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Koyama H, Kamogashira T, Yamasoba T. Heavy Metal Exposure: Molecular Pathways, Clinical Implications, and Protective Strategies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:76. [PMID: 38247500 PMCID: PMC10812460 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are often found in soil and can contaminate drinking water, posing a serious threat to human health. Molecular pathways and curation therapies for mitigating heavy metal toxicity have been studied for a long time. Recent studies on oxidative stress and aging have shown that the molecular foundation of cellular damage caused by heavy metals, namely, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial stress, share the same pathways as those involved in cellular senescence and aging. In recent aging studies, many types of heavy metal exposures have been used in both cellular and animal aging models. Chelation therapy is a traditional treatment for heavy metal toxicity. However, recently, various antioxidants have been found to be effective in treating heavy metal-induced damage, shifting the research focus to investigating the interplay between antioxidants and heavy metals. In this review, we introduce the molecular basis of heavy metal-induced cellular damage and its relationship with aging, summarize its clinical implications, and discuss antioxidants and other agents with protective effects against heavy metal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Koyama
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Teru Kamogashira
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamasoba
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
- Tokyo Teishin Hospital, Tokyo 102-0071, Japan
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Xu X, Wang SS, Zhang L, Lu AX, Lin Y, Liu JX, Yan CH. Methylmercury induced ferroptosis by interference of iron homeostasis and glutathione metabolism in CTX cells. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122278. [PMID: 37517642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Environmental methylmercury (MeHg) exposure has gained global attention owing to its serious health hazards, especially neurotoxicity. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron overload. However, the occurrence of ferroptosis and its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated in the methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity and the role of Nrf2 in MeHg-induced ferroptosis remains unexplored. In this study, we verified that MeHg decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the Rat Brain Astrocytes cells (CTX cells). MeHg (3.5 μmol/L) exposure induced CTX cells to undergo ferroptosis, as evidenced by glutathione (GSH) depletion, lipid peroxidation, and iron overload, which was significantly rescued by the ferroptosis-specific inhibitors Ferrostatin-1 and Deferoxamine. MeHg directly disrupted the process of GSH metabolism by downregulating of SLC7A11 and GPX4 and interfered with intracellular iron homeostasis through inhibition of iron storage and export. Simultaneously, the expression of Nrf2 was upregulated by MeHg in CTX cells. Hence, the inhibition of Nrf2 activity further downregulated the levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, FTH1, and SLC40A1, which aggravated MeHg-induced ferroptosis to a greater extent. Overall, our findings provided evidence that ferroptosis played a critical role in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, and suppressing Nrf2 activity further exacerbated MeHg-induced ferroptosis in CTX cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Su Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - An-Xin Lu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Lin
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Xia Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Li S, Yang C, Yi X, Wei R, Aschner M, Jiang Y, Ou S, Yao C. Effects of Sub-chronic Lead Exposure on Essential Element Levels in Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:282-293. [PMID: 35133610 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), a corrosion-resistant heavy non-ferrous metal, is one of the most common environmental neurotoxic metals. The effects of Pb on other essential metal elements are contradictory. Therefore, this in vivo study addressed the effects of sub-chronic Pb exposure on the distribution of other divalent metals, exploring the relationships between Pb levels in blood, teeth, bones, hair, and brain tissues. Thirty-two healthy male C57BL/6 mice received intragastric administration (i.g.) with 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg Pb acetate, once a day for 8 weeks. Levels of Pb and other metal elements [including iron(Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and calcium(Ca)] in the whole blood, teeth, the right thighbone, hair, and brain tissues (including cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus) were detected with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb levels in all detected organs were increased after Pb-exposed for 8 weeks. The results of relationship analysis between Pb levels in the tissues and lifetime cumulative Pb exposure (LCPE) showed that Pb levels in the blood, bone, and hair could indirectly reflect the Pb accumulation in the murine brain. These measures might serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure reflective of the accumulation of Pb in the central nervous system (CNS). Sub-chronic Pb exposure for 8 weeks altered Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn levels, but no effects were noted on Mg levels in any of the analyzed tissues. Pb decreased Ca in teeth, Cu in thighbone and teeth, Zn in whole blood and hair, and Fe in hair. In contrast, Pb increased Ca levels in corpus striatum and hypothalamus, Cu levels in striatum, Zn levels in teeth, and Fe levels in hippocampus, thighbone, and teeth. The Pb-induced changes in metal ratios in various tissues may serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure as they are closely related to the accumulations of Pb in the murine CNS. The results suggest that altered distribution of several essential metal elements may be involved in Pb-induced neurotoxicity. Additional studies should address the interaction between Pb and essential metal elements in the CNS and other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Li
- Teaching and Research Section of Hygienic Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China.
