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Zhu Y, Yang Q, Gu J, Chen Z, Jing N, Jin T, Lin J, Wang X, Hu J, Ji G, An Y. 'Environmental standard limit concentration' arsenic exposure is associated with anxiety, depression, and autism-like changes in early-life stage zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133953. [PMID: 38461670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133953] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic is a worldwide environmental pollutant that can impair human health. Previous studies have identified mental disorders induced by arsenic, but the environmental exposure concentrations in the early life stages associated with these disorders are poorly understood. In the present study, early-life stage zebrafish were used to explore the effects on mental disorders under 'environmental standard limit concentrations' arsenic exposures of 5, 10, 50, 150, and 500 μg/L. The results showed that arsenic exposure at these concentrations changed the locomotor behavior in larval zebrafish and was further associated with anxiety, depression, and autism-like behavior in both larval and juvenile zebrafish. Changes were noted at benchmark dose limit (BMDL) concentrations as low as 0.81 μg/L. Transcriptomics showed that immediate early genes (IEGs) fosab, egr1, egr2a, ier2b, egr3, and jund were decreased after arsenic exposure in larval and juvenile zebrafish. Nervous system impairment and anxiety, depression, and autism-like behaviors in early-life stage zebrafish at 'environmental standard limit concentrations' may be attributed to the downregulation of IEGs. These findings in zebrafish provided new experimental support for an arsenic toxicity threshold for mental disorders, and they suggest that low levels of environmental chemicals may be causative developmental factors for mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhui Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Qianlei Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jie Gu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhicheng Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Nan Jing
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Tingxu Jin
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China; School of Public Health, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiayuan Lin
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jingwen Hu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Guixiang Ji
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yan An
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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Hua W, Han X, Li F, Lu L, Sun Y, Hassanian-Moghaddam H, Tian M, Lu Y, Huang Q. Transgenerational Effects of Arsenic Exposure on Learning and Memory in Rats: Crosstalk between Arsenic Methylation, Hippocampal Metabolism, and Histone Modifications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6475-6486. [PMID: 38578163 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07989] [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: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is widely present in the natural environment, and exposure to it can lead to learning and memory impairment. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms are still largely unclear. This study aimed to reveal the role of histone modifications in environmental levels of arsenic (sodium arsenite) exposure-induced learning and memory dysfunction in male rats, and the inter/transgenerational effects of paternal arsenic exposure were also investigated. It was found that arsenic exposure impaired the learning and memory ability of F0 rats and down-regulated the expression of cognition-related genes Bdnf, c-Fos, mGlur1, Nmdar1, and Gria2 in the hippocampus. We also observed that inorganic arsenite was methylated to DMA and histone modification-related metabolites were altered, contributing to the dysregulation of H3K4me1/2/3, H3K9me1/2/3, and H3K4ac in rat hippocampus after exposure. Therefore, it is suggested that arsenic methylation and hippocampal metabolism changes attenuated H3K4me1/2/3 and H3K4ac while enhancing H3K9me1/2/3, which repressed the key gene expressions, leading to cognitive impairment in rats exposed to arsenic. In addition, paternal arsenic exposure induced transgenerational effects of learning and memory disorder in F2 male rats through the regulation of H3K4me2 and H3K9me1/2/3, which inhibited c-Fos, mGlur1, and Nmdar1 expression. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced neurotoxicity and highlight the risk of neurological deficits in offspring with paternal exposure to arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Hua
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xuejingping Han
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yiqiong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yanyang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
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Liu M, Deng P, Li G, Liu H, Zuo J, Cui W, Zhang H, Chen X, Yao J, Peng X, Peng L, Liu J, Zheng W, Yan W, Luan N. Neurotoxicity of Combined Exposure to the Heavy Metals (Pb and As) in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). TOXICS 2024; 12:282. [PMID: 38668505 PMCID: PMC11054020 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are commonly occurring heavy metals in the environment and produce detrimental impacts on the central nervous system. Although they have both been indicated to exhibit neurotoxic properties, it is not known if they have joint effects, and their mechanisms of action are likewise unknown. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of Pb (40 μg/L, 4 mg/L), As (32 μg/L, 3.2 mg/L) and their combinations (40 μg/L + 32 μg/L, 4 mg/L + 3.2 mg/L) for 30 days. The histopathological analyses showed significant brain damage characterized by glial scar formation and ventricular enlargement in all exposed groups. In addition, either Pb or As staining inhibited the swimming speed of zebrafish, which was enhanced by their high concentrations in a mixture. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we examined changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, neurotransmitter (dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine) levels, HPI axis-related hormone (cortisol and epinephrine) contents and neurodevelopment-related gene expression in zebrafish brain. The observations suggest that combined exposure to Pb and As can cause abnormalities in swimming behavior and ultimately exacerbate neurotoxicity in zebrafish by interfering with the cholinergic system, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling, HPI axis function as well as neuronal development. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the mixed exposure of heavy metals and their toxicity to aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.L.); (G.L.); (H.L.); (J.Z.); (W.Z.)
| | - Ping Deng
- Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430056, China;
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.L.); (G.L.); (H.L.); (J.Z.); (W.Z.)
| | - Haoling Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.L.); (G.L.); (H.L.); (J.Z.); (W.Z.)
| | - Junli Zuo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.L.); (G.L.); (H.L.); (J.Z.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wenwen Cui
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Huixian Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Xin Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Jingjing Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Xitian Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Lijun Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiao Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Wenting Zheng
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.L.); (G.L.); (H.L.); (J.Z.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wei Yan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nutritional Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China; (W.C.); (H.Z.); (X.C.); (J.Y.); (X.P.); (L.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Ning Luan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.L.); (G.L.); (H.L.); (J.Z.); (W.Z.)
