure are described in detail. In addition, further protocols aimed to assess ethanol exposure at later stages of life demonstrate the impact of this drug on locomotor behavior, revealing the enduring effects that Pb can imprint on this organism when exposure occurs during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía E Fernandez-Hubeid
- IFEC-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paula A Albrecht
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Miriam B Virgolini
- IFEC-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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15
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Shan L, Heusinkveld HJ, Paul KC, Hughes S, Darweesh SKL, Bloem BR, Homberg JR. Towards improved screening of toxins for Parkinson's risk. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:169. [PMID: 38114496 PMCID: PMC10730534 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00615-9] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. The prevalence of PD has risen considerably over the past decades. A growing body of evidence suggest that exposure to environmental toxins, including pesticides, solvents and heavy metals (collectively called toxins), is at least in part responsible for this rapid growth. It is worrying that the current screening procedures being applied internationally to test for possible neurotoxicity of specific compounds offer inadequate insights into the risk of developing PD in humans. Improved screening procedures are therefore urgently needed. Our review first substantiates current evidence on the relation between exposure to environmental toxins and the risk of developing PD. We subsequently propose to replace the current standard toxin screening by a well-controlled multi-tier toxin screening involving the following steps: in silico studies (tier 1) followed by in vitro tests (tier 2), aiming to prioritize agents with human relevant routes of exposure. More in depth studies can be undertaken in tier 3, with whole-organism (in)vertebrate models. Tier 4 has a dedicated focus on cell loss in the substantia nigra and on the presumed mechanisms of neurotoxicity in rodent models, which are required to confirm or refute the possible neurotoxicity of any individual compound. This improved screening procedure should not only evaluate new pesticides that seek access to the market, but also critically assess all pesticides that are being used today, acknowledging that none of these has ever been proven to be safe from a perspective of PD. Importantly, the improved screening procedures should not just assess the neurotoxic risk of isolated compounds, but should also specifically look at the cumulative risk conveyed by exposure to commonly used combinations of pesticides (cocktails). The worldwide implementation of such an improved screening procedure, would be an essential step for policy makers and governments to recognize PD-related environmental risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Shan
- Department Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Harm J Heusinkveld
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly C Paul
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Hughes
- A-LIFE Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sirwan K L Darweesh
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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16
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Zhang X, Song Y, Gong H, Wu C, Wang B, Chen W, Hu J, Xiang H, Zhang K, Sun M. Neurotoxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7183-7204. [PMID: 38076727 PMCID: PMC10710240 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s442801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) across various fields has led to a growing concern regarding their environmental contamination and inevitable human exposure. Consequently, significant research efforts have been directed toward understanding the effects of TiO2 NPs on both humans and the environment. Notably, TiO2 NPs exposure has been associated with multiple impairments of the nervous system. This review aims to provide an overview of the documented neurotoxic effects of TiO2 NPs in different species and in vitro models. Following exposure, TiO2 NPs can reach the brain, although the specific mechanism and quantity of particles that cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remain unclear. Exposure to TiO2 NPs has been shown to induce oxidative stress, promote neuroinflammation, disrupt brain biochemistry, and ultimately impair neuronal function and structure. Subsequent neuronal damage may contribute to various behavioral disorders and play a significant role in the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the neurotoxic potential of TiO2 NPs can be influenced by various factors, including exposure characteristics and the physicochemical properties of the TiO2 NPs. However, a systematic comparison of the neurotoxic effects of TiO2 NPs with different characteristics under various exposure conditions is still lacking. Additionally, our understanding of the underlying neurotoxic mechanisms exerted by TiO2 NPs remains incomplete and fragmented. Given these knowledge gaps, it is imperative to further investigate the neurotoxic hazards and risks associated with exposure to TiO2 NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyang Gong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Binquan Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Hu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanhui Xiang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingkuan Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Pitzer EM, Shafer TJ, Herr DW. Identification of neurotoxicology (NT)/developmental neurotoxicology (DNT) adverse outcome pathways and key event linkages with in vitro DNT screening assays. Neurotoxicology 2023; 99:184-194. [PMID: 37866692 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.10.007] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to assess compounds reliably and quickly for neurotoxicity (NT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) enable the mapping of molecular events to an apical endpoint in a chemical agnostic manner and have begun to be applied in NT and DNT testing frameworks. We assessed the status of NT/DNT AOPs in the AOP-Wiki (ca. 2/1/23; https://aopwiki.org/), to characterize the state of AOP development, identify strengths and knowledge gaps, elucidate areas for improvement, and describe areas for future focus. AOPs in the Wiki database were assessed for inclusion of NT/DNT molecular events and endpoints, AOP development and endorsement, as well as the linkages of key neurodevelopmental processes with in vitro new approach methods (NAMs). This review found that 41 AOPs have been proposed detailing NT/DNT, of which eight were endorsed by working parties in OECD. Further, this review determined that learning and memory is included as an adverse outcome in eight NT/DNT AOPS, often without distinction regarding the varying forms of learning and memory, regional specification, temporal dynamics, or acquisition mechanisms involved. There is also an overlap with key events (KEs) and in vitro NAMs, which synaptogenesis appeared as a common process. Overall, progress on NT/DNT AOPs could be expanded, adding in modes of action that are missing, improvement in defining apical endpoints, as well as utilizing NAMs further to develop AOPs and identify gaps in current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Pitzer
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - David W Herr
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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18
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Ruszkiewicz J, Endig L, Güver E, Bürkle A, Mangerich A. Life-Cycle-Dependent Toxicities of Mono- and Bifunctional Alkylating Agents in the 3R-Compliant Model Organism C. elegans. Cells 2023; 12:2728. [PMID: 38067156 PMCID: PMC10705807 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is gaining recognition and importance as an organismic model for toxicity testing in line with the 3Rs principle (replace, reduce, refine). In this study, we explored the use of C. elegans to examine the toxicities of alkylating sulphur mustard analogues, specifically the monofunctional agent 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulphide (CEES) and the bifunctional, crosslinking agent mechlorethamine (HN2). We exposed wild-type worms at different life cycle stages (from larvae L1 to adulthood day 10) to CEES or HN2 and scored their viability 24 h later. The susceptibility of C. elegans to CEES and HN2 paralleled that of human cells, with HN2 exhibiting higher toxicity than CEES, reflected in LC50 values in the high µM to low mM range. Importantly, the effects were dependent on the worms' developmental stage as well as organismic age: the highest susceptibility was observed in L1, whereas the lowest was observed in L4 worms. In adult worms, susceptibility to alkylating agents increased with advanced age, especially to HN2. To examine reproductive effects, L4 worms were exposed to CEES and HN2, and both the offspring and the percentage of unhatched eggs were assessed. Moreover, germline apoptosis was assessed by using ced-1p::GFP (MD701) worms. In contrast to concentrations that elicited low toxicities to L4 worms, CEES and HN2 were highly toxic to germline cells, manifesting as increased germline apoptosis as well as reduced offspring number and percentage of eggs hatched. Again, HN2 exhibited stronger effects than CEES. Compound specificity was also evident in toxicities to dopaminergic neurons-HN2 exposure affected expression of dopamine transporter DAT-1 (strain BY200) at lower concentrations than CEES, suggesting a higher neurotoxic effect. Mechanistically, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has been linked to mustard agent toxicities. Therefore, the NAD+-dependent system was investigated in the response to CEES and HN2 treatment. Overall NAD+ levels in worm extracts were revealed to be largely resistant to mustard exposure except for high concentrations, which lowered the NAD+ levels in L4 worms 24 h post-treatment. Interestingly, however, mutant worms lacking components of NAD+-dependent pathways involved in genome maintenance, namely pme-2, parg-2, and sirt-2.1 showed a higher and compound-specific susceptibility, indicating an active role of NAD+ in genotoxic stress response. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that C. elegans represents an attractive model to study the toxicology of alkylating agents, which supports its use in mechanistic as well as intervention studies with major strength in the possibility to analyze toxicities at different life cycle stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Ruszkiewicz
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Lisa Endig
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Ebru Güver
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Alexander Bürkle
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
| | - Aswin Mangerich
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany (A.B.)