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Teaching and Research Section of Hygienic Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiang Yi
- Teaching and Research Section of Hygienic Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ruokun Wei
- Teaching and Research Section of Hygienic Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Yueming Jiang
- Teaching and Research Section of Hygienic Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shiyan Ou
- Teaching and Research Section of Hygienic Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chaocong Yao
- Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery, Hezhou People's Hospital, No. 150 Xiyue Rd, Hezhou, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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Bai L, Wu Y, Wang R, Liu R, Liu M, Li Q, Ba Y, Zhang H, Zhou G, Yu F, Huang H. Prepubertal exposure to Pb alters autophagy in the brain of aging mice: A time-series based model. Brain Res Bull 2022; 189:22-33. [PMID: 35987294 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
As a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal, lead (Pb) exposure is known to be implicated in the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases which may cause more serious health hazards with age and the accumulation of Pb in the body. Autophagy is the main degradation route for abnormal aggregated proteins and damaged cell organelles. Here, we aimed to study the effects of adolescent Pb exposure on autophagy at different life nodes. In this study, we developed a time-series model of Pb exposure in mice and randomly divided 4-week-old male C57BL/6 mice into six groups (4 C, 13 C, 16 C, 4Pb, 13Pb and 16Pb). Mice in Pb groups was consumed deionized water containing 0.2 % Pb(Ac)2 for 3 months and then reared to anticipated life nodes, while the control group consumed deionized water. Western blot and Real-time qPCR were used to assess the effects of developmental Pb exposure on individual components of the autophagy machinery and modulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) at each age stage. Our results showed that Pb exposure during adolescence reduced the p-mTOR/mTOR ratios with enhanced expression of Beclin-1, Atg12 and Atg7in both the hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of senescent mice while upregulation of LC3II/LC3I ratios and p62 suggested that autophagy mediates degradation was interrupted. Overall, we confirm that Pb exposure during adolescence promotes autophagic processes in the aged mice brain and that autophagic degradation is hindered, ultimately leading to a failure of autophagic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Bai
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Rundong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Mengchen Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Fangfang Yu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.
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Ferroptosis as a mechanism of non-ferrous metal toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2391-2417. [PMID: 35727353 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death, implicated in multiple pathologies. Given that the toxicity elicited by some metals is linked to alterations in iron metabolism and induction of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis might be involved in such toxicity. Although direct evidence is insufficient, certain pioneering studies have demonstrated a crosstalk between metal toxicity and ferroptosis. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying metal-induced ferroptosis include induction of ferritinophagy, increased DMT-1 and TfR cellular iron uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation, inhibition of Xc-system and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, altogether resulting in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In addition, there is direct evidence of the role of ferroptosis in the toxicity of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, manganese, copper, and aluminum exposure. In contrast, findings on the impact of cobalt and nickel on ferroptosis are scant and nearly lacking altogether for mercury and especially lead. Other gaps in the field include limited studies on the role of metal speciation in ferroptosis and the critical cellular targets. Although further detailed studies are required, it seems reasonable to propose even at this early stage that ferroptosis may play a significant role in metal toxicity, and its modulation may be considered as a potential therapeutic tool for the amelioration of metal toxicity.
