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Ladeira C, Møller P, Giovannelli L, Gajski G, Haveric A, Bankoglu EE, Azqueta A, Gerić M, Stopper H, Cabêda J, Tonin FS, Collins A. The Comet Assay as a Tool in Human Biomonitoring Studies of Environmental and Occupational Exposure to Chemicals-A Systematic Scoping Review. TOXICS 2024; 12:270. [PMID: 38668493 PMCID: PMC11054096 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to chemical substances that can act as potential mutagens or carcinogens, may enable the detection of damage and early disease prevention. In recent years, the comet assay has become an important tool for assessing DNA damage, both in environmental and occupational exposure contexts. To evidence the role of the comet assay in human biomonitoring, we have analysed original research studies of environmental or occupational exposure that used the comet assay in their assessments, following the PRISMA-ScR method (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews). Groups of chemicals were designated according to a broad classification, and the results obtained from over 300 original studies (n = 123 on air pollutants, n = 14 on anaesthetics, n = 18 on antineoplastic drugs, n = 57 on heavy metals, n = 59 on pesticides, and n = 49 on solvents) showed overall higher values of DNA strand breaks in the exposed subjects in comparison with the unexposed. In summary, our systematic scoping review strengthens the relevance of the use of the comet assay in assessing DNA damage in human biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Ladeira
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Peter Møller
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, 1172 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Lisa Giovannelli
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Goran Gajski
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Anja Haveric
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Ezgi Eyluel Bankoglu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany; (E.E.B.); (H.S.)
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Marko Gerić
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Helga Stopper
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany; (E.E.B.); (H.S.)
| | - José Cabêda
- Guarda Nacional Republicana, Destacamento Territorial de Vila Franca de Xira, Núcleo de Proteção Ambiental, 1500-124 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Fernanda S. Tonin
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Universidad de Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - Andrew Collins
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway;
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Wan Y, Xu W, Liu J, Gomez MA, Sun M, Wang J, Wang J, Zhou L, Dai Q, Gong J, Chen D. Distribution and migration of uranium, chromium, and accompanying metal(loid)s in soil-plants system around a uranium hydrometallurgical area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123235. [PMID: 38159635 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The extraction and utilization of uranium (U) ores have led to the release of significant amounts of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) into the environment, constituting a grave threat to the ecosystem. However, research on the distribution and migration mechanism of U, chromium (Cr), and their accompanying PTMs in soil-plant system around U hydrometallurgical area remains insufficient and poorly understood. Herein, the distribution, migration, and risk level of PTMs were evaluated in soil and plant samples around U hydrometallurgical area, Northern Guangdong, China. The results demonstrated that the maximum content of U and Cr found in the analyzed soils were up to 84.2 and 238.9 mg/kg, respectively. These values far exceed the soil background values in China and other countries. The highest content of U (53.6 mg/kg) was detected in Colocasia antiquorum Schott, and the highest content of Cr (349.5 mg/kg) was observed in Pteridium aquilinum, both of which were enriched in their roots. The risk assessment of PTMs demonstrated that the study area suffered from severe pollution (PN > 3), especially from U, Cr, Th, and As, suggesting the non-negligible anthropogenic impacts. Hence, in light of the significant ecological hazard posed by the U hydrometallurgical area, it is imperative to implement appropriate restoration measures to ensure the human health and maintain the stability of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebing Wan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqing Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mario Alberto Gomez
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqing Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinglan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Environment and Resource, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycling, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Qunwei Dai
- School of Environment and Resource, Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Resource Recycling, Ministry of Education, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Jian Gong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Diyun Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
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Lacerda D, Pestana IA, Santos Vergilio CD, de Rezende CE. Global decrease in blood lead concentrations due to the removal of leaded gasoline. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138207. [PMID: 36822521 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a chemical element with extreme toxicity that is classified as one of the ten chemicals of most significant concern to human health. The main problem involving Pb is its use as a fuel additive (tetraethyllead - TEL) at a global level, which raised the atmospheric Pb concentrations. It is estimated that between 80 and 90% of the atmospheric Pb in large cities came from the use of TEL, and as a consequence, it was also the main source responsible for human exposure to the element. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate, through a systematic review, the blood concentrations of Pb in scientific articles published in the first two decades of the 2000s to compare the global and regional trends of each continent over time. Our data show the importance of removing TEL in decreasing human exposure to Pb worldwide. We observed exponentially decreasing blood Pb concentrations over the years after additive removal on all continents, resulting in a global trend which TEL's use was the major process governing human exposure worldwide. In addition, the results also showed that, despite the removal of Pb additives lowering levels of human blood Pb, the general population remains exposed to the element through exogenous and endogenous sources. The exhaust Pb particles were deposited into the environment in proportion to the traffic flows, and the legacy of Pb in the environment requires novel primary prevention remedy to curtail exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lacerda