- Nutritional Toxicology, Institute Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
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19
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Currie SD, Doherty JP, Xue KS, Wang JS, Tang L. The stage-specific toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122429. [PMID: 37619695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122429] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of industrial chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and commercial applications. Due to their widespread usages, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulation in animals and humans, great public health concerns have been raised on adverse health risks of PFAS. In this study, ten PFAS were selected according to their occurrence in different water bodies. The wild-type worms were exposed to individual PFAS at 0, 0.1, 1,10, 100, and 200 μM, and the toxic effects of PFAS on growth, development, fecundity, and behavior at different life stages were investigated using a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. Our results showed that perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA), perfluorobutanesulfonic (PFBS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) exhibited significant inhibitive effects on the growth in the L4 larva and later stages of worms with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 μmol/L. PFOS and PFBS significantly decreased the brood size of worms across all tested concentrations (p < 0.05), and the most potent PFAS is PFOS with BMC of 0.02013 μM (BMCL, 1.6e-06 μM). During adulthood, all PFAS induced a significant reduction in motility (p < 0.01), while only PFOS can significantly induce behavior alteration at the early larvae stage. Furthermore, the adverse effects occurred in larval stages were found to be the most susceptible to the PFAS exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential adverse effects associated with PFAS exposure and show the importance of considering developmental stages in toxicity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Currie
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Joseph Patrick Doherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Lili Tang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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20
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Pinto A, Botelho MJ, Churro C, Asselman J, Pereira P, Pereira JL. A review on aquatic toxins - Do we really know it all regarding the environmental risk posed by phytoplankton neurotoxins? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118769. [PMID: 37597370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic toxins are potent natural toxins produced by certain cyanobacteria and marine algae species during harmful cyanobacterial and algal blooms (CyanoHABs and HABs, respectively). These harmful bloom events and the toxins produced during these events are a human and environmental health concern worldwide, with occurrence, frequency and severity of CyanoHABs and HABs being predicted to keep increasing due to ongoing climate change scenarios. These contexts, as well as human health consequences of some toxins produced during bloom events have been thoroughly reviewed before. Conversely, the wider picture that includes the non-human biota in the assessment of noxious effects of toxins is much less covered in the literature and barely covered by review works. Despite direct human exposure to aquatic toxins and related deleterious effects being responsible for the majority of the public attention to the blooms' problematic, it constitutes a very limited fraction of the real environmental risk posed by these toxins. The disruption of ecological and trophic interactions caused by these toxins in the aquatic biota building on deleterious effects they may induce in different species is paramount as a modulator of the overall magnitude of the environmental risk potentially involved, thus necessarily constraining the quality and efficiency of the management strategies that should be placed. In this way, this review aims at updating and consolidating current knowledge regarding the adverse effects of aquatic toxins, attempting to going beyond their main toxicity pathways in human and related models' health, i.e., also focusing on ecologically relevant model organisms. For conciseness and considering the severity in terms of documented human health risks as a reference, we restricted the detailed revision work to neurotoxic cyanotoxins and marine toxins. This comprehensive revision of the systemic effects of aquatic neurotoxins provides a broad overview of the exposure and the hazard that these compounds pose to human and environmental health. Regulatory approaches they are given worldwide, as well as (eco)toxicity data available were hence thoroughly reviewed. Critical research gaps were identified particularly regarding (i) the toxic effects other than those typical of the recognized disease/disorder each toxin causes following acute exposure in humans and also in other biota; and (ii) alternative detection tools capable of being early-warning signals for aquatic toxins occurrence and therefore provide better human and environmental safety insurance. Future directions on aquatic toxins research are discussed in face of the existent knowledge, with particular emphasis on the much-needed development and implementation of effective alternative (eco)toxicological biomarkers for these toxins. The wide-spanning approach followed herein will hopefully stimulate future research more broadly addressing the environmental hazardous potential of aquatic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albano Pinto
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Botelho
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165, Algés, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Catarina Churro
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Av. Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165, Algés, Portugal; CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge Building, Ostend Science Park 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
| | - Patrícia Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Luísa Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
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21
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Lin Y, Lin C, Cao Y, Chen Y. Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model for the identification of natural antioxidants with anti-aging actions. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115594. [PMID: 37776641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115594] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural antioxidants have recently emerged as a highly exciting and significant topic in anti-aging research. Diverse organism models present a viable protocol for future research. Notably, many breakthroughs on natural antioxidants have been achieved in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, an animal model frequently utilized for the study of aging research and anti-aging drugs in vivo. Due to the conservation of signaling pathways on oxidative stress resistance, lifespan regulation, and aging disease between C. elegans and multiple high-level organisms (humans), as well as the low and controllable cost of time and labor, it gradually develops into a trustworthy in vivo model for high-throughput screening and validation of natural antioxidants with anti-aging actions. First, information and models on free radicals and aging are presented in this review. We also describe indexes, detection methods, and molecular mechanisms for studying the in vivo antioxidant and anti-aging effects of natural antioxidants using C. elegans. It includes lifespan, physiological aging processes, oxidative stress levels, antioxidant enzyme activation, and anti-aging pathways. Furthermore, oxidative stress and healthspan improvement induced by natural antioxidants in humans and C. elegans are compared, to understand the potential and limitations of the screening model in preclinical studies. Finally, we emphasize that C. elegans is a useful model for exploring more natural antioxidant resources and uncovering the mechanisms underlying aging-related risk factors and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugui Lin
- Microbiology Laboratory, Zhongshan Bo'ai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Zhongshan 528400, China; Department of Microbiology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Chunxiu Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, College of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yunjiao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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22
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Bandarra BS, Passos H, Vidal T, Martins RC, Quina MJ, Pereira JL, Römbke J. Evaluation of a battery of biotests to improve waste ecotoxicity assessment (HP 14), using incineration bottom ash as a case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118513. [PMID: 37418917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118513] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of waste ecotoxicity (hazardous property HP14 in the European Union) is fundamental for proper waste classification and safe application/disposal. Biotests are relevant for evaluating waste complex matrices, but their efficiency is crucial to encourage their adoption at the industrial level. This work aims at evaluating possibilities of improving the efficiency of a biotest battery previously suggested in the literature, regarding test selection, duration, and/or laboratory resources optimization. Fresh incineration bottom ash (IBA) was the case study. The test battery analysed included standard aquatic (bacteria, microalgae, macrophytes, daphnids, rotifers, fairy shrimp) and terrestrial (bacteria, plants, earthworms, collembolans) organisms. The assessment followed an Extended Limit Test design (three dilutions of eluate or solid IBA) and the Lowest Ineffective Dilution (LID-approach) for ecotoxicity classification. The results emphasize the importance of testing different species. It was also evidenced that tests with daphnids and earthworms may be shortened to 24 h; the miniaturization of tests is suitable as e.g. differential sensitivity of microalgae and macrophytes was captured with low variability; alternative testing kits can be used when methodological difficulties are found. Microalgae were more sensitive than macrophytes. Similar results were found for the Thamnotoxkit and daphnids test for eluates with natural pH, so the former may be used as an alternative. B. rapa was the most sensitive organism, suggesting that it may be tested as the only terrestrial plant species and that minimum test duration is appropriate. F. candida does not appear to add information to the battery. The differences in sensitivity of A. fischeri and E. fetida compared to the remaining species were not significant enough to exclude them from the battery. Thus, this work suggests a biotest battery to test IBA comprising aquatic tests - Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata (miniaturised test), and Daphnia magna (24 h when clear deleterious effects are observed) or Thamnocephalus platyurus (toxkit) - and terrestrial tests - Arthrobacter globiformis, Brassica rapa (14 d), and Eisenia fetida (24 h). Testing waste with natural pH is also recommended. The Extended Limit Test design considering the LID-approach seems useful in waste testing, particularly for the industry, involving low effort, test material requirements, and few laboratory resources. The LID-approach allowed for differentiating ecotoxic from non-ecotoxic effects and captured different sensitivities between species. Ecotoxicological assessment of other waste may benefit from these recommendations, but caution should be taken given the properties of each waste type.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Bandarra