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Gadde R, Betharia S. N,N'bis-(2-mercaptoethyl) isophthalamide (NBMI) exerts neuroprotection against lead-induced toxicity in U-87 MG cells. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2643-2657. [PMID: 34165617 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
N,N'-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)isophthalamide (NBMI) is a novel lipophilic heavy metal chelator and thiol redox antioxidant. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective activity of NBMI in U-87 MG cells exposed to lead acetate (PbAc). Cells were pretreated with NBMI for 24 h prior to a 48 h exposure to PbAc. Cell death (55%, p < 0.0001) and reduction of intracellular GSH levels (0.70-fold, p < 0.005) induced by 250 µM Pb were successfully attenuated by NBMI pretreatment at concentrations as low as 10 µM. A similar pretreatment with the FDA-approved Pb chelator dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) proved ineffective, indicating a superior PKPD profile for NBMI. Pretreatment with NBMI successfully counteracted Pb-induced neuroinflammation by reducing IL-1β (0.59-fold, p < 0.05) and GFAP expression levels. NBMI alone was also found to significantly increase ferroportin expression (1.97-fold, p < 0.05) thereby enhancing cellular ability to efflux heavy metals. While no response was observed on the apoptotic pathway, this study demonstrated for the first time that necrotic cell death induced by Pb in U-87 MG cells is successfully attenuated by NBMI. Collectively these data demonstrate NBMI to be a promising neuroprotective compound in the realm of Pb poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajitha Gadde
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Swati Betharia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Abstract
Lead (Pb2+) is a non-essential metal with numerous industrial applications that have led to ts ubiquity in the environment. Thus, not only occupational-exposed individuals' health is compromised, but also that of the general population and in particular children. Notably, although the central nervous system is particularly susceptible to Pb2+, other systems are affected as well. The present study focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects that arise from the presence of Pb2+ in situ in the brain, and the possible toxic effects that follows. As the brain barriers represent the first target of systemic Pb2+, mechanisms of Pb2+ entry into the brain are discussed, followed by a detailed discussion on neurotoxic mechanisms, with special emphasis on theories of ion mimicry, mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, and neuroinflammation. Most importantly, the confluence and crosstalk between these events is combined into a cogent mechanism of toxicity, by intertwining recent and old evidences from humans, in vitro cell culture and experimental animals. Finally, pharmacological interventions, including chelators, antioxidants substances, anti-inflammatory drugs, or their combination are reviewed as integrated approaches to ameliorate Pb2+ harmful effects in both developing or adult organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam B. Virgolini
- IFEC CONICET. IFEC-CONICET. Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA and IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146, Moscow, Russia
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Li X, Jiang XW, Chu HX, Zhao QC, Ding HW, Cai CH. Neuroprotective effects of kukoamine A on 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's model through apoptosis and iron accumulation inhibition. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2021; 13:105-115. [PMID: 36117765 PMCID: PMC9476749 DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
| | - Xiao-wen Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hai-xiao Chu
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
| | - Qing-chun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Huai-wei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Chao-hong Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110840, China
- Corresponding authors.
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Yu Y, Yu L, Zhou X, Qiao N, Qu D, Tian F, Zhao J, Zhang H, Zhai Q, Chen W. Effects of acute oral lead exposure on the levels of essential elements of mice: a metallomics and dose-dependent study. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 62:126624. [PMID: 32717576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Lead (Pb) has been reported to disturb the metabolism of essential elements, such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in vivo. This study focused on the relationship between various dose of Pb and the essential elements. METHODS 50 healthy male C57BL/6 mice underwent oral administration of 0.2 mL lead acetate trihydrate solution (0, 20, 100, 500, and 1000 mg Pb/day/kg body weight) for 3 days. The concentrations of Pb and four essential elements (Ca, Zn, Fe and Mg) in the blood, kidney, liver, bone and brain were quantified with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS Various doses of Pb led to significant increases in the contents of Ca, Fe and Zn in the liver, and decreased contents of Mg and Fe in the blood in a dose-dependent pattern. The Pb dose of 20 mg/kg reduced the concentration of bone Ca, which did not continue to show an obvious decline with continued increases in the oral Pb dose. Pb also caused alterations in the Mg distribution pattern, and decreased the correlation of Mg, Ca and Zn in the brain, both findings were dose-dependent. In addition to the changes in metallomics, the related oxidative stress was exacerbated, but no significant changes were detected in hepatic and renal histopathological lesions after a short period of Pb exposure. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to a thorough analysis of the Pb-poisoning mechanism, and indicates that the concentrations of essential elements could be used as sensitive toxicological indicators of Pb exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Xingting Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Nanzhen Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Dingwu Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Fengwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, 225004, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, 225004, China
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China; (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou, 225004, China; Beijing Innovation Centre of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing Technology & Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
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Iron-responsive-like elements and neurodegenerative ferroptosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:395-413. [PMID: 32817306 PMCID: PMC7433652 DOI: 10.1101/lm.052282.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A set of common-acting iron-responsive 5′untranslated region (5′UTR) motifs can fold into RNA stem loops that appear significant to the biology of cognitive declines of Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), Lewy body dementia (LDD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurodegenerative diseases exhibit perturbations of iron homeostasis in defined brain subregions over characteristic time intervals of progression. While misfolding of Aβ from the amyloid-precursor-protein (APP), alpha-synuclein, prion protein (PrP) each cause neuropathic protein inclusions in the brain subregions, iron-responsive-like element (IRE-like) RNA stem–loops reside in their transcripts. APP and αsyn have a role in iron transport while gene duplications elevate the expression of their products to cause rare familial cases of AD and PDD. Of note, IRE-like sequences are responsive to excesses of brain iron in a potential feedback loop to accelerate neuronal ferroptosis and cognitive declines as well as amyloidosis. This pathogenic feedback is consistent with the translational control of the iron storage protein ferritin. We discuss how the IRE-like RNA motifs in the 5′UTRs of APP, alpha-synuclein and PrP mRNAs represent uniquely folded drug targets for therapies to prevent perturbed iron homeostasis that accelerates AD, PD, PD dementia (PDD) and Lewy body dementia, thus preventing cognitive deficits. Inhibition of alpha-synuclein translation is an option to block manganese toxicity associated with early childhood cognitive problems and manganism while Pb toxicity is epigenetically associated with attention deficit and later-stage AD. Pathologies of heavy metal toxicity centered on an embargo of iron export may be treated with activators of APP and ferritin and inhibitors of alpha-synuclein translation.
