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Jose J, Law RHP, Leung EWW, Wai DCC, Akhlaghi H, Chandrashekaran IR, Caradoc-Davies TT, Voskoboinik I, Feutrill J, Middlemiss D, Jeevarajah D, Bashtannyk-Puhalovich T, Giddens AC, Lee TW, Jamieson SMF, Trapani JA, Whisstock JC, Spicer JA, Norton RS. Fragment-based and structure-guided discovery of perforin inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115786. [PMID: 37716187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Perforin is a pore-forming protein whose normal function enables cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells to kill virus-infected and transformed cells. Conversely, unwanted perforin activity can also result in auto-immune attack, graft rejection and aberrant responses to pathogens. Perforin is critical for the function of the granule exocytosis cell death pathway and is therefore a target for drug development. In this study, by screening a fragment library using NMR and surface plasmon resonance, we identified 4,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (dapsone) as a perforin ligand. We also found that dapsone has modest (mM) inhibitory activity of perforin lytic activity in a red blood cell lysis assay in vitro. Sequential modification of this lead fragment, guided by structural knowledge of the ligand binding site and binding pose, and supported by SPR and ligand-detected 19F NMR, enabled the design of nanomolar inhibitors of the cytolytic activity of intact NK cells against various tumour cell targets. Interestingly, the ligands we developed were largely inert with respect to direct perforin-mediated red blood cell lysis but were very potent in the context of perforin's action on delivering granzymes in the immune synapse, the context in which it functions physiologically. Our work indicates that a fragment-based, structure-guided drug discovery strategy can be used to identify novel ligands that bind perforin. Moreover, these molecules have superior physicochemical properties and solubility compared to previous generations of perforin ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiney Jose
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, A New Zealand Centre for Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruby H P Law
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Eleanor W W Leung
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Hedieh Akhlaghi
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Indu R Chandrashekaran
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Tom T Caradoc-Davies
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Rd., Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Ilia Voskoboinik
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - John Feutrill
- SYNthesis med chem (Australia) Pty Ltd, Bio21 Institute, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - David Middlemiss
- XaviaPharm, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5EX, England, United Kingdom
| | - Devadharshini Jeevarajah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | | | - Anna C Giddens
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Tet Woo Lee
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Stephen M F Jamieson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, A New Zealand Centre for Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Joseph A Trapani
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - James C Whisstock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Julie A Spicer
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, A New Zealand Centre for Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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Artía Z, Ferraro F, Sánchez C, Cerecetto H, Gil J, Pareja L, Alonzo MN, Freire T, Cabrera M, Corvo I. In vitro and in vivo studies on a group of chalcones find promising results as potential drugs against fascioliasis. Exp Parasitol 2023; 255:108628. [PMID: 37776969 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
About a third of the world population is infected by helminth parasites implicated in foodborne trematodiasis. Fascioliasis is a worldwide disease caused by trematodes of the genus Fasciola spp. It generates huge economic losses to the agri-food industry and is currently considered an emerging zoonosis by the World Health Organization (WHO). The only available treatment relies on anthelmintic drugs, being triclabendazole (TCBZ) the drug of choice to control human infections. The emergence of TCBZ resistance in several countries and the lack of an effective vaccine to prevent infection highlights the need to develop new drugs to control this parasitosis. We have previously identified a group of benzochalcones as inhibitors of cathepsins, which have fasciolicidal activity in vitro and are potential new drugs for the control of fascioliasis. We selected the four most active compounds of this group to perform further preclinical studies. The compound's stability was determined against a liver microsomal enzyme fraction, obtaining half-lives of 34-169 min and low intrinsic clearance values (<13 μL/min/mg), as desirable for potential new drugs. None of the compounds were mutagenic or genotoxic and no in vitro cytotoxic effects were seen. Compounds C31 and C34 showed the highest selectivity index against liver fluke cathepsins when compared to human cathepsin L. They were selected for in vivo efficacy studies observing a protective effect, similar to TCBZ, in a mouse model of infection. Our findings strongly encourage us to continue the drug development pipeline for these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoraima Artía
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Ferraro
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Carina Sánchez
- Grupo de Química Orgánica Medicinal, Instituto de Química Biológica & Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Hugo Cerecetto
- Grupo de Química Orgánica Medicinal, Instituto de Química Biológica & Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Gil
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Producción y Reproducción de Rumiantes, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte-Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Pareja
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Paysandú, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - María Noel Alonzo
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Sede Paysandú, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay
| | - Teresa Freire
- Laboratorio de Inmunomodulación y Vacunas, Departamento de Inmunobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, 11800, Uruguay
| | - Mauricio Cabrera
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay.
| | - Ileana Corvo
- Laboratorio de I+D de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, 60000, Uruguay.