- CIEPQPF, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - H Passos
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - T Vidal
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - R C Martins
- CIEPQPF, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M J Quina
- CIEPQPF, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J L Pereira
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J Römbke
- RPR BgR, Platanenallee 25, 64546, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany
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23
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Zhu M, Zhang M, Tang M, Wang J, Liu L, Wang Z. The concentration-dependent physiological damage, oxidative stress, and DNA lesions in Caenorhabditis elegans by subacute exposure to landfill leachate. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139544. [PMID: 37474030 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139544] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The leakage of landfill leachate (LL) into environmental media would be happened even in the sanitary/controlled landfill, due to the deterioration of geomembrane and the blockage of drainage system after long-term operation. Considering the complex composition and high concentration of pollutants in LL, its toxicity assessment should be conducted as a whole liquid contaminant. Therefore, the impacts of LL on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were investigated under the condition of different exposure time and exposure volume fraction (EVF). The stimulating effects on locomotion behavior and growth of C. elegans were observed after acute (24 h) exposure to LL, which were increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of EVF. Meanwhile, the intestinal barrier was not affected by LL, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis significantly decreased. However, stimulation and inhibition effects on locomotion behavior and growth of C. elegans were observed when subacute (72 h) exposure to 0.25%-0.5% and 1%-4% of LL, respectively. The intestinal injury index and levels of ROS and cell apoptosis significantly increased when EVF were 2% and 4%. Although the acute exposure of LL had resulted in obviously biological adaptability and antioxidant defense in C. elegans, the protective mechanisms failed to be induced as the exposure time increased (subacute exposure). The toxic effects were confirmed by the down-regulation of genes associated with antioxidant defense and neurobehavior, accompanied by the up-regulation of intestinal injury and cell apoptosis related genes. Moreover, the disturbance of metabolic pathways that associated with locomotion behaviors, growth, and antioxidant defense provided good supplementary evidence for the confirmation of oxidative stress in C. elegans. The research results verified the potential of C. elegans as model organism to determine the complex toxic effects of LL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Zhu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingqi Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Environment Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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24
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Muncke J, Andersson AM, Backhaus T, Belcher SM, Boucher JM, Carney Almroth B, Collins TJ, Geueke B, Groh KJ, Heindel JJ, von Hippel FA, Legler J, Maffini MV, Martin OV, Peterson Myers J, Nadal A, Nerin C, Soto AM, Trasande L, Vandenberg LN, Wagner M, Zimmermann L, Thomas Zoeller R, Scheringer M. A vision for safer food contact materials: Public health concerns as drivers for improved testing. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108161. [PMID: 37758599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108161] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Food contact materials (FCMs) and food contact articles are ubiquitous in today's globalized food system. Chemicals migrate from FCMs into foodstuffs, so called food contact chemicals (FCCs), but current regulatory requirements do not sufficiently protect public health from hazardous FCCs because only individual substances used to make FCMs are tested and mostly only for genotoxicity while endocrine disruption and other hazard properties are disregarded. Indeed, FCMs are a known source of a wide range of hazardous chemicals, and they likely contribute to highly prevalent non-communicable diseases. FCMs can also include non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), which often are unknown and therefore not subject to risk assessment. To address these important shortcomings, we outline how the safety of FCMs may be improved by (1) testing the overall migrate, including (unknown) NIAS, of finished food contact articles, and (2) expanding toxicological testing beyond genotoxicity to multiple endpoints associated with non-communicable diseases relevant to human health. To identify mechanistic endpoints for testing, we group chronic health outcomes associated with chemical exposure into Six Clusters of Disease (SCOD) and we propose that finished food contact articles should be tested for their impacts on these SCOD. Research should focus on developing robust, relevant, and sensitive in-vitro assays based on mechanistic information linked to the SCOD, e.g., through Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) or Key Characteristics of Toxicants. Implementing this vision will improve prevention of chronic diseases that are associated with hazardous chemical exposures, including from FCMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet and Centre for Research and Research Training in Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jerrold J Heindel
- Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Juliette Legler
- Dept. of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Olwenn V Martin
- Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, Department of Arts and Science, University College London, UK
| | - John Peterson Myers
- Dept. of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Environmental Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Angel Nadal
- IDiBE and CIBERDEM, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Cristina Nerin
- Dept. of Analytical Chemistry, I3A, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana M Soto
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Centre Cavaillès, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- College of Global Public Health and Grossman School of Medicine and Wagner School of Public Service, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martin Wagner
- Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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25
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Santiago MB, dos Santos VCO, Teixeira SC, Silva NBS, de Oliveira PF, Ozelin SD, Furtado RA, Tavares DC, Ambrósio SR, Veneziani RCS, Ferro EAV, Bastos JK, Martins CHG. Polyalthic Acid from Copaifera lucens Demonstrates Anticariogenic and Antiparasitic Properties for Safe Use. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1357. [PMID: 37895828 PMCID: PMC10610108 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the potential of Copaifera lucens, specifically its oleoresin (CLO), extract (CECL), and the compound ent-polyalthic acid (PA), in combating caries and toxoplasmosis, while also assessing its toxicity. The study involved multiple assessments, including determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against cariogenic bacteria. CLO and PA exhibited MIC and MBC values ranging from 25 to 50 μg/mL, whereas CECL showed values equal to or exceeding 400 μg/mL. PA also displayed antibiofilm activity with minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm (MICB50) values spanning from 62.5 to 1000 μg/mL. Moreover, PA effectively hindered the intracellular proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii at 64 μg/mL, even after 24 h without treatment. Toxicological evaluations included in vitro tests on V79 cells, where concentrations ranged from 78.1 to 1250 μg/mL of PA reduced colony formation. Additionally, using the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the lethal concentration (LC50) of PA was determined as 1000 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation. Notably, no significant differences in micronucleus induction and the NDI were observed in cultures treated with 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL of CLO. These findings underscore the safety profile of CLO and PA, highlighting their potential as alternative treatments for caries and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana B. Santiago
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405318, MG, Brazil; (M.B.S.); (V.C.O.d.S.); (N.B.S.S.)
| | - Vinicius Cristian O. dos Santos
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405318, MG, Brazil; (M.B.S.); (V.C.O.d.S.); (N.B.S.S.)
| | - Samuel C. Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405318, MG, Brazil; (S.C.T.); (E.A.V.F.)
| | - Nagela B. S. Silva
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405318, MG, Brazil; (M.B.S.); (V.C.O.d.S.); (N.B.S.S.)
| | - Pollyanna F. de Oliveira
- Nucleus of Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404600, SP, Brazil; (P.F.d.O.); (S.D.O.); (R.A.F.); (D.C.T.); (S.R.A.); (R.C.S.V.)
| | - Saulo D. Ozelin
- Nucleus of Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404600, SP, Brazil; (P.F.d.O.); (S.D.O.); (R.A.F.); (D.C.T.); (S.R.A.); (R.C.S.V.)
| | - Ricardo A. Furtado
- Nucleus of Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404600, SP, Brazil; (P.F.d.O.); (S.D.O.); (R.A.F.); (D.C.T.); (S.R.A.); (R.C.S.V.)
| | - Denise C. Tavares
- Nucleus of Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404600, SP, Brazil; (P.F.d.O.); (S.D.O.); (R.A.F.); (D.C.T.); (S.R.A.); (R.C.S.V.)
| | - Sergio Ricardo Ambrósio
- Nucleus of Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404600, SP, Brazil; (P.F.d.O.); (S.D.O.); (R.A.F.); (D.C.T.); (S.R.A.); (R.C.S.V.)
| | - Rodrigo Cassio S. Veneziani
- Nucleus of Research in Sciences and Technology, University of Franca, Franca 14404600, SP, Brazil; (P.F.d.O.); (S.D.O.); (R.A.F.); (D.C.T.); (S.R.A.); (R.C.S.V.)
| | - Eloisa Amália V. Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405318, MG, Brazil; (S.C.T.); (E.A.V.F.)
| | - Jairo K. Bastos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Carlos Henrique G. Martins
- Laboratory of Antimicrobial Testing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405318, MG, Brazil; (M.B.S.); (V.C.O.d.S.); (N.B.S.S.)
