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Zhang Y, Guo J, Tang C, Xu K, Li Z, Wang C. Early life stage exposure to fenbuconazole causes multigenerational cardiac developmental defects in zebrafish and potential reasons. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123938. [PMID: 38588970 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing use of triazole fungicides in agriculture, triazole pesticides have aroused great concern about their toxicity and ecological risk. The current study investigated the impairments of embryonic exposure to fenbuconazole (FBZ) on cardiac transgenerational toxicity and related mechanisms. The fertilized eggs were exposed to 5, 50 and 500 ng/L FBZ for 72 h, and the larvae were then raised to adulthood in clean water. The adult fish were mated with unexposed fish to produce maternal and paternal F1 and F2 embryos, respectively. The results showed that increased arrhythmia were observed in F0, F1 and F2 larvae. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that the pathway of adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes was enriched in F0 and F2 larvae. In both F0 and F1 adult zebrafish hearts, ADRB2 protein expression decreased, and transcription of genes related to cardiac development and Ca2+ homeostasis was downregulated. These alterations might cause cardiac developmental defects. Significantly decreased protein levels of H3K9Ac and H3K14Ac might be linked with the downregulation in transcription of cardiac development genes. Protein‒protein interaction analysis exhibited that the pathway affecting the heart was well inherited in the paternal line. These results provide new ideas for the analysis and prevention of congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Chen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Ke Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Zihui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Chonggang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China.
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2
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Magan P, Pratten M. Effects of the Herbal Product Curcumin on Cardiomyocytes in Micromass Culture and the Potential Role It May Play in Pregnancy and Development. Cureus 2023; 15:e51132. [PMID: 38149065 PMCID: PMC10751074 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Herbal medicine (HM) consumption during pregnancy has been on the rise in many parts of the world. Curcumin is a proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb component, having demonstrated efficacy in alleviating various diseases. However, there is conflicting evidence with regards to its effect on pregnancy. We assess the safety profile of the main component of turmeric, curcumin, during pregnancy. Furthermore, to investigate curcumin in combination with known teratogen ethanol to identify any protective effect that curcumin might exert. Method Embryonic chick cardiomyocytes in micromass culture were treated with varying concentrations of curcumin. Three endpoints were used to determine the effect of curcumin on these cells: contractile activity (morphological score), cell viability (resazurin assay), and total protein content (kenacid blue assay). Results Curcumin demonstrated cytotoxicity at the highest tested concentrations (10-20μM) by significantly reducing cell activity and total protein. The results of morphological scoring suggest that repeated investigations would have revealed the teratogenic potential of curcumin. Lower concentrations (50nM) of curcumin were comparable to the control. The combination of a non-toxic concentration of curcumin with ethanol revealed additive toxicity. Conclusion It seems unlikely that curcumin will adversely affect the embryo at low doses due to issues of bioavailability. The findings of cytotoxicity and possible teratogenicity at high concentrations are a concern. Due to the limited information available regarding curcumin metabolism in human embryos, advancements in curcumin delivery systems, and the high likelihood of overconsumption, further in vivo research using animal models is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyan Magan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, GBR
| | - Margaret Pratten
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, GBR
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3
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Lü L, Yuan F, Fan H, Li Y, Liu J, Feng W, Zhang HG, Chen SY. Ethanol exposure disrupted the formation of radial glial processes and impaired the generation and migration of outer radial glial cells in forebrain organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114325. [PMID: 36669750 PMCID: PMC9992138 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Radial glial cells (RGCs) play a pivotal role in cerebral cortical development by functioning as a source of new neurons and by supporting the migration of newborn neurons. These functions are primarily dependent on the apical-basolateral structures of radial glial processes. This study aims to investigate the effects of ethanol exposure on the development of radial glial processes and the generation, migration, and transformation of outer radial glial cells (oRGCs). For this purpose, forebrain organoids were developed from human embryonic stem cells. These forebrain organoids contain abundant neural progenitor cells (SOX2+), express high levels of neural epithelial markers β-catenin and PKCλ, and dorsal forebrain marker PAX6, and display well-organized cortical architectures containing abundant apical and basal RGCs, intermediate progenitors (IPCs), and neurons. Exposure of forebrain organoids to ethanol resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis in Nestin-positive radial glial cells. Ethanol exposure also remarkably decreased the levels of radial glial process-associated proteins, including Nestin, GFAP, and Vimentin, in radial glial cells and distinctly impaired the integrity and morphologies of radial glial processes. In addition, the ethanol-induced impairment of the radial glial processes is associated with decreased migration and proliferation of radial glial cells, reduction in the generation of HOPX+ oRGCs, and the accelerated transformation of oRGCs into astrocytes. These results demonstrate that ethanol exposure can disrupt cerebral cortex development by impairing the formation of radial glial processes and the generation, migration, and transformation of oRGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanhai Lü
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Fuqiang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Huadong Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Yihong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Wenke Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Huang-Ge Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Shao-Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Synaptic Plasticity Abnormalities in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:442. [PMID: 36766783 PMCID: PMC9913617 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain's ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections is often termed synaptic plasticity. It has been shown to function in brain remodeling following different types of brain damage (e.g., drugs of abuse, alcohol use disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory conditions). Although synaptic plasticity mechanisms have been extensively studied, how neural plasticity can influence neurobehavioral abnormalities in alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is far from being completely understood. Alcohol use during pregnancy and its harmful effects on the developing offspring are major public health, social, and economic challenges. The significant attribute of prenatal alcohol exposure on offspring is damage to the central nervous system (CNS), causing a range of synaptic structural, functional, and behavioral impairments, collectively called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Although the synaptic mechanisms in FASD are limited, emerging evidence suggests that FASD pathogenesis involves altering a set of molecules involved in neurotransmission, myelination, and neuroinflammation. These studies identify several immediate and long-lasting changes using many molecular approaches that are essential for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Therefore, they can offer potential synaptic targets for the many neurobehavioral abnormalities observed in FASD. In this review, we discuss the substantial research progress in different aspects of synaptic and molecular changes that can shed light on the mechanism of synaptic dysfunction in FASD. Increasing our understanding of the synaptic changes in FASD will significantly advance our knowledge and could provide a basis for finding novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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Epigenetics in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 197:211-239. [PMID: 37019593 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, alcohol abuse and its detrimental effects on developing offspring are major public health, economic and social challenges. The prominent characteristic attributes of alcohol (ethanol) abuse during pregnancy in humans are neurobehavioral impairments in offspring due to damage to the central nervous system (CNS), causing structural and behavioral impairments that are together named fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Development-specific alcohol exposure paradigms were established to recapitulate the human FASD phenotypes and establish the underlying mechanisms. These animal studies have offered some critical molecular and cellular underpinnings likely to account for the neurobehavioral impairments associated with prenatal ethanol exposure. Although the pathogenesis of FASD remains unclear, emerging literature proposes that the various genomic and epigenetic components that cause the imbalance in gene expression can significantly contribute to the development of this disease. These studies acknowledged numerous immediate and enduring epigenetic modifications, such as methylation of DNA, post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins, and regulatory networks related to RNA, using many molecular approaches. Methylated DNA profiles, PTMs of histone proteins, and RNA-regulated expression of genes are essential for synaptic and cognitive behavior. Thus, offering a solution to many neuronal and behavioral impairments reported in FASD. In the current chapter, we review the recent advances in different epigenetic modifications that cause the pathogenesis of FASD. The information discussed can help better explain the pathogenesis of FASD and thereby might provide a basis for finding novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies.
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Signaling Pathways in Pregnancy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091385. [PMID: 35563691 PMCID: PMC9101431 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Wallén E, Auvinen P, Kaminen-Ahola N. The Effects of Early Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Epigenome and Embryonic Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12071095. [PMID: 34356111 PMCID: PMC8303887 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the most significant causes of developmental disability in the Western world. Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy leads to an increased risk of neurological deficits and developmental abnormalities in the fetus. Over the past decade, several human and animal studies have demonstrated that alcohol causes alterations in epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. There is an increasing amount of evidence that early pregnancy is a sensitive period for environmental-induced epigenetic changes. It is a dynamic period of epigenetic reprogramming, cell divisions, and DNA replication and, therefore, a particularly interesting period to study the molecular changes caused by alcohol exposure as well as the etiology of alcohol-induced developmental disorders. This article will review the current knowledge about the in vivo and in vitro effects of alcohol exposure on the epigenome, gene regulation, and the phenotype during the first weeks of pregnancy.
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Tossetta G, Fantone S, Giannubilo SR, Marzioni D. The Multifaced Actions of Curcumin in Pregnancy Outcome. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010126. [PMID: 33477354 PMCID: PMC7830020 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, is the main polyphenolic substance present in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. This plant showed many beneficial effects and has been used since ancient times for both food and pharmaceutical purposes. Due to its pleiotropic functions, curcumin consumption in the human diet has become very common thanks also to the fact that this natural compound is considered quite safe as it does not have serious side effects. Its functions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-toxicant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-diabetic compound are already known and widely demonstrated. There are numerous studies concerning its effects on various human pathologies including cancer, diabetes and arthritis while the studies on curcumin during pregnancy have been performed only in animal models. Data concerning the role of curcumin as anti-inflammatory compound suggest a possible use of curcumin in managing pregnancy complications such as Preeclampsia (PE), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), PreTerm Birth (PTB), and exposure to toxic agents and pathogens. The aim of this review is to present data to support the possible use of curcumin in clinical trials on human gestation complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.T.); (S.F.)
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (G.T.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+39-071.2206268
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9
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Cantacorps L, Montagud-Romero S, Valverde O. Curcumin treatment attenuates alcohol-induced alterations in a mouse model of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109899. [PMID: 32109509 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol exposure during development produces physical and mental abnormalities in the foetus that result in long-term molecular adjustments in the brain, which could underlie the neurobehavioural deficits observed in individuals suffering from foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In this study, we assessed the effects of curcumin on cognitive impairments caused by prenatal and lactational alcohol exposure (PLAE). Furthermore, we examined whether curcumin could counteract the molecular alterations that may underlie these behavioural impairments. We focused on inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms by analysing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB, in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as microglia and astrocyte activation in the dentate gyrus. We also assessed the activity of histone acetyltransferase in these brain areas. To model binge alcohol drinking, we exposed pregnant C57BL/6 mice to a 20% v/v alcohol solution during gestation and lactation, with limited access periods. We treated male offspring with curcumin during postnatal days (PD28-35) and then evaluated their behaviour in adulthood (PD60). Our results showed that curcumin treatment during the peri-adolescence period improved the anxiety and memory deficits observed in PLAE mice. At the molecular level, we found enhanced histone acetyltransferase activity in mice subjected to PLAE that curcumin treatment could not reverse to baseline levels. These mice also showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, which could be rescued by curcumin treatment. They also displayed astrogliosis and microglia activation. Our study provides further evidence to support the use of curcumin as a therapeutic agent for counteracting behavioural and molecular alterations induced by PLAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Montagud-Romero
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Yang M, Zhang Y, Ren J. Acetylation in cardiovascular diseases: Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165836. [PMID: 32413386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acetylation belongs to a class of post-translational modification (PTM) processes that epigenetically regulate gene expression and gene transcriptional activity. Reversible histone acetylation on lysine residues governs the interactions between DNA and histones to mediate chromatin remodeling and gene transcription. Non-histone protein acetylation complicates cellular function whereas acetylation of key mitochondrial enzymes regulates bioenergetic metabolism. Acetylation and deacetylation of functional proteins are essential to the delicated homeostatic regulation of embryonic development, postnatal maturation, cardiomyocyte differentiation, cardiac remodeling and onset of various cardiovascular diseases including obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiometabolic diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac remodeling, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Histone acetyltransferase (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are essential enzymes mainly responsible for the regulation of lysine acetylation levels, thus providing possible drugable targets for therapeutic interventions in the management of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Yang
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 210032, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 210032, China.
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 210032, China.
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11
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Cantacorps L, Alfonso-Loeches S, Guerri C, Valverde O. Long-term epigenetic changes in offspring mice exposed to alcohol during gestation and lactation. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1562-1572. [PMID: 31210079 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119856001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol exposure impairs brain development and leads to a range of behavioural and cognitive dysfunctions, termed as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Although different mechanisms have been proposed to participate in foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, the molecular insights of such effects are still uncertain. Using a mouse model of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, we have previously shown that maternal binge-like alcohol drinking causes persistent effects on motor, cognitive and emotional-related behaviours associated with neuroimmune dysfunctions. AIMS In this study, we sought to evaluate whether the long-term behavioural alterations found in offspring with early exposure to alcohol are associated with epigenetic changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6 female mice underwent a model procedure for binge alcohol drinking throughout both the gestation and lactation periods. Subsequently, adult offspring were assessed for their cognitive function in a reversal learning task and brain areas were extracted for epigenetic analyses. RESULTS The results demonstrated that early binge alcohol exposure induces long-term behavioural effects along with alterations in histone acetylation (histone H4 lysine 5 and histone H4 lysine 12) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The epigenetic effects were linked with an imbalance in histone acetyltransferase activity that was found to be increased in the prefrontal cortex of mice exposed to alcohol. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results reveal that maternal binge-like alcohol consumption induces persistent epigenetic modifications, effects that might be associated with the long-term cognitive and behavioural impairments observed in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Cantacorps
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Alfonso-Loeches
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Prince Felipe Research Centre, Valencia, Spain
| | - Consuelo Guerri
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology of Alcohol, Prince Felipe Research Centre, Valencia, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Lombó M, González-Rojo S, Fernández-Díez C, Herráez MP. Cardiogenesis impairment promoted by bisphenol A exposure is successfully counteracted by epigallocatechin gallate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:1008-1019. [PMID: 31126002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to the emerging contaminant bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous and associated with cardiovascular disorders. BPA effect as endocrine disruptor is widely known but other mechanisms underlying heart disease, such as epigenetic modifications, remain still unclear. A compound of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may act both as anti-estrogen and as inhibitor of some epigenetic enzymes. The aims of this study were to analyze the molecular processes related to BPA impairment of heart development and to prove the potential ability of EGCG to neutralize the toxic effects caused by BPA on cardiac health. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 2000 and 4000 μg/L BPA and treated with 50 and 100 μM EGCG. Heart malformations were assessed at histological level and by confocal imaging. Expression of genes involved in cardiac development, estrogen receptors and epigenetic enzymes was analyzed by qPCR whereas epigenetic modifications were evaluated by whole mount immunostaining. BPA embryonic exposure led to changes in cardiac phenotype, induced an overexpression of hand2, a crucial factor for cardiomyocyte differentiation, increased the expression of estrogen receptor (esr2b), promoted an overexpression of a histone acetyltransferase (kat6a) and also caused an increase in histone acetylation, both mechanisms being able to act in sinergy. EGCG treatment neutralized all the molecular alterations caused by BPA, allowing the embryos to go on with a proper heart development. Both molecular mechanisms of BPA action (estrogenic and epigenetic) likely lying behind cardiogenesis impairment were successfully counteracted by EGCG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lombó
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Silvia González-Rojo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, 24071, Spain
| | - Cