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Srivastava RK, Muzaffar S, Khan J, Crossman DK, Agarwal A, Athar M. HSP90, a Common Therapeutic Target for Suppressing Skin Injury Caused by Exposure to Chemically Diverse Classes of Blistering Agents. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:546-559. [PMID: 37914412 PMCID: PMC10801768 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vesicants such as arsenicals and mustards produce highly painful cutaneous inflammatory and blistering responses, hence developed as chemical weapons during World War I/II. Here, using lewisite and sulfur mustard surrogates, namely phenylarsine oxide (PAO) and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), respectively, we defined a common underlying mechanism of toxic action by these two distinct classes of vesicants. Murine skin exposure to these chemicals causes tissue destruction characterized by increase in skin bifold thickness, Draize score, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and apoptosis of epidermal and dermal cells. RNA sequencing analysis identified ∼346 inflammatory genes that were commonly altered by both PAO and CEES, along with the identification of cytokine signaling activation as the top canonical pathway. Activation of several proinflammatory genes and pathways is associated with phosphorylation-dependent activation of heat shock protein 90α (p-HSP90α). Topical treatment with known HSP90 inhibitors SNX-5422 and IPI-504 post PAO or CEES skin challenge significantly attenuated skin damage including reduction in overall skin injury and clinical scores. In addition, highly upregulated inflammatory genes Saa3, Cxcl1, Ccl7, IL-6, Nlrp3, Csf3, Chil3, etc. by both PAO and CEES were significantly diminished by treatment with HSP90 inhibitors. These drugs not only reduced PAO- or CEES-induced p-HSP90α expression but also its client proteins NLRP3 and pP38 and the expression of their target inflammatory genes. Our data confirm a critical role of HSP90 as a shared underlying molecular target of toxicity by these two distinct vesicants and provide an effective and novel medical countermeasure to suppress vesicant-induced skin injury. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Development of effective and novel mechanism-based antidotes that can simultaneously block cutaneous toxic manifestations of distinct vesicants is important and urgently needed. Due to difficulties in determining the exact nature of onsite chemical exposure, a potent drug that can suppress widespread cutaneous damage may find great utility. Thus, this study identified HSP90 as a common molecular regulator of cutaneous inflammation and injury by two distinct warfare vesicants, arsenicals and mustards, and HSP90 inhibitors afford significant protection against skin damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Kumar Srivastava
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Departments of Dermatology (R.K.S., S.M., J.K., M.A.) and Genetics (D.K.C.) and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Suhail Muzaffar
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Departments of Dermatology (R.K.S., S.M., J.K., M.A.) and Genetics (D.K.C.) and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jasim Khan
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Departments of Dermatology (R.K.S., S.M., J.K., M.A.) and Genetics (D.K.C.) and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David K Crossman
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Departments of Dermatology (R.K.S., S.M., J.K., M.A.) and Genetics (D.K.C.) and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anupam Agarwal
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Departments of Dermatology (R.K.S., S.M., J.K., M.A.) and Genetics (D.K.C.) and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mohammad Athar
- UAB Research Center of Excellence in Arsenicals, Departments of Dermatology (R.K.S., S.M., J.K., M.A.) and Genetics (D.K.C.) and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Armoo A, Diemer T, Donkor A, Fedorchik J, Van Slambrouck S, Willand-Charnley R, Logue BA. Methimazole, an Effective Neutralizing Agent of the Sulfur Mustard Derivative 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:448-460. [PMID: 37876493 PMCID: PMC10591301 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM), designated by the military as HD, is a highly toxic and dangerous vesicant that has been utilized as a chemical warfare agent since World War I. Despite SM's extensive history, an effective antidote does not exist. The effects of SM are predominantly based on its ability to alkylate important biomolecules. Also, with the potential for a fraction of SM to remain unreacted up to days after initial contact, a window of opportunity exists for direct neutralization of unreacted SM over the days following exposure. In this study, we evaluated the structure-activity relationship of multiple nucleophilic molecules to neutralize the toxic effects of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a monofunctional analogue of SM, on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Cell viability, relative loss of extracellular matrix adhesions, and apoptosis caused by CEES were measured via MTT, cell-matrix adhesion (CMA), and apoptosis protein marker assays, respectively. A set of five two-carbon compounds with various functional groups served as a preliminary group of first-generation neutralizing agents to survey the correlation between mitigation of CEES's toxic effects and functional group nucleophilicity. Apart from thioacids, which produced additive toxicity, we generally observed the trend of increasing protection from cytotoxicity with increasing nucleophilicity. We extended this treatment strategy to second-generation agents which contained advantageous structural features identified from the first-generation molecules. Our results show that methimazole (MIZ), a currently FDA-approved drug used to treat hyperthyroidism, effectively reduced cytotoxicity, increased CMA, and decreased apoptosis resulting from CEES toxicity. MIZ selectively reacts with CEES to produce 2-(2-(ethylthio)ethylthio)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole (EEMI) in media and cell lysate treatments resulting in the reduction of toxicity. Based on these results, future development of MIZ as an SM therapeutic may provide a viable approach to reduce both the immediate and long-term toxicity of SM and may also help mitigate slower developing SM toxicity due to residual intact SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Armoo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, United States
| | - Tanner Diemer
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, United States
| | - Abigail Donkor
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, United States
| | - Jerrod Fedorchik
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, United States
| | | | - Rachel Willand-Charnley
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, United States
| | - Brian A Logue
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007, United States
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Ye F, Wang X, Liu H, Dong X, Cheng J, Chen M, Dan G, Sai Y, Zou Z. HSP90/CDC37 inactivation promotes degradation of LKB1 protein to suppress AMPK signaling in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to sulfur mustard analog, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110643. [PMID: 37481222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of the liver kinase (LK) B1 protein, an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), in AMPK signaling suppression when exposed to vesicant, a kind of chemical warfare agent. Cultured human bronchial epithelial cells were inflicted with sulfur mustard (SM) analog, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) of 0.2-1.0 mM concentration, and cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and cellular ATP level were analyzed up to 24 h after the exposure. Focusing on LKB1, heat shock protein (HSP) 90, and cell division cycle (CDC) 37 proteins, the protein expression, phosphorylation, and interaction were examined with western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and/or immunoprecipitation. AMPK signaling was found to be inhibited 24 h after being exposed to either sub-cytotoxic (0.5 mM) or cytotoxic (1.0 mM) concentration of CEES based on MTS assay. Consistently, the degradation of the LKB1 protein and its less interaction with the HSP90/CDC37 complex was confirmed. It was found that 1.0, not 0.5 mM CEES also decreased the CDC37 protein, proteasome activity, and cellular ATP content that modulates HSP90 protein conformation. Inhibiting proteasome activity could alternatively activate autophagy. Finally, either 0.5 or 1.0 mM CEES activated HSP70 and autophagy, and the application of an HSP70 inhibitor blocked autophagy and autophagic degradation of the LKB1 protein. In conclusion, we reported here that AMPK signaling inactivation by CEES was a result of LKB1 protein loss via less protein complex formation and enhanced degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ye
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haoyin Liu
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xunhu Dong
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mingliang Chen
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Guorong Dan
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yan Sai
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhongmin Zou
- Department of Chemical Defense Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Li H, Li Z, Li X, Cai C, Zhao SL, Merritt RE, Zhou X, Tan T, Bergdall V, Ma J. MG53 Mitigates Nitrogen Mustard-Induced Skin Injury. Cells 2023; 12:1915. [PMID: 37508578 PMCID: PMC10378386 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are vesicant agents that cause skin injury and blistering through complicated cellular events, involving DNA damage, free radical formation, and lipid peroxidation. The development of therapeutic approaches targeting the multi-cellular process of tissue injury repair can potentially provide effective countermeasures to combat vesicant-induced dermal lesions. MG53 is a vital component of cell membrane repair. Previous studies have demonstrated that topical application of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein has the potential to promote wound healing. In this study, we further investigate the role of MG53 in NM-induced skin injury. Compared with wild-type mice, mg53-/- mice are more susceptible to NM-induced dermal injuries, whereas mice with sustained elevation of MG53 in circulation are resistant to dermal exposure of NM. Exposure of keratinocytes and human follicle stem cells to NM causes elevation of oxidative stress and intracellular aggregation of MG53, thus compromising MG53's intrinsic cell membrane repair function. Topical rhMG53 application mitigates NM-induced dermal injury in mice. Histologic examination reveals the therapeutic benefits of rhMG53 are associated with the preservation of epidermal integrity and hair follicle structure in mice with dermal NM exposure. Overall, these findings identify MG53 as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate vesicant-induced skin injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichang Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zhongguang Li
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xiuchun Li
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Chuanxi Cai
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Serena Li Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Robert E Merritt
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Tao Tan
- TRIM-Edicine, Inc., 1275 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Valerie Bergdall
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jianjie Ma
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Giles SL, Kastl AM, Purdy AP, Leff AC, Ratchford DC, Maza WA, Baturina OA. Surface- and Structural-Dependent Reactivity of Titanium Oxide Nanostructures with 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide under Ambient Conditions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:9655-9666. [PMID: 35134290 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c18180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Robust materials capable of heterogeneous reactivity are valuable for addressing toxic chemical clean up. Synthetic manipulations for generating titanium oxide nanomaterials have been utilized to alter both photochemical (1000 nm > λ > 400 nm) and chemical heterogeneous reactivity with 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES). Synthesizing TiO2 nanomaterials in the presence of long-chain alkylphosphonic acids enhanced the visible light-driven oxidation of the thioether sulfur of 2-CEES. Photooxidation reaction rates of 99 and 168 μmol/g/h (quantum yields of 5.07 × 10-4 and 8.58 × 10-4 molecules/photon, respectively) were observed for samples made with two different alkylphosphonic acids (C14H29PO3H2 and C9H19PO3H2, respectively). These observations are correlated with (i) generation of new surface defects/states (i.e., oxygen vacancies) as a result of TiO2 grafting by alkylphosphonic acid that may serve as reaction active sites, (ii) better light absorption by assemblies of nanorods and nanowires in comparison to individual nanorods, (iii) surface area differences, and (iv) the exclusion of OH groups due to the surface functionalization with alkylphosphonic acids via Ti-O-P bonds on the TiO2. Alternatively, nanowire-form H2Ti2O5·H2O was produced and found to be capable of highly efficient hydrolysis of the carbon-chlorine (C-Cl) bond of 2-CEES in the dark with a reaction rate of 279.2 μmol/g/h due to the high surface area and chemical nature of the titanate structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer L Giles
- Chemistry Division, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Anastasia M Kastl
- NREIP Intern, Chemistry Division, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Andrew P Purdy
- Chemistry Division, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Asher C Leff
- Sensors & Electron Devices Directorate, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, Maryland 20783, United States
- General Technical Services, Adelphi, Maryland 20783, United States
| | - Daniel C Ratchford
- Chemistry Division, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - William A Maza
- Chemistry Division, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Olga A Baturina
- Chemistry Division, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
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Sharma AK, Shukla SK, Kalonia A, Shaw P, Khanna K, Gupta R, Yashavarddhan MH, Bhatnagar A. Evaluation of decontamination efficacy of electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid for vesicating agent: A multimodel Study. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:287-299. [PMID: 33719970 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210311140922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfur Mustard is a strong vesicant and chemical warfare agent that imposes toxicity to the lungs, eyes, and skin after accidental or intended exposure. OBJECTIVES The current study was intended to explore in vitro and in vivo decontamination properties of electrolytically generated HOCl (hypochlorous acid) against CEES (2-chloroethyle ethyle sulphide), a known sulfur mustard simulant & vesicating agent. METHODS In vitro studies were carried out using UV spectroscopy and GC-MS methods. In vivo studies were perfomred in Strain A and immune compromised mice by subcutaneous as well as prophylactic topical administrion of HOCl pretreated CEES. The blister formation and mortality were considered as end-point. Histopathological study was conducted on skin samples by H & E method. DNA damage studies measuring γ-H2AX and ATM has been carried out in human blood using flow cytometry. Anti-bacterial action was tested by employing broth micro dilution methods. Comparative study was also carried out with known oxidizing agents. RESULTS The topical application of pre-treated CEES at 5, 30 min and 1 h time points showed significant (p<0.001) inhibition of blister formation. DNA damage study showed reduced mean flourences intensity of DSBs nearly 17-20 times, suggesting that HOCl plays a protective role against DNA damage. Histopathology showed no sign of necrosis in the epidermis upto 5 min although moderate changes were observed at 30 min. Pretreated samples were analyzed for detection of reaction products with m/z value of 75.04, 69.08, 83.93, 85.95, 123.99, 126.00, and 108.97. HOCl showed strong bactericidal effect at 40 ppm. The absorbance spectra of HOCl treated CEES showed lowered peaks in comparison to CEES alone and other oxidizing agents Conclusion: In a nutshell, our results signify the decontamination role of HOCl for biological surface application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Sharma
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Shukla
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
| | - Aman Kalonia
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
| | - Priyanka Shaw
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
| | - Kushagra Khanna
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
| | - Richa Gupta
- Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun. India
| | - M H Yashavarddhan
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
| | - Assem Bhatnagar
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. India
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Singh SK, Klein JA, Wright HN, Tewari-Singh N. Phosgene oxime: a highly toxic urticant and emerging chemical threat. Toxicol Mech Methods 2020; 31:288-292. [PMID: 33297803 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2020.1861670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Highly toxic industrial chemicals that are widely accessible, and hazardous chemicals like phosgene oxime (CX) that can be easily synthesized, pose a serious threat as potential chemical weapons. In addition, their accidental release can lead to chemical emergencies and mass casualties. CX, an urticant, or nettle agent, grouped with vesicating agents, causes instant pain, injury and systemic effects, which can lead to mortality. With faster cutaneous penetration, corrosive properties, and more potent toxicity compared to other vesicating agents, CX causes instantaneous and severe tissue damage. CX, a potential chemical terrorism threat agent, could therefore be weaponized with other chemical warfare agents to enhance their harmful effects. CX is the least studied vesicant and its acute and long-term toxic effects as well as its mechanism of action are largely unknown. This has hampered the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of effective medical countermeasures. There are only protective measures, decontamination, and supportive treatments available for reducing the toxic effects from CX exposure. This review summarizes CX toxicity, its known mechanism of action, and our current studies exploring the role of mast cell activation and associated signaling pathways in CX cutaneous exposure under the National Institutes of Health Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats program. Potential treatment options and the development of effective targeted countermeasures against CX-induced morbidity and mortality is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyendra K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Joshua A Klein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Holly N Wright
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Ye F, Zeng Q, Dan G, Dong X, Chen M, Sai Y, Lin H, Zou Z. Nitrogen mustard prevents transport of Fra-1 into the nucleus to promote c-Fos- and FosB-dependent IL-8 induction in injured mouse epidermis. Toxicol Lett 2019; 319:256-263. [PMID: 31639410 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor activator protein (AP)-1 can be activated in nitrogen-mustard-injured mouse skin, and is thought to participate in the inflammatory response. AP-1 consists of homo- or heterodimers of Fos [c-Fos, Fos-B, fos-related antigen (Fra)-1 and Fra-2] and Jun (c-Jun, JunB and JunD) family members, and information about their expression, location and function are still unclear. In nitrogen-mustard-exposed mouse skin, we found p-ERK activation increased Fra-1 and FosB. Unlike the nucleus location of c-Fos and FosB, Fra-1 and Fra-2 were mainly expressed in the cytoplasm. In nitrogen-mustard-exposed cultured immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), Fra-1 in the nucleus functioned as an inhibitor of inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-8. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that Fra-1 formed dimers with IL-8 transcription factors c-Jun, JunB and JunD. Fra-1 depletion increased c-Fos and FosB in the nucleus, accompanied by increased heterodimers of c-Fos/c-Jun, c-Fos/JunB, c-Fos/JunD, and FosB/JunB. In conclusion, Fra-1 trapped in the cytoplasm after nitrogen mustard exposure might be a driving force for IL-8 over-expression in injured skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ye
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qinya Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Guorong Dan
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xunhu Dong
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Mingliang Chen
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yan Sai
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhongmin Zou
- Department of Chemical Defense, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Jost P, Pejchal J, Kucera T, Muckova L, Stetina R. Screening of the chemoprotective effect of 13 compounds and their mixtures with sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate against 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. J Appl Biomed 2019; 17:136-145. [DOI: 10.32725/jab.2019.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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10
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Beigi Harchegani A, Khor A, Tahmasbpour E, Ghatrehsamani M, Bakhtiari Kaboutaraki H, Shahriary A. Role of oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy in acute and chronic phases of sulfur mustard injuries: a review. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2018; 38:9-17. [DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2018.1495230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Beigi Harchegani
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Khor
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eisa Tahmasbpour
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine & Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Ghatrehsamani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hamid Bakhtiari Kaboutaraki
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lüling R, John H, Gudermann T, Thiermann H, Mückter H, Popp T, Steinritz D. Transient Receptor Potential Channel A1 (TRPA1) Regulates Sulfur Mustard-Induced Expression of Heat Shock 70 kDa Protein 6 ( HSPA6) In Vitro. Cells 2018; 7:cells7090126. [PMID: 30200301 PMCID: PMC6162519 DOI: 10.3390/cells7090126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemosensory transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channel perceives different sensory stimuli. It also interacts with reactive exogenous compounds including the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM). Activation of TRPA1 by SM results in elevation of intracellular calcium levels but the cellular consequences are not understood so far. In the present study we analyzed SM-induced and TRPA1-mediated effects in human TRPA1-overexpressing HEK cells (HEKA1) and human lung epithelial cells (A549) that endogenously exhibit TRPA1. The specific TRPA1 inhibitor AP18 was used to distinguish between SM-induced and TRPA1-mediated or TRPA1-independent effects. Cells were exposed to 600 µM SM and proteome changes were investigated 24 h afterwards by 2D gel electrophoresis. Protein spots with differential staining levels were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and nano liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Results were verified by RT-qPCR experiments in both HEKA1 or A549 cells. Heat shock 70 kDa protein 6 (HSPA6) was identified as an SM-induced and TRPA1-mediated protein. AP18 pre-treatment diminished the up-regulation. RT-qPCR measurements verified these results and further revealed a time-dependent regulation. Our results demonstrate that SM-mediated activation of TRPA1 influences the protein expression and confirm the important role of TRPA1 ion channels in the molecular toxicology of SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lüling
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany.
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Harald John
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Harald Mückter
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Tanja Popp
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany.
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Dirk Steinritz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80937 Munich, Germany.
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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Khamisabadi A, Tahmasbpour E, Ghanei M, Shahriary A. Roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in SM-induced pathologies. TOXIN REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2018.1477163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khamisabadi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Eisa Tahmasbpour
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahriary
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Achanta S, Chintagari NR, Brackmann M, Balakrishna S, Jordt SE. TRPA1 and CGRP antagonists counteract vesicant-induced skin injury and inflammation. Toxicol Lett 2018. [PMID: 29535050 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The skin is highly sensitive to the chemical warfare agent in mustard gas, sulfur mustard (SM) that initiates a delayed injury response characterized by erythema, inflammation and severe vesication (blistering). Although SM poses a continuing threat, used as recently as in the Syrian conflict, no mechanism-based antidotes against SM are available. Recent studies demonstrated that Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a chemosensory cation channel in sensory nerves innervating the skin, is activated by SM and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), an SM analog, in vitro, suggesting it may promote vesicant injury. Here, we investigated the effects of TRPA1 inhibitors, and an inhibitor of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), a neurogenic inflammatory peptide released upon TRPA1 activation, in a CEES-induced mouse ear vesicant model (CEES-MEVM). TRPA1 inhibitors (HC-030031 and A-967079) and a CGRP inhibitor (MK-8825) reduced skin edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, CXCL1/KC), MMP-9, a protease implicated in skin damage, and improved histopathological outcomes. These findings suggest that TRPA1 and neurogenic inflammation contribute to the deleterious effects of vesicants in vivo, activated either directly by alkylation, or indirectly, by reactive intermediates or pro-inflammatory mediators. TRPA1 and CGRP inhibitors represent new leads that could be considered for validation and further development in other vesicant injury models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyanarayana Achanta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Marian Brackmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shrilatha Balakrishna
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sven-Eric Jordt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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14
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Goswami DG, Agarwal R, Tewari-Singh N. Phosgene oxime: Injury and associated mechanisms compared to vesicating agents sulfur mustard and lewisite. Toxicol Lett 2017; 293:112-119. [PMID: 29141200 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Phosgene Oxime (CX, Cl2CNOH), a halogenated oxime, is a potent chemical weapon that causes immediate acute injury and systemic effects. CX, grouped together with vesicating agents, is an urticant or nettle agent with highly volatile, reactive, corrosive, and irritating vapor, and has considerably different chemical properties and toxicity compared to other vesicants. CX is absorbed quickly through clothing with faster cutaneous penetration compared to other vesicating agents causing instantaneous and severe damage. For this reason, it could be produced as a weaponized mixture with other chemical warfare agents to enhance their deleterious effects. The immediate devastating effects of CX and easy synthesis makes it a dangerous chemical with both military and terrorist potentials. Although CX is the most potent vesicating agent, it is one of the least studied chemical warfare agents and the pathophysiology as well as long term effects are largely unknown. CX exposure results in immediate pain and inflammation, and it mainly affects skin, eye and respiratory system. There are no antidotes available against CX-induced injury and the treatment is only supportive. This review summarizes existing knowledge regarding exposure, toxicity and the probable underlying mechanisms of CX compared to other important vesicants' exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Giri Goswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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15
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Nitrogen mustard-induced corneal injury involves the sphingomyelin-ceramide pathway. Ocul Surf 2017; 16:154-162. [PMID: 29129753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nitrogen mustard (NM), which simulates the effects of sulfur mustard (SM), is a potent vesicant known to cause irreversible corneal damage. This study investigates the mechanisms by which NM induces corneal damage by examining the impact of NM exposure on the morphology and lipidome of the cornea. METHODS Intact ex vivo rabbit eyes were placed in serum-free DMEM organ culture. NM (0, 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/ml) was applied to the central cornea for 5, 10 or 15 min using a 5 mm filter disk and subsequently rinsed with DMEM. Corneas were then cultured for 3, 24, or 48 h before being fixed for morphological analysis or for 24 h before being snap frozen for lipidomic analysis. RESULTS No morphological changes were detected 3 h after NM exposure. Twenty-four h after exposure, 1 mg/ml NM caused erosion of the corneal epithelium, but no damage to the underlying stroma. Damage caused by 2.5 mg/ml NM extended almost two thirds through the corneal stroma, while 5 mg/ml completely penetrated the corneal stroma. An altered lipid profile occurred 24 h after corneas were exposed to NM. Specific sphingomyelins, ceramides, and diacylglycerols were increased up to 9-, 60- and 10-fold, respectively. CONCLUSIONS NM induces concentration- and exposure time-dependent damage to the cornea that increases in severity over time. Alterations in the sphingomyelin-ceramide pathway may contribute to the damaging effects of NM exposure.
