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Leroy K, Pieters A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channel Activity Is Not Specifically Altered by Hepatocarcinogenic Chemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11724. [PMID: 34769157 PMCID: PMC8584159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin-based channels play key roles in cellular communication and can be affected by deleterious chemicals. In this study, the effects of various genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds and non-carcinogenic compounds on the expression and functionality of connexin-based channels, both gap junctions and connexin hemichannels, were investigated in human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures. Expression of connexin26, connexin32, and connexin43 was evaluated by means of real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblot analysis and in situ immunostaining. Gap junction functionality was assessed via a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Opening of connexin hemichannels was monitored by measuring extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. It was found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression. However, no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Tabernilla A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Targeting gap junctional intercellular communication by hepatocarcinogenic compounds. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2020; 23:255-275. [PMID: 32568623 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1781010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions in liver, as in other organs, play a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Inherently, these cellular constituents are major targets for systemic toxicity and diseases, including cancer. This review provides an overview of chemicals that compromise liver gap junctions, in particular biological toxins, organic solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, peroxides, metals and phthalates. The focus in this review is placed upon the mechanistic scenarios that underlie these adverse effects. Further, the potential use of gap junctional activity as an in vitro biomarker to identify non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenic chemicals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
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Yang L, Dong C, Tian L, Ji X, Yang L, Li L. Gadolinium Chloride Restores the Function of the Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication between Hepatocytes in a Liver Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3748. [PMID: 31370360 PMCID: PMC6695937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) has been reported to attenuate liver injury caused by a variety of toxicants. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is thought to be essential in controlling liver homeostasis and pathology. Here we evaluate the effects of GdCl3 on functional GJIC and connexin expression in mouse models and primary hepatocytes. METHODS Mice were administered GdCl3 intraperitoneally the day before a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection or bile duct ligation (BDL) operation. Primary hepatocytes were treated with CCl4 or lipopolysaccharides (LPS), with or without GdCl3. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was performed to assess the GJIC function. The expression of connexins was examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS CCl4 treatment or the BDL operation led to the dysfunction of GJIC and a down-regulation of Cx32 and Cx26 in injured liver. GdCl3 administration restored GJIC function between hepatocytes by facilitating the transfer of fluorescent dye from one cell into adjacent cells via GJIC, and markedly prevented the decrease of Cx32 and Cx26 in injured liver. In primary hepatocytes, CCl4 or LPS treatment induced an obvious decline of Cx32 and Cx26, whereas GdCl3 pretreatment prevented the down-regulation of connexins. In vivo GdCl3 protected hepatocytes and attenuated the liver inflammation and fibrosis in liver injury mouse models. CONCLUSION GdCl3 administration protects functional GJIC between hepatocytes, and prevents the decrease of connexin proteins at mRNA and protein levels during liver injury, leading to the alleviation of chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Chengbin Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaofang Ji
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Abstract
Being critical mediators of liver homeostasis, connexins and their channels are frequently involved in liver toxicity. In the current paper, specific attention is paid to actions of hepatotoxic drugs on these communicative structures. In a first part, an overview is provided on the structural, regulatory and functional properties of connexin-based channels in the liver. In the second part, documented effects of acetaminophen, hypolipidemic drugs, phenobarbital and methapyriline on connexin signaling are discussed. Furthermore, the relevance of this subject for the fields of clinical and in vitro toxicology is demonstrated. Relevance for patients: The role of connexin signaling in drug-induced hepatotoxicity may be of high clinical relevance, as it offers perspectives for the therapeutic treatment of such insults by interfering with connexin channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Cogliati B, Crespo Yanguas S, da Silva TC, Aloia TP, Nogueira MS, Real-Lima MA, Chaible LM, Sanches DS, Willebrords J, Maes M, Pereira IV, de Castro IA, Vinken M, Dagli ML. Connexin32 deficiency exacerbates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocellular injury and liver fibrosis in mice. Toxicol Mech Methods 2016; 26:362-370. [PMID: 27268753 PMCID: PMC5417356 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2016.1190991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver fibrosis results from the perpetuation of the normal wound healing response to several types of injury. Despite the wealth of knowledge regarding the involvement of intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways in liver fibrogenesis, information about the role of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions is scarce. METHODS In this study, liver fibrosis was chemically induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice lacking connexin32, the major liver gap junction constituent. The manifestation of liver fibrosis was evaluated based on a series of read-outs, including collagen morphometric and mRNA analysis, oxidative stress, apoptotic, proliferative and inflammatory markers. RESULTS More pronounced liver damage and enhanced collagen deposition were observed in connexin32 knockout mice compared to wild-type animals in experimentally triggered induced liver fibrosis. No differences between both groups were noticed in apoptotic signaling nor in inflammation markers. However, connexin32 deficient mice displayed decreased catalase activity and increased malondialdehyde levels. CONCLUSION These findings could suggest that connexin32-based signaling mediates tissue resistance against liver damage by the modulation of the antioxidant capacity. In turn, this could point to a role for connexin32 signaling as a therapeutic target in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tereza C. da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago P.A. Aloia