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Koomson AA, Delaney P, Khan N, Sadler KC. Sustained effects of developmental exposure to inorganic arsenic on hepatic gsto2 expression and mating success in zebrafish. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060094. [PMID: 38446164 PMCID: PMC10941348 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060094] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The impacts of exposure to the pervasive environmental toxicant, inorganic arsenic (iAs), on human and fish health are well characterized and several lines of evidence suggest that some impacts can manifest years after exposure cessation. Using a developmental exposure protocol whereby zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.5 and 1.5 mM iAs from 4-120 hours post fertilization (hpf) and then removed, we investigated the sustained effects of iAs on gene expression in the liver, survival, reproductive success, and susceptibility to iAs toxicity in the subsequent generation. Persistent exposure to iAs during development had substantial effects on the hepatic transcriptome, with 23% of all expressed genes significantly changed following developmental exposure. The gsto2 gene is involved in iAs metabolism and this gene was significantly downregulated in female livers 9 months after iAs was removed. Developmental exposure to 1.5 mM iAs, but not 0.5 mM, decreased survival by over 50% at 3 months of age. Adults that were developmentally exposed to 0.5 mM iAs had reduced mating success, but their offspring had no differences in observable aspects of development or their susceptibility to iAs toxicity. This demonstrates that developmental exposure of zebrafish to iAs reduces long-term survival, reproductive success and causes sustained changes to gsto2 expression in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Ama Koomson
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Patrice Delaney
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nouf Khan
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kirsten C. Sadler
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
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Feng JX, Li P, Liu Y, Liu L, Li ZH. A latest progress in the study of fish behavior: cross-generational effects of behavior under pollution pressure and new technologies for behavior monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11529-11542. [PMID: 38214862 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31885-2] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
With the development of agriculture and industry, an increasing number of pollutants are being discharged into the aquatic environment. These pollutants can harm aquatic life. The behavioral characteristics of animals are an external manifestation of their internal mechanisms. Changes in behavior reflect damage and changes in the internal mechanisms. Environmental pollution may lead to behavioral changes not only in the parental generation but also in the offspring that has not been exposed to the pollutants. That is, the intrinsic mechanism that leads to behavioral changes is inheritable. Fish are representative species of aquatic organisms and are commonly used in various research studies. The behavior of fish has also received extensive attention, and the monitoring technology for fish behavior has developed rapidly. This article summarizes the development process of behavior monitoring technology and introduces some of the latest technologies for studying fish behavior. This article also summarizes the intergenerational effects of pollutants on fish behavior, as well as the potential intrinsic and genetic mechanisms that may lead to behavioral changes. This article provides a reference for future relevant neurobehavioral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Xue Feng
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, Shandong, China.
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Ganie SY, Javaid D, Hajam YA, Reshi MS. Arsenic toxicity: sources, pathophysiology and mechanism. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfad111. [PMID: 38178998 PMCID: PMC10762673 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad111] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that poses a significant threat to human health due to its widespread presence in the environment, affecting millions worldwide. Sources of arsenic exposure are diverse, stemming from mining activities, manufacturing processes, and natural geological formations. Arsenic manifests in both organic and inorganic forms, with trivalent meta-arsenite (As3+) and pentavalent arsenate (As5+) being the most common inorganic forms. The trivalent state, in particular, holds toxicological significance due to its potent interactions with sulfur-containing proteins. Objective The primary objective of this review is to consolidate current knowledge on arsenic toxicity, addressing its sources, chemical forms, and the diverse pathways through which it affects human health. It also focuses on the impact of arsenic toxicity on various organs and systems, as well as potential molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced pathogenesis. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing studies from diverse fields such as environmental science, toxicology, and epidemiology. Key databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched using predetermined criteria to select relevant articles, with a focus on recent research and comprehensive reviews to unravel the toxicological manifestations of arsenic, employing various animal models to discern the underlying mechanisms of arsenic toxicity. Results The review outlines the multifaceted aspects of arsenic toxicity, including its association with chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurotoxicity. The emphasis is placed on elucidating the role of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and epigenetic modifications in arsenic-induced cellular damage. Additionally, the impact of arsenic on vulnerable populations and potential interventions are discussed. Conclusions Arsenic toxicity represents a complex and pervasive public health issue with far-reaching implications. Understanding the diverse pathways through which arsenic exerts its toxic effects is crucial to developing effective mitigation strategies and interventions. Further research is needed to fill gaps in our understanding of arsenic toxicity and to inform public health policies aimed at minimising exposure.Arsenic toxicity is a crucial public health problem influencing millions of people around the world. The possible sources of arsenic toxicity includes mining, manufacturing processes and natural geological sources. Arsenic exists in organic as well as in inorganic forms. Trivalent meta-arsenite (As3+) and pentavalent arsenate (As5+) are two most common inorganic forms of arsenic. Trivalent oxidation state is toxicologically more potent due to its potential to interact with sulfur containing proteins. Humans are exposed to arsenic in many ways such as environment and consumption of arsenic containing foods. Drinking of arsenic-contaminated groundwater is an unavoidable source of poisoning, especially in India, Bangladesh, China, and some Central and South American countries. Plenty of research has been carried out on toxicological manifestation of arsenic in different animal models to identify the actual mechanism of aresenic toxicity. Therefore, we have made an effort to summarize the toxicology of arsenic, its pathophysiological impacts on various organs and its molecular mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Yousuf Ganie