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16
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Sawyer TW, McNeely K, Louis K, Lecavalier P, Song Y, Villanueva M, Clewley R. Comparative toxicity of mono- and bifunctional alkylating homologues of sulphur mustard in human skin keratinocytes. Toxicology 2017; 382:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Srivastava RK, Li C, Weng Z, Agarwal A, Elmets CA, Afaq F, Athar M. Defining cutaneous molecular pathobiology of arsenicals using phenylarsine oxide as a prototype. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34865. [PMID: 27725709 PMCID: PMC5057142 DOI: 10.1038/srep34865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenicals are painful, inflammatory and blistering causing agents developed as chemical weapons in World War I/II. However, their large stockpiles still exist posing threat to public health. Phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a strong oxidant and a prototype arsenical is tested for its suitability to defining molecular mechanisms underlying arsenicals-mediated tissue injury. Topically applied PAO induces cutaneous erythema, edema and micro-blisters. These gross inflammatory responses were accompanied by the enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ROS and unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling activation. To demonstrate the involvement of UPR in the pathobiology of these lesions, we employed chemical chaperone, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) which attenuates UPR. 4-PBA significantly reduced PAO-induced inflammation and blistering. Similar to its effects in murine epidermis, a dose- and time-dependent upregulation of ROS, cytokines, UPR proteins (GRP78, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP) and apoptosis were observed in PAO-treated human skin keratinocytes NHEK and HaCaT. In addition, 4-PBA significantly restored these molecular alterations in these cells. Employing RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches, CHOP was found to be a key regulator of these responses. These effects are similar to those manifested by lewisite suggesting that PAO could be used as a prototype of arsenicals to define the molecular pathogenesis of chemical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh K. Srivastava
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Changzhao Li
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Anupam Agarwal
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Craig A. Elmets
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Farrukh Afaq
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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18
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McElroy CS, Min E, Huang J, Loader JE, Hendry-Hofer TB, Garlick RB, Rioux JS, Veress LA, Smith R, Osborne C, Anderson DR, Holmes WW, Paradiso DC, White CW, Day BJ. From the Cover: Catalytic Antioxidant Rescue of Inhaled Sulfur Mustard Toxicity. Toxicol Sci 2016; 154:341-353. [PMID: 27605419 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (bis 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, SM) is a powerful bi-functional vesicating chemical warfare agent. SM tissue injury is partially mediated by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species resulting in oxidative stress. We hypothesized that using a catalytic antioxidant (AEOL 10150) to alleviate oxidative stress and secondary inflammation following exposure to SM would attenuate the toxic effects of SM inhalation. Adult male rats were intubated and exposed to SM (1.4 mg/kg), a dose that produces an LD50 at approximately 24 h. Rats were randomized and treated via subcutaneous injection with either sterile PBS or AEOL 10150 (5 mg/kg, sc, every 4 h) beginning 1 h post-SM exposure. Rats were euthanized between 6 and 48 h after exposure to SM and survival and markers of injury were determined. Catalytic antioxidant treatment improved survival after SM inhalation in a dose-dependent manner, up to 52% over SM PBS at 48 h post-exposure. This improvement was sustained for at least 72 h after SM exposure when treatments were stopped after 48 h. Non-invasive monitoring throughout the duration of the studies also revealed blood oxygen saturations were improved by 10% and clinical scores were reduced by 57% after SM exposure in the catalytic antioxidant treatment group. Tissue analysis showed catalytic antioxidant therapy was able to decrease airway cast formation by 69% at 48 h post-exposure. To investigate antioxidant induced changes at the peak of injury, several biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated at 24 h post-exposure. AEOL 10150 attenuated SM-mediated lung lipid oxidation, nitrosative stress and many proinflammatory cytokines. The findings indicate that catalytic antioxidants may be useful medical countermeasure against inhaled SM exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron S McElroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045.,Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206
| | - Elysia Min
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206
| | - Joan E Loader
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | | | - Rhonda B Garlick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Jackie S Rioux
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Livia A Veress
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Russell Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Chris Osborne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Dana R Anderson
- Analytical Toxicology Division, Proving Grounds United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Aberdeen, Maryland 21010
| | - Wesley W Holmes
- Analytical Toxicology Division, Proving Grounds United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Aberdeen, Maryland 21010
| | - Danielle C Paradiso
- Analytical Toxicology Division, Proving Grounds United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Aberdeen, Maryland 21010
| | - Carl W White
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Brian J Day
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045 .,Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206
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Nitrogen Mustard-Induced Corneal Injury Involves DNA Damage and Pathways Related to Inflammation, Epithelial-Stromal Separation, and Neovascularization. Cornea 2016; 35:257-66. [PMID: 26555588 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the toxic effects and associated mechanisms in corneal tissue exposed to the vesicating agent, nitrogen mustard (NM), a bifunctional alkylating analog of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard. METHODS Toxic effects and associated mechanisms were examined in maximally affected corneal tissue using corneal cultures and human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells exposed to NM. RESULTS Analysis of ex vivo rabbit corneas showed that NM exposure increased apoptotic cell death, epithelial thickness, epithelial-stromal separation, and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, cyclooxygenase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. In HCE cells, NM exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and proliferation, which was associated with DNA damage in terms of an increase in p53 ser15, total p53, and H2A.X ser139 levels. NM exposure also induced caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase cleavage, suggesting their involvement in NM-induced apoptotic death in the rabbit cornea and HCE cells. Similar to rabbit cornea, NM exposure caused an increase in cyclooxygenase 2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in HCE cells, indicating a role of these molecules and related pathways in NM-induced corneal inflammation, epithelial-stromal separation, and neovascularization. NM exposure also induced activation of activator protein 1 transcription factor proteins and upstream signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt protein kinase, suggesting that these could be key factors involved in NM-induced corneal injury. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study provide insight into the molecular targets and pathways that could be involved in NM-induced corneal injuries laying the background for further investigation of these pathways in vesicant-induced ocular injuries, which could be helpful in the development of targeted therapies.
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20
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White CW, Rancourt RC, Veress LA. Sulfur mustard inhalation: mechanisms of injury, alteration of coagulation, and fibrinolytic therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1378:87-95. [PMID: 27384912 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury due to sulfur mustard (SM) inhalation causes the formation of airway fibrin casts that obstruct airways at multiple levels, leading to acute respiratory failure and death. These pathophysiological effects are seen in rodent models of acute SM vapor inhalation, as well as in human victims of acute SM inhalation. In rat models, the initial steps in activation of the coagulation system at extravascular sites depend on tissue factor (TF) expression by airway cells, especially in the microparticle fraction, and these effects can be inhibited by TF pathway inhibitor protein. Not only does the procoagulant environment of the acutely injured lung contribute to airway cast formation, but these lesions persist in airways because of the activation of multiple antifibrinolytic pathways, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, and α2-antiplasmin. Airway administration of tissue plasminogen activator can overwhelm these effects and save lives by preventing fibrin-dependent airway obstruction, gas-exchange abnormalities, and respiratory failure. In human survivors of SM inhalation, fibrotic processes, including bronchiolitis obliterans and interstitial fibrosis of the lung, are among the most disabling chronic lesions. Antifibrotic therapies may prove useful in preventing either or both of these forms of chronic lung damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl W White
- Pediatric Airway Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Raymond C Rancourt
- Pediatric Airway Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Livia A Veress
- Pediatric Airway Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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21
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Tewari-Singh N, Agarwal R. Mustard vesicating agent-induced toxicity in the skin tissue and silibinin as a potential countermeasure. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1374:184-92. [PMID: 27326543 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to the vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) causes severe skin injury with delayed blistering. Depending upon the dose and time of their exposure, edema and erythema develop into blisters, ulceration, necrosis, desquamation, and pigmentation changes, which persist weeks and even years after exposure. Research advances have generated data that have started to explain the probable mechanism of action of vesicant-induced skin toxicity; however, despite these advances, effective and targeted therapies are still deficient. This review highlights studies on two SM analogs, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and NM, and CEES- and NM-induced skin injury mouse models that have substantially added to the knowledge on the complex pathways involved in mustard vesicating agent-induced skin injury. Furthermore, employing these mouse models, studies under the National Institutes of Health Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats program have identified the flavanone silibinin as a novel therapeutic intervention with the potential to be developed as an effective countermeasure against skin injury following exposure to mustard vesicating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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22
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Goswami DG, Tewari-Singh N, Agarwal R. Corneal toxicity induced by vesicating agents and effective treatment options. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1374:193-201. [PMID: 27327041 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and lewisite (LEW) are potent chemical warfare agents that primarily cause damage to the ocular, skin, and respiratory systems. However, ocular tissue is the most sensitive organ, and vesicant exposure results in a biphasic injury response, including photophobia, corneal lesions, corneal edema, ulceration, and neovascularization, and may cause loss of vision. There are several reports on ocular injury from exposure to SM, which has been frequently used in warfare. However, there are very few reports on ocular injury by LEW, which indicate that injury symptoms appear instantly after exposure and faster than SM. In spite of extensive research efforts, effective therapies for vesicant-induced ocular injuries, mainly to the most affected corneal tissue, are not available. Hence, we have established primary human corneal epithelial cells and rabbit corneal organ culture models with the SM analog nitrogen mustard, which have helped to test the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents. These agents will then be further evaluated against in vivo SM- and LEW-induced corneal injury models, which will assist in the development of potential broad-spectrum therapies against vesicant-induced ocular injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh G Goswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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23
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Composto GM, Laskin JD, Laskin DL, Gerecke DR, Casillas RP, Heindel ND, Joseph LB, Heck DE. Mitigation of nitrogen mustard mediated skin injury by a novel indomethacin bifunctional prodrug. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 100:522-31. [PMID: 27189522 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nitrogen mustard (NM) is a bifunctional alkylating agent that is highly reactive in the skin causing extensive tissue damage and blistering. In the present studies, a modified cutaneous murine patch model was developed to characterize NM-induced injury and to evaluate the efficacy of an indomethacin pro-drug in mitigating toxicity. NM (20μmol) or vehicle control was applied onto 6mm glass microfiber filters affixed to the shaved dorsal skin of CD-1 mice for 6min. This resulted in absorption of approximately 4μmol of NM. NM caused localized skin damage within 1 d, progressing to an eschar within 2-3 d, followed by wound healing after 4-5 d. NM-induced injury was associated with increases in skin thickness, inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced numbers of sebocytes, basal keratinocyte double stranded DNA breaks, as measured by phospho-histone 2A.X expression, mast cell degranulation and increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Wound healing was characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and marked increases in basal cells expressing proliferating cell nuclear antigen. A novel indomethacin-anticholinergic prodrug (4338) designed to target cyclooxygenases and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was found to markedly suppress NM toxicity, decreasing wound thickness and eschar formation. The prodrug also inhibited mast cell degranulation, suppressed keratinocyte expression of iNOS and COX-2, as well as markers of epidermal proliferation. These findings indicate that a novel bifunctional pro-drug is effective in limiting NM mediated dermal injury. Moreover, our newly developed cutaneous patch model is a sensitive and reproducible method to assess the mechanism of action of countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella M Composto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | | | - Ned D Heindel
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.