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina S. Nogueira
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirela A. Real-Lima
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas M. Chaible
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel S. Sanches
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel V.A. Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inar A. de Castro
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria L.Z. Dagli
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Maes M, Yanguas SC, Willebrords J, Vinken M. Models and methods for in vitro testing of hepatic gap junctional communication. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 30:569-577. [PMID: 26420514 PMCID: PMC4685743 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inherent to their pivotal roles in controlling all aspects of the liver cell life cycle, hepatocellular gap junctions are frequently disrupted upon impairment of the homeostatic balance, as occurs during liver toxicity. Hepatic gap junctions, which are mainly built up by connexin32, are specifically targeted by tumor promoters and epigenetic carcinogens. This renders inhibition of gap junction functionality a suitable indicator for the in vitro detection of nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenicity. The establishment of a reliable liver gap junction inhibition assay for routine in vitro testing purposes requires a cellular system in which gap junctions are expressed at an in vivo-like level as well as an appropriate technique to probe gap junction activity. Both these models and methods are discussed in the current paper, thereby focusing on connexin32-based gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Nahta R, Al-Mulla F, Al-Temaimi R, Amedei A, Andrade-Vieira R, Bay SN, Brown DG, Calaf GM, Castellino RC, Cohen-Solal KA, Colacci A, Cruickshanks N, Dent P, Di Fiore R, Forte S, Goldberg GS, Hamid RA, Krishnan H, Laird DW, Lasfar A, Marignani PA, Memeo L, Mondello C, Naus CC, Ponce-Cusi R, Raju J, Roy D, Roy R, Ryan EP, Salem HK, Scovassi AI, Singh N, Vaccari M, Vento R, Vondráček J, Wade M, Woodrick J, Bisson WH. Mechanisms of environmental chemicals that enable the cancer hallmark of evasion of growth suppression. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36 Suppl 1:S2-18. [PMID: 26106139 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the Halifax Project, this review brings attention to the potential effects of environmental chemicals on important molecular and cellular regulators of the cancer hallmark of evading growth suppression. Specifically, we review the mechanisms by which cancer cells escape the growth-inhibitory signals of p53, retinoblastoma protein, transforming growth factor-beta, gap junctions and contact inhibition. We discuss the effects of selected environmental chemicals on these mechanisms of growth inhibition and cross-reference the effects of these chemicals in other classical cancer hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nahta
- Departments of Pharmacology and Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada, Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA, Instituto de Alta Investigacion, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica 8097877, Chile, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1914, USA, Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy, Departments of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 980033, USA, Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Polyclinic Plexus, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084-1501, USA, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontari
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Rafaela Andrade-Vieira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Sarah N Bay
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dustin G Brown
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
| | - Gloria M Calaf
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA, Instituto de Alta Investigacion, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica 8097877, Chile
| | - Robert C Castellino
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karine A Cohen-Solal
- Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1914, USA
| | - Annamaria Colacci
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Nichola Cruickshanks
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 980033, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 980033, USA
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Polyclinic Plexus, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Gary S Goldberg
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084-1501, USA
| | - Roslida A Hamid
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Harini Krishnan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084-1501, USA
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ahmed Lasfar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 60503, USA
| | - Paola A Marignani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Chiara Mondello
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Richard Ponce-Cusi
- Instituto de Alta Investigacion, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica 8097877, Chile
| | - Jayadev Raju
- Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Debasish Roy
- Department of Natural Science, The City University of New York at Hostos Campus, Bronx, NY 10451, USA
| | - Rabindra Roy
- Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Ryan
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
| | - Hosni K Salem
- Urology Dept., kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, El Manial, Cairo 12515, Egypt
| | - A Ivana Scovassi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Neetu Singh
- Advanced Molecular Science Research Centre, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, UP 226003, India
| | - Monica Vaccari
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Renza Vento
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Polyclinic Plexus, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics AS CR, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Mark Wade
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan 16163, Italy and
| | - Jordan Woodrick
- Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - William H Bisson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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8
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Kim JY, Yun JW, Kim YS, Kwon E, Choi HJ, Yeom SC, Kang BC. Mutagenicity and tumor-promoting effects of Tiglium seed extract via PKC and MAPK signaling pathways. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 79:374-83. [PMID: 25391291 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2014.980217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tiglium seed is a seed of mature Croton Tiglium Linne containing croton oils, which have been traditionally used as laxative or purgative. As it contains phorbol derivatives, we investigated the mutagenicity and tumor-promoting activity of Tiglium seed. Tiglium seed extract produced the mutagenic responses in five Salmonella typhimurium strains in Ames assay, whereas it did not alter the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations or micronuclei, indicating that it exerted the mutagenic potential, not clastogenicity. Accompanied with phosphorylation of connexin43 (Cx43) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), Tiglium seed extract inhibited gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) associated with tumor-promoting potential. Importantly, these effects were blocked by a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) inhibitors, suggesting that Tiglium seed-induced GJIC inhibition was regulated by phosphorylation of Cx43 via PKC and MAPKs signaling. In conclusion, Tiglium seed has mutagenicity, possibly linking to tumor-promoting potential through the dysfunction of GJIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Kim
- a Graduate School of Translational Medicine , Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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9
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Hernández-Guerra M, González-Méndez Y, de Ganzo ZA, Salido E, García-Pagán JC, Abrante B, Malagón AM, Bosch J, Quintero E. Role of gap junctions modulating hepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis. Liver Int 2014; 34:859-68. [PMID: 24350605 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gap junctions are formed by connexins (Cx), a family of proteins that couple endothelial and smooth muscle cells in systemic vessels. In this context, Cx allow the transmission of signals modulating vascular tone. Recently, vascular Cx have been observed in liver cells implicated in liver blood flow regulation. Here, we investigated the role of Cx in the regulation of intrahepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis. METHODS Livers of Sprague-Dawley control and cirrhotic (common bile duct ligation-CBDL and CCl4 ) rats were perfused, and concentration-effect curves in response to acetylcholine (ACh) precontracted with methoxamine were obtained in the presence of the specific Cx inhibitor 18-alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid or vehicle. Cx expression was assessed by immunofluorescence, western blot and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in liver tissue, hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes isolated from control and cirrhotic rat livers. Cx protein expression was also determined in cirrhotic human tissue. RESULTS Gap junction blockade markedly attenuated relaxation of hepatic vasculature in response to ACh in control (maximal relaxation, -55 ± 10.5% vs. -95.3 ± 10% with vehicle; P < 0.01) and CBDL rats (50.9 ± 18.5% vs. -18.7 ± 5.5% with vehicle; P = 0.01). Livers from CBDL rats and patients with cirrhosis exhibited Cx overexpression. By contrast, CCl4 -cirrhotic rats did not show attenuated relaxation of hepatic vasculature after blockade and Cx expression was significantly lower than in controls. CONCLUSIONS Gap junctions may contribute to modulating portal pressure and intrahepatic vascular relaxation. Liver gap junctions may represent a new therapeutic target in cirrhotic portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Hernández-Guerra
- Liver Unit, University Hospital of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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10
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Yavaşoğlu NÜK, Köksal C, Dağdeviren M, Aktuğ H, Yavaşoğlu A. Induction of oxidative stress and histological changes in liver by subacute doses of butyl cyclohexyl phthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2014; 29:345-353. [PMID: 22936646 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers in a wide variety of products and applications. There is no information on butyl cyclohexyl phthalate (BCP) toxicity. This study was performed to evaluate the histopathological effects and to determine oxidative stress inducing potential in liver by subacute exposure of BCP. The animals of the treatment groups were orally administered 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day BCP for 5 consecutive days per week during 28 days. As a result, no significant changes were observed in body weight gains, and absolute and relative liver weights of liver of BCP treated mice, when compared with control group. Although the degree of lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue of all BCP exposure groups were significantly higher than those of the control (p < 0.01), SOD and CAT activities in liver tissue of mice of 200 and 400 mg/kg exposure groups were significantly lower than those of the controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, BCP caused dose-dependent histological changes in the liver of mice such as congestions in vena centralis, an enlargement of the sinusoids, degeneration in hepatocytes, vacuole formations and presence of lipid droplets in hepatocytes, eosinophilic cytoplasm. While iNOS immunoreactivity was increased in all treatment groups, Type IV collagen and Connexin 43 immunoreactivities were decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group. Significant decrease was observed in the number of TUNEL-positive liver cells of BCP treated mice. These results suggested that BCP exposure induces oxidative stress in liver and exposure of BCP during long time period could lead to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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11
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Gap junctions and non-neoplastic liver disease. J Hepatol 2012; 57:655-62. [PMID: 22609308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Because of their critical role as goalkeepers of hepatic homeostasis, gap junctions are frequent targets in liver disease. This concept has been demonstrated on many occasions in the light of hepatocarcinogenesis. Relatively little focus has been put on the fate of gap junctions in other liver pathologies, including hepatitis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, cholestasis and hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury. The present paper provides an in-depth description of the multiple changes in expression, localization and function of connexins, the molecular constituents of gap junctions. The use of connexins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in liver disease is also illustrated.
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12
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Zucchini-Pascal N, Peyre L, de Sousa G, Rahmani R. Organochlorine pesticides induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition of human primary cultured hepatocytes. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:3963-70. [PMID: 22902829 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a group of organic or chemicals that adversely affect human health and are persistent in the environment. These highly toxic compounds include industrial chemicals, pesticides such as organochlorines, and unwanted wastes such as dioxins. Although studies have described the general toxicity effects of organochlorine pesticides, the mechanisms underlying its potential carcinogenic effects in the liver are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the effect of three organochlorine pesticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, heptachlore and endosulfan) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary cultured human hepatocytes. We found that these compounds modified the hepatocyte phenotype, inducing cell spread, formation of lamellipodia structures and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in stress fibers. These morphological alterations were accompanied by disruption of cell-cell junctions, E-cadherin repression and albumin down-regulation. Interestingly, these characteristic features of dedifferentiating hepatocytes were correlated with the gain of expression of various mesenchymal genes, including vimentin, fibronectin and its receptor ITGA5. These various results show that organochlorines and TCDD accelerate cultured human hepatocyte dedifferentiation and EMT processes. These events could account, at least in part, for the carcionogenic and/or fibrogenic activities of these POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Zucchini-Pascal
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire des Xénobiotiques, INRA, UMR 1331 TOXALIM (Research Center in Food Toxicology), 06903 Sophia Antipolis, France.
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13
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Breheny D, Oke O, Faux SP. The use of in vitro systems to assess cancer mechanisms and the carcinogenic potential of chemicals. Altern Lab Anim 2011; 39:233-55. [PMID: 21777038 DOI: 10.1177/026119291103900301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a highly complex, multi-stage process that can occur over a relatively long period before its clinical manifestation. While the sequence in which a cancer cell acquires the necessary traits for tumour formation can vary, there are a number of mechanisms that are common to most, if not all, cancers across the spectrum of possible causes. Many aspects of carcinogenesis can be modelled in vitro. This has led to the development of a number of mechanistically driven, cell-based assays to assess the pro-carcinogenic and anti-carcinogenic potential of chemicals. A review is presented of the current in vitro models that can be used to study carcinogenesis, with examples of cigarette smoke testing in some of these models, in order to illustrate their potential applications. We present an overview of the assays used in regulatory genotoxicity testing, as well as those designed to model other aspects that are considered to be hallmarks of cancer. The latter assays are described with a view to demonstrating the recent advances in these areas, to a point where they should now be considered for inclusion in an overall testing strategy for chemical carcinogens.
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14
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Vinken M, Doktorova T, Decrock E, Leybaert L, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V. Gap junctional intercellular communication as a target for liver toxicity and carcinogenicity. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 44:201-22. [PMID: 19635038 DOI: 10.1080/10409230903061215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Direct communication between hepatocytes, mediated by gap junctions, constitutes a major regulatory platform in the control of liver homeostasis, ranging from hepatocellular proliferation to hepatocyte cell death. Inherent to this pivotal task, gap junction functionality is frequently disrupted upon impairment of the homeostatic balance, as occurs during liver toxicity and carcinogenicity. In the present paper, the deleterious effects of a number of chemical and biological toxic compounds on hepatic gap junctions are discussed, including environmental pollutants, biological toxins, organic solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, peroxides, metals and phthalates. Particular attention is paid to the molecular mechanisms that underlie the abrogation of gap junction functionality. Since hepatic gap junctions are specifically targeted by tumor promoters and epigenetic carcinogens, both in vivo and in vitro, inhibition of gap junction functionality is considered as a suitable indicator for the detection of nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Hernández LG, van Steeg H, Luijten M, van Benthem J. Mechanisms of non-genotoxic carcinogens and importance of a weight of evidence approach. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2009; 682:94-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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