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Torres-Badia M, Martin-Hidalgo D, Serrano R, Garcia-Marin LJ, Bragado MJ. Bisphenol S Reduces Pig Spermatozoa Motility through Different Intracellular Pathways and Mechanisms than Its Analog Bisphenol A. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119598. [PMID: 37298548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119598] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA: 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane) is an environmental chemical widely used in the manufacturing of epoxy polymers and many thermoplastic consumer products. Serious concerns about its safety led to the development of analogs, such as BPS (4-hydroxyphenyl sulfone). Very limited studies about BPS's impact on reproduction, specifically in spermatozoa, exist in comparison with BPA. Therefore, this work aims to study the in vitro impact of BPS in pig spermatozoa in comparison with BPA, focusing on sperm motility, intracellular signaling pathways and functional sperm parameters. We have used porcine spermatozoa as an optimal and validated in vitro cell model to investigate sperm toxicity. Pig spermatozoa were exposed to 1 and 100 μM BPS or BPA for 3 and 20 h. Both bisphenol S and A (100 μM) significantly reduce pig sperm motility in a time-dependent manner, although BPS exerts a lower and slower effect than BPA. Moreover, BPS (100 μM, 20 h) causes a significant increase in the mitochondrial reactive species, whereas it does not affect sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell reactive oxygen species, GSK3α/β phosphorylation or phosphorylation of PKA substrates. However, BPA (100 μM, 20 h) leads to a decrease in sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, GSK3β phosphorylation and PKA phosphorylation, also causing an increase in cell reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial reactive species. These intracellular effects and signaling pathways inhibited might contribute to explaining the BPA-triggered reduction in pig sperm motility. However, the intracellular pathways and mechanisms triggered by BPS are different, and the BPS-caused reduction in motility can be only partially attributed to an increase in mitochondrial oxidant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Torres-Badia
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
- Research Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Cáceres, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rebeca Serrano
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Luis J Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Maria J Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
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Eugui M, Lucero V, do Carmo H, Cabrera M, Moyna G. Synthesis and antitumoral evaluation of natural product-like compounds based on tropolone and benzotropolone derivatives. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200305. [PMID: 36481876 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We present the preparation of a series of novel natural product-like homobarrelenones, norcaranes, and dihydrofluorenones through a diversity-oriented synthetic (DOS) strategy that combines Diels-Alder reactions and phototransformations, as well as their biological evaluation against MCF-7, HT-29, and NCI-H460 human tumor cells. Six of these demonstrated activities in the micromolar range against the three cell lines, and none were predicted as cytotoxic against human nontumor cells according to in silico studies. In addition, within the set of active derivatives, three exhibited low unspecific cytotoxicity in a sperm motility assay. The rich functionality of the new compounds makes them ideal candidates for exhaustive structure-activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Eugui
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Valeria Lucero
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Hugo do Carmo
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Mauricio Cabrera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - Guillermo Moyna
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
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Cooray A, Chae MR, Wijerathne TD, Kim DG, Kim J, Kim CY, Lee SW, Lee KP. Hexane fraction of Prunus japonica thunb. Seed extract enhances boar sperm motility via CatSper ion channel. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13616. [PMID: 36846677 PMCID: PMC9950932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mammalian sperm motility is facilitated by flagellar beating, which depends on active ion movement through ion channels and their regulation. Prunus japonica Thunb., also known as oriental bush cherry, is a widely used traditional medicinal plant. However, its significance in improving fertility and sperm quality has not been fully elucidated yet. One of our previous reports revealed that P. japonica seed extract (PJE) can improve human sperm motility through intracellular pH modulation. Aim of the study The present study was designed to investigate the effects of PJE on boar spermatozoa and potential underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods Sperm motility changes were examined using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system under both capacitated and non-capacitated conditions. Intracellular calcium concentration was measured using either confocal microscopy or a fluorescent microplate reader with Fluo-4AM calcium fluorescent dye. Sperm capacitation-related proteins were analyzed using western blotting. Results A significant increase in rapid motility, velocity, and linear displacement of sperm was observed in PJE-treated capacitated boar sperm, whereas the effect was insignificant in the non-capacitated counterparts. Intracellular calcium levels were significantly elevated upon PJE treatment (20-100 μg/L) in a concentration-dependent manner. The increase in intracellular calcium levels was inhibited when the sperm were treated with a CatSper (cation channel of sperm) channel inhibitor, 10 μM Mibefradil, indicating the involvement of the ion channel in the PJE modulatory mechanism. In addition, western blotting revealed an increased level of protein phosphorylation (p-tyrosine and p-PKA), which is a hallmark of sperm capacitation. Conclusions PJE treatment resulted in a combination of increased motility, intracellular calcium concentration, and capacitation, thereby indicating its potential to ameliorate sperm motility parameters and induce capacitation of boar spermatozoa as a result of intracellular calcium elevation via the CatSper channel. Our observations further elaborate ion channel-related underlying mechanisms and show putative implications of the seed extract of traditionally used P. japonica Thunb. in ameliorating sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Cooray
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Mee Ree Chae
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Tharaka Darshana Wijerathne
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Dae Geun Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Jeongsook Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
| | - Chul Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, South Korea,Corresponding author. College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea.
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, South Korea,Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, South Korea,Corresponding author. Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, South Korea
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Vollmer T, Stegmayr B. Establishing Cell Models to Understand Cellular Toxicity: Lessons Learned from an Unconventional Cell Type. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14010054. [PMID: 35051031 PMCID: PMC8779380 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The syndrome of uremic toxicity comprises a complex toxic milieu in-vivo, as numerous uremic substances accumulate and harm the organ systems. Among these substances, toxic and non-toxic players differently interfere with human cells. However, results from animal experiments are not always compatible with the expected reactions in human patients and studies on one organ system are limited in capturing the complexity of the uremic situation. In this narrative review, we present aspects relevant for cellular toxicity research based on our previous establishment of a human spermatozoa-based cell model, as follows: (i) applicability to compare the effects of more than 100 uremic substances, (ii) detection of the protective effects of uremic substances by the cellular responses towards the uremic milieu, (iii) inclusion of the drug milieu for cellular function, and (iv) transferability for clinical application, e.g., hemodialysis. Our technique allows the estimation of cell viability, vitality, and physiological state, not only restricted to acute or chronic kidney toxicity but also for other conditions, such as intoxications of unknown substances. The cellular models can clarify molecular mechanisms of action of toxins related to human physiology and therapy. Identification of uremic toxins retained during acute and chronic kidney injury enables further research on the removal or degradation of such products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Vollmer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, University of Umea, SE-90187 Umea, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Bernd Stegmayr
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, University of Umea, SE-90187 Umea, Sweden;
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The Toxicity of Wiped Dust and Airborne Microbes in Individual Classrooms Increase the Risk of Teachers' Work-Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111360. [PMID: 34832514 PMCID: PMC8624243 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of building-related symptoms (BRS) remain open. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between teachers’ individual work-related symptoms and intrinsic in vitro toxicity in classrooms. This is a further analysis of a previously published dataset. Methods: Teachers from 15 Finnish schools in Helsinki responded to the symptom survey. The boar sperm motility inhibition assay, a sensitive indicator of mitochondrial dysfunction, was used to measure the toxicity of wiped dust and cultured microbial fallout samples collected from the teachers’ classrooms. Results: 231 teachers whose classroom toxicity data had been collected responded to the questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, smoking, and atopy showed that classroom dust intrinsic toxicity was statistically significantly associated with the following 12 symptoms reported by teachers (adjusted ORs in parentheses): nose stuffiness (4.1), runny nose (6.9), hoarseness (6.4), globus sensation (9.0), throat mucus (7.6), throat itching (4.4), shortness of breath (12.2), dry cough (4.7), wet eyes (12.7), hypersensitivity to sound (7.9), difficulty falling asleep (7.6), and increased need for sleep (7.7). Toxicity of cultured microbes was found to be associated with nine symptoms (adjusted ORs in parentheses): headache (2.3), nose stuffiness (2.2), nose dryness (2.2), mouth dryness (2.8), hoarseness (2.2), sore throat (2.8), throat mucus (2.3), eye discharge (10.2), and increased need for sleep (3.5). Conclusions: The toxicity of classroom dust and airborne microbes in boar sperm motility inhibition assay significantly increased teachers’ risk of work-related respiratory and ocular symptoms. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms of BRS are discussed.
