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Yu G, Wu L, Su Q, Ji X, Zhou J, Wu S, Tang Y, Li H. Neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants in the environment: Focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123563. [PMID: 38355086 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment is a significant global environmental issue, characterized by its extensive distribution, severe contamination, and profound ecological impacts. Excessive exposure to heavy metal pollutants can damage the nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of most heavy metals are not completely understood. Epigenetics is defined as a heritable change in gene function that can influence gene and subsequent protein expression levels without altering the DNA sequence. Growing evidence indicates that heavy metals can induce neurotoxic effects by triggering epigenetic changes and disrupting the epigenome. Compared with genetic changes, epigenetic alterations are more easily reversible. Epigenetic reprogramming techniques, drugs, and certain nutrients targeting specific epigenetic mechanisms involved in gene expression regulation are emerging as potential preventive or therapeutic tools for diseases. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of epigenetic modifications encompassing DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the nervous system, elucidating their association with various heavy metal exposures. These primarily include manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), sliver (Ag), toxic metalloids arsenic (As), and etc. The potential epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology, precision prevention, and target therapy of various neurodevelopmental disorders or different neurodegenerative diseases are emphasized. In addition, the current gaps in research and future areas of study are discussed. From a perspective on epigenetics, this review offers novel insights for prevention and treatment of neurotoxicity induced by heavy metal pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxia Yu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Lingyan Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qianqian Su
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xianqi Ji
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jinfu Zhou
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Fujian Maternity and Child Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, Fuzhou 350125, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
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Liu Q, Liu Y, Zhang J, Guan Y, Zhou Q, Yan Y, Li W, An J, He M. Gut microbiota deficiency aggravates arsenic-induced toxicity by affecting bioaccumulation and biotransformation in C57BL/6J mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114564. [PMID: 38438009 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114564] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Gut microbiome can influence the arsenic metabolism in mammals. Confusingly, gut microbiome was found to both mitigate and exacerbate arsenic toxicity. In this study, the role of gut microbiota in arsenic bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and organ toxicity in C57BL/6J mice was investigated. Gut microbiota deficiency model was established by antibiotics (Ab) cocktail AVNM. Conventional and gut microbiota deficiency mice were exposed to NaAsO2 for 4 weeks. Comparing with Ab-treated mice, the total arsenic (tAs) in the tissues was significantly reduced in conventional mice, which was opposed to the results of those in feces. Interestingly, dimethyl arsenite (DMA) was the most abundant metabolite in the feces of Ab-treated mice, while arsenic acid (AsV) had the highest proportion in the feces of conventional mice with approximately 16-fold than that in Ab-treated mice, indicating the critical role of gut microbiota in metabolizing arsenious acid (AsIII) to AsV. Additionally, the liver and kidney in Ab-treated mice showed more severe pathological changes and apoptosis. The significant increased level of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1) was also found in the brains of Ab-treated mice. Our results indicated that gut microbiota protected the host from arsenic-induced toxicity in liver, kidney, and brain by reducing the arsenic accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuenan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiazhen Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Youbing Guan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qihang Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Weiya Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jun An
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meian He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Roh T, Regan AK, Johnson NM, Hasan NT, Trisha NF, Aggarwal A, Han D. Association of arsenic exposure with measles antibody titers in US children: Influence of sex and serum folate levels. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108329. [PMID: 38071850 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108329] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic during childhood is associated with various adverse health conditions. However, little is known about the effect of arsenic exposure on vaccine-related humoral immunity in children. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2004 and 2009-2010) to study the relationship between urinary arsenic and measles antibody levels in 476 US children aged 6-11. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the association, adjusting for cycle, age, race, body mass index (BMI), serum cotinine, poverty index ratio, and vitamin B12 and selenium intakes. Stratified analyses were conducted by sex and serum folate levels using the median as cutoff (18.7 ng/mL). The measles antibody concentrations in the 3rd and 4th quartiles were found to have significantly decreased by 28.5 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) -47.6, -2.28) and 36.8 % (95 % CI -50.2, -19.5), compared to the lowest quartile among boys with serum folate levels lower than 18.7 ng/ml. The serum measles antibody titers significantly decreased by 16.7 % (95 %CI -25.0, -7.61) for each doubling of creatinine-corrected urinary total inorganic arsenic concentrations in the same group. No associations were found in boys with high serum folate levels or in girls. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and develop interventions to protect children from infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehyun Roh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Annette K Regan
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | - Natalie M Johnson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nishat Tasnim Hasan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nusrat Fahmida Trisha
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Anisha Aggarwal
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Daikwon Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Wu Y, Wang R, Liu R, Ba Y, Huang H. The Roles of Histone Modifications in Metal-Induced Neurological Disorders. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:31-40. [PMID: 35129806 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Increasing research is illuminating the intricate roles of metal ions in neural development as well as neurological disorders, which may stem from misregulation or dysfunction of epigenetic modifiers. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), and arsenic were chosen for critical review because they have become serious public health concerns due to globalization and industrialization. In this review, we will introduce various modes of action of metals and consider the role of two posttranslational modifications: histone acetylation and methylation and how each of them affects gene expression. We then summarize the findings from previous studies on the neurological outcomes and histone alterations in response to the metals on each of the previously described histone modifications mechanisms. Understanding metal-induced histone modifications changes could provide better insight on the mechanism through which neurotoxicity occurs, to propose and validate these modifications as possible biomarkers for early identification of neurological damage, and can help model targeted therapies for the diseases of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Rundong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan province, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Fitz NF, Barchowsky A, Koldamova R, Lefterov I. Genome-wide Alteration of Histone Methylation Profiles Associated with Cognitive Changes in Response to Developmental Arsenic Exposure in Mice. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:393-403. [PMID: 35299870 PMCID: PMC8920871 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is a xenobiotic entering the body primarily through contaminated drinking water and food. There are defined mechanisms that describe arsenic’s association with increased cancer incidence, however mechanisms explaining arsenic exposure and neurodevelopmental or aging disorders are poorly defined. In recent years, arsenic effects on epigenome have become a particular focus. We hypothesize that human relevant arsenic exposure during particular developmental windows, or long-term exposure later in life induce pathophysiological neural changes through epigenomic alterations, in particular histone methylation profile, manifesting as cognitive decline. C57BL/6 wild-type mice were continually exposed to sodium arsenite (100 µg/L) in drinking water prior to mating through weaning of the experimental progeny. A second cohort of aged APP/PS mice were chronically exposed to the same level of arsenic. Cognitive testing, histological examination of brains and genome-wide methylation levels of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 examined after ChIP-seq were used to determine the effects of arsenic exposure. Developmental arsenic exposure caused significantly diminished cognition in wild-type mice. The analysis of ChIP-seq data and experiments with mouse embryonic stem cells demonstrated that epigenetic changes induced by arsenic exposure translated into gene expression alterations associated with neuronal development and neurological disease. Increased hippocampal amyloid plaques levels of APP/PS mice and cognitive decline provided evidence that arsenic exposure aggravated an existing Alzheimer’s disease-like phenotype. We show developmental arsenic exposure significantly impacts histone modifications in brain which remain present into adulthood and provide a potential mechanism by which developmental arsenic exposure influences cognitive functions. We also show that human relevant, chronic arsenic exposure has deleterious effects on adult APP/PS mice and exacerbates existing Alzheimer’s disease-like symptoms. The results demonstrate how developmental arsenic exposure impacts the brain epigenome, leading to altered gene expression later in life. Developmental arsenic exposure impacts biologically significant histone modifications in brain. Decreased trimethylation of H3K27 is associated with processes related to neuron fate and development. Histone modification in brain present a potential mechanism how developmental arsenic exposure impacts cognitive functions. Arsenic exacerbates cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation in AD model mice.