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26
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Martins AC, Virgolini MB, Ávila DS, Scharf P, Li J, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Bowman AB, Rocha JBT, Aschner M. Mitochondria in the Spotlight: C. elegans as a Model Organism to Evaluate Xenobiotic-Induced Dysfunction. Cells 2023; 12:2124. [PMID: 37681856 PMCID: PMC10486742 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular respiration, ATP production, and the regulation of various cellular processes. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been directly linked to pathophysiological conditions, making them a significant target of interest in toxicological research. In recent years, there has been a growing need to understand the intricate effects of xenobiotics on human health, necessitating the use of effective scientific research tools. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nonpathogenic nematode, has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating toxic mechanisms and mitochondrial dysfunction. With remarkable genetic homology to mammals, C. elegans has been used in studies to elucidate the impact of contaminants and drugs on mitochondrial function. This review focuses on the effects of several toxic metals and metalloids, drugs of abuse and pesticides on mitochondria, highlighting the utility of C. elegans as a model organism to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by xenobiotics. Mitochondrial structure, function, and dynamics are discussed, emphasizing their essential role in cellular viability and the regulation of processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and calcium homeostasis. Additionally, specific toxins and toxicants, such as arsenic, cadmium, and manganese are examined in the context of their impact on mitochondrial function and the utility of C. elegans in elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utilization of C. elegans as an experimental model providing a promising platform for investigating the intricate relationships between xenobiotics and mitochondrial dysfunction. This knowledge could contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of contaminants and drugs of abuse, ultimately enhancing our understanding of these complex processes and promoting human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airton C. Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Miriam B. Virgolini
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis Elegans, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, Uruguaiana 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Pablo Scharf
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Jung Li
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Aaron B. Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - João B. T. Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
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27
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Das B, Madhubala D, Mahanta S, Patra A, Puzari U, Khan MR, Mukherjee AK. A Novel Therapeutic Formulation for the Improved Treatment of Indian Red Scorpion ( Mesobuthus tamulus) Venom-Induced Toxicity-Tested in Caenorhabditis elegans and Rodent Models. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:504. [PMID: 37624261 PMCID: PMC10467153 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080504] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Indian Red Scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus) stings are a neglected public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, including India. The drawbacks of conventional therapies using commercial anti-scorpion antivenom (ASA) and α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists (AAA) have prompted us to search for an adequate formulation to improve treatment against M. tamulus stings. Novel therapeutic drug formulations (TDF) of low doses of commercial ASA, AAA, and ascorbic acid have remarkably improved in neutralising the in vivo toxic effects of M. tamulus venom (MTV) tested in Caenorhabditis elegans and Wistar strain albino rats in vivo models. The neutralisation of MTV-induced production of free radicals, alteration of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and upregulated expression of genes involved in apoptosis, detoxification, and stress response in C. elegans by TDF surpassed the same effect shown by individual components of the TDF. Further, TDF efficiently neutralized the MTV-induced increase in blood glucose level within 30 to 60 min post-treatment, organ tissue damage, necrosis, and pulmonary oedema in Wistar rats, indicating its clinical application for effecting treating M. tamulus envenomation. This study demonstrates for the first time that C. elegans can be a model organism for screening the neutralization potency of the drug molecules against a neurotoxic scorpion venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhabana Das
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
| | - Dev Madhubala
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Saurov Mahanta
- National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Guwahati 781008, Assam, India;
| | - Aparup Patra
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Upasana Puzari
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
| | - Mojibur R. Khan
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
| | - Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Microbial Biotechnology and Protein Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; (B.D.); (D.M.); (U.P.)
- Division of Life Sciences, Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path, Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India; (A.P.); (M.R.K.)
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28
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Dorman DC. The Role of Oxidative Stress in Manganese Neurotoxicity: A Literature Review Focused on Contributions Made by Professor Michael Aschner. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1176. [PMID: 37627240 PMCID: PMC10452838 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081176] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This literature review focuses on the evidence implicating oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of manganese neurotoxicity. This review is not intended to be a systematic review of the relevant toxicologic literature. Instead, in keeping with the spirit of this special journal issue, this review highlights contributions made by Professor Michael Aschner's laboratory in this field of study. Over the past two decades, his laboratory has made significant contributions to our scientific understanding of cellular responses that occur both in vitro and in vivo following manganese exposure. These studies have identified molecular targets of manganese toxicity and their respective roles in mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Other studies have focused on the critical role astrocytes play in manganese neurotoxicity. Recent studies from his laboratory have used C. elegans to discover new facets of manganese-induced neurotoxicity. Collectively, his body of work has dramatically advanced the field and presents broader implications beyond metal toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Dorman
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1052 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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29
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Weishaupt AK, Kubens L, Ruecker L, Schwerdtle T, Aschner M, Bornhorst J. A Reliable Method Based on Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Simultaneous Quantification of Neurotransmitters in Caenorhabditis elegans. Molecules 2023; 28:5373. [PMID: 37513246 PMCID: PMC10385323 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA), serotonin (SRT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) are messenger molecules that play a pivotal role in transmitting excitation between neurons across chemical synapses, thus enabling complex processes in the central nervous system (CNS). Balance in neurotransmitter homeostasis is essential, and altered neurotransmitter levels are associated with various neurological disorders, e.g., loss of dopaminergic neurons (Parkinson's disease) or altered ACh synthesis (Alzheimer's disease). Therefore, it is crucial to possess adequate tools to assess precise neurotransmitter levels, and to apply targeted therapies. An established in vivo model to study neurotoxicity is the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as its neurons have been well characterized and functionally are analogous to mammals. We have developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method including a sample preparation assuring neurotransmitter stability, which allows a simultaneous neurotransmitter quantification of DA, SRT, GABA and ACh in C. elegans, but can easily be applied to other matrices. LC-MS/MS combined with isotope-labeled standards is the tool of choice, due to its otherwise unattainable sensitivity and specificity. Using C. elegans together with our analytically validated and verified method provides a powerful tool to evaluate mechanisms of neurotoxicity, and furthermore to identify possible therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Weishaupt
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
| | - Laura Kubens
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lysann Ruecker
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (L.K.); (L.R.)
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany;
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Wang Y, Yuan X, Zhou R, Bu Y, Wang D. Combinational exposure to hydroxyatrazine increases neurotoxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles on Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163283. [PMID: 37019222 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Using Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model, we investigated combinational effect between 2-hydroxyatrazine (HA) and polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NP) on function and development of D-type motor neurons. Exposure to HA (10 and 100 μg/L) alone caused decreases in body bend, head thrash, and forward turn and increase in backward turn. Exposure to 100 μg/L HA also caused neurodegeneration of D-type motor neurons. Moreover, combinational exposure to HA (0.1 and 1 μg/L) induced enhancement in PS-NP (10 μg/L) toxicity in inhibiting body bend, head thrash, and forward turn, and in increasing backward turn. In addition, combinational exposure to HA (1 μg/L) could result in neurodegeneration of D-type motor neurons in PS-NP (10 μg/L) exposed nematodes. Combinational exposure to HA (1 μg/L) and PS-NP (10 μg/L) increased expressions of crt-1, itr-1, mec-4, asp-3, and asp-4, which govern the induction of neurodegeneration. Moreover, combinational exposure to HA (0.1 and 1 μg/L) strengthened PS-NP (10 μg/L)-induced decreases in glb-10, mpk-1, jnk-1, and daf-7 expressions, which encode neuronal signals regulating response to PS-NP. Therefore, our results demonstrated the effect of combinational exposure to HA and nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations in causing toxic effect on nervous system in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanqing Bu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen, China.