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Salin J, Ohtonen P, Syrjälä H. Teachers' work-related non-literature-known building-related symptoms are also connected to indoor toxicity: A cross-sectional study. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1533-1539. [PMID: 33729611 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12822] [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: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A previous study showed that classical building-related symptoms (BRS) were related to indoor dust and microbial toxicity via boar sperm motility assay, a sensitive method for measuring mitochondrial toxicity. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed whether teachers' most common work-related non-literature-known BRS (nBRS) were also associated with dust or microbial toxicity. Teachers from 15 schools in Finland completed a questionnaire evaluating 20 nBRS including general, eye, respiratory, hearing, sleep, and mental symptoms. Boar sperm motility assay was used to measure the toxicity of extracts from wiped dust and microbial fallout samples collected from teachers' classrooms. 231 teachers answered a questionnaire and their classroom toxicity data were recorded. A negative binomial mixed model showed that teachers' work-related nBRS were 2.9-fold (95% CI: 1.2-7.3) higher in classrooms with highly toxic dust samples compared to classrooms with non-toxic dust samples (p = 0.024). The RR of work-related nBRS was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1-2.9) for toxic microbial samples (p = 0.022). Teachers' BRS appeared to be broader than reported in the literature, and the work-related nBRS were associated with toxic dusts and microbes in classrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Salin
- The Departments of Infection Control, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pasi Ohtonen
- Division of Operative Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Surgery, Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Hannu Syrjälä
- The Departments of Infection Control, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Torres-Badia M, Solar-Malaga S, Martin-Hidalgo D, Hurtado de Llera A, Gomez-Candelo A, Garcia-Marin LJ, González-Fernández L, Bragado MJ. Impaired mammalian sperm function and lower phosphorylation signaling caused by the herbicide Roundup® Ultra Plus are due to its surfactant component. Theriogenology 2021; 172:55-66. [PMID: 34102463 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of worldwide glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup® is growing and to date its effects on mammalian spermatozoa are controversial. This study aims to investigate the functional impact of in vitro exposure of pig spermatozoa to low concentrations of Roundup® Ultra Plus (RUP), similar to those present as environment contaminants, to its active ingredient glyphosate, and to the non-active component, surfactant polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA). Pig spermatozoa were incubated in Tyrode's basal medium (TBM) or Tyrode's complete medium (TCM) (1 h at 38.5 °C) with several RUP dilutions or equivalent concentrations of glyphosate or POEA. RUP treatment causes a significant dilution-dependent decrease in sperm motility, a significant increase in plasma membrane disorganization and reduction in GSK3β phosphorylation (TBM) and in two PKA substrates (TBM and TCM), whereas does not affect sperm viability or mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Equivalent glyphosate concentrations do not affect any functional sperm parameters. However, POEA concentrations equivalent to RUP dilutions mimic all RUP sperm effects: decrease sperm motility in a concentration-dependent manner, increase sperm plasma membrane lipid disorder and significantly inhibit GSK3β phosphorylation (TBM) and two PKA substrates without affecting sperm viability or MMP. In summary, low concentrations RUP herbicide cause sperm motility impairment without affecting sperm viability. This adverse effect could be likely due to a detrimental effect in the plasma membrane lipid organization and to inhibition of phosphorylation of both, GSK3β and specific PKA substrates. Importantly, our results indicate that negative effects of low RUP concentrations in pig spermatozoa function are likely caused by the surfactant included in its formulation and no by its active ingredient glyphosate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Torres-Badia
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Soraya Solar-Malaga
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado de Llera
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Andrea Gomez-Candelo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Luis J Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Maria J Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain.
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10
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Bioreactivity, Guttation and Agents Influencing Surface Tension of Water Emitted by Actively Growing Indoor Mould Isolates. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121940. [PMID: 33297485 PMCID: PMC7762365 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The secretion of metabolites in guttation droplets by indoor moulds is not well documented. This study demonstrates the guttation of metabolites by actively growing common indoor moulds. Old and fresh biomasses of indoor isolates of Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium expansum, Trichoderma atroviride, T. trixiae, Rhizopus sp. and Stachybotrys sp. were compared. Metabolic activity indicated by viability staining and guttation of liquid droplets detected in young (<3 weeks old) biomass were absent in old (>6 months old) cultures consisting of dehydrated hyphae and dormant conidia. Fresh (<3 weeks old) biomasses were toxic more than 10 times towards mammalian cell lines (PK-15 and MNA) compared to the old dormant, dry biomasses, when calculated per biomass wet weight and per conidial particle. Surfactant activity was emitted in exudates from fresh biomass of T. atroviride, Rhizopus sp. and Stachybotrys sp. Surfactant activity was also provoked by fresh conidia from T. atroviride and Stachybotrys sp. strains. Water repealing substances were emitted by cultures of P. expansum, T. atroviride and C. globosum strains. The metabolic state of the indoor fungal growth may influence emission of liquid soluble bioreactive metabolites into the indoor air.