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Muhetaer M, Yang M, Xia R, Lai Y, Wu J. Gender difference in arsenic biotransformation is an important metabolic basis for arsenic toxicity. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:15. [PMID: 35227329 PMCID: PMC8883647 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00554-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic metabolism enzymes can affect the toxic effects of arsenic. However, the effects of different genders on the metabolites and metabolic enzymes in liver arsenic metabolism is still unclear. This study analyzed the gender differences of various arsenic metabolites and metabolic enzymes and further explored the effects of gender differences on arsenic metabolism in liver tissues of rats. METHODS Rats were treated with high/medium/low doses of iAs3+ or iAs5+. Liver pathological changes were observed with electron microscopy. The monomethyl aracid (MMA) and dimethyl aracid (DMA) was determined by high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), arsenate respiratory reductase (ARR), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), pyruvate kinase (PK), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) SAM, ARR, NAD, PNP, PK, and MPO were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. RT-qPCR was used to determine Arsenic (+ 3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT). RESULTS The iAs3+ and iAs5+ at high doses induced pathological changes in the liver, such as increased heterochromatin and lipid droplets. Compared within the same group, MMA and DMA were statistically significant in iAs3 + high, iAs3 + medium and iAs5+ low dose groups (P < 0.05). MMA of male rats in iAs3+ high and medium groups was higher than that of female rats, and the DMA of male rats was lower than that of female rats. As3MT mRNA in the male iAs3+ high group was higher than that of females. Besides, compared between male and female, only in iAS3+ low dose, iAS3+ medium dose, iAS5+ low dose, and iAS5+ medium dose groups, there was significant difference in SAM level (P < 0.05). Compared within the same group, male rats had significantly higher PNP and ARR activities while lower PK activity than female rats (P < 0.05). Between the male and female groups, only the iAS3+ high dose and medium dose group had a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The NAD activity of females in iAS3+ high dose group was higher than that of males. CONCLUSION The gender differences in the arsenic metabolism enzymes may affect the biotransformation of arsenic, which may be one of the important mechanisms of arsenic toxicity of different sexes and different target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maihaba Muhetaer
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, Public Health College of Xinjiang Medical University, No.567, Sunde North Road, Shuimogou District, Xinjiang, 830011, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, 830011, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongxiang Xia
- Department of Endemic Disease Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830011, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyan Lai
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, Public Health College of Xinjiang Medical University, No.567, Sunde North Road, Shuimogou District, Xinjiang, 830011, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, Public Health College of Xinjiang Medical University, No.567, Sunde North Road, Shuimogou District, Xinjiang, 830011, Urumqi, People's Republic of China.
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Solomon ER, Caldwell KK, Allan AM. A novel method for the normalization of ChIP-qPCR data. MethodsX 2021; 8:101504. [PMID: 34754775 PMCID: PMC8563474 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ChIP-qPCR permits the study of protein and chromatin interactions. The general technique can apply to the study of the interactions of protein with RNA, and the methylation state of genomic DNA. While the technique is vital to our understanding of epigenetic processes, there is much confusion around the proper normalization methods. Percent Input has recently emerged as a normalization standard, due to its reproducibility and accuracy. This method relies on the use of a constant volume of ChIP Isolate in each qPCR assay. Researchers may accidentally run qPCR assays with a constant amount of isolate, a common practice for RT-qPCR; however, the traditional Percent Input method cannot accurately normalize these data. We developed a novel method that can normalize these data to provide the same reproducible Percent Input value. Here, we present evidence that this novel method of normalizing ChIP-qPCR data works with real samples. Later, we present a mathematical proof which shows how a Percent Input value calculated from Cq (quantification cycle) values obtained from qPCR run with a constant amount (in nanograms of DNA in ChIP isolate) is equal to the traditional Percent Input calculated from quantification cycle (Cq) values obtained from running a constant volume of ChIP isolate.•Increases the number of possible data points per sample•End values are the same % Input values as the traditional normalization method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin K Caldwell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico HSC, United States
| | - Andrea M Allan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico HSC, United States
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Laine VN, Verschuuren M, van Oers K, Espín S, Sánchez-Virosta P, Eeva T, Ruuskanen S. Does Arsenic Contamination Affect DNA Methylation Patterns in a Wild Bird Population? An Experimental Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8947-8954. [PMID: 34110128 DOI: 10.1101/2020.12.08.415745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pollutants, such as toxic metals, negatively influence organismal health and performance, even leading to population collapses. Studies in model organisms have shown that epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, can be modulated by various environmental factors, including pollutants, influencing gene expression, and various organismal traits. Yet experimental data on the effects of pollution on DNA methylation from wild animal populations are largely lacking. We here experimentally investigated for the first time the effects of early-life exposure to environmentally relevant levels of a key pollutant, arsenic (As), on genome-wide DNA methylation in a wild bird population. We experimentally exposed nestlings of great tits (Parus major) to arsenic during their postnatal developmental period (3 to 14 days post-hatching) and compared their erythrocyte DNA methylation levels to those of respective controls. In contrast to predictions, we found no overall hypomethylation in the arsenic group. We found evidence for loci to be differentially methylated between the treatment groups, but for five CpG sites only. Three of the sites were located in gene bodies of zinc finger and BTB domain containing 47 (ZBTB47), HIVEP zinc finger 3 (HIVEP3), and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1). Further studies are needed to evaluate whether epigenetic dysregulation is a commonly observed phenomenon in polluted populations and what are the consequences for organism functioning and for population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika N Laine