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31
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Jacques MT, Soares MV, Farina M, Bornhorst J, Schwerdtle T, Ávila DS. Impaired Physiological Responses and Neurotoxicity Induced by a Chlorpyrifos-Based Formulation in Caenorhabditis elegans are not Solely Dependent on the Active Ingredient. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023:104196. [PMID: 37354962 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The current massive and indiscriminate agrochemicals usage, which is inexorably linked to the toxic consequences to the environment and people, represents a great concern. Our work aimed to compare the toxicity induced by chlorpyrifos in its pure form (CPF) with that of a commercial formulation containing allegedly inert ingredients (CBCF) using Caenorhabditis elegans as in vivo model. After a 48h exposure period, CBCF was 14 times more lethal than CPF; Hatching, brood size, body length and motor-related behavioral parameters were decreased, but these effects were significantly higher in CBCF-exposed worms. Additionally, CBCF induced significant morphological changes in cholinergic neurons, which are associated with the motor-related behavioral parameters. Finally, by analyzing the CBCF, were detected the presence of potentially-toxic metals that were not specified in the label. The presented results highlight the toxicological relevance of components present in the commercial formulations of pesticides, which have been claimed as inert compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Tavares Jacques
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, PO BOX 118, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Department of Biochemistry, CCB, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Block C, Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, CEP 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Marcell Valandro Soares
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, PO BOX 118, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Neurotoxicology and Neuroprotection Experimental, Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Department of Biochemistry, CCB, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Block C, Trindade, Florianópolis, SC, CEP 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal; Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Tanja Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany; TraceAge-DFG Research Unit on Interactions of Essential Trace Elements in Healthy and Diseased Elderly (FOR 2558), Berlin-Potsdam-Jena-Wuppertal
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, PO BOX 118, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Melnikov K, Kucharíková S, Bárdyová Z, Botek N, Kaiglová A. Applications of a powerful model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to study the neurotoxicity induced by heavy metals and pesticides. Physiol Res 2023; 72:149-166. [PMID: 37159850 PMCID: PMC10226405 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The expansion of industry and the use of pesticides in agriculture represent one of the major causes of environmental contamination. Unfortunately, individuals and animals are exposed to these foreign and often toxic substances on a daily basis. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the impact of such chemicals on human health. Several in vitro studies have addressed this issue, but it is difficult to explore the impact of these compounds on living organisms. A nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has become a useful alternative to animal models mainly because of its transparent body, fast growth, short life cycle, and easy cultivation. Furthermore, at the molecular level, there are significant similarities between humans and C. elegans. These unique features make it an excellent model to complement mammalian models in toxicology research. Heavy metals and pesticides, which are considered environmental contaminants, are known to have affected the locomotion, feeding behavior, brood size, growth, life span, and cell death of C. elegans. Today, there are increasing numbers of research articles dedicated to this topic, of which we summarized the most recent findings dedicated to the effect of heavy metals, heavy metal mixtures, and pesticides on the well-characterized nervous system of this nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Melnikov
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Health Care and Social Work, University in Trnava, Slovakia.
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Lee Y, Choi S, Kim KW. Dithianon exposure induces dopaminergic neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 255:114752. [PMID: 36924561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dithianon is a conventional broad-spectrum protectant fungicide widely used in agriculture, but its potential neurotoxic risk to animals remains largely unknown. In this study, neurotoxic effects of Dithianon and its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated using the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, as a model system. Upon chronic exposure of C. elegans to Dithianon, dopaminergic neurons were found to be vulnerable, with significant degeneration in terms of structure and function in a concentration-dependent manner. In examining toxicity mechanisms, we observed significant Dithianon-induced increases in oxidative stress and mitochondrial fragmentation, both of which are often associated with cellular stress. The present study suggests that Dithianon exposure causes dopaminergic neurotoxicity in C. elegans, by inducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Dithianon's neurotoxic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Lee
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea
| | - Sooji Choi
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea; Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, South Korea.
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Cai H, Bao Y, Cheng H, Ge X, Zhang M, Feng X, Zheng Y, He J, Wei Y, Liu C, Li L, Huang L, Wang F, Chen X, Chen P, Yang X. Zinc homeostasis may reverse the synergistic neurotoxicity of heavy metal mixtures in Caenorhabditis elegans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161699. [PMID: 36682567 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161699] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal mixtures can cause nerve damage. However, the combined effects of metal mixtures are extremely complex and rarely studied. Zinc (Zn) homeostasis plays an integral role in neural function, but the role of Zn homeostasis in the toxicity of metal mixtures is not well understood. Here, we investigated the combined effects of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) on nerves and the effect of Zn homeostasis on metal toxicity. Caenorhabditis elegans (Maupas, 1900) were exposed to single and multiple metals for 8 days, their movement, behavior, neurons and metal concentration were detected to evaluate the combined effect of metal mixtures. After nematodes were co-treated with metal mixtures and Zn, the nerve function, Zn concentration and redox balance were detected to evaluate the effect of Zn homeostasis on metal toxicity. The results showed that Mn + Pb and Pb + As mixtures induced synergistic toxicity for nematode nerves, which damaged movement, behavior and neurons, and decreased Zn concentration. While Zn supplementation recovered Zn homeostasis and promoted redox balance on nematodes, and then improved the nerve function. Our study demonstrated the combined effects of metal mixtures and the neuroprotective effect of Zn homeostasis. Therefore, assessment of metal mixtures toxicity should consider their interaction and the impacts of essential metals homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Cai
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Bao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoting Ge
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Research on Medical Engineering Integration and Innovation, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Mengdi Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiuming Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuan Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junxiu He
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yue Wei
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Longman Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lulu Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Hua X, Feng X, Liang G, Chao J, Wang D. Exposure to 6-PPD Quinone at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations Causes Abnormal Locomotion Behaviors and Neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4940-4950. [PMID: 36913653 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ) can be transformed from 6-PPD through ozonation. Nevertheless, the potential neurotoxicity of 6-PPDQ after long-term exposure and the underlying mechanism are largely unclear. In Caenorhabditis elegans, we here observed that 0.1-10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ caused several forms of abnormal locomotion behaviors. Meanwhile, the neurodegeneration of D-type motor neurons was observed in 10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ-exposed nematodes. The observed neurodegeneration was associated with the activation of the Ca2+ channel DEG-3-mediated signaling cascade. In this signaling cascade, expressions of deg-3, unc-68, itr-1, crt-1, clp-1, and tra-3 were increased by 10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ. Moreover, among genes encoding neuronal signals required for the control of stress response, expressions of jnk-1 and dbl-1 were decreased by 0.1-10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ, and expressions of daf-7 and glb-10 were decreased by 10 μg/L of 6-PPDQ. RNAi of jnk-1, dbl-1, daf-7, and glb-10 resulted in the susceptibility to 6-PPDQ toxicity in decreasing locomotory ability and in inducing neurodegeneration, suggesting that JNK-1, DBL-1, DAF-7, and GLB-10 were also required for the induction of 6-PPDQ neurotoxicity. Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated the binding potential of 6-PPDQ to DEG-3, JNK-1, DBL-1, DAF-7, and GLB-10. Together, our data suggested the exposure risk of 6-PPDQ at environmentally relevant concentrations in causing neurotoxicity in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Chao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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36
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Bayingana K, Ireland D, Rosenthal E, Rabeler C, Collins EMS. Adult and regenerating planarians respond differentially to chronic drug exposure. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 96:107148. [PMID: 36539103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of data on the effects of chronic exposure to common drugs and stimulants on the developing nervous system. Freshwater planarians have emerged as a useful invertebrate model amenable to high-throughput behavioral phenotyping to assay chemical safety in adult and developing brains. Here, we leverage the unique strength of the system to test in parallel for effects on the adult and developing nervous system, by screening ten common drugs and stimulants (forskolin, clenbuterol, LRE-1, MDL-12,330A, adenosine, caffeine, histamine, mianserin, fluoxetine and sertraline) using the asexual freshwater planarian Dugesia japonica. The compounds were tested up to 100 μM nominal concentration for their effects on planarian morphology and behavior. Quantitative phenotypic assessments were performed on days 7 and 12 of exposure using an automated screening platform. The antidepressants sertraline and fluoxetine were the most potent to induce lethality, with significant lethality observed at 10 μM. All ten compounds caused sublethal morphological and/or behavioral effects, with the most effects, in terms of potency and breadth of endpoints affected, seen with mianserin and fluoxetine. Four of the compounds (forskolin, clenbuterol, mianserin, and fluoxetine) were developmentally selective, causing effects at lower concentrations in regenerating planarians. Of these, fluoxetine showed the greatest differences between the two developmental stages, inducing many behavioral endpoints in regenerating planarians but only a few in adult planarians. While some of these behavioral effects may be due to neuroefficacy, these results substantiate the need for better evaluation of the safety of these common drugs on the developing nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bayingana
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America
| | - Danielle Ireland
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Rosenthal
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America
| | - Christina Rabeler
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America
| | - Eva-Maria S Collins
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America.