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185234, India
| | - Darakhshan Javaid
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185234, India
| | - Younis Ahmad Hajam
- Department of Life Sciences and Allied Health Sciences, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Jalandhar, Punjab 144030, India
| | - Mohd Salim Reshi
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185234, India
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Liu T, Zhang L. Multigenerational effects of arsenate on development and reproduction in marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 342:140158. [PMID: 37709060 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140158] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a persistent toxic substance, however, its toxicity to marine zooplankton remains unclear. In this study, copepods were exposed to a series of dissolved arsenate (As(V)) for four generations (F0-F3) and subsequently depurated in clean seawater for two generations (F4-F5) to assess multigenerational toxicity of As(V). As(V) exposure prolonged copepod development. The development time were 1.9, 2.4, and 3.4 days longer than the control in F0 when exposed to 50, 100, and 500 μg/L As(V), respectively, and the toxicity increased with generations. Moreover, As(V) reduced the reproductive capacity of copepods, and this effect become more severe during generation succession. The 10-day fecundities were reduced from 80 to 85 eggs per female in the control to 42 eggs per female, the lowest level, in 500 μg/L As(V) exposure group in F3. Nevertheless, the fecundity was recovered to the control level in the offspring of the 50 and 100 μg/L As(V) exposed groups (F4), suggesting it was an acclimation effect of copepods during As(V) exposure. In addition, the survival rate, development time, and reproductive parameters were significantly correlated with the As accumulation in copepods. Overall, As(V) exposure caused As bioaccumulation which negatively affected copepods' survival, development, and reproductive traits, and this toxic effect was amplified with generations and concentrations. Therefore, the multigenerational toxicity of As should be considered in the environmental risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianrui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya, 572025, China.
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Hu X, Yuan X, Yang M, Han M, Ommati MM, Ma Y. Arsenic exposure induced anxiety-like behaviors in male mice via influencing the GABAergic Signaling in the prefrontal cortex. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:86352-86364. [PMID: 37402917 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic contamination in drinking water causes a global public health problem. Emerging evidence suggests that arsenic may act as an environmental risk factor for anxiety disorders. However, the exact mechanism underlying the adverse effects has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety-like behaviors of mice exposed to arsenic trioxide (As2O3), to observe the neuropathological changes, and to explore the link between the GABAergic system and behavioral manifestations. For this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to various doses of As2O3 (0, 0.15, 1.5, and 15 mg/L) through drinking water for 12 weeks. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the open field test (OFT), light/dark choice test, and elevated zero maze (EZM). Neuronal injuries in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were assessed by light microscopy with H&E and Nissl staining. Ultrastructural alteration in the cerebral cortex was assessed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The expression levels of GABAergic system-related molecules (i.e., glutamate decarboxylase, GABA transporter, and GABAB receptor subunits) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Arsenic exposure showed a striking anxiogenic effect on mice, especially in the group exposed to 15 mg/L As2O3. Light microscopy showed neuron necrosis and reduced cell counts. TEM revealed marked ultrastructural changes, including the vacuolated mitochondria, disrupted Nissl bodies, an indentation in the nucleus membrane, and delamination of myelin sheath in the cortex. In addition, As2O3 influenced the GABAergic system in the PFC by decreasing the expression of the glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) and the GABAB2 receptor subunit, but not the GABAB1 receptor subunit. To sum up, sub-chronic exposure to As2O3 is associated with increased anxiety-like behaviors, which may be mediated by altered GABAergic signaling in the PFC. These findings shed light on the mechanisms responsible for the neurotoxic effects of arsenic and therefore more cautions should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Mingyu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Mingsheng Han
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanqin Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
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9
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Rachamalla M, Salahinejad A, Khan M, Datusalia AK, Niyogi S. Chronic dietary exposure to arsenic at environmentally relevant concentrations impairs cognitive performance in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) via oxidative stress and dopaminergic dysfunction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 886:163771. [PMID: 37164085 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic dietary arsenic exposure on the cognitive performance of adult zebrafish and uncover probable pathways by which arsenic mediates such neurotoxic effects. Adult zebrafish were treated with 3 different dietary arsenic concentrations (30, 60, and 100 μg/g dry weight (dw), as arsenite) in addition to control for 60 days. A latent learning paradigm, which employs a complex maze, was used to assess the cognitive performance of fish. Our results demonstrated that dietary treatment with arsenic, especially at medium (60 μg/g dw) and high (100 μg/g dw) exposure dose levels, significantly impaired the performance of fish in various latent learning tasks evaluated in the present study. Concomitant with cognitive dysfunction, chronic dietary exposure to arsenic was also found to increase arsenic accumulation and dopamine levels, and induce oxidative stress (reduced thiol redox, increased lipid peroxidation and expression of antioxidant enzyme genes) in the brain of zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. Dopaminergic system in the brain is known to play a critical role in regulating cognitive behaviours in fish, and our observations suggested that chronic dietary treatment with medium and high arsenic doses leads to significant alterations in the expression of genes involved in dopamine signalling (dopamine receptors), synthesis (thyroxine hydroxylase) and metabolism (monoamine oxidase) in the zebrafish brain. Moreover, we also recorded significant downregulation of genes such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ectonucleotidases (entpd2_mg, entpd2_mq, and 5'-nucleotidase), which are critical for learning and memory functions, in the zebrafish brain following chronic dietary exposure to arsenic. Overall, the present study suggests that chronic environmentally relevant dietary exposure to arsenic can impair the cognitive performance in zebrafish, essentially by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting the dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Rachamalla
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada.