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Mangerich A, Debiak M, Birtel M, Ponath V, Balszuweit F, Lex K, Martello R, Burckhardt-Boer W, Strobelt R, Siegert M, Thiermann H, Steinritz D, Schmidt A, Bürkle A. Sulfur and nitrogen mustards induce characteristic poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation responses in HaCaT keratinocytes with distinctive cellular consequences. Toxicol Lett 2015; 244:56-71. [PMID: 26383629 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mustard agents are potent DNA alkylating agents with mutagenic, cytotoxic and vesicant properties. They include bi-functional agents, such as sulfur mustard (SM) or nitrogen mustard (mustine, HN2), as well as mono-functional agents, such as "half mustard" (CEES). Whereas SM has been used as a chemical warfare agent, several nitrogen mustard derivatives, such as chlorambucil and cyclophosphamide, are being used as established chemotherapeutics. Upon induction of specific forms of genotoxic stimuli, several poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) synthesize the nucleic acid-like biopolymer poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) by using NAD(+) as a substrate. Previously, it was shown that SM triggers cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl) ation (PARylation), but so far this phenomenon is poorly characterized. In view of the protective effects of PARP inhibitors, the latter have been proposed as a treatment option of SM-exposed victims. In an accompanying article (Debiak et al., 2016), we have provided an optimized protocol for the analysis of the CEES-induced PARylation response in HaCaT keratinocytes, which forms an experimental basis to further analyze mustard-induced PARylation and its functional consequences, in general. Thus, in the present study, we performed a comprehensive characterization of the PARylation response in HaCaT cells after treatment with four different mustard agents, i.e., SM, CEES, HN2, and chlorambucil, on a qualitative, quantitative and functional level. In particular, we recorded substance-specific as well as dose- and time-dependent PARylation responses using independent bioanalytical methods based on single-cell immuno-fluorescence microscopy and quantitative isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we analyzed if and how PARylation contributes to mustard-induced toxicity by treating HaCaT cells with CEES, SM, and HN2 in combination with the clinically relevant PARP inhibitor ABT888. As evaluated by a novel immunofluorescence-based protocol for the detection of N7-ETE-guanine DNA adducts, the excision rate of CEES-induced DNA adducts was not affected by PARP inhibition. Furthermore, while CEES induced moderate changes in cellular NAD(+) levels, annexin V/PI flow cytometry analysis revealed that these changes did not affect CEES-induced short-term cytotoxicity 24h after treatment. In contrast, PARP inhibition impaired cell proliferation and clonogenic survival, and potentiated micronuclei formation of HaCaT cells upon CEES treatment. Similarly, PARP inhibition affected clonogenic survival of cells treated with bi-functional mustards such as SM and HN2. In conclusion, we demonstrate that PARylation plays a functional role in mustard-induced cellular stress response with substance-specific differences. Since PARP inhibitors exhibit therapeutic potential to treat SM-related pathologies and to sensitize cancer cells for mustard-based chemotherapy, potential long-term effects of PARP inhibition on genomic stability and carcinogenesis should be carefully considered when pursuing such a strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Mangerich
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Debiak
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Matthias Birtel
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Viviane Ponath
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Frank Balszuweit
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lex
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Rita Martello
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Waltraud Burckhardt-Boer
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Romano Strobelt
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Siegert
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Steinritz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80937 Munich, Germany; Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Schmidt
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Bürkle
- University of Konstanz, Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
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Kumar D, Tewari-Singh N, Agarwal C, Jain AK, Inturi S, Kant R, White CW, Agarwal R. Nitrogen mustard exposure of murine skin induces DNA damage, oxidative stress and activation of MAPK/Akt-AP1 pathway leading to induction of inflammatory and proteolytic mediators. Toxicol Lett 2015; 235:161-71. [PMID: 25891025 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Our recent studies in SKH-1 hairless mice have demonstrated that topical exposure to nitrogen mustard (NM), an analog of sulfur mustard (SM), triggers the inflammatory response, microvesication and apoptotic cell death. Here, we sought to identify the mechanism/s involved in these NM-induced injury responses. Results obtained show that NM exposure of SKH-1 hairless mouse skin caused H2A.X and p53 phosphorylation and increased p53 accumulation, indicating DNA damage. In addition, NM also induced the activation of MAPKs/ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 as well as that of Akt together with the activation of transcription factor AP1. Also, NM exposure induced robust expression of pro-inflammatory mediators namely cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase and cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha, and increased the levels of proteolytic mediator matrix metalloproteinase 9. NM exposure of skin also increased lipid peroxidation, 5,5-dimethyl-2-(8-octanoic acid)-1-pyrroline N-oxide protein adduct formation, protein and DNA oxidation indicating an elevated oxidative stress. We also found NM-induced increase in the homologous recombinant repair pathway, suggesting its involvement in the repair of NM-induced DNA damage. Collectively, these results indicate that NM induces oxidative stress, mainly a bi-phasic response in DNA damage and activation of MAPK and Akt pathways, which activate transcription factor AP1 and induce the expression of inflammatory and proteolytic mediators, contributing to the skin injury response by NM. In conclusion, this study for the first time links NM-induced mechanistic changes with our earlier reported murine skin injury lesions with NM, which could be valuable to identify potential therapeutic targets and rescue agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Anil K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Rama Kant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Carl W White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, CO, USA.
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26
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Flavanone silibinin treatment attenuates nitrogen mustard-induced toxic effects in mouse skin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 285:71-8. [PMID: 25791923 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is no effective antidote to prevent skin injuries by sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM), which are vesicating agents with potential relevance to chemical warfare, terrorist attacks, or industrial/laboratory accidents. Our earlier report has demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin, a natural flavanone, in reversing monofunctional alkylating SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-induced toxic effects in mouse skin. To translate this effect to a bifunctional alkylating vesicant, herein, efficacy studies were carried out with NM. Topical application of silibinin (1 or 2mg) 30 min after NM exposure on the dorsal skin of male SKH-1 hairless mice significantly decreased NM-induced toxic lesions at 24, 72 or 120 h post-exposure. Specifically, silibinin treatment resulted in dose-dependent reduction of NM-induced increase in epidermal thickness, dead and denuded epidermis, parakeratosis and microvesication. Higher silibinin dose also caused a 79% and 51%reversal in NM-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and COX-2 levels, respectively. Furthermore, silibinin completely prevented NM-induced H2A.X phosphorylation, indicating reversal of DNA damage which could be an oxidative DNA damage as evidenced by high levels of 8-oxodG in NM-exposed mouse skin that was significantly reversed by silibinin. Together, these findings suggest that attenuation of NM-induced skin injury by silibinin is due to its effects on the pathways associated with DNA damage, inflammation, vesication and oxidative stress. In conclusion, results presented here support the optimization of silibinin as an effective treatment of skin injury by vesicants.