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Verschuuren
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Espín
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia 30003, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia 30003, Spain
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
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9
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Laine V, Verschuuren M, van Oers K, Espín S, Sánchez-Virosta P, Eeva T, Ruuskanen S. Does Arsenic Contamination Affect DNA Methylation Patterns in a Wild Bird Population? An Experimental Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8947-8954. [PMID: 34110128 PMCID: PMC8277128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Pollutants, such as toxic metals, negatively influence organismal health and performance, even leading to population collapses. Studies in model organisms have shown that epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, can be modulated by various environmental factors, including pollutants, influencing gene expression, and various organismal traits. Yet experimental data on the effects of pollution on DNA methylation from wild animal populations are largely lacking. We here experimentally investigated for the first time the effects of early-life exposure to environmentally relevant levels of a key pollutant, arsenic (As), on genome-wide DNA methylation in a wild bird population. We experimentally exposed nestlings of great tits (Parus major) to arsenic during their postnatal developmental period (3 to 14 days post-hatching) and compared their erythrocyte DNA methylation levels to those of respective controls. In contrast to predictions, we found no overall hypomethylation in the arsenic group. We found evidence for loci to be differentially methylated between the treatment groups, but for five CpG sites only. Three of the sites were located in gene bodies of zinc finger and BTB domain containing 47 (ZBTB47), HIVEP zinc finger 3 (HIVEP3), and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1). Further studies are needed to evaluate whether epigenetic dysregulation is a commonly observed phenomenon in polluted populations and what are the consequences for organism functioning and for population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika
N. Laine
- Department
of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute
of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Verschuuren
- Department
of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute
of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Kees van Oers
- Department
of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute
of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Espín
- Area
of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia 30003, Spain
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Area
of Toxicology, Department of Socio-Sanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia 30003, Spain
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Suvi Ruuskanen
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, Turku 20500, Finland
- Department
of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
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Stone J, Sutrave P, Gascoigne E, Givens MB, Fry RC, Manuck TA. Exposure to toxic metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth in the United States: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100308. [PMID: 33444805 PMCID: PMC8144061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia and preterm birth are among the most common pregnancy complications and are the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Adverse pregnancy outcomes are multifactorial in nature and increasing evidence suggests that the pathophysiology behind preterm birth and preeclampsia may be similar-specifically, both of these disorders may involve abnormalities in placental vasculature. A growing body of literature supports that exposure to environmental contaminants in the air, water, soil, and consumer and household products serves as a key factor influencing the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In pregnant women, toxic metals have been detected in urine, peripheral blood, nail clippings, and amniotic fluid. The placenta serves as a "gatekeeper" between maternal and fetal exposures, because it can reduce or enhance fetal exposure to various toxicants. Proposed mechanisms underlying toxicant-mediated damage include disrupted placental vasculogenesis, an up-regulated proinflammatory state, oxidative stressors contributing to prostaglandin production and consequent cervical ripening, uterine contractions, and ruptured membranes and epigenetic changes that contribute to disrupted regulation of endocrine and immune system signaling. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of studies examining the relationships between environmental contaminants in the US setting, specifically inorganic (eg, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury) and organic (eg, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) toxicants, and the development of preeclampsia and preterm birth among women in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Stone
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Pragna Sutrave
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Emily Gascoigne
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Matthew B Givens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Tracy A Manuck
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Chapel Hill, NC.
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