| | - Arash Salahinejad
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Maria Khan
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
| | - Ashok Kumar Datusalia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
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10
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Pham K, Ho L, D'Incal CP, De Cock A, Berghe WV, Goethals P. Epigenetic analytical approaches in ecotoxicological aquatic research. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121737. [PMID: 37121302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental epigenetics has become a key research focus in global climate change studies and environmental pollutant investigations impacting aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, triggered by environmental stress conditions, intergenerational DNA methylation changes contribute to biological adaptive responses and survival of organisms to increase their tolerance towards these conditions. To critically review epigenetic analytical approaches in ecotoxicological aquatic research, we evaluated 78 publications reported over the past five years (2016-2021) that applied these methods to investigate the responses of aquatic organisms to environmental changes and pollution. The results show that DNA methylation appears to be the most robust epigenetic regulatory mark studied in aquatic animals. As such, multiple DNA methylation analysis methods have been developed in aquatic organisms, including enzyme restriction digestion-based and methyl-specific immunoprecipitation methods, and bisulfite (in)dependent sequencing strategies. In contrast, only a handful of aquatic studies, i.e. about 15%, have been focusing on histone variants and post-translational modifications due to the lack of species-specific affinity based immunological reagents, such as specific antibodies for chromatin immunoprecipitation applications. Similarly, ncRNA regulation remains as the least popular method used in the field of environmental epigenetics. Insights into the opportunities and challenges of the DNA methylation and histone variant analysis methods as well as decreasing costs of next generation sequencing approaches suggest that large-scale epigenetic environmental studies in model and non-model organisms will soon become available in the near future. Moreover, antibody-dependent and independent methods, such as mass spectrometry-based methods, can be used as an alternative epigenetic approach to characterize global changes of chromatin histone modifications in future aquatic research. Finally, a systematic guide for DNA methylation and histone variant methods is offered for ecotoxicological aquatic researchers to select the most relevant epigenetic analytical approach in their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Pham
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Long Ho
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Claudio Peter D'Incal
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Andrée De Cock
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, 2610, Belgium
| | - Peter Goethals
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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11
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Guidi C, Martínez-López E, Oliver JA, Sánchez-Vázquez FJ, Vera LM. Behavioural response to toxic elements, detoxification and organ accumulation are time-of-day-dependent in zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 316:137862. [PMID: 36642134 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxic elements, such as mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), are major pollutants in aquatic environments, posing ecological threats to living organisms due to their toxicity and bioaccumulation. This paper investigated whether zebrafish response to Hg and As displayed day/night differences. Fish were exposed to either 35 μg/L of mercury chloride for 6 h or 65 mg/L of sodium arsenate for 4 h, at two different times of the day: mid-light (day; ML) and mid-darkness (night; MD). Fish were video-recorded to investigate their behavioural response and at the end of each trial, gills and liver samples were collected for gene expression measurement. Gills, liver and brain samples were also obtained to determine Hg and As concentration. A control group (non-exposed) was video-recorded and sampled too. The effect of Hg and As on zebrafish swimming activity and the expression of antioxidant and metallothionein genes was time-of-day-dependent, with a stronger response being observed during the day than at night. However, the neurobehavioural effect of Hg was more affected by the time of exposure than the effect of As. In addition, Hg concentration in the gills was significantly higher in zebrafish exposed at ML than at MD. Altogether, these findings suggest that zebrafish response to Hg and As is time-of-day-dependent and remark the importance of considering toxicity rhythms when using this fish species as a model in toxicological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Guidi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - José A Oliver
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Francisco J Sánchez-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Luisa M Vera
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
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12
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Fallet M, Blanc M, Di Criscio M, Antczak P, Engwall M, Guerrero Bosagna C, Rüegg J, Keiter SH. Present and future challenges for the investigation of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107776. [PMID: 36731188 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic pathways are essential in different biological processes and in phenotype-environment interactions in response to different stressors and they can induce phenotypic plasticity. They encompass several processes that are mitotically and, in some cases, meiotically heritable, so they can be transferred to subsequent generations via the germline. Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance (TEI) describes the phenomenon that phenotypic traits, such as changes in fertility, metabolic function, or behavior, induced by environmental factors (e.g., parental care, pathogens, pollutants, climate change), can be transferred to offspring generations via epigenetic mechanisms. Investigations on TEI contribute to deciphering the role of epigenetic mechanisms in adaptation, adversity, and evolution. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission of epigenetic changes between generations, and the downstream chain of events leading to persistent phenotypic changes, remain unclear. Therefore, inter-, (transmission of information between parental and offspring generation via direct exposure) and transgenerational (transmission of information through several generations with disappearance of the triggering factor) consequences of epigenetic modifications remain major issues in the field of modern biology. In this article, we review and describe the major gaps and issues still encountered in the TEI field: the general challenges faced in epigenetic research; deciphering the key epigenetic mechanisms in inheritance processes; identifying the relevant drivers for TEI and implement a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to study TEI. Finally, we provide suggestions on how to overcome these challenges and ultimately be able to identify the specific contribution of epigenetics in transgenerational inheritance and use the correct tools for environmental science investigation and biomarkers identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Fallet
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom.