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11
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Detection of Chaetomium globosum, Ch. cochliodes and Ch. rectangulare during the Diversity Tracking of Mycotoxin-Producing Chaetomium-Like Isolates Obtained in Buildings in Finland. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070443. [PMID: 32650391 PMCID: PMC7405012 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversity of Chaetomium-like isolates in buildings in Finland is poorly documented. This paper describes a set of methods for rapid diversity tracking of 42 indoor Chaetomium-like isolates. These isolates were categorized based on their fluorescence emission, ascomatal hair morphology, responses in three bioassays and resistance/sensitivity to the wetting agent Genapol X-080. Thirty-nine toxigenic isolates were identified [Ch. globosum (n = 35), Ch. cochliodes (n = 2) and Ch. rectangulare (n = 2)]. These isolates were identified down to the species level by tef1α gene sequencing. The major toxic substances in the ethanol extracts of the Ch. globosum and Ch. cochliodes strains were chaetoglobosin, chaetoviridin A and C, chaetomugilin D and chaetomin, identified based on HPLC-UV and mass spectrometry data (MS and MS/MS). Ethanol extracts from pure Ch. globosum cultures exhibited a toxicological profile in the boar sperm motility inhibition assay (BSMI), sperm membrane integrity damage assay (SMID) and inhibition of cell proliferation (ICP) assay, similar to that exhibited by pure chaetoglobosin A. Overall, differences in fluorescence, morphology, toxicity profile, mycotoxin production and sensitivity to chemicals were consistent with those in tef1α sequencing results for species identification. The results indicate the presence of Ch. cochliodes and Ch. rectangulare in Finnish buildings, representing a new finding.
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12
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Hyvönen S, Poussa T, Lohi J, Tuuminen T. High prevalence of neurological sequelae and multiple chemical sensitivity among occupants of a Finnish police station damaged by dampness microbiota. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2020; 76:145-151. [PMID: 32544007 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1781034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the risks of different symptoms after the exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota (DM).Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective cohort-based study compared morbidity risks in DM exposed (n = 116) vs. unexposed cohort (n = 45). Gender-adjusted log-binomial regression models were used to calculate risk ratios (RR). The analysis of indoor dust toxicity was based on the inhibition of the motion of boar spermatozoa in vitro. Conventional microbiological work-up was performed in an accredited laboratory.Results: Compared to the unexposed cohort, the study cohort had statistically significant (p < 0.05) risks to develop symptoms of the central nervous system RR = 2.85 (95% CI 1.19-6.85), fatigue RR = 2.82 (1.55-5.11), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) RR = 2.81 (1.06-7.46), cardiac arrhythmia RR = 9.58 (1.33-68.81) and respiratory symptoms RR = 2.66 (1.58-4.48).Conclusions: The results of this study corroborate our earlier findings that toxic indoor air may cause a plethora of neurological symptoms. Higher than in the control group the prevalence of MCS associated with the exposure to DM. Bad indoor air is therefore not only a risk for respiratory problems and asthma but should be viewed broader as a systemic biotoxicosis. Therefore, psychologization of this disorder without mentioning the underlying insulting mechanisms should be discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jouni Lohi
- Department of Pathology, Lapland Central Hospital, Rovaniemi, Finland
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13
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Tuuminen T, Andersson M, Hyvönen S, Lohi J, Vaali K. Indoor air nontoxicity should be proven with special techniques prior claiming that it may cause a variety of mental disorders. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 229:113545. [PMID: 32409255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Tuuminen
- Kruunuhaka Medical Center, Kaisanimenkatu 1Ba, 00180, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Maria Andersson
- University of Helsinki, Biokeskus 1 Viikinkaari 9, Helsinki, 00140, Finland
| | | | - Jouni Lohi
- Department of Pathology, Lapland Central Hospital, Rovaniemi, Finland
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14
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Screening Mold Colonies by Using Two Toxicity Assays Revealed Indoor Strains of Aspergillus calidoustus Producing Ophiobolins G and K. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120683. [PMID: 31766362 PMCID: PMC6949950 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and toxin production of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus calidoustus in Finnish buildings is not well documented in the literature. We tracked and identified four A. calidoustus colonies cultivated from indoor settled dusts and revealed the biological activities of crude biomass extracts. The toxic substances were identified as 6-epi-ophiobolin K, ophiobolin K, and ophiobolin G by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) based on chromatographic and mass spectrometry data (MS and MS/MS) on the crude extract of A. calidoustus strain MH34. A total of 29 fungal colonies collected from settled dust in an office room reported for indoor-air-related illnesses were screened for toxins that inhibited boar sperm motility in the BSMI (boar sperm motility inhibiting) assay and cell proliferation in the ICP (inhibition of cell proliferation) assays with PK-15 cells. Out of the 27 colonies tested as toxic, 12 colonies exhibiting conidiophores representative of the genera Chaetomium, Penicillium, and Paecilomyces were excluded from the study, while 13 colonies exhibited Aspergillus-like conidiophores. Biomass suspensions of these colonies were divided into two categories: Category 1 colonies (n = 4), toxic in the BSMI assay and the ICP assays, emitted blue fluorescence and grew at 37 °C; Category 2 colonies (n = 9), only toxic in the ICP assay, emitted orange fluorescence and exhibited limited or no growth at 37 °C. Colonies in Category 1 were pure-cultured, and the strains were named as MH4, MH21, MH34, MH36. Strain MH34 was identified as A. calidoustus by the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Ethanol-soluble dry substances extracted from the biomass of the pure cultures exhibited a toxicological profile in the BSMI assay, SMID (sperm membrane integrity damage) assay, and ICP assay similar to that exhibited by pure ophiobolin A. Overall, the viable conidia of A. calidoustus in indoor settled dusts deserve attention when potentially hazardous mold species are monitored.