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Dos Santos Vergilio
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
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Erdei E, Qeadan F, Miller CP, Kanda DA, Luo L, Gonzales M, Lewis JL, MacKenzie D. Environmental uranium exposures and cytokine profiles among mother-newborn baby pairs from the Navajo Βirth Cohort Study. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 456:116292. [PMID: 36270330 PMCID: PMC10228290 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Navajo Nation was heavily mined for uranium (U) during the cold-war leading to a legacy of >1100 abandoned U mining, milling and associated waste sites. The Navajo Birth Cohort Study was initiated to assess the effect of non-occupational legacy exposure to U during pregnancy on birth outcomes and child development. We report that 92% of babies with detectable urine U at birth were born from mothers who had urine U concentrations greater than national norms during pregnancy, indicative of prenatal exposure to U. To assess immune alterations associated with U exposure on both mothers and babies, we investigated associations between cytokine profiles and maternal U and associations of these measures with cytokine profiles in babies. Effect sizes for the differences in cytokine profiles were more evident among babies than mothers. Overall, there were seven cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, GM-CSF, and TNF-α), for which the effect size for babies with higher than the national U concentrations was medium to large (ORs of 2.21 (1.08-4.52) through 1.71(0.76-3.83). In contrast, only three cytokines (IL-8, IL-12p70, and TNF-α) had effect sizes which almost reached medium strength (ORs of 1.64 (0.74-4.05) through 1.36 (0.65-2.87) in mothers with U above national norms. The effects of prenatal exposures to uranium and associated alterations in systemic immune responses resulting from U exposure could impact both maternal health as well as healthy child development through induction of inflammation, autoimmunity or other chronic diseases related to immune dysfunction that may affect long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Erdei
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Fares Qeadan
- Loyola University Chicago, Parkinson School of Public Health, Maywood, IL, United States of America
| | - Curtis P Miller
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Kanda
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine & University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Li Luo
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine & University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Melissa Gonzales
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Preventive Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Johnnye L Lewis
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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5
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Schilz JR, Dashner-Titus EJ, Simmons KA, Erdei E, Bolt AM, MacKenzie DA, Hudson LG. The immunotoxicity of natural and depleted uranium: From cells to people. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116252. [PMID: 36152676 PMCID: PMC10044422 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116252] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Uranium is a naturally occurring element found in the environment as a mixture of isotopes with differing radioactive properties. Enrichment of mined material results in depleted uranium waste with substantially reduced radioactivity but retains the capacity for chemical toxicity. Uranium mine and milling waste are dispersed by wind and rain leading to environmental exposures through soil, air, and water contamination. Uranium exposure is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes in humans, yet there is limited understanding of the effects of depleted uranium on the immune system. The purpose of this review is to summarize findings on uranium immunotoxicity obtained from cell, rodent and human population studies. We also highlight how each model contributes to an understanding of mechanisms that lead to immunotoxicity and limitations inherent within each system. Information from population, animal, and laboratory studies will be needed to significantly expand our knowledge of the contributions of depleted uranium to immune dysregulation, which may then inform prevention or intervention measures for exposed communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi R Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Erica J Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Karen A Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Esther Erdei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Debra A MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Laurie G Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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Heavy Metals/Metalloids in Soil of a Uranium Tailings Pond in Northwest China: Distribution and Relationship with Soil Physicochemical Properties and Radionuclides. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Uranium tailings ponds have a potential impact on the soil ecological environment and human health. In this study, the measurement and spatial distribution characteristics of soil physicochemical properties (pH, EC, TN, TOC, and TP) and heavy metals/metalloids (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, and As) in two different profiles (0–5 cm, 5–15 cm) were completed and visualized in a decommissioned uranium tailings pond in Northwest China. The results showed that almost all measured values in the study area were within the background values of China and other countries or regions around the world. The visual spatial distribution map showed that the spatial distribution characteristics of the EC, TP content, Pb content, and Cr content of the soil in the tailings pond and its adjacent area increased with the increase in depth of the vertical profile. The visual correlation heatmap analysis found that, in general, there were significant positive correlations among heavy metals and radionuclides and significant negative correlations among heavy metals, radionuclides, and physicochemical properties. The cluster tree divided environmental factors into two clusters; pH, TP, 40K, Cd, and Zn formed one cluster, which could be related to the similar structures and physicochemical properties of Cd and Zn, and Pb, Cr, 232Th, TN, EC, TOC, As, 238U, and 226Ra formed another cluster of lithophile elements with similar geochemical properties. Based on the analysis results, the uranium tailings pond is in good operation, and no migration and diffusion of heavy metals/metalloids to the surrounding soil ecological environment was found.