| | - Mélanie Blanc
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, INRAE, Palavas, France
| | - Michela Di Criscio
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyv. 18A, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Philipp Antczak
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Germany; Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyv. 18A, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
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13
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Lin W, Huang Z, Zhang W, Ren Y. Investigating the neurotoxicity of environmental pollutants using zebrafish as a model organism: A review and recommendations for future work. Neurotoxicology 2023; 94:235-244. [PMID: 36581008 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
With the continuous development of precise detection technology, more and more pollutants have been detected in the environment. Among them, neurotoxic pollutants have attracted extensive attention due to their serious threat to vertebrates, invertebrates, and the whole ecosystem. Compared with other model organisms, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become an important aquatic model to study the neurotoxicity of environmental pollutants because of their excellent molecular/physiological characteristics. At present, the research on the toxicity of environmental pollutants to the zebrafish nervous system focuses on morphology and behavior regulation, oxidative stress, gene expression, synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, and neuron development. However, studies on epigenetic toxicity, blood-brain barrier damage, and regulation of the brain-gut-microbiota axis still require further research at the molecular and signaling levels to clarify the toxic mechanisms of pollutants. This paper reviews the research on the toxic effects of pollutants in the environment (heavy metals and organic compounds) on the nervous system of zebrafish, summarizes and comments on the main research findings. The discussion of the problems, hot spots in the current research, and the prospects of the contents to be further studied are also included in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhishan Huang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuan Ren
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, China; The Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Eco-Remediation of Guangdong Regular Higher Education Institutions, China.
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14
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Terrazas-Salgado L, García-Gasca A, Betancourt-Lozano M, Llera-Herrera R, Alvarado-Cruz I, Yáñez-Rivera B. Epigenetic Transgenerational Modifications Induced by Xenobiotic Exposure in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:832982. [PMID: 35281093 PMCID: PMC8914061 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.832982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model in ecotoxicology research that responds to a wide range of xenobiotics such as pesticides, drugs, and endocrine-disrupting compounds. The epigenome can interact with the environment and transform internal and/or external signals into phenotypic responses through changes in gene transcription. Environmental exposures can also generate epigenetic variations in offspring even by indirect exposure. In this review, we address the advantages of using zebrafish as an experimental animal model to study transgenerational epigenetic processes upon exposure to xenobiotics. We focused mostly on DNA methylation, although studies on post-translational modifications of histones, and non-coding RNAs related to xenobiotic exposure in zebrafish are also discussed. A revision of the methods used to study epigenetic changes in zebrafish revealed the relevance and reproducibility for epigenetics-related research. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were consulted for original research articles published from 2013 to date, by using six keywords: zebrafish, epigenetics, exposure, parental, transgenerational, and F2. From 499 articles identified, 92 were considered, of which 14 were selected as included F2 and epigenetic mechanisms. Current knowledge regarding the effect of xenobiotics on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in non-coding RNAs expressed in F2 is summarized, along with key experimental design considerations to characterize transgenerational effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Raúl Llera-Herrera
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología—Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Mexico
| | - Isabel Alvarado-Cruz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Beatriz Yáñez-Rivera
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Mazatlán, Mexico
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Beatriz Yáñez-Rivera,
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15
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Nilsson EE, Ben Maamar M, Skinner MK. Role of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance in generational toxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac001. [PMID: 35186326 PMCID: PMC8848501 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental toxicants have been shown to be associated with the transgenerational inheritance of increased disease susceptibility. This review describes the generational toxicity of some of these chemicals and their role in the induction of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease. Epigenetic factors include DNA methylation, histone modifications, retention of histones in sperm, changes to chromatin structure, and expression of non-coding RNAs. For toxicant-induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance to occur, exposure to a toxicant must result in epigenetic changes to germ cells (sperm or eggs) since it is the germ cells that carry molecular information to subsequent generations. In addition, the epigenetic changes induced in transgenerational generation animals must cause alterations in gene expression in these animals' somatic cells. In some cases of generational toxicology, negligible changes are seen in the directly exposed generations, but increased disease rates are seen in transgenerational descendants. Governmental policies regulating toxicant exposure should take generational effects into account. A new approach that takes into consideration generational toxicity will be needed to protect our future populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- **Correspondence address. Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA. Tel: +509-335-1524; E-mail:
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16
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Zhao WJ, Li X, Xu ZQ, Fang KM, Hong HC, Sun HJ, Guan DX, Yu XW. Environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenic induces apoptosis in the early life stage of zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 227:112883. [PMID: 34653941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) in the aquatic environment is a considerable environmental issue, previous studies have reported the toxic effects of low concentrations (≤ 150 μg/L) of As on fish. However, limited information is available regarding the impact of low levels of As on apoptosis. To evaluate this, zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 150 μg/L) of As (arsenite [AsIII] and arsenate [AsV]) for 120 h. Our results indicated that low concentrations of AsIII exposure significantly inhibited the survival of zebrafish larvae, and significantly increased the transcription of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 transcription, and protein levels of Caspase-3. In contrast, AsV decreased the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 transcription and protein levels, as well as protein levels of Caspase-3. Our data demonstrated that AsIII and AsV exert different toxic effects, AsIII induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway and the extrinsic pathway, while AsV induced apoptosis only via the mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Zhao
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Ze-Qiong Xu
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Ke-Ming Fang
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Hua-Chang Hong
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Hong-Jie Sun
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China; Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
| | - Dong-Xing Guan
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xin-Wei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang 316021, China; College of Marine Science and Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316021, China.