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15
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Salo MJ, Marik T, Mikkola R, Andersson MA, Kredics L, Salonen H, Kurnitski J. Penicillium expansum strain isolated from indoor building material was able to grow on gypsum board and emitted guttation droplets containing chaetoglobosins and communesins A, B and D. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:1135-1147. [PMID: 31271686 PMCID: PMC6852191 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aims Emission of toxic metabolites in guttation droplets of common indoor fungi is not well documented. The aims of this study were (i) to compare mycotoxins in biomass and guttation droplets from indoor fungi from a building following health complaints among occupants, (ii) to identify the most toxic strain and to test if mycotoxins in guttation liquids migrated trough air and (iii) to test if toxigenic Penicillium expansum strains grew on gypsum board. Methods and Results Biomass suspensions and guttation droplets from individual fungal colonies representing Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Penicillium, Stachybotrys and Paecilomyces were screened toxic to mammalian cells. The most toxic strain, RcP61 (CBS 145620), was identified as Pen. expansum Link by sequence analysis of the ITS region and a calmodulin gene fragment, and confirmed by the Westerdijk Institute based on ITS and beta‐tubulin sequences. The strain was isolated from a cork liner, was able to grow on gypsum board and to produce toxic substances in biomass extracts and guttation droplets inhibiting proliferation of somatic cells (PK‐15, MNA, FL) in up to 20 000‐fold dilutions. Toxic compounds in biomass extracts and/or guttation droplets were determined by HPLC and LC‐MS. Strain RcP61 produced communesins A, B and D, and chaetoglobosins in guttation droplets (the liquid emitted from them) and biomass extracts. The toxins of the guttation droplets migrated c. 1 cm through air and condensed on a cool surface. Conclusions The mycotoxin‐containing guttation liquids emitted by Pen. expansum grown on laboratory medium exhibited airborne migration and were >100 times more toxic in bioassays than guttation droplets produced by indoor isolates of the genera Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Stachybotrys and Paecilomyces. Significance and Impact of the Study Toxic exudates produced by Pen. expansum containing communesins A, B and D, and chaetoglobosins were transferable by air. This may represent a novel mechanism of mycotoxin dispersal in indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Salo
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
| | - T Marik
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - R Mikkola
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
| | - M A Andersson
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
| | - L Kredics
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - H Salonen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
| | - J Kurnitski
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland.,Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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16
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In Vitro Effects of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil) and its Principal Component Terpinen-4-ol on Swine Spermatozoa. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24061071. [PMID: 30893764 PMCID: PMC6471158 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24061071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing interest towards essential oils stems from their biological capabilities that include antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Such properties may be extremely useful in the reproductive field; nonetheless essential oils show toxic effects that can lead to cell disruption. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of tea tree oil (TTO) and its principal component terpinen-4-ol (TER) on the morpho-functional parameters of swine spermatozoa. Experimental samples were prepared by suspending 15 × 107 spermatozoa in 5 mL of medium with different concentrations of the above-mentioned compounds: from 0.2 to 2 mg/mL at an interval of 0.2 for TTO, while TER concentrations were adjusted according to its presence in TTO (41.5%). After 3 h incubation at 16 °C, samples were analyzed for pH, viability, acrosome status, and objective motility. The results highlighted a concentration-dependent effect of TTO with total motility as the most sensitive parameter. TER was better tolerated, and the most sensitive parameters were related to membrane integrity, suggesting a different pattern of interaction. The study confirms the importance of evaluating the effects of natural compounds on spermatozoa before exploiting their beneficial effects. Spermatozoa seem to be good candidates for preliminary toxicological screenings in the light of their peculiar properties.
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17
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Castagnoli E, Salo J, Toivonen MS, Marik T, Mikkola R, Kredics L, Vicente-Carrillo A, Nagy S, Andersson MT, Andersson MA, Kurnitski J, Salonen H. An Evaluation of Boar Spermatozoa as a Biosensor for the Detection of Sublethal and Lethal Toxicity. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110463. [PMID: 30413106 PMCID: PMC6265928 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel, objective, and rapid computed motility inhibition (CMI) assay was developed to identify and assess sublethal injury in toxin-exposed boar spermatozoa and compared with a subjective visual motility inhibition (VMI) assay. The CMI values were calculated from digital micrographic videos using a custom MATLAB® script by contrasting the motility index values of each experiment with those of the background and control experiments. Following a comparison of the CMI and VMI assays results, it was determined that their agreement depended on the shape of the dose-response curve. Toxins that exhibited a steep slope were indicative of good agreement between the assays. Those depicted by a gentle decline in the slope of the dose-response curve, the CMI assay were shown to be two times more sensitive than the VMI assay. The CMI assay was highly sensitive to the inhibition of mitochondrial function and glucose transport activity by sublethal doses of toxins and to disruption of cellular cation homeostasis by carrier ionophoric toxins, when compared to the cytotoxicity and lethal toxicity assays (i.e., that evaluated the inhibition of cell proliferation in somatic cell lines (FL, PK-15, and MNA cells)) and disruption to spermatozoa membrane integrity. The CMI assay recognized subtle sublethal toxicity changes in metabolism, manifested as a decrease in boar spermatozoa motility. Thus, it was feasible to effectively compare the objectively-measured numerical values for motility inhibition using the CMI assay against those reflecting lethal damage in the spermatozoa cells and somatic cell lines using a cytotoxicity assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Castagnoli
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
| | - Johanna Salo
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
| | - Matti S Toivonen
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Puumiehenkuja 2, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
| | - Tamás Marik
- Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Raimo Mikkola
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
| | - László Kredics
- Faculty of Science and Informatics, Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | | | - Szabolcs Nagy
- Georgikon Faculty, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Pannonia, Deak F. u. 16, H-8360 Keszthely, Hungary.