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27
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Goswami DG, Kumar D, Tewari-Singh N, Orlicky DJ, Jain AK, Kant R, Rancourt RC, Dhar D, Inturi S, Agarwal C, White CW, Agarwal R. Topical nitrogen mustard exposure causes systemic toxic effects in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 67:161-70. [PMID: 25481215 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are reported to be easily absorbed by skin upon exposure causing severe cutaneous injury and blistering. Our studies show that topical exposure of NM (3.2mg) onto SKH-1 hairless mouse skin, not only caused skin injury, but also led to significant body weight loss and 40-80% mortality (120 h post-exposure), suggesting its systemic effects. Accordingly, further studies herein show that NM exposure initiated an increase in circulating white blood cells by 24h (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) and thereafter a decrease (neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes). NM exposure also reduced both white and red pulp areas of the spleen. In the small intestine, NM exposure caused loss of membrane integrity of the surface epithelium, abnormal structure of glands and degeneration of villi. NM exposure also resulted in the dilation of glomerular capillaries of kidneys, and an increase in blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio. Our results here with NM are consistent with earlier reports that exposure to higher SM levels can cause damage to the hematopoietic system, and kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal tract toxicity. These outcomes will add to our understanding of the toxic effects of topical vesicant exposure, which might be helpful towards developing effective countermeasures against injuries from acute topical exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh G Goswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anil K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rama Kant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Raymond C Rancourt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deepanshi Dhar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carl W White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Mouret S, Wartelle J, Batal M, Emorine S, Bertoni M, Poyot T, Cléry-Barraud C, Bakdouri NE, Peinnequin A, Douki T, Boudry I. Time course of skin features and inflammatory biomarkers after liquid sulfur mustard exposure in SKH-1 hairless mice. Toxicol Lett 2014; 232:68-78. [PMID: 25275893 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a strong bifunctional alkylating agent that produces severe tissue injuries characterized by erythema, edema, subepidermal blisters and a delayed inflammatory response after cutaneous exposure. However, despite its long history, SM remains a threat because of the lack of effective medical countermeasures as the molecular mechanisms of these events remain unclear. This limited number of therapeutic options results in part of an absence of appropriate animal models. We propose here to use SKH-1 hairless mouse as the appropriate model for the design of therapeutic strategies against SM-induced skin toxicity. In the present study particular emphasis was placed on histopathological changes associated with inflammatory responses after topical exposure of dorsal skin to three different doses of SM (0.6, 6 and 60mg/kg) corresponding to a superficial, a second-degree and a third-degree burn. Firstly, clinical evaluation of SM-induced skin lesions using non invasive bioengineering methods showed that erythema and impairment of skin barrier increased in a dose-dependent manner. Histological evaluation of skin sections exposed to SM revealed that the time to onset and the severity of symptoms including disorganization of epidermal basal cells, number of pyknotic nuclei, activation of mast cells and neutrophils dermal invasion were dose-dependent. These histopathological changes were associated with a dose- and time-dependent increase in expression of specific mRNA for inflammatory mediators such as interleukins (IL1β and IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP-1α, MIP-2 and MIP-1αR) and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC also called CXCL1) as well as adhesion molecules (L-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)) and growth factor (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (Csf3)). A dose-dependent increase was also noted after SM exposure for mRNA of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP9) and laminin-γ2 which are associated with SM-induced blisters formation. Taken together, our results show that SM-induced skin histopathological changes related to inflammation is similar in SKH-1 hairless mice and humans. SKH-1 mouse is thus a reliable animal model for investigating the SM-induced skin toxicity and to develop efficient treatment against SM-induced inflammatory skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mouret
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Julien Wartelle
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Mohamed Batal
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France; UJF & CNRS, CEA, INAC, SCIB, LCIB (UMR_E 3CEA-UJF), Laboratoire Lésions des Acides Nucléiques, 17 Rue des Martyrs, Grenoble Cedex 9 F-38054, France
| | - Sandy Emorine
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Marine Bertoni
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Thomas Poyot
- Pôle de Génomique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Cécile Cléry-Barraud
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Nacera El Bakdouri
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - André Peinnequin
- Pôle de Génomique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Thierry Douki
- UJF & CNRS, CEA, INAC, SCIB, LCIB (UMR_E 3CEA-UJF), Laboratoire Lésions des Acides Nucléiques, 17 Rue des Martyrs, Grenoble Cedex 9 F-38054, France
| | - Isabelle Boudry
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
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Tewari-Singh N, Inturi S, Jain AK, Agarwal C, Orlicky DJ, White CW, Agarwal R, Day BJ. Catalytic antioxidant AEOL 10150 treatment ameliorates sulfur mustard analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-associated cutaneous toxic effects. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 72:285-95. [PMID: 24815113 PMCID: PMC4080896 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies and other published reports on the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM) and its analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) have indicated a role of oxidative stress in skin injuries caused by these vesicating agents. We examined the effects of the catalytic antioxidant AEOL 10150 in the attenuation of CEES-induced toxicity using our established skin injury models (skin epidermal cells and SKH-1 hairless mice) to validate the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of mustard vesicating agents. Treatment of mouse epidermal JB6 and human HaCaT cells with AEOL 10150 (50μM) 1h post-CEES exposure resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reversal of CEES-induced decreases in both cell viability and DNA synthesis. Similarly, AEOL 10150 treatment 1h after CEES exposure attenuated CEES-induced DNA damage in these cells. Similar AEOL 10150 treatments also caused significant (p < 0.05) reversal of CEES-induced decreases in cell viability in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species measurements showed that AEOL 10150 treatment drastically ameliorated the CEES-induced oxidative stress in both JB6 and HaCaT cells. Based on AEOL 10150 pharmacokinetic studies in SKH-1 mouse skin, mice were treated with a topical formulation plus subcutaneous injection (5mg/kg) of AEOL 10150 1h after CEES (4mg/mouse) exposure and every 4h thereafter for 12h. This AEOL 10150 treatment regimen resulted in over 50% (p < 0.05) reversal of CEES-induced skin bi-fold and epidermal thickness, myeloperoxidase activity, and DNA oxidation in mouse skin. Results from this study demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of AEOL 10150 against CEES-mediated cutaneous lesions, supporting AEOL 10150 as a medical countermeasure against SM-induced skin injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anil K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Carl W White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Brian J Day
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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30
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Inturi S, Tewari-Singh N, Agarwal C, White CW, Agarwal R. Activation of DNA damage repair pathways in response to nitrogen mustard-induced DNA damage and toxicity in skin keratinocytes. Mutat Res 2014; 763-764:53-63. [PMID: 24732344 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen mustard (NM), a structural analog of chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM), forms adducts and crosslinks with DNA, RNA and proteins. Here we studied the mechanism of NM-induced skin toxicity in response to double strand breaks (DSBs) resulting in cell cycle arrest to facilitate DNA repair, as a model for developing countermeasures against vesicant-induced skin injuries. NM exposure of mouse epidermal JB6 cells decreased cell growth and caused S-phase arrest. Consistent with these biological outcomes, NM exposure also increased comet tail extent moment and the levels of DNA DSB repair molecules phospho H2A.X Ser139 and p53 Ser15 indicating NM-induced DNA DSBs. Since DNA DSB repair occurs via non homologous end joining pathway (NHEJ) or homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathways, next we studied these two pathways and noted their activation as defined by an increase in phospho- and total DNA-PK levels, and the formation of Rad51 foci, respectively. To further analyze the role of these pathways in the cellular response to NM-induced cytotoxicity, NHEJ and HRR were inhibited by DNA-PK inhibitor NU7026 and Rad51 inhibitor BO2, respectively. Inhibition of NHEJ did not sensitize cells to NM-induced decrease in cell growth and cell cycle arrest. However, inhibition of the HRR pathway caused a significant increase in cell death, and prolonged G2M arrest following NM exposure. Together, our findings, indicating that HRR is the key pathway involved in the repair of NM-induced DNA DSBs, could be useful in developing new therapeutic strategies against vesicant-induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Carl W White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Myeloperoxidase deficiency attenuates nitrogen mustard-induced skin injuries. Toxicology 2014; 320:25-33. [PMID: 24631667 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The pathologic mechanisms of skin injuries, following the acute inflammatory response induced by vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) exposure, are poorly understood. Neutrophils which accumulate at the site of injury, abundantly express myeloperoxidase (MPO), a heme protein that is implicated in oxidant-related antimicrobial and cytotoxic responses. Our previous studies have shown that exposure to SM analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) or NM results in an inflammatory response including increased neutrophilic infiltration and MPO activity. To further define the role of neutrophil-derived MPO in NM-induced skin injury, here we used a genetic approach and examined the effect of NM exposure (12h and 24h) on previously established injury endpoints in C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and B6.129X1-MPOtm1Lus/J mice (MPO KO), homozygous null for MPO gene. NM exposure caused a significant increase in skin bi-fold thickness, epidermal thickness, microvesication, DNA damage and apoptosis in WT mice compared to MPO KO mice. MPO KO mice showed relatively insignificant effect. Similarly, NM induced increases in the expression of inflammatory and proteolytic mediators, including COX-2, iNOS and MMP-9 in WT mice, while having a significantly lower effect in MPO KO mice. Collectively, these results show that MPO, which generates microbicidal oxidants, plays an important role in NM-induced skin injuries. This suggests the development of mechanism-based treatments against NM- and SM-induced skin injuries that inhibit MPO activity and attenuate MPO-derived oxidants.