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17
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Thakur M, Rachamalla M, Niyogi S, Datusalia AK, Flora SJS. Molecular Mechanism of Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity including Neuronal Dysfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810077. [PMID: 34576240 PMCID: PMC8471829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is a key environmental toxicant having significant impacts on human health. Millions of people in developing countries such as Bangladesh, Mexico, Taiwan, and India are affected by arsenic contamination through groundwater. Environmental contamination of arsenic leads to leads to various types of cancers, coronary and neurological ailments in human. There are several sources of arsenic exposure such as drinking water, diet, wood preservatives, smoking, air and cosmetics, while, drinking water is the most explored route. Inorganic arsenic exhibits higher levels of toxicity compared its organic forms. Exposure to inorganic arsenic is known to cause major neurological effects such as cytotoxicity, chromosomal aberration, damage to cellular DNA and genotoxicity. On the other hand, long-term exposure to arsenic may cause neurobehavioral effects in the juvenile stage, which may have detrimental effects in the later stages of life. Thus, it is important to understand the toxicology and underlying molecular mechanism of arsenic which will help to mitigate its detrimental effects. The present review focuses on the epidemiology, and the toxic mechanisms responsible for arsenic induced neurobehavioral diseases, including strategies for its management from water, community and household premises. The review also provides a critical analysis of epigenetic and transgenerational modifications, mitochondrial oxidative stress, molecular mechanisms of arsenic-induced oxidative stress, and neuronal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Thakur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Transit Campus, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India; (M.T.); (A.K.D.)
| | - Mahesh Rachamalla
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; (M.R.); (S.N.)
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada; (M.R.); (S.N.)
- Toxicology Centre, Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Ashok Kumar Datusalia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Transit Campus, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India; (M.T.); (A.K.D.)
| | - Swaran Jeet Singh Flora
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Transit Campus, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India; (M.T.); (A.K.D.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Abdollahzade N, Majidinia M, Babri S. Melatonin: a pleiotropic hormone as a novel potent therapeutic candidate in arsenic toxicity. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6603-6618. [PMID: 34453671 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic is a natural element which exists in the environment in inorganic and organic forms. In humans, the main reason for the toxicity of arsenic is its uptake via water sources. As polluted water and the problems associated with it can be found in many countries. Therefore, considering all these positive effects of melatonin, this review is aimed at melatonin supplementation therapy on arsenic toxicity which seems to be a suitable therapeutic agent to eliminate the adverse effects of arsenic. METHODS AND RESULTS It is seen in previous studies that chronic exposure to arsenic could cause serious dys functions of organs and induce different degrees of toxicities that is one of the first hazardous materials in the classification of substances by the United States Environmental Protection Agency so leads to costly cleanup operations burdening the economy. Arsenic harmfulness degree depends on the bioavailability, chemical form, valence state, detoxification, and metabolism of human body. The oxidative stress has a major role in arsenic-induced toxicity; on the other hand, it was discovered that melatonin is a powerful scavenger for free radical and it's an extensive-spectrum antioxidant. CONCLUSION Due to its highly lipophilic and small size properties, melatonin accesses all intracellular organs by easily passing via the cell membrane and prevents protein, DNA damage, and lipid peroxidation. In particular, melatonin, by protecting and reducing oxidative stress in mitochondria, can normalize homeostasis and mitochondrial function and ultimately prevent apoptosis and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseh Abdollahzade
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Shirin Babri
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Blanc M, Antczak P, Cousin X, Grunau C, Scherbak N, Rüegg J, Keiter SH. The insecticide permethrin induces transgenerational behavioral changes linked to transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in zebrafish (Danio rerio). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146404. [PMID: 33752003 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The pyrethroid insecticide permethrin is widely used for agricultural and domestic purposes. Previous data indicated that it acts as a developmental neurotoxicant and can induce transgenerational effects in non-target organisms. However, associated underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate permethrin-related transgenerational effects in the zebrafish model, and to identify possible molecular mechanisms underlying inheritance. Zebrafish (F0) were exposed to permethrin during early-life (2 h post-fertilization up to 28 days). The F1 and F2 offspring generations were obtained by pairing exposed F0 males and females, and were bred unexposed. Locomotor and anxiety behavior were investigated, together with transcriptomic and epigenomic (DNA methylation) changes in brains. Permethrin exposed F0 fish were hypoactive at adulthood, while males from the F1 and F2 generations showed a specific decrease in anxiety-like behavior. In F0, transcriptomic data showed enrichment in pathways related to glutamatergic synapse activity, which may partly underlie the behavioral effects. In F1 and F2 males, dysregulation of similar pathways was observed, including a subset of differentially methylated regions that were inherited from the F0 to the F2 generation and indicated stable dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling. Altogether, the present results provide novel evidence on the transgenerational neurotoxic effects of permethrin, as well as mechanistic insight: a transient exposure induces persistent transcriptional and DNA methylation changes that may translate into transgenerational alteration of glutamatergic signaling and, thus, into behavioral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Blanc
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas, France; Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, Domaine de Vilvert, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Philipp Antczak
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Xavier Cousin
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Palavas, France; Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, Domaine de Vilvert, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christoph Grunau
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Nikolai Scherbak
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; Örebro Life Science Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyv. 18A, 75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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20
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Breton CV, Landon R, Kahn LG, Enlow MB, Peterson AK, Bastain T, Braun J, Comstock SS, Duarte CS, Hipwell A, Ji H, LaSalle JM, Miller RL, Musci R, Posner J, Schmidt R, Suglia SF, Tung I, Weisenberger D, Zhu Y, Fry R. Exploring the evidence for epigenetic regulation of environmental influences on child health across generations. Commun Biol 2021; 4:769. [PMID: 34158610 PMCID: PMC8219763 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02316-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposures, psychosocial stressors and nutrition are all potentially important influences that may impact health outcomes directly or via interactions with the genome or epigenome over generations. While there have been clear successes in large-scale human genetic studies in recent decades, there is still a substantial amount of missing heritability to be elucidated for complex childhood disorders. Mounting evidence, primarily in animals, suggests environmental exposures may generate or perpetuate altered health outcomes across one or more generations. One putative mechanism for these environmental health effects is via altered epigenetic regulation. This review highlights the current epidemiologic literature and supporting animal studies that describe intergenerational and transgenerational health effects of environmental exposures. Both maternal and paternal exposures and transmission patterns are considered, with attention paid to the attendant ethical, legal and social implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie V Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Remy Landon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alicia K Peterson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa Bastain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sarah S Comstock
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cristiane S Duarte
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Rashelle Musci
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Irene Tung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Weisenberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yeyi Zhu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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21
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Htway SM, Suzuki T, Kyaw S, Nohara K, Win-Shwe TT. Effects of maternal exposure to arsenic on social behavior and related gene expression in F2 male mice. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:34. [PMID: 33706700 PMCID: PMC7953802 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-00956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Arsenic is a developmental neurotoxicant. It means that its neurotoxic effect could occur in offspring by maternal arsenic exposure. Our previous study showed that developmental arsenic exposure impaired social behavior and serotonergic system in C3H adult male mice. These effects might affect the next generation with no direct exposure to arsenic. This study aimed to detect the social behavior and related gene expression changes in F2 male mice born to gestationally arsenite-exposed F1 mice. Methods Pregnant C3H/HeN mice (F0) were given free access to tap water (control mice) or tap water containing 85 ppm sodium arsenite from days 8 to 18 of gestation. Arsenite was not given to F1 or F2 mice. The F2 mice were generated by mating among control F1 males and females, and arsenite-F1 males and females at the age of 10 weeks. At 41 weeks and 74 weeks of age respectively, F2 males were used for the assessment of social behavior by a three-chamber social behavior apparatus. Histological features of the prefrontal cortex were studied by ordinary light microscope. Social behavior-related gene expressions were determined in the prefrontal cortex by real time RT-PCR method. Results The arsenite-F2 male mice showed significantly poor sociability and social novelty preference in both 41-week-old group and 74-week-old group. There was no significant histological difference between the control mice and the arsenite-F2 mice. Regarding gene expression, serotonin receptor 5B (5-HT 5B) mRNA expression was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the arsenite-F2 male mice compared to the control F2 male mice in both groups. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine receptor D1a (Drd1a) gene expressions were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only in the arsenite-F2 male mice of the 74-week-old group. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the arsenite-F2 male mice of both groups, but plasma 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were not significantly different. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression was significantly increased only in 41-week-old arsenite-F2 mice. Conclusions These findings suggest that maternal arsenic exposure affects social behavior in F2 male mice via serotonergic system in the prefrontal cortex. In this study, COX-2 were not increased although oxidative stress marker (HO-1) was increased significantly in arsnite-F2 male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soe-Minn Htway
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine, Magway, Magway, Myanmar
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Sanda Kyaw
- Department of Physiology, University of Medicine, Magway, Magway, Myanmar
| | - Keiko Nohara
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tin-Tin Win-Shwe
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, 305-8506, Japan.
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22
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Alves N, Neuparth T, Barros S, Santos MM. The anti-lipidemic drug simvastatin modifies epigenetic biomarkers in the amphipod Gammarus locusta. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111849. [PMID: 33387775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of certain environmental chemicals have been recently associated with the modulation of the epigenome. Although changes in the epigenetic signature have yet to be integrated into hazard and risk assessment, they are interesting candidates to link environmental exposures and altered phenotypes, since these changes may be passed across multiple non-exposed generations. Here, we addressed the effects of simvastatin (SIM), one of the most prescribed pharmaceuticals in the world, on epigenetic regulation using the amphipod Gammarus locusta as a proxy, to support its integration into hazard and environmental risk assessment. SIM is a known modulator of the epigenome in mammalian cell lines and has been reported to impact G. locusta ecological endpoints at environmentally relevant levels. G. locusta juveniles were exposed to three SIM environmentally relevant concentrations (0.32, 1.6 and 8 µg L-1) for 15 days. Gene transcription levels of selected epigenetic regulators, i.e., dnmt1, dmap1, usp7, kat5 and uhrf1 were assessed, along with the quantification of DNA methylation levels and evaluation of key ecological endpoints: survival and growth. Exposure to 0.32 and 8 µg L-1 SIM induced significant downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (dnmt1), concomitant with global DNA hypomethylation and growth impacts. Overall, this work is the first to validate the basal expression of key epigenetic regulators in a keystone marine crustacean, supporting the integration of epigenetic biomarkers into hazard assessment frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nélson Alves
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre nº 1021/1055, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Susana Barros
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre nº 1021/1055, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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23
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Nohara K, Suzuki T, Okamura K. Gestational arsenic exposure and paternal intergenerational epigenetic inheritance. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 409:115319. [PMID: 33160984 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence has shown that gestational exposure to environmental factors such as imbalanced diet, environmental chemicals, and stress can lead to late-onset health effects in offspring and that some of these effects are heritable by the next generation and subsequent generations. Furthermore, altered epigenetic modifications in DNA methylation, histone modifications and small RNAs in a single sperm genome have been shown to transmit disease phenotypes acquired from the environment to later generations. Recently, our group found that gestational exposure of F0 pregnant dams to an inorganic arsenic, sodium arsenite, increases the incidence of hepatic tumors in male F2 mice, and the effects are paternally transmitted to the F2. Here, we first overview the epigenetic changes involved in paternal intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance caused by exposure to environmental factors. Then, we discuss our recent studies regarding paternal inheritance of the tumor-augmenting effects in F2 mice by gestational arsenite exposure, in which we investigated alterations of DNA methylation status in F2 tumors and causative F1 sperm. We also discuss the possible targets of the F2 effects. Finally, we discuss future perspectives on the studies that are needed to fully understand the health effects of arsenic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Nohara
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Okamura
- Center for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
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24
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Delaney P, Ramdas Nair A, Palmer C, Khan N, Sadler KC. Arsenic induced redox imbalance triggers the unfolded protein response in the liver of zebrafish. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 409:115307. [PMID: 33147493 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is one of the most endemic toxicants worldwide and oxidative stress is a key cellular pathway underlying iAs toxicity. Other cellular stress response pathways, such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), are also impacted by iAs exposure, however it is not known how these pathways intersect to cause disease. We optimized the use of zebrafish larvae to identify the relationship between these cellular stress response pathways and arsenic toxicity. We found that the window of iAs susceptibility during zebrafish development corresponds with the development of the liver, and that even a 24-h exposure can cause lethality if administered to mature larvae, but not to early embryos. Acute exposure of larvae to iAs generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), an antioxidant response, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and UPR activation in the liver. An in vivo assay using transgenic larvae expressing a GFP-tagged secreted glycoprotein in hepatocytes (Tg(fabp10a:Gc-EGFP)) revealed acute iAs exposure selectively decreased expression of Gc-EGFP, indicating that iAs impairs secretory protein folding in the liver. The transcriptional output of UPR activation is preceded by ROS production and activation of genes involved in the oxidative stress response. These studies implicate redox imbalance as the mechanism of iAs-induced ER stress and suggest that crosstalk between these pathways underlie iAs-induced hepatic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Delaney
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anjana Ramdas Nair
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Catherine Palmer
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nouf Khan
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kirsten C Sadler
- Program in Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates.
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25
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Genome-wide identification and transcriptional modulation of histone variants and modification related genes in the low pH-exposed marine rotifer Brachionus koreanus. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 36:100748. [PMID: 33032078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Histone modification is considered to be a major epigenetic control mechanism. These modifications (e.g. acetylation, phosphorylation, and methylation) may affect the interaction of histones with DNA and/or regulate DNA-based processes (e.g., recombination, repair, replication, and transcription) and chromatin remodeling complexes. Despite their significance in metazoan life and evolution, few studies have been conducted to identify genes undergoing epigenetic control modification in aquatic invertebrates. In this study, we identified whole core histones (70 total genes) and post-translational modification (PTM) histone genes (63 total genes) in the marine rotifer Brachionus koreanus through whole-genome analysis, and annotated them according to the human nomenclature. Notably, upon comparative analysis of cis-regulatory motif sequences, we found that B. koreanus core histone protein structures were similar to those of mammals. Furthermore, to examine the effect of parental low pH stress on the offspring's epigenetic regulation, we investigated the expression of PTM genes in two generations of B. koreanus exposed to low pH conditions. Given that the B. koreanus genome does not possess DNA methyltransferase 1 and 3 genes, we concluded that histone genes could be involved as an important epigenetic mechanism in B. koreanus. Therefore, the histone-associated genes identified in this study could be useful for ecotoxicological studies and facilitate the application of chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing using high-throughput DNA sequencing based on the genome-wide identification of transcription factor binding sites in rotifers.
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