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7
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Schilz JR, Dashner-Titus EJ, Luo L, Simmons KA, MacKenzie DA, Hudson LG. Co-exposure of sodium arsenite and uranyl acetate differentially alters gene expression in CD3/CD28 activated CD4+ T-cells. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1917-1929. [PMID: 34926170 PMCID: PMC8649082 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Communities in the western region of the United States experience environmental exposure to metal mixtures from living in proximity to numerous unremediated abandoned uranium mines. Metals including arsenic and uranium co-occur in and around these sites at levels higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels. To address the potential effect of these metals on the activation of CD4+ T-cells, we used RNA sequencing methods to determine the effect of exposure to sodium arsenite (1 μM and 10 μM), uranyl acetate (3 μM and 30 μM) or a mixture of sodium arsenite and uranyl acetate (1 μM sodium arsenite + 3 μM uranyl acetate). Sodium arsenite induced a dose dependent effect on activation associated gene expression; targeting immune response genes at the lower dose. Increases in oxidative stress gene expression were observed with both sodium arsenite doses. While uranyl acetate alone did not significantly alter activation associated gene expression, the mixture of uranyl acetate with sodium arsenite demonstrated a combined effect relative to sodium arsenite alone. The results demonstrate the need to investigate metal and metalloid mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations to better understand the toxicological impact of these mixtures on T-cell activation, function and immune dysregulation.
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Key Words
- APC, antigen presenting cell
- AUM, abandoned uranium mine
- Arsenic
- DEG, differentially expressed gene
- GCLM, glutamate-cysteine ligase
- HMOX1, heme oxygenase 1
- IFNγ, interferon gamma
- IL-2, interleukin 2
- MHC, major histone compatibility complex
- Mixture toxicology
- NQO1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase
- PCA, principal component analysis
- SOD1, super oxide dismutase 1
- T-lymphocytes
- TCR, T-cell receptor
- Th, T-helper
- Uranium
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi R. Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Erica J. Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Li Luo
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Karen A. Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Debra A. MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Laurie G. Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Lei M, Jia Y, Zhang W, Xie J, Xu Z, Wang Y, Du W, Liu W. Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of Uranium by a Luminescent Terbium-Organic Framework. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:51086-51094. [PMID: 34694793 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c16742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Detection and remediation of radioactive components have become the focus of worldwide research interest due to the ever-increasing generation of nuclear waste and the concerns on nuclear accidents. Among the numerous radionuclides, uranium and its isotopes receive the most attention because of their high proportion in nuclear waste and long half-life. Herein, a highly luminescent terbium-organic framework, formulated as [Tb4(C29O8H17)2(NO3)4(DMF)4(H2O)4]·4H2O·8.5DMF (YTU-100), with exceptional sensitivity and selectivity toward uranium was successfully prepared. The material exhibits fast adsorption kinetics and moderate sorption capacity. Interestingly, the luminescence intensity variation highly correlates to the amount of adsorbed uranium, which results in a quantitative, accurate, and selective uranium detection manner. The detection limits in deionized water and tap water were determined to be 1.07 and 0.75 ppb, respectively, which are lower than the US Environmental Protection Agency standard of the maximum contamination of uranium in drinking water. YTU-100 offers an alternative approach for building multifunctional MOFs used for simultaneous detection and removal of uranium from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lei
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yuyu Jia
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jian Xie
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Huancheng West Road 508, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Zhijun Xu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yanlong Wang
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wei Du
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
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Dashner-Titus EJ, Schilz JR, Simmons KA, Duncan TR, Alvarez SC, Hudson LG. Differential response of human T-lymphocytes to arsenic and uranium. Toxicol Lett 2020; 333:269-278. [PMID: 32866568 PMCID: PMC7590629 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of arsenic and uranium have been detected in water sources near abandoned uranium mines in the Southwest. Evidence suggests uranium exposure increases the likelihood of immune dysfunction and this study investigates the impact of arsenic and uranium on human immune cell lines. Concentration-dependent cytotoxicity occurred following exposure to arsenite, whereas cells remained viable after 48 -h treatment with up to 100 μM uranyl acetate despite uptake of uranium into cells. Arsenite stimulated an oxidative stress response as detected by Nrf-2 nuclear accumulation and induction of HMOX-1 and NQO1, which was not detected with up to 30 μM uranyl acetate. Cellular oxidative stress can promote DNA damage and arsenite, but not uranium, stimulated DNA damage as measured by pH2AX. Arsenic enhanced the cytotoxic response to etoposide suggesting an inhibition of DNA repair, unlike uranium. Similarly, uranium did not inhibit PARP-1 activity. Because uranium reportedly stimulates oxidative stress, DNA damage and cytotoxicity in adherent epithelial cells, the current study suggests distinct cell type differences in response to uranium that may relate to generation of oxidative stress and associated downstream consequences. Delineating the actions of uranium across different cell targets will be important for understanding the potential health effects of uranium exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Jodi R Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Karen A Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Tammi R Duncan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Sandra C Alvarez
- Early Childhood Services Center, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
| | - Laurie G Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
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10