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Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of nitrogen mustard-induced cutaneous effects in SKH-1 hairless and C57BL/6 mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 66:129-38. [PMID: 24373750 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicant warfare agent which causes severe skin injuries. Currently, we lack effective antidotes against SM-induced skin injuries, in part due to lack of appropriate animal model(s) that can be used for efficacy studies in laboratory settings to identify effective therapies. Therefore, to develop a relevant mouse skin injury model, we examined the effects of nitrogen mustard (NM), a primary vesicant and a bifunctional alkylating agent that induces toxic effects comparable to SM. Specifically, we conducted histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of several applicable cutaneous pathological lesions following skin NM (3.2mg) exposure for 12-120h in SKH-1 and C57BL/6 mice. NM caused a significant increase in epidermal thickness, incidence of microvesication, cell proliferation, apoptotic cell death, inflammatory cells (neutrophils, macrophages and mast cells) and myleoperoxidase activity in the skin of both mouse strains. However, there was a more prominent NM-induced increase in epidermal thickness, and macrophages and mast cell infiltration, in SKH-1 mice relative to what was seen in C57BL/6 mice. NM also caused collagen degradation and edema at early time points (12-24h); however, at later time points (72 and 120h), dense collagen staining was observed, indicating either water loss or start of integument repair in both the mouse strains. This study provides quantitative measurement of NM-induced histopathological and immunohistochemical cutaneous lesions in both hairless and haired mouse strains that could serve as useful tools for screening and identification of effective therapies for treatment of skin injuries due to NM and SM.
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Batal M, Boudry I, Mouret S, Wartelle J, Emorine S, Bertoni M, Bérard I, Cléry-Barraud C, Douki T. Temporal and spatial features of the formation of DNA adducts in sulfur mustard-exposed skin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 273:644-50. [PMID: 24141030 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that targets skin where it induces large blisters. DNA alkylation is a critical step to explain SM-induced cutaneous symptoms. We determined the kinetics of formation of main SM-DNA adducts and compare it with the development of the SM-induced pathogenesis in skin. SKH-1 mice were exposed to 2, 6 and 60 mg/kg of SM and treated skin was biopsied between 6h and 21 days. Formation of SM DNA adducts was dose-dependent with a maximum immediately after exposure. However, adducts were persistent and still detectable 21 days post-exposure. The time-dependent formation of DNA adducts was also found to be correlated with the appearance of apoptotic cells. This temporal correlation suggests that these two early events are responsible for the severity of the damage to the skin. Besides, SM-DNA adducts were also detected in areas located next to contaminated zone, thus suggesting that SM diffuses in skin. Altogether, this work provides for the first time a clear picture of SM-induced genotoxicity using DNA adducts as a marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Batal
- Laboratoire «Lésions des Acides Nucléiques», Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble 1, CEA/Institut Nanoscience et Cryogénie/SCIB, UMR-E3, Grenoble, France; Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Unité de Brûlure Chimique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Antenne de La Tronche, France
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Inturi S, Tewari-Singh N, Jain AK, Roy S, White CW, Agarwal R. Absence of a p53 allele delays nitrogen mustard-induced early apoptosis and inflammation of murine skin. Toxicology 2013; 311:184-90. [PMID: 23845566 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bifunctional alkylating agent sulfur mustard (SM) and its analog nitrogen mustard (NM) cause DNA damage leading to cell death, and potentially activating inflammation. Transcription factor p53 plays a critical role in DNA damage by regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Earlier studies by our laboratory demonstrated phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15 and an increase in total p53 in epidermal cells both in vitro and in vivo following NM exposure. To elucidate the role of p53 in NM-induced skin toxicity, we employed SKH-1 hairless mice harboring wild type (WT) or heterozygous p53 (p53+/-). Exposure to NM (3.2mg) caused a more profound increase in epidermal thickness and apoptotic cell death in WT relative to p53+/- mice at 24h. However, by 72h after exposure, there was a comparable increase in NM-induced epidermal cell death in both WT and p53+/- mice. Myeloperoxidase activity data showed that neutrophil infiltration was strongly enhanced in NM-exposed WT mice at 24h persisting through 72h of exposure. Conversely, robust NM-induced neutrophil infiltration (comparable to WT mice) was seen only at 72h after exposure in p53+/- mice. Similarly, NM-exposure strongly induced macrophage and mast cell infiltration in WT, but not p53+/- mice. Together, these data indicate that early apoptosis and inflammation induced by NM in mouse skin are p53-dependent. Thus, targeting this pathway could be a novel strategy for developing countermeasures against vesicants-induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12850 E. Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Topical efficacy of dimercapto-chelating agents against lewisite-induced skin lesions in SKH-1 hairless mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 272:291-8. [PMID: 23806213 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Lewisite is a potent chemical warfare arsenical vesicant that can cause severe skin lesions. Today, lewisite exposure remains possible during demilitarization of old ammunitions and as a result of deliberate use. Although its cutaneous toxicity is not fully elucidated, a specific antidote exists, the British anti-lewisite (BAL, dimercaprol) but it is not without untoward effects. Analogs of BAL, less toxic, have been developed such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and have been employed for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. However, efficacy of DMSA against lewisite-induced skin lesions remains to be determined in comparison with BAL. We have thus evaluated in this study the therapeutic efficacy of BAL and DMSA in two administration modes against skin lesions induced by lewisite vapor on SKH-1 hairless mice. Our data demonstrate a strong protective efficacy of topical application of dimercapto-chelating agents in contrast to a subcutaneous administration 1h after lewisite exposure, with attenuation of wound size, necrosis and impairment of skin barrier function. The histological evaluation also confirms the efficacy of topical application by showing that treatments were effective in reversing lewisite-induced neutrophil infiltration. This protective effect was associated with an epidermal hyperplasia. However, for all the parameters studied, BAL was more effective than DMSA in reducing lewisite-induced skin injury. Together, these findings support the use of a topical form of dimercaprol-chelating agent against lewisite-induced skin lesion within the first hour after exposure to increase the therapeutic management and that BAL, despite its side-effects, should not be abandoned.
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Tewari-Singh N, Jain AK, Inturi S, White CW, Agarwal R. Clinically-relevant cutaneous lesions by nitrogen mustard: useful biomarkers of vesicants skin injury in SKH-1 hairless and C57BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67557. [PMID: 23826320 PMCID: PMC3691145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A paucity of clinically applicable biomarkers to screen therapies in laboratory is a limitation in the development of countermeasures against cutaneous injuries by chemical weapon, sulfur mustard (SM), and its analog nitrogen mustard (NM). Consequently, we assessed NM-caused progression of clinical cutaneous lesions; notably, skin injury with NM is comparable to SM. Exposure of SKH-1 hairless and C57BL/6 (haired) mice to NM (3.2 mg) for 12-120 h caused clinical sequelae of toxicity, including microblister formation, edema, erythema, altered pigmentation, wounding, xerosis and scaly dry skin. These toxic effects of NM were similar in both mouse strains, except that wounding and altered pigmentation at 12-24 h and appearance of dry skin at 24 and 72 h post-NM exposure were more pronounced in C57BL/6 compared to SKH-1 mice. Conversely, edema, erythema and microblister formation were more prominent in SKH-1 than C57BL/6 mice at 24-72 h after NM exposure. In addition, 40-60% mortality was observed following 120 h of NM exposure in the both mouse strains. Overall, these toxic effects of NM are comparable to those reported in humans and other animal species with SM, and thus represent clinically-relevant cutaneous injury endpoints in screening and optimization of therapies for skin injuries by vesicating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Carl W. White
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Dachir S, Cohen M, Kamus-Elimeleh D, Fishbine E, Sahar R, Gez R, Brandeis R, Horwitz V, Kadar T. Characterization of acute and long-term pathologies of superficial and deep dermal sulfur mustard skin lesions in the hairless guinea pig model. Wound Repair Regen 2012; 20:852-61. [PMID: 23082902 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2012.00830.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard induces severe acute and prolonged damage to the skin and only partially effective treatments are available. We have previously validated the use of hairless guinea pigs as an experimental model for skin lesions. The present study aimed to characterize a model of a deep dermal lesion and to compare it with the previously described superficial lesion. Clinical evaluation of the lesions was conducted using reflectance colorimetry, trans-epidermal water loss and wound area measurements. Prostaglandin E(2) content, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 activity, and histopathology were conducted up to 4 weeks post-exposure. Sulfur mustard skin injury, including erythema and edema, impairment of skin barrier and wounds developed in a dose-dependent manner. Prostaglandin E(2) content and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 activities were elevated during the wound development and the healing process. Histological evaluation revealed severe damage to the epidermis and deep dermis and vesications. At 4 weeks postexposure, healing was not completed: significantly impaired stratum corneum, absence of hair follicles, and epidermal hyperplasia were observed. These results confirm the use of the superficial and deep dermal skin injuries in the hairless guinea pigs as suitable models that can be utilized for the investigation of the pathological processes of acute as well as long-term injuries. These models will be further used to develop treatments to improve the healing process and prevent skin damage and long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomit Dachir
- Department of Pharmacology, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel.
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Tewari-Singh N, Jain AK, Inturi S, Agarwal C, White CW, Agarwal R. Silibinin attenuates sulfur mustard analog-induced skin injury by targeting multiple pathways connecting oxidative stress and inflammation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46149. [PMID: 23029417 PMCID: PMC3459894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (HD) inflicts delayed blistering and incapacitating skin injuries. To identify effective countermeasures against HD-induced skin injuries, efficacy studies were carried out employing HD analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES)-induced injury biomarkers in skin cells and SKH-1 hairless mouse skin. The data demonstrate strong therapeutic efficacy of silibinin, a natural flavanone, in attenuating CEES-induced skin injury and oxidative stress. In skin cells, silibinin (10 µM) treatment 30 min after 0.35/0.5 mM CEES exposure caused a significant (p<0.05) reversal in CEES-induced decrease in cell viability, apoptotic and necrotic cell death, DNA damage, and an increase in oxidative stress. Silibinin (1 mg) applied topically to mouse skin 30 min post-CEES exposure (2 mg), was effective in reversing CEES-induced increases in skin bi-fold (62%) and epidermal thickness (85%), apoptotic cell death (70%), myeloperoxidase activity (complete reversal), induction of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP-9 protein levels (>90%), and activation of transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 (complete reversal). Similarly, silibinin treatment was also effective in attenuating CEES-induced oxidative stress measured by 4-hydroxynonenal and 5,5-dimethyl-2-(8-octanoic acid)-1-pyrolline N-oxide protein adduct formation, and 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine levels. Since our previous studies implicated oxidative stress, in part, in CEES-induced toxic responses, the reversal of CEES-induced oxidative stress and other toxic effects by silibinin in this study indicate its pleiotropic therapeutic efficacy. Together, these findings support further optimization of silibinin in HD skin toxicity model to develop a novel effective therapy for skin injuries by vesicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Carl W. White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tewari-Singh N, Jain AK, Inturi S, Ammar DA, Agarwal C, Tyagi P, Kompella UB, Enzenauer RW, Petrash JM, Agarwal R. Silibinin, dexamethasone, and doxycycline as potential therapeutic agents for treating vesicant-inflicted ocular injuries. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 264:23-31. [PMID: 22841772 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There are no effective and approved therapies against devastating ocular injuries caused by vesicating chemical agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM). Herein, studies were carried out in rabbit corneal cultures to establish relevant ocular injury biomarkers with NM for screening potential efficacious agents in laboratory settings. NM (100nmol) exposure of the corneas for 2h (cultured for 24h), showed increases in epithelial thickness, ulceration, apoptotic cell death, epithelial detachment microbullae formation, and the levels of VEGF, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Employing these biomarkers, efficacy studies were performed with agent treatments 2h and every 4h thereafter, for 24h following NM exposure. Three agents were evaluated, including prescription drugs dexamethasone (0.1%; anti-inflammatory steroid) and doxycycline (100nmol; antibiotic and MMP inhibitor) that have been studied earlier for treating vesicant-induced eye injuries. We also examined silibinin (100μg), a non-toxic natural flavanone found to be effective in treating SM analog-induced skin injuries in our earlier studies. Treatments of doxycycline+dexamethasone, and silibinin were more effective than doxycycline or dexamethasone alone in reversing NM-induced epithelial thickening, microbullae formation, apoptotic cell death, and MMP-9 elevation. However, dexamethasone and silibinin alone were more effective in reversing NM-induced VEGF levels. Doxycycline, dexamethasone and silibinin were all effective in reversing NM-induced COX-2 levels. Apart from therapeutic efficacy of doxycycline and dexamethasone, these results show strong multifunctional efficacy of silibinin in reversing NM-induced ocular injuries, which could help develop effective and safe therapeutics against ocular injuries by vesicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Lomash V, Jadhav SE, Vijayaraghavan R, Pant SC. Time course pathogenesis of sulphur mustard-induced skin lesions in mouse model. Int Wound J 2012; 10:441-54. [PMID: 22672652 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2012.01003.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulphur mustard (SM) is a bifunctional alkylating agent that causes cutaneous blistering in humans and animals. In this study, we have presented closer views on pathogenesis of SM-induced skin injury in a mouse model. SM diluted in acetone was applied once dermally at a dose of 5 or 10 mg/kg to Swiss albino mice. Skin was dissected out at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours, post-SM exposure for studying histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry of inflammatory-reparative biomarkers, namely, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and interlukin 6 (IL-6). Histopathological changes were similar to other mammalian species and basal cell damage resembled the histopathological signs observed with vesication in human skin. Inflammatory cell recruitment at the site of injury was supported by differential expressions of IL-6 at various stages. Time-dependent expressions of eNOS played pivotal roles in all the events of wound healing of SM-induced skin lesions. TGF-α and FGF were strongly associated with keratinocyte migration, re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation and cell differentiation. Furthermore, quantification of the tissue leukocytosis and DNA damage along with semiquantitative estimation of re-epithelialisation, fibroplasia and neovascularisation on histomorphologic scale could be efficiently used for screening the efficacy of orphan drugs against SM-induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Lomash
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
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