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Zhou F, Yin G, Gao Y, Ouyang L, Liu S, Jia Q, Yu H, Zha Z, Wang K, Xie J, Fan Y, Shao L, Feng C, Fan G. Insights into cognitive deficits caused by low-dose toxic heavy metal mixtures and their remediation through a postnatal enriched environment in rats. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 388:122081. [PMID: 31958610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metals, namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), have been studied extensively in various independent studies. It has been seen that these metals are usually detected simultaneously in the human blood at low levels. However, it is unknown whether exposure to these heavy metal mixtures (MM) can induce neurological damages at these low levels. Therefore, we investigated the influence of the Pb, Cd, and Hg mixture on the nervous system in rats at exposure doses equivalent to those normally found in the human blood. After pregnant rats being exposed to MM via drinking water throughout the gestation and lactation, their offspring were followed-up till adulthood. MM caused cognitive deficits and impairments in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MM disrupted dendritic spines, the structural basis of learning and memory, and induced changes in spine-related pathways. Meanwhile, we explored an early and safe way to remedy these impairments through a postnatal enriched environment. The enriched environment ameliorated MM-impaired cognitive function, synaptic plasticity, and spine-related pathways. This study demonstrated that low-dose co-exposure to Pb, Cd, and Hg can cause cognitive and synaptic plasticity deficits and timely intervention through the enriched environment has a certain corrective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fankun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guangming Yin
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lu Ouyang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Qiyue Jia
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Zha
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Ying Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lijian Shao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Chang Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
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Zhou F, Du G, Xie J, Gu J, Jia Q, Fan Y, Yu H, Zha Z, Wang K, Ouyang L, Shao L, Feng C, Fan G. RyRs mediate lead-induced neurodegenerative disorders through calcium signaling pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 701:134901. [PMID: 31710906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal lead (Pb) is widely distributed in the environment and can induce neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidence has shown that ryanodine receptors (RyRs) play vital roles in neurodegenerative brain. However, whether aberrant RyRs levels contribute to Pb-induced neurodegeneration has largely remained unknown. In the present study, we report the important role of elevated levels of RyRs in Pb-induced neurodegeneration. Pb was found to upregulate the levels of RyRs in the rat hippocampal tissues and rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Furthermore, exposure to Pb induced neurodegenerative cognitive impairment in rats, depressed the long-term potentiation (LTP) in the rat brain slices, increased the neuronal intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), inhibited the phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) as well as the expression of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), and activated the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (Erk) protein both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the knockdown of RyR3 in PC12 cells significantly decreased the [Ca2+]i levels, increased the CaMKIIα and CREB phosphorylation, decrease the phosphorylation of Erk, and elongated the cognitive function-related neurite outgrowth after exposure to Pb. Moreover, treatment with a RyRs agonist showed the involvement of RyRs in Pb-induced depression in LTP in the rat brain slices. In summary, we determined that Pb-mediated upregulation of RyRs led to neurodegeneration via high levels of free calcium, depression of the calcium-dependent CaMKIIα/CREB mnemonic signaling pathway, and activation of the calcium-dependent Erk/Bcl2 apoptotic signaling pathway. These findings on the impact of Pb on the levels of RyRs could further improve our understanding of Pb-induced neurotoxicity and provide a promising molecular target to antagonize Pb-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fankun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guihua Du
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Junwang Gu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Qiyue Jia
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Ying Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Han Yu
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Zha
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lu Ouyang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Lijian Shao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Chang Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China.