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Medina S, Lauer FT, Castillo EF, Bolt AM, Ali AMS, Liu KJ, Burchiel SW. Exposures to uranium and arsenic alter intraepithelial and innate immune cells in the small intestine of male and female mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115155. [PMID: 32710956 PMCID: PMC7490749 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human exposures to environmental metals, including uranium (U) and arsenic (As) are a global public health concern. Chronic exposures to U and As are linked to many adverse health effects including, immune suppression and autoimmunity. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to many immune cells vital in the maintenance of systemic immune health. However, very little is known about the immunotoxicity of U and As at this site. The present study examined the burden of U and As exposure in the GI tract as well as the resultant immunotoxicity to intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and innate immune cells of the small intestine following chronic drinking water exposures of male and female mice to U (in the form of uranyl acetate, UA) and As (in the form of sodium arsenite, As3+). Exposure to U or As3+ resulted in high levels of U or As in the GI tract of male and female mice, respectively. A reduction of small intestinal CD4+ IELs (TCRαβ+, CD8αα+) was found following As3+ exposure, whereas U produced widespread suppression of CD4- IEL subsets (TCRαβ+ and TCRγδ+). Evaluation of innate immune cell subsets in the small intestinal lamina propria revealed a decrease in mature macrophages, along with a corresponding increase in immature/proinflammatory macrophages following As3+ exposures. These data show that exposures to two prevalent environmental contaminants, U and As produce significant immunotoxicity in the GI tract. Collectively, these findings provide a critical framework for understanding the underlying immune health issues reported in human populations chronically exposed to environmental metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Medina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eliseo F Castillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Scott W Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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11
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Campos A, Pereira R, Vaz A, Caetano T, Malta M, Oliveira J, Carvalho FP, Mendo S, Lourenço J. Metals and low dose IR: Molecular effects of combined exposures using HepG2 cells as a biological model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 396:122634. [PMID: 32304850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Uranium mining sites produce residues rich in metals and radionuclides, that may contaminate all environmental matrices, exposing human and non-human biota to low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIR) and to the chemical toxicity of several metals. To date, experimental and radio-epidemiological studies do not provide conclusive evidence of LDIR induced cancer. However, co-exposures (LDIR plus other contaminants), may increase the risks. To determine the potential for genotoxic effects in human cells induced by the exposure to LDIR plus metals, HEPG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of a uranium mine effluent for 96 h. DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay and changes in the expression of tumor suppressor and oncogenes were determined using qPCR. Results show that effluent concentrations higher than 5%, induce significant DNA damage. Also, a significant under-expression of ATM and TP53 genes and a significant overexpression of GADD45a gene was observed. Results show that the exposure to complex mixtures cannot be disregarded, as effects were detected at very low doses. This study highlights the need for further studies to clarify the risks of exposure to LDIR along with other stressors, to fully review the IR exposure risk limits established for human and non-human biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Campos
- ICBAS & Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Pereira
- ICBAS & Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal; GreenUPorto- Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - A Vaz
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - T Caetano
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - M Malta
- Instituto Superior Técnico/Laboratório de Proteccão e Segurança Radiológica, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - J Oliveira
- Instituto Superior Técnico/Laboratório de Proteccão e Segurança Radiológica, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - F P Carvalho
- Instituto Superior Técnico/Laboratório de Proteccão e Segurança Radiológica, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, Km 139, 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - S Mendo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - J Lourenço
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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12
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Occurrence and Distribution of Uranium in a Hydrological Cycle around a Uranium Mill Tailings Pond, Southern China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030773. [PMID: 31991884 PMCID: PMC7037307 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) mining activities, which lead to contamination in soils and waters (i.e., leachate from U mill tailings), cause serious environmental problems. However, limited research works have been conducted on U pollution associated with a whole soil-water system. In this study, a total of 110 samples including 96 solid and 14 water samples were collected to investigate the characteristics of U distribution in a natural soil-water system near a U mining tailings pond. Results showed that U concentrations ranged from 0.09 ± 0.02 mg/kg to 2.56 × 104± 23 mg/kg in solid samples, and varied greatly in different locations. For tailings sand samples, the highest U concentration (2.56× 104 ± 23 mg/kg) occurred at the depth of 80 cm underground, whereas, for paddy soil samples, the highest U concentration (5.22 ± 0.04 mg/kg) was found at surface layers. Geo-accumulation index and potential ecological hazard index were calculated to assess the hazard of U in the soils. The calculation results showed that half of the soil sampling sites were moderately polluted. For groundwater samples, U concentrations ranged from 0.55 ± 0.04 mg/L to 3.36 ± 0.02 mg/L with a mean value of 2.36 ± 0.36 mg/L, which was significantly lower than that of percolating waters (ranging from 4.56 ± 0.02 mg/L to 12.05 ± 0.04 mg/L, mean 7.91 ± 0.98 mg/L). The results of this study suggest that the distribution of U concentrations in a soil-water system was closely associated with hydrological cycles and U concentrations decreased with circulation path.
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13
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Bolt AM, Medina S, Lauer FT, Liu KJ, Burchiel SW. Minimal uranium immunotoxicity following a 60-day drinking water exposure to uranyl acetate in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 372:33-39. [PMID: 30978399 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Historical uranium (U) mining in the Southwestern United States resulted in significant environmental contamination throughout this region and presents a significant risk of chronic metal exposure and toxicity for communities living in close proximity to mine waste sites. Uranium exposure is associated with numerous deleterious health effects including immune dysfunction; however, its effects on the immune system have yet to be fully characterized. We recently published that drinking water exposure to U, in the form of uranyl acetate (UA), results in low overall tissue retention of U (<0.01%), with very little accumulation in immune organs (blood, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus) of male and female mice. In the present study we characterized the immunotoxicity of U, in the form of UA, following a 60-day drinking water exposure to 5 and 50 ppm in male and female C57BL/6J mice. The following immunotoxicity endpoints were evaluated: hematology, immune tissue weights and total cell recoveries, immunophenotying of the spleen and thymus, and immune cell function (lymphocyte mitogenesis and T-dependent antibody response). Uranium exposure had subtle impacts on the immune endpoints evaluated, likely due to low U accumulation at these sites. The only significant alterations were a slight decrease in the percentages of splenic natural killer T-cells and macrophages in exposed male mice. Despite minimal immunological effects, this study highlights the importance of investigating toxicological endpoints in both sexes and developing accurate animal models that model epidemiological exposures in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Bolt
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America.
| | - Sebastian Medina
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Scott W Burchiel
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
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14
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Banza Lubaba Nkulu C, Casas L, Haufroid V, De Putter T, Saenen ND, Kayembe-Kitenge T, Musa Obadia P, Kyanika Wa Mukoma D, Lunda Ilunga JM, Nawrot TS, Luboya Numbi O, Smolders E, Nemery B. Sustainability of artisanal mining of cobalt in DR Congo. NATURE SUSTAINABILITY 2018; 1:495-504. [PMID: 30288453 PMCID: PMC6166862 DOI: 10.1038/s41893-018-0139-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The sustainability of cobalt is an important emerging issue because this critical base metal is an essential component of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. More than half the world's cobalt mine production comes from the Katanga Copperbelt in DR Congo, with a substantial proportion (estimated at 15-20%) being extracted by artisanal miners. Here we show, in a case study performed in the town of Kolwezi, that people living in a neighbourhood that had been transformed into an artisanal cobalt mine, had much higher levels of cobalt in urine and blood than people living in a nearby control area. The differences were most pronounced for children, in whom we also found evidence of exposure-related oxidative DNA damage. It was already known that industrial mining and processing of metals have led to severe environmental pollution in the region. This field study provides novel and robust empirical evidence that the artisanal extraction of cobalt that prevails in the DR Congo may cause toxic harm to vulnerable communities. This strengthens the conclusion that the currently existing cobalt supply chain is not sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu
- Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the
Congo
| | - Lidia Casas
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and
Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL),
Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology,
Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry De Putter
- Geodynamics and Mineral Resources Unit, Royal Museum for Central
Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Nelly D. Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek,
Belgium
| | - Tony Kayembe-Kitenge
- Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the
Congo
| | - Paul Musa Obadia
- Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the
Congo
| | - Daniel Kyanika Wa Mukoma
- Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the
Congo
| | - Jean-Marie Lunda Ilunga
- Department of Geology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi,
Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and
Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek,
Belgium
| | - Oscar Luboya Numbi
- Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the
Congo
| | - Erik Smolders
- Division of Water and Soil Management, Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and
Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Corresponding author: B. Nemery, MD, PhD. Centre
for Environment and Health, Herestraat 49 (706), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Tel
+3216330801, fax +3216330806,
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15
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Jin F, Ma T, Guan H, Yang ZH, Liu XD, Wang Y, Jiang YG, Zhou PK. Inhibitory effect of uranyl nitrate on DNA double-strand break repair by depression of a set of proteins in the homologous recombination pathway. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2017; 6:711-718. [PMID: 30090538 PMCID: PMC6061997 DOI: 10.1039/c7tx00125h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational and environmental exposure to uranium has been confirmed to cause tissue injury and carcinogenesis. As a heavy metal from actinide series, the chemical and radiological toxicities of uranium jointly induce the detrimental effects. However, the mutual action and mechanism of both forms of toxicities still need to be further elucidated. DNA double-strand break (DSB) is a fundamental cause of cell death or genomic instability induced by ionizing radiation. Herein, we investigate the effect of uranyl nitrate on the cellular function of DNA damage response and intrinsic DSB repair on the aspect of chemical toxicity. The results indicated that uranyl ion increased the accumulation of nuclear DNA DSBs in a dose-dependent manner. Both homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways of DSB repair were affected by the uranyl ion. The inhibition of DSB repair efficiency is attributed to the depression of a set of critical repair proteins, particularly those for the HR pathway such as ATM, BRCA1, RPA80 and EXO1. The available data enable us to imagine that the chemical toxicity of uranium leads to inhibition of cellular DNA repair capability, which can further aggravate its radiological toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jin
- School of Public Heath , Central South University , Changsha , Hunan Province 410078 , P. R. China
| | - Teng Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology , Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology , Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 100850 , P. R. China .
| | - Hua Guan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology , Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology , Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 100850 , P. R. China .
| | - Zhi-Hua Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology , Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology , Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 100850 , P. R. China .
| | - Xiao-Dan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology , Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology , Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 100850 , P. R. China .
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology , Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology , Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 100850 , P. R. China .
| | - Yi-Guo Jiang
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis , State Key Laboratory of Respiratory , Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou 511436 , P. R. China
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology , Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology , Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 100850 , P. R. China .
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis , State Key Laboratory of Respiratory , Guangzhou Medical University , Guangzhou 511436 , P. R. China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW More than a century of hard rock mining has left a legacy of >160,000 abandoned mines in the Western USA that are home to the majority of Native American lands. This article describes how abrogation of treaty rights, ineffective policies, lack of infrastructure, and a lack of research in Native communities converge to create chronic exposure, ill-defined risks, and tribal health concerns. RECENT FINDINGS Recent results show that Native Americans living near abandoned uranium mines have an increased likelihood for kidney disease and hypertension, and an increased likelihood of developing multiple chronic diseases linked to their proximity to the mine waste and activities bringing them in contact with the waste. Biomonitoring confirms higher than expected exposure to uranium and associated metals in the waste in adults, neonates, and children in these communities. These sites will not be cleaned up for many generations making it critical to understand and prioritize exposure-toxicity relationships in Native populations to appropriately allocate limited resources to protect health. Recent initiatives, in partnership with Native communities, recognize these needs and support development of tribal research capacity to ensure that research respectful of tribal culture and policies can address concerns in the future. In addition, recognition of the risks posed by these abandoned sites should inform policy change to protect community health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1000 Stanford Drive NE, MSC095360, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1000 Stanford Drive NE, MSC095360, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1000 Stanford Drive NE, MSC095360, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
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17
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Lourenço J, Mendo S, Pereira R. Radioactively contaminated areas: Bioindicator species and biomarkers of effect in an early warning scheme for a preliminary risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 317:503-542. [PMID: 27343869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about the impacts on public health and on the natural environment have been raised regarding the full range of operational activities related to uranium mining and the rest of the nuclear fuel cycle (including nuclear accidents), nuclear tests and depleted uranium from military ammunitions. However, the environmental impacts of such activities, as well as their ecotoxicological/toxicological profile, are still poorly studied. Herein, it is discussed if organisms can be used as bioindicators of human health effects, posed by lifetime exposure to radioactively contaminated areas. To do so, information was gathered from several studies performed on vertebrates, invertebrate species and humans, living in these contaminated areas. The retrieved information was compared, to determine which are the most used bioindicators and biomarkers and also the similarities between human and non-human biota responses. The data evaluated are used to support the proposal for an early warning scheme, based on bioindicator species and on the most sensitive and commonly shared biomarkers, to perform a screening evaluation of radioactively contaminated sites. This scheme could be used to support decision-making for a deeper evaluation of risks to human health, making it possible to screen a large number of areas, without disturbing and alarming local populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Sónia Mendo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ruth Pereira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto & CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research & GreenUP/CITAB-UP, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Corlin L, Rock T, Cordova J, Woodin M, Durant JL, Gute DM, Ingram J, Brugge D. Health Effects and Environmental Justice Concerns of Exposure to Uranium in Drinking Water. Curr Environ Health Rep 2016; 3:434-442. [DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 and DNA repair by uranium. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 291:13-20. [PMID: 26627003 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Uranium has radiological and non-radiological effects within biological systems and there is increasing evidence for genotoxic and carcinogenic properties attributable to uranium through its heavy metal properties. In this study, we report that low concentrations of uranium (as uranyl acetate; <10 μM) is not cytotoxic to human embryonic kidney cells or normal human keratinocytes; however, uranium exacerbates DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that uranium may inhibit DNA repair processes. Concentrations of uranyl acetate in the low micromolar range inhibited the zinc finger DNA repair protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 and caused zinc loss from PARP-1 protein. Uranyl acetate exposure also led to zinc loss from the zinc finger DNA repair proteins Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Complementation Group A (XPA) and aprataxin (APTX). In keeping with the observed inhibition of zinc finger function of DNA repair proteins, exposure to uranyl acetate enhanced retention of induced DNA damage. Co-incubation of uranyl acetate with zinc largely overcame the impact of uranium on PARP-1 activity and DNA damage. These findings present evidence that low concentrations of uranium can inhibit DNA repair through disruption of zinc finger domains of specific target DNA repair proteins. This may provide a mechanistic basis to account for the published observations that uranium exposure is associated with DNA repair deficiency in exposed human populations.
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20
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Bersimbaev RI, Bulgakova O. The health effects of radon and uranium on the population of Kazakhstan. Genes Environ 2015; 37:18. [PMID: 27350814 PMCID: PMC4918080 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-015-0019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The radioactive contamination is a significant factor affecting the environment and human health. Radon and its decay products are the major contributors to human exposure from natural radiation sources. World Health Organization has identified the chronic residential exposure to radon and its decay products as the second cause of lung cancer after tobacco consumption and also as the main risk-factor in never smokers. The high levels of radon are observed in the North and East areas of Kazakhstan because of the natural radiation sources and the long-term and large-scale mining of uranium. The genotoxic effects of radon on population of Kazakhstan are poorly understood, in spite of the fact that many regions of the country contain the high levels of radon. Studies elucidating potential health risk among population exposed to radon and genotoxic effect of radon in Kazakhstan are very limited or they have never been addressed in some areas. In this review, we are presenting available data on the residential radon exposure of humans in uranium mining and milling areas in the North and East areas of Kazakhstan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakmetkazhy I Bersimbaev
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Department of General Biology and Genomics, L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Munaitpassov str.5, 010008 Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Olga Bulgakova
- Institute of Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Department of General Biology and Genomics, L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Munaitpassov str.5, 010008 Astana, Kazakhstan
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21
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Gajski G, Oreščanin V, Gerić M, Kollar R, Lovrenčić Mikelić I, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Toxicity assessment of the water used for human consumption from the Cameron/Tuba City abandoned uranium mining area prior/after the combined electrochemical treatment/advanced oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:516-526. [PMID: 25087498 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was detailed physicochemical, radiological, and toxicological characterization of the composite sample of water intended for human consumption in the Cameron/Tuba City abandoned uranium mining area before and after a combined electrochemical/advanced oxidation treatment. Toxicological characterization was conducted on human lymphocytes using a battery of bioassays. On the bases of the tested parameters, it could be concluded that water used for drinking from the tested water sources must be strictly forbidden for human and/or animal consumption since it is extremely cytogenotoxic, with high oxidative stress potential. A combined electrochemical treatment and posttreatment with ozone and UV light decreased the level of all physicochemical and radiological parameters below the regulated values. Consequently, the purified sample was neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic, indicating that the presented method could be used for the improvement of water quality from the sites highly contaminated with the mixture of heavy metals and radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia,
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22
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Hoet P, Roels HA. Significance and Usefulness of Biomarkers of Exposure to Manganese. MANGANESE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/9781782622383-00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) accomplishes functions essential to maintaining human health, but at the same time this trace element can be toxic at low levels of exposure and accurate estimation of internal exposure is needed. A biomarker of exposure to Mn is meaningful only if there is sufficient knowledge of the toxicokinetics determining its presence in a biological medium (e.g. whole blood, plasma, urine, hair, nail). Moreover, biological monitoring of exposure to Mn is useful only when the biomarker is sufficiently specific and sensitive to distinguish exposed from non-exposed subjects, when it is dose-related to the external exposure (current, recent, or time-integrated), and when it displays reasonable dose–effect/response relationships with the occurrence of adverse effects on the central nervous system, the critical target for Mn exposure. Human investigations in which biomarkers of Mn exposure meet all these criteria are hard to locate. Overall, the available studies report poor or no associations on an individual basis between external (Mn in air or drinking water) and internal (Mn in blood, urine, hair, or nail) Mn exposure indices. This may be to some extent explained by features inherent of the Mn metabolism (homeostatic control), the Mn biomarker's half-life with respect to the exposure window, and the variable nature of external exposure scenarios. Studies particularly dealing with Mn inhalation exposure, different or poorly described methodological approaches, or air sampling strategies may render direct comparison and interpretation of results a tedious task. Nevertheless, several studies report significant dose–effect associations between biomarkers of Mn exposure and subclinical deficits of psychomotor or neuropsychological test performances. Because directly associated with the site of toxic action and providing the magnetic resonance imaging is done no later than three months after Mn exposure ceased, the Mn T1 relaxation time is potentially the better biomarker of Mn exposure in a clinical context (e.g. after long-term parenteral nutrition, chronic liver failure, methcathinone drug abuse). Magnetic resonance imaging is, however, unpractical as a tool for biological monitoring of exposure to Mn in the occupational setting (inhalation) and in the general population (air, drinking water). In conclusion, it would be inappropriate to recommend, on the basis of the currently available evidence, a reliable well-validated biomarker of exposure to Mn, or to establish a health-based threshold value for subclinical neurotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Hoet
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP) Bruxelles Belgium
| | - Harry A. Roels
- Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP) Bruxelles Belgium
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23
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Gagnaire B, Bado-Nilles A, Sanchez W. Depleted uranium disturbs immune parameters in zebrafish, Danio rerio: an ex vivo/in vivo experiment. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 67:426-435. [PMID: 24723161 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-014-0022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of depleted uranium (DU), the byproduct of nuclear enrichment of uranium, on several parameters related to defence system in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, using flow cytometry. Several immune cellular parameters were followed on kidney leucocytes: cell proportion, cell mortality, phagocytosis activity and associated oxidative burst and lysosomal membrane integrity (LMI). Effects of DU were tested ex vivo after 17 h of contact between DU and freshly isolated leucocytes from 0 to 500 µg DU/L. Moreover, adult zebrafish were exposed in vivo during 3 days at 20 and 250 µg DU/L. Oxidative burst results showed that DU increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) basal level and therefore reduced ROS stimulation index in both ex vivo and in vivo experiments. ROS PMA-stimulated level was also increased at 250 µg DU/L in vivo only. Furthermore, a decrease of LMI was detected after in vivo experiments. Cell mortality was also decreased at 20 µg DU/L in ex vivo experiment. However, phagocytosis activity was not modified in both ex vivo and in vivo experiments. A reduction of immune-related parameters was demonstrated in zebrafish exposed to DU. DU could therefore decrease the ability of fish to stimulate its own immune system which could, in turn, enhance the susceptibility of fish to infection. These results encourage the development and the use of innate immune analysis by flow cytometry in order to understand the effects of DU and more generally radionuclides on fish immune system and response to infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Gagnaire
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sureté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Centre de Cadarache, Bât 186, B.P. 3, 13115, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France,
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Alteration of cytokine profiles in uranium miners exposed to long-term low dose ionizing radiation. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:216408. [PMID: 24892042 PMCID: PMC4032692 DOI: 10.1155/2014/216408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the study is to estimate the immune function through cytokine profiles in sera of uranium mines. Methods. Antibody arrays were used to detect 50 cytokines in sera of uranium miners. Miners who had continuously worked underground for <5 years were treated as control group and those who worked for ⩾5 years as experimental group. Results. Of 28 measurable cytokines, the release of IL-1α, IL-1RI, IL-15, IL-3, and IP-10 were significantly upregulated in the experimental group, and no cytokine was found significantly downregulated. Other proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, and TNFα levels were slightly upregulated in the experimental group. With adjustment to age, BMI, and cigarette smoking, IL-1α and IL-3 levels increased significantly with underground time. Conclusion. Alteration of cytokine profiles in this study may indicate persistent inflammatory responses in uranium miners exposed to long-term low doses radiation.
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Pereira R, Barbosa S, Carvalho FP. Uranium mining in Portugal: a review of the environmental legacies of the largest mines and environmental and human health impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2014; 36:285-301. [PMID: 24030454 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-013-9563-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The history of uranium mining in Portugal during almost one century has followed international demand peaks of both radium and uranium, which in turn were driven by medical, military, and civil applications. Nowadays, following price drop in the 1980s, mining activities decreased and ceased in 2001. The current challenge is to deal with environmental legacies left by old uranium mines, mainly located in Viseu and Guarda districts. In 2001, based on several radiological surveys carried out, the Portuguese government assumed the remediation costs of abandoned mine areas for environmental safety and public health protection. Detailed environmental and public health risk assessments were performed under the scope of studies both requested by the government and by funded research projects. It was found that the existing risks, due to radiological and chemical exposures to metals and radionuclide's, were particularly high at the old milling facilities and mines where in situ and heap leaching of low-grade ore occurred. The different studies, involving both humans and non-human species from different trophic levels, demonstrated the existence of effects at different levels of biological organization (molecular, cellular, tissues, individuals, and populations) and on ecosystem services. To mitigate the risks, the environmental rehabilitation works at the Urgeiriça mine complex are almost complete, while at Cunha Baixa mine, they are presently in progress. These works and environmental improvements achieved and expected are described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal,
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The comet assay as a tool for human biomonitoring studies: The ComNet Project. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2014; 759:27-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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