| | | | - Maria A Andersson
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
| | - Jarek Kurnitski
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
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18
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Eck-Varanka B, Kováts N, Horváth E, Ferincz Á, Kakasi B, Nagy ST, Imre K, Paulovits G. Eco- and genotoxicity profiling of a rapeseed biodiesel using a battery of bioassays. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 151:170-177. [PMID: 29353167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Biodiesel is considered an important renewable energy source but still there is some controversy about its environmental toxicity, especially to aquatic life. In our study, the toxicity of water soluble fraction of biodiesel was evaluated in relatively low concentrations using a battery of bioassays: Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition, Sinapis alba root growth inhibition, Daphnia magna immobilization, boar semen live/dead ratio and DNA fragmentation and Unio pictorum micronucleus test. While the S. alba test indicated nutritive (stimulating) effect of the sample, the biodiesel exerted toxic effect in the aquatic tests. D. magna was the most sensitive with EC50 value of 0.0226%. For genotoxicity assessment, the mussel micronucleus test (MNT) was applied, detecting considerable genotoxic potential of the biodiesel sample: it elucidated micronuclei formation already at low concentration of 3.3%. Although this test has never been employed in biodiesel eco/genotoxicity assessments, it seems a promising tool, based on its appropriate sensitivity, and representativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Eck-Varanka
- University of Pannonia, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Nora Kováts
- University of Pannonia, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary.
| | - Eszter Horváth
- University of Pannonia, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Árpád Ferincz
- Department of Aquaculture, Szent István University, Páter K. str. 1, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kakasi
- University of Pannonia, Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Tamás Nagy
- University of Pannonia, Georgikon Faculty, Department of Animal Sciences, Deák Ferenc str. 16, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Imre
- MTA-PE Air Chemistry Research Group, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Gábor Paulovits
- Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Klebelsberg Kunó str. 3, 8237 Tihany, Hungary
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19
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Vicente-Carrillo A. The Usefulness of Sperm Kinematics in Drug-Induced Toxicity Assessment. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 123:3-7. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodríguez-Martínez H. The mu (μ) and delta (δ) opioid receptors modulate boar sperm motility. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 83:724-34. [PMID: 27391529 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous and exogenous opioids modulate reproductive functions in target cells via opioid receptors (μ, δ, and κ). Sperm motility is a metric of gamete functionality, and serves as a suitable parameter for in vitro drug-induced toxicity assays. This study identifies the presence and location of opioid receptors in pig spermatozoa as well as their functional response after in vitro challenge with known agonists (morphine [μ]; [D-Pen 2,5]-enkephanile [δ]; and U 50488 [κ]) and antagonists (naloxone [μ]; naltrindole [δ]; and nor-binaltrorphimine [κ]). Only the μ- and δ-opioid receptors were present in the boar sperm plasma membrane, overlying the acrosome, neck, and principal piece. Challenge experiments with agonists and antagonists identified both μ- and δ-opioid receptors as regulators of sperm kinematics, wherein μ maintains or increases sperm movement whereas δ decreases sperm motility over time. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 724-734, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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21
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Mikkola R, Andersson MA, Grigoriev P, Heinonen M, Salkinoja-Salonen MS. The toxic mode of action of cyclic lipodepsipeptide fusaricidins, produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa, toward mammalian cells. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:436-449. [PMID: 28557348 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Toxigenic strains of Paenibacillus polymyxa were isolated from buildings connected with the symptoms of ill health. Our aim was to identify the toxic compounds of Paenibacillus polymyxa and to describe their toxic actions. METHODS AND RESULTS The toxins of Paenibacillus polymyxa were purified and analysed by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Toxic fusaricidins A and B, and LI-F05a with mass ions at m/z 883·7, 897·6 and 897·6, respectively, were found. The cytotoxicity of purified fusaricidins A and B was measured using boar sperm, porcine tubular kidney epithelial cells and murine fibroblasts. The ion channel forming properties of fusaricidins were studied using the black lipid membrane (BLM) technique. Fusaricidins A and B depolarized the mitochondria of boar sperm, porcine tubular kidney epithelial cells and murine fibroblasts at concentrations of 0·5-1 μg ml-1 and caused nuclear fragmentation and induced apoptosis at concentrations of 2·5-5 μg ml-1 . Furthermore, fusaricidins A and B induced K+ permeating single channels. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that fusaricidins were toxic to mitochondria and induced apoptosis in mammalian cells. It was proposed that the observed toxicity of fusaricidins is due their ion channel forming properties. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This paper revealed, for the first time, the mode of action of Paenibacillus polymyxa fusaricidins toxins towards mammalian cells. Fusaricidins, due to their potassium ionophoricity and mitochondria depolarizing impacts, may have contributed to the health damage observed at sites where the producer strains were isolated at high density.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mikkola
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
| | - M A Andersson
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland.,Department of Food and Environmental Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Grigoriev
- Department of Food and Environmental Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biophysics of Cell, Russian Academy of Science, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - M Heinonen
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M S Salkinoja-Salonen
- Department of Food and Environmental Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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22