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37
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Ju J, Wu X, Mao W, Zhang C, Ge W, Wang Y, Ma S, Zhu Y. The growth toxicity and neurotoxicity mechanism of waterborne TBOEP to nematodes: Insights from transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 256:106401. [PMID: 36736151 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106401] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tris(2-butoxy) ethyl phosphate (TBOEP) is a typical organophosphorus flame retardant (OPFR), which has been detected in natural water bodies and drinking water and has reached a certain concentration. As a new type of organic pollutant, the environmental health risk of TBOEP needs to be assessed urgently. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to 0, 50, 500, and 5000 ng/L TBOEP in water for 72 h. The results showed that TBOEP exposure caused concentration-dependent inhibition to the growth of nematodes, while exposure to 5000 ng/L TBOEP significantly inhibited the locomotor behavior of nematodes. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis showed that the disturbances in neurotransmitter transmission and amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism were the reason for the neurotoxicity and growth toxicity of TBOEP to nematodes. These results provide basic data and a theoretical basis for evaluating the environmental health risks of organophosphorus flame retardants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjuan Ju
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiya Mao
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Chenran Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Wenjie Ge
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Siyang Ma
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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38
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Ke T, Santamaria A, Barbosa F, Rocha JBT, Skalny AV, Tinkov AA, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Developmental Methylmercury Exposure Induced and Age-Dependent Glutamatergic Neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:920-928. [PMID: 36385214 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03816-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Developmental methylmercury (MeHg) exposures cause latent neurotoxic effects in adults; however, the mechanisms underlying the latent neurotoxicity are not fully understood. In the current study, we used C. elegans as an animal model to investigate the latent neurotoxic effects of developmental MeHg exposures on glutamatergic neurons. The young larvae stage 1 worms were exposed to MeHg (0.05 ~ 5 µM) for 48 h. The morphological and behavioral endpoints of glutamatergic neurons were compared when worms reached to adult stages including the young adult stage (day 1 adult) and the old adult stage (day 10 adult). Here, we showed that C. elegans glutamatergic neurons were morphologically intact following low or medium MeHg exposures (0.05 ~ 0.5 µM). The morphological damage of glutamatergic neurons appeared to be pronounced in day 10 adults developmentally exposed to 5 µM MeHg. Behavioral assays also showed an age-dependent latent effect of MeHg. In the nose touch response assay, only day 10 adult worms exhibited a functional decline following prior 5 µM MeHg exposure. Moreover, the disruption of NaCl memory appeared only in day 1 adults following MeHg exposures but not in day 10 adults. The expression of C. elegans homologs of mammalian vesicular glutamate transporter (eat-4) was repressed in day 1 adults, while the glutamate receptor homolog (glr-1) was upregulated in day 10 adults with 5 µM MeHg. In the comparison of age-dependent changes in the insulin-like pathway (daf-2/age-1/daf-16) following MeHg exposures, we showed that the daf-2/age-1/daf-16 pathway was mobilized in day 1 adults but repressed in day 10 adults. Collectively, our data supports a conclusion that MeHg-induced glutamatergic neurotoxicity exhibits an age-dependent pattern, possibly related to the prominent changes in age-dependent modulation in the glutamatergic neurotransmission and metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores/Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-900, Brazil
| | - João B T Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2051, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- , Forchheimer Building, Room 209, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Li Y, Li P, Zhang W, Zheng X, Gu Q. New Wine in Old Bottle: Caenorhabditis Elegans in Food Science. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2023.2172429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Li
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-food Processing; Fuli Institute of Food Science; National Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition; Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-food Processing; Fuli Institute of Food Science; National Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Gu
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Liu S, Wu Q, Zhong Y, He Z, Wang Z, Li R, Wang M. Fosthiazate exposure induces oxidative stress, nerve damage, and reproductive disorders in nontarget nematodes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:12522-12531. [PMID: 36112285 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As a forceful nematicide, fosthiazate has been largely applied in the management of root-knot nematodes and other herbivorous nematodes. However, the toxicity of fosthiazate to nontarget nematodes is unclear. To explore the toxicity and the mechanisms of fosthiazate in nontarget nematodes, Caenorhabditis elegans was exposed to 0.01-10 mg/L fosthiazate. The results implied that treatment with fosthiazate at doses above 0.01 mg/L could cause injury to the growth, locomotion behavior, and reproduction of the nematodes. Moreover, L1 larvae were more vulnerable to fosthiazate exposure than L4 larvae. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipofuscin accumulation were fairly increased in 1 mg/L fosthiazate-exposed nematodes. Treatment with 0.1 mg/L fosthiazate significantly inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (p < 0.01). Furthermore, subacute exposure to 10 mg/L fosthiazate strongly influenced the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, reproduction, and nerve function (e.g., gst-1, sod-1, puf-8, wee-1.3, and ace-1 genes). These findings suggested that oxidative stress, reproduction and nerve disorders could serve as key endpoints of toxicity induced by fosthiazate. The cyp-35a family gene was the main metabolic fosthiazate in C. elegans, and the cyp-35a5 subtype was the most sensitive, with a change in expression level of 2.11-fold compared with the control. These results indicate that oxidative stress and neurological and reproductive disorders played fundamental roles in the toxicity of fosthiazate in C. elegans and may affect the abundance and function of soil nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiling Liu
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Qiqi Wu
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Yanru Zhong
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Zongzhe He
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China
| | - Minghua Wang
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu province, China.