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Xie J, Du G, Zhang Y, Zhou F, Wu J, Jiao H, Li Y, Chen Y, Ouyang L, Bo D, Feng C, Yang W, Fan G. ECG conduction disturbances and ryanodine receptor expression levels in occupational lead exposure workers. Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:151-156. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesA significant number of researches have evidenced that occupational lead (Pb) exposure increased risks of cardiovascular disease. However, evidences about the potential effects of Pb on the cardiac conduction system are sparse and inconclusive. Besides, ryanodine receptors (RyRs) induced dysfunction of cardiac excitation contraction coupling which is considered to be one of the mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we examined the association between occupational Pb exposure and ECG conduction abnormalities, as well as RyRs in Pb-induced ECG abnormalities.MethodsWe investigated 529 Pb smelter workers, and measured blood lead (BPb), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), ECG outcomes and RyR expression levels. Based on BPb levels, the workers were divided into three groups: the BPb not elevated group, the BPb elevated group and the Pb poisoning group. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed.ResultsCompared with the BPb not elevated group, the Pb poisoning group had a higher incidence of high QRS voltage, and a lower level of RyR1 gene expression (p<0.05). Further unconditional multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that high QRS voltage was positively related to BPb (OR=1.045, 95% CI 1.014 to 1.078) and inversely associated with RyR1 expression (OR=0.042, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.980) after adjusting for potential confounders. In addition, multiple linear regression analyses showed that the QTc interval was positively associated with ZPP (β=0.299, 95% CI 0.130 to 0.468) after adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionsOur study provided evidences that occupational exposure to Pb may be associated with worse ECG outcomes (high QRS voltage), which might be related to decreased levels of RyR1.
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Yang M, Li Y, Hu L, Luo D, Zhang Y, Xiao X, Li G, Zhang L, Zhu G. Lead exposure inhibits expression of SV2C through NRSF. Toxicology 2018; 398-399:23-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Andrade VM, Aschner M, Marreilha dos Santos AP. Neurotoxicity of Metal Mixtures. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 18:227-265. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60189-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rogers JT, Venkataramani V, Washburn C, Liu Y, Tummala V, Jiang H, Smith A, Cahill CM. A role for amyloid precursor protein translation to restore iron homeostasis and ameliorate lead (Pb) neurotoxicity. J Neurochem 2016; 138:479-94. [PMID: 27206843 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Iron supplementation ameliorates the neurotoxicity of the environmental contaminant lead (Pb); however, the mechanism remains undefined. Iron is an essential nutrient but high levels are toxic due to the catalytic generation of destructive hydroxyl radicals. Using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to model human neurons, we investigated the effect of Pb on proteins of iron homeostasis: the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein (APP), which stabilizes the iron exporter ferroportin 1; and, the heavy subunit of the iron-storage protein, ferritin (FTH). Lead (Pb(II) and Pb(IV) inhibited APP translation and raised cytosolic iron(II). Lead also increased iron regulatory protein-1 binding to the cognate 5'untranslated region-specific iron-responsive element (IRE) of APP and FTH mRNAs. Concurrent iron treatment rescued cells from Pb toxicity by specifically restoring APP synthesis, i.e. levels of the APP-related protein, APLP-2, were unchanged. Significantly, iron/IRE-independent over-expression of APP695 protected SH-SY5Y cells from Pb toxicity, demonstrating that APP plays a key role in maintaining safe levels of intracellular iron. Overall, our data support a model of neurotoxicity where Pb enhances iron regulatory protein/IRE-mediated repression of APP and FTH translation. We propose novel treatment options for Pb poisoning to include chelators and the use of small molecules to maintain APP and FTH translation. We propose the following cascade for Lead (Pb) toxicity to neurons; by targeting the interaction between Iron regulatory protein-1 and Iron-responsive elements, Pb caused translational repression of proteins that control intracellular iron homeostasis, including the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein (APP) that stabilizes the iron exporter ferroportin, and the ferroxidase heavy subunit of the iron-storage protein, ferritin. When unregulated, IRE-independent over-expression of APP695 protected SH-SY5Y neurons from Pb toxicity. There is a novel and key role for APP in maintaining safe levels of intracellular iron pertinent to lead toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vivek Venkataramani
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Cecilia Washburn
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vinusha Tummala
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ann Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-K.C., Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry-Neuroscience, Massachusetts General Hospital (East), Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
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