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Salin JT, Salkinoja-Salonen M, Salin PJ, Nelo K, Holma T, Ohtonen P, Syrjälä H. Building-related symptoms are linked to the in vitro toxicity of indoor dust and airborne microbial propagules in schools: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:234-239. [PMID: 28107741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Indoor microbial toxicity is suspected to cause some building-related symptoms, but supporting epidemiological data are lacking. OBJECTIVE We examined whether the in vitro toxicity of indoor samples from school buildings was associated with work-related health symptoms (building-related symptoms, BRS). METHODS Administrators of the Helsinki City Real Estate Department selected 15 schools for the study, and a questionnaire on symptoms connected to work was sent to the teachers in the selected schools for voluntary completion. The cellular toxicity of classroom samples was determined by testing substances extracted from wiped indoor dust and by testing microbial biomass that was cultured on fallout plates. Boar sperm cells were used as indicator cells, and motility loss was the indicator for toxic effects. The effects were expressed as the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) at which >50% of the exposed boar sperm cells were immobile compared to vehicle control. RESULTS Completed symptom questionnaires were received from 232 teachers [median age, 43 years; 190 (82.3%) women] with a median time of 6 years working at their school. Samples from their classrooms were available and were assessed for cellular toxicity. The Poisson regression model showed that the impact of extracts of surface-wiped school classroom dust on teacher work-related BRS was 2.8-fold (95% CI: 1.6-4.9) higher in classrooms with a toxic threshold EC50 of 6µgml-1 versus classrooms with insignificant EC50 values (EC50 >50µgml-1); P<0.001. The number of symptoms that were alleviated during vacation was higher in school classrooms with high sperm toxicity compared to less toxic sites; the RR was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.3, P=0.03) for wiped dust extracts. CONCLUSIONS Teachers working in classrooms where the samples showed high sperm toxicity had more BRS. The boar sperm cell motility inhibition assay appears promising as a tool for demonstrating the presence of indoor substances associated with BRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Salin
- Department of Infection Control, Oulu University Hospital, Finland
| | - M Salkinoja-Salonen
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, FI 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - P J Salin
- Oulu University Hospital, Inspector Sec Oy Laboratories, Oulu, Finland; Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, FI 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - K Nelo
- Oulu University Hospital, Inspector Sec Oy Laboratories, Oulu, Finland
| | - T Holma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Finland; PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Finland
| | - P Ohtonen
- Division of Operative Care and Medical Research Center, Finland
| | - H Syrjälä
- Department of Infection Control, Oulu University Hospital, Finland.
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodríguez-Martínez H. The CatSper channel modulates boar sperm motility during capacitation. Reprod Biol 2017; 17:69-78. [PMID: 28077244 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) comprises four transmembrane subunits specifically expressed in human, equine, murine and ovine spermatozoa, apparently implicated in capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosome exocytosis. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry showed hereby that CatSper subunits are also present in boar spermatozoa, primarily over the sperm neck, tail and cytoplasmic droplets; albeit CatSper -1 presented in addition some distribution over the membrane of the acrosome and CatSper -2 and -4 over the membrane of the post-acrosome. The role of the Catsper channel in boar spermatozoa was investigated by extending the spermatozoa in media containing different calcium (Ca2+) availability and exposure to the capacitation-trigger bicarbonate, to progesterone or CatSper inhibitors (Mibefradil and NNC 55-0396), separately or sequentially, at physiological and toxicological doses. Extracellular Ca2+ availability, combined with bicarbonate exposure (capacitation-inducing conditions) decreased sperm motility, similarly to when spermatozoa incubated in capacitation-inducing conditions was exposed to Mibefradil and NNC 55-0396. Exposure of these spermatozoa to progesterone did not cause significant changes in sperm motility and nor did it revert its decrease induced by CatSper antagonists. In conclusion, the CatSper channel regulates sperm motility during porcine capacitation-related events in vitro.
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Fernandes Silva E, Varela AS, Cardoso TF, Stefanello FM, Kalb AC, Martínez PE, Corcini CD. Reproductive toxicology of 2,4 dinitrophenol in boar sperm. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 35:31-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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25
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Ferraro F, Merlino A, dell´Oca N, Gil J, Tort JF, Gonzalez M, Cerecetto H, Cabrera M, Corvo I. Identification of Chalcones as Fasciola hepatica Cathepsin L Inhibitors Using a Comprehensive Experimental and Computational Approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004834. [PMID: 27463369 PMCID: PMC4962987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased reports of human infections have led fasciolosis, a widespread disease of cattle and sheep caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, to be considered an emerging zoonotic disease. Chemotherapy is the main control measure available, and triclabendazole is the preferred drug since is effective against both juvenile and mature parasites. However, resistance to triclabendazole has been reported in several countries urging the search of new chemical entities and target molecules to control fluke infections. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS We searched a library of forty flavonoid derivatives for inhibitors of key stage specific Fasciola hepatica cysteine proteases (FhCL3 and FhCL1). Chalcones substituted with phenyl and naphtyl groups emerged as good cathepsin L inhibitors, interacting more frequently with two putative binding sites within the active site cleft of the enzymes. One of the compounds, C34, tightly bounds to juvenile specific FhCL3 with an IC50 of 5.6 μM. We demonstrated that C34 is a slow-reversible inhibitor that interacts with the Cys-His catalytic dyad and key S2 and S3 pocket residues, determinants of the substrate specificity of this family of cysteine proteases. Interestingly, C34 induces a reduction in NEJ ability to migrate through the gut wall and a loss of motility phenotype that leads to NEJ death within a week in vitro, while it is not cytotoxic to bovine cells. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Up to date there are no reports of in vitro screening for non-peptidic inhibitors of Fasciola hepatica cathepsins, while in general these are considered as the best strategy for in vivo inhibition. We have identified chalcones as novel inhibitors of the two main Cathepsins secreted by juvenile and adult liver flukes. Interestingly, one compound (C34) is highly active towards the juvenile enzyme reducing larval ability to penetrate the gut wall and decreasing NEJ´s viability in vitro. These findings open new avenues for the development of novel agents to control fluke infection and possibly other helminthic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Ferraro
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Química Teórica y Computacional, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alicia Merlino
- Laboratorio de Química Teórica y Computacional, Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nicolás dell´Oca
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Gil
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Producción y Reproducción de Rumiantes, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte-Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
| | - José F. Tort
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mercedes Gonzalez
- Grupo de Química Medicinal, Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Hugo Cerecetto
- Grupo de Química Medicinal, Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Área de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mauricio Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
- Grupo de Química Medicinal, Laboratorio de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ileana Corvo
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Moléculas Bioactivas, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Paysandú, Uruguay
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Ajao C, Andersson MA, Teplova VV, Nagy S, Gahmberg CG, Andersson LC, Hautaniemi M, Kakasi B, Roivainen M, Salkinoja-Salonen M. Mitochondrial toxicity of triclosan on mammalian cells. Toxicol Rep 2015; 2:624-637. [PMID: 28962398 PMCID: PMC5598359 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Effects of triclosan (5-chloro-2'-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) on mammalian cells were investigated using human peripheral blood mono nuclear cells (PBMC), keratinocytes (HaCaT), porcine spermatozoa and kidney tubular epithelial cells (PK-15), murine pancreatic islets (MIN-6) and neuroblastoma cells (MNA) as targets. We show that triclosan (1-10 μg ml-1) depolarised the mitochondria, upshifted the rate of glucose consumption in PMBC, HaCaT, PK-15 and MNA, and subsequently induced metabolic acidosis. Triclosan induced a regression of insulin producing pancreatic islets into tiny pycnotic cells and necrotic death. Short exposure to low concentrations of triclosan (30 min, ≤1 μg/ml) paralyzed the high amplitude tail beating and progressive motility of spermatozoa, within 30 min exposure, depolarized the spermatozoan mitochondria and hyperpolarised the acrosome region of the sperm head and the flagellar fibrous sheath (distal part of the flagellum). Experiments with isolated rat liver mitochondria showed that triclosan impaired oxidative phosphorylation, downshifted ATP synthesis, uncoupled respiration and provoked excessive oxygen uptake. These exposure concentrations are 100-1000 fold lower that those permitted in consumer goods. The mitochondriotoxic mechanism of triclosan differs from that of valinomycin, cereulide and the enniatins by not involving potassium ionophoric activity.
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Key Words
- Acidosis
- BCF, bioconcentration factor
- EC50, concentration that diminishes the respective vitality parameter by ≥50%
- Electric transmembrane potential
- Glycolysis
- HaCaT, a spontaneously immortalized (non-neoplastic) keratinocyte cell line
- JC-1, 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolyl-carbocyanine iodide
- MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration
- MIN-6, a murine pancreatic beta cell line
- MNA, a murine neuroblastoma cells
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- PBMC, monocyte-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- PI, propidium iodide
- PK-15, a porcine kidney tubular epithelial cell line
- PN, pyridine nucleotides
- RLM, rat liver mitochondria
- Sperm motility
- TPP+, tetraphenylphosphonium
- Uncoupler
- ΔΨ, electric transmembrane potential
- ΔΨm, membrane potential of the mitochondrial membrane
- ΔΨp, membrane potential of the plasma membrane
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Ajao
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, POB 56, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Maria A. Andersson
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, POB 56, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Vera V. Teplova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, RAS, Puschino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Szabolcs Nagy
- Department of Animal Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Pannonia, Georgikon Faculty, Deak F. u.,16, H8360 Keszthely, Hungary
| | - Carl G. Gahmberg
- Dept. of Bio- and Environmental Sciences, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Leif C. Andersson
- Dept. of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Maria Hautaniemi
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA), Research and Laboratory Department, Veterinary Virology Research Unit, Mustialankatu 3, FI 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Balazs Kakasi
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200 Veszprem, Hungary
| | - Merja Roivainen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Virology, Mannerheimintie 166, 00300 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mirja Salkinoja-Salonen
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, POB 56, FI-00014, Finland
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Mikkola R, Andersson MA, Hautaniemi M, Salkinoja-Salonen MS. Toxic indole alkaloids avrainvillamide and stephacidin B produced by a biocide tolerant indoor mold Aspergillus westerdijkiae. Toxicon 2015; 99:58-67. [PMID: 25804991 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxic Aspergillus westerdijkiae were present in house dust and indoor air fall-out from a residence and a kindergarten where the occupants suffered from building related ill health. The A. westerdijkiae isolates produced indole alkaloids avrainvillamide (445 Da) and its dimer stephacidin B (890 Da). It grew and sporulated in presence of high concentrations of boron or polyguanidine (PHMB, PHMG) based antimicrobial biocides used to remediate mold infested buildings. The boar sperm cells were used as sensor cells to purify toxins from HPLC fractions of the fungal biomass. Submicromolar concentrations (EC50 0.3-0.4 μM) blocked boar spermatozoan motility and killed porcine kidney tubular epithelial cells (PK-15). Plate grown hyphal mass of the A. westerdijkiae isolates contained 300-750 ng of avrainvillamide and 30-300 ng of stephacidin B per mg (wet weight). The toxins induced rapid (30 min) loss of boar sperm motility, followed (24 h) by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Apoptotic cell death was observed in PK-15 cell monolayers, prior to cessation of glucose uptake or loss of ΔΨm. Avrainvillamide and stephacidin B were 100-fold more potent towards the porcine cells than the mycotoxins stephacidin A, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin and citrinin. The high toxicity of stephacidin B indicates a role of nitrone group in the mechanism of toxicity. Avrainvillamide and stephacidin B represent a new class of toxins with possible a threat to human health in buildings. Furthermore, the use of biocides highly enhanced the growth of toxigenic A. westerdijkiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimo Mikkola
- Dept of Food and Environmental Science, POB56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland.
| | - Maria A Andersson
- Dept of Food and Environmental Science, POB56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - Maria Hautaniemi
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA), Mustialankatu 3, FI000790 Helsinki, Finland
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