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Potential in vitro anti-periodontopathogenic, anti-Chikungunya activities and in vivo toxicity of Brazilian red propolis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21165. [PMID: 36477635 PMCID: PMC9729292 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and viral infections are serious public health issue. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antibiofilm and antiviral potential of the Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP) crude hydroalcoholic extract, fractions, and isolated compounds, as well as their in vivo toxicity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and the antibiofilm activity by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Biofilm (MICB50). The viable bacteria count (Log10 UFC/mL) was also obtained. The antiviral assays were performed by infecting BHK-21 cells with Chikungunya (CHIKV) nanoluc. The toxicity of the BRP was evaluated in the Caenorhabditis elegans animal model. The MIC values for the crude hydroalcoholic extract sample ranged from 3.12 to 100 μg/mL, while fractions and isolated compounds the MIC values ranged from 1.56 to 400 μg/mL.The BRP crude hydroalcoholic extract, oblongifolin B, and gutiferone E presented MICB50 values ranging from 1.56 to 100 μg/mL against monospecies and multispecies biofilms. Neovestitol and vestitol inhibited CHIKV infection by 93.5 and 96.7%, respectively. The tests to evaluate toxicity in C. elegans demonstrated that the BRP was not toxic below the concentrations 750 μg/mL. The results constitute an alternative approach for treating various infectious diseases.
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Zhao Y, Hua X, Bian Q, Wang D. Nanoplastic Exposure at Predicted Environmental Concentrations Induces Activation of Germline Ephrin Signal Associated with Toxicity Formation in the Caenorhabditis elegans Offspring. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10110699. [PMID: 36422907 PMCID: PMC9696181 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) at predicted environmental concentrations can cause induction of transgenerational toxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms for toxicity formation of PS-NP in the offspring remain largely unknown. In this study, based on high-throughput sequencing, Ephrin ligand EFN-3 was identified as a target of KSR-1/2 (two kinase suppressors of Ras) in the germline during the control of transgenerational PS-NP toxicity. At parental generation (P0-G), exposure to 0.1-10 μg/L PS-NP caused the increase in expression of germline efn-3, and this increase in germline efn-3 expression could be further detected in the offspring, such as F1-G and F2-G. Germline RNAi of efn-3 caused a resistance to transgenerational PS-NP toxicity, suggesting that the activation of germline EFN-3 at P0-G mediated transgenerational PS-NP toxicity. In the offspring, Ephrin receptor VAB-1 was further activated by the increased EFN-3 caused by PS-NP exposure at P0-G, and RNAi of vab-1 also resulted in resistance to transgenerational PS-NP toxicity. VAB-1 acted in both the neurons and the germline to control toxicity of PS-NP in the offspring. In the neurons, VAB-1 regulated PS-NP toxicity by suppressing expressions of DBL-1, JNK-1, MPK-1, and GLB-10. In the germline, VAB-1 regulated PS-NP toxicity by increasing NDK-1 and LIN-23 expressions and decreasing EGL-1 expression. Therefore, germline Ephrin ligand EFN-3 and its receptor VAB-1 acted together to mediate the formation of transgenerational PS-NP toxicity. Our data highlight the important role of activation in germline Ephrin signals in mediating transgenerational toxicity of nanoplastics at predicted environmental concentrations in organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Institute of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qian Bian
- Institute of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (Q.B.); (D.W.)
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Shenzhen Ruipuxun Academy for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Shenzhen 518122, China
- Correspondence: (Q.B.); (D.W.)
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Zhao A, Jin H, Fan G, Li Y, Li C, Li Q, Ma X, Zhao T, Sun S, Liu S, Gao Y, Qi S. Inhibition of the expression of rgs-3 alleviates propofol-induced decline in learning and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:306-316. [PMID: 36284438 PMCID: PMC9804065 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to anesthesia leads to extensive neurodegeneration and long-term cognitive deficits in the developing brain. Caenorhabditis elegans also shows persistent behavioral changes during development after exposure to anesthetics. Clinical and rodent studies have confirmed that altered expression of the regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) in the nervous system is a factor contributing to neurodegenerative and psychological diseases. Evidence from preclinical studies has suggested that RGS controls drug-induced plasticity, including morphine tolerance and addiction. This study aimed to observe the effect of propofol exposure in the neurodevelopmental stage on learning and memory in the L4 stage and to study whether this effect is related to changes in rgs-3 expression. METHODS Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to propofol at the L1 stage, and learning and memory abilities were observed at the L4 stage. The expression of rgs-3 and the nuclear distribution of EGL-4 were determined to study the relevant mechanisms. Finally, RNA interference was performed on rgs-3-expressing cells after propofol exposure. Then, we observed their learning and memory abilities. RESULTS Propofol time- and dose-dependently impaired the learning capacity. Propofol induced a decline in non-associative and associative long-term memory, rgs-3 upregulation, and a failure of nuclear accumulation of EGL-4/PKG in AWC neurons. Inhibition of rgs-3 could alleviate the propofol-induced changes. CONCLUSION Inhibition of the expression of rgs-3 alleviated propofol-induced learning and memory deficits in Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayang Zhao
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Hongjiang Jin
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Guibo Fan
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Yan Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Qi Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Xiaofei Ma
- Department of ICUThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Tianyang Zhao
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Siqi Sun
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Yueyue Gao
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Sihua Qi
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
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Albrecht PA, Fernandez-Hubeid L.E, Deza-Ponzio R, Virgolini MB. The intertwining between lead and ethanol in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:991787. [PMID: 36204698 PMCID: PMC9531147 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.991787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a model organism widely used to evaluate the mechanistic aspects of toxicants with the potential to predict responses comparable to those of mammals. We report here the consequences of developmental lead (Pb) exposure on behavioral responses to ethanol (EtOH) in C. elegans. In addition, we present data on morphological alterations in the dopamine (DA) synapse and DA-dependent behaviors aimed to dissect the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the relationship between these neurotoxicants. Finally, the escalation to superior animals that parallels the observed effects in both experimental models with references to EtOH metabolism and oxidative stress is also discussed. Overall, the literature revised here underpins the usefulness of C. elegans to evidence behavioral responses to a combination of neurotoxicants in mechanistic-orientated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. A. Albrecht
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - L .E. Fernandez-Hubeid
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - R. Deza-Ponzio
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M. B. Virgolini
- Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IFEC-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: M. B. Virgolini,
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Cryptotanshinone Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Reduces the Level of Abnormally Aggregated Protein in Caenorhabditis elegans AD Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710030. [PMID: 36077432 PMCID: PMC9456502 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the leading causes of dementia. As the first common neurodegenerative disease, there are no effective drugs that can reverse the progression. The present study is to report the anti-AD effect of cryptotanshinone (CTS), a natural product isolated from Salvia castanea. It is found that it can alleviate AD-like features associated with Aβ1-42 toxicity in muscle cells as well as neuronal cells of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Further studies showed that CTS reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in nematodes, up-regulated the expression of sod-3, and enhanced superoxide dismutase activity. Cryptotanshinone reduced the level of Aβ monomers and highly toxic oligomers in C. elegans while inhibiting the abnormal aggregation of polyglutamine protein. In addition, CTS upregulated the expression of hsp-16.2 and downregulated the expression of ace-2. These results suggested that CTS could alleviate oxidative stress and reduce the level of abnormally aggregated proteins and has the potential to be developed as an anti-AD drug candidate.
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Schröter L, Ventura N. Nanoplastic Toxicity: Insights and Challenges from Experimental Model Systems. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201680. [PMID: 35810458 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastic particles (NPs) can be produced or derived from the degradation of several daily used products and can therefore be found in the air, water, and food. Every day, these microscopic particles are confronted by different routes of exposure. Recent investigations have shown the internalization of these particles, differing in size and modification, in vivo in aquatic organisms and terrestrial organisms, as well as in vitro in different human cell lines. During the last years, the number of studies investigating the effects of NPs using widely different model systems and experimental approaches is exponentially growing, thus providing information about NPs, especially about polystyrene particle toxicity on health. To facilitate the grasping of the most relevant information, an overview is provided on the toxic effects of NPs coming from studies in cellular systems and in vivo in model organisms and on aspects which can be of particular relevance for particle toxicity (e.g., particle internalization mechanisms and structural modifications). Major achievements and gaps in the field as well as the point of view on how more systematic studies and exploitation of in vivo model organisms may improve the knowledge on important aspects of NPs are also pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schröter
- IUF-Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Natascia Ventura
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostic, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Zheng F, Chen C, Aschner M. Neurotoxicity Evaluation of Nanomaterials Using C. elegans: Survival, Locomotion Behaviors, and Oxidative Stress. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e496. [PMID: 35849041 PMCID: PMC9299521 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials are broadly used in a variety of industries and consumer products. However, studies have demonstrated that many nanomaterials, including metal-containing nanoparticles and nanoplastics, have neurotoxic effects. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a widely used model organism with numerous advantages for research, including transparency, short life span, well-characterized nervous system, complete connectome, available genome, and numerous genetic tools. C. elegans has been extensively used to assess the neurotoxicity of multiple chemicals via survival assays, behavioral tests, neuronal morphology studies, and various molecular and mechanistic analyses. However, detailed protocols describing general assays in C. elegans to examine the neurotoxic effects of nanomaterials are limited. Here, we describe protocols for assessing nanomaterial neurotoxicity in C. elegans. We describe the steps for exposure and subsequent evaluation of survival, locomotion behavior, and oxidative stress. Survival and locomotion behavior are measured in wild-type N2 strains to assess acute neurotoxicity. Oxidative stress is used as an endpoint here since it is one of the most predominant and common changes induced by nanomaterials. VP596 nematodes, which express GFP upon activation of skn-1 (the worm homolog of Nrf2), are evaluated for assays of oxidative stress in response to test nanomaterials. These assays can be readily used to quickly examine the neurotoxicity of nanomaterials in vivo, laying the foundation for mechanistic studies of nanomaterials and their impacts on health and physiology. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Exposure of C. elegans to nanomaterials Basic Protocol 2: Survival assessment Basic Protocol 3: Assessment of locomotion behavior Basic Protocol 4: Analysis of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuli Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, 1 Xueyuan Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Forchheimer 209, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 Bronx, NY, USA
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Camacho J, de Conti A, Pogribny IP, Sprando RL, Hunt PR. Assessment of the Effects of Organic vs. Inorganic Arsenic and Mercury in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100071. [PMID: 35602005 PMCID: PMC9118485 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar developmental delays and oxidative stress with 20x DMA relative to NaAsO2. Dissimilar gene expression and locomotion with organic vs. inorganic mercury. Dissimilar unfolded protein responses for organic vs. inorganic arsenic and mercury. Across phyla, methylation has opposite effects on arsenic vs. mercury toxicity.
Exposures to mercury and arsenic are known to pose significant threats to human health. Effects specific to organic vs. inorganic forms of these toxic elements are less understood however, especially for organic dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), which has recently been detected in pups of rodent dams orally exposed to inorganic sodium (meta)arsenite (NaAsO2). Caenorhabditis elegans is a small animal alternative toxicity model. To fill data gaps on the effects of DMA relative to NaAsO2, C. elegans were exposed to these two compounds alongside more thoroughly researched inorganic mercury chloride (HgCl2) and organic methylmercury chloride (meHgCl). For timing of developmental milestone acquisition in C. elegans, meHgCl was 2 to 4-fold more toxic than HgCl2, and NaAsO2 was 20-fold more toxic than DMA, ranking the four compounds meHgCl > HgCl2 > NaAsO2 ≫ DMA for developmental toxicity. Methylmercury induced significant decreases in population locomotor activity levels in developing C. elegans. DMA was also associated with developmental hypoactivity, but at >100-fold higher concentrations than meHgCl. Transcriptional alterations in native genes were observed in wild type C. elegans adults exposed to concentrations equitoxic for developmental delay in juveniles. Both forms of arsenic induced genes involved in immune defense and oxidative stress response, while the two mercury species induced proportionally more genes involved in transcriptional regulation. A transgenic bioreporter for activation of conserved proteosome specific unfolded protein response was strongly activated by NaAsO2, but not DMA at tested concentrations. HgCl2 and meHgCl had opposite effects on a bioreporter for unfolded protein response in the endoplasmic reticulum. Presented experiments indicating low toxicity for DMA in C. elegans are consistent with human epidemiologic data correlating higher arsenic methylation capacity with resistance to arsenic toxicity. This work contributes to the understanding of the accuracy and fit-for-use categories for C. elegans toxicity screening and its usefulness to prioritize compounds of concern for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Camacho
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
| | - Aline de Conti
- Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, 3900 NCTR Rd, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Igor P. Pogribny
- Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, 3900 NCTR Rd, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Robert L. Sprando
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
| | - Piper Reid Hunt
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708, United States
- Corresponding author.
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Crofton KM, Bassan A, Behl M, Chushak YG, Fritsche E, Gearhart JM, Marty MS, Mumtaz M, Pavan M, Ruiz P, Sachana M, Selvam R, Shafer TJ, Stavitskaya L, Szabo DT, Szabo ST, Tice RR, Wilson D, Woolley D, Myatt GJ. Current status and future directions for a neurotoxicity hazard assessment framework that integrates in silico approaches. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 22:100223. [PMID: 35844258 PMCID: PMC9281386 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicology is the study of adverse effects on the structure or function of the developing or mature adult nervous system following exposure to chemical, biological, or physical agents. The development of more informative alternative methods to assess developmental (DNT) and adult (NT) neurotoxicity induced by xenobiotics is critically needed. The use of such alternative methods including in silico approaches that predict DNT or NT from chemical structure (e.g., statistical-based and expert rule-based systems) is ideally based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant biological mechanisms. This paper discusses known mechanisms alongside the current state of the art in DNT/NT testing. In silico approaches available today that support the assessment of neurotoxicity based on knowledge of chemical structure are reviewed, and a conceptual framework for the integration of in silico methods with experimental information is presented. Establishing this framework is essential for the development of protocols, namely standardized approaches, to ensure that assessments of NT and DNT based on chemical structures are generated in a transparent, consistent, and defendable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Bassan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National
Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yaroslav G. Chushak
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental
Medicine & Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf,
Germany
| | - Jeffery M. Gearhart
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | | | - Moiz Mumtaz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manuela Pavan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Patricia Ruiz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment
Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775
Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Rajamani Selvam
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC,
USA
| | - Lidiya Stavitskaya
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dan Wilson
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI 48667, USA
| | | | - Glenn J. Myatt
- Instem, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Corresponding author.
(G.J. Myatt)
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The Modulatory Role of sti-1 in Methylmercury-Induced Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:837-846. [PMID: 35471723 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Human exposure to the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) poses a significant health risk to the development of the nervous system. The mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity are associated with the disruption of cellular homeostasis, and include oxidative stress, loss of calcium homeostasis, and impaired protein quality control. The stress inducible protein 1 (STI-1) is involved in the regulation of protein quality control by acting as a protein cochaperone to maintain optimal protein unfolding and refolding. Here, we utilized the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of MeHg toxicity to characterize the role of the sti-1 gene in MeHg-induced toxicity. We showed that lifespan and developmental milestone timings were significantly altered in sti-1 knockout (KO) animals with MeHg exposure. However, knocking down sti-1 by RNAi did not result in an analogous effect for lifespan, but did still sensitize to delays in developmental milestone progression by acute MeHg, suggesting that insufficiency of sti-1 does not recapitulate all phenotypes of the null mutation. Furthermore, inhibition of ATP levels by MeHg exposure was modulated by sti-1. Considering that the skn-1/gst-4 pathway is highly involved in metal's toxicity, such pathway was also explored in our model. We showed that sti-1 mutant worms exhibited impaired capacity to upregulate the antioxidant genes skn-1/gst-4, highlighting a central role of sti-1 in modulating antioxidant response. Lastly, we showed that loss-of-function mutation in the rrf-3 gene, which encodes a putative RNA-directed RNA polymerase, has significant effect in altering MeHg-induced toxicity by potentiating the animal's detoxification system. Altogether, our novel data show an indispensable role of protein quality control in the defense against MeHg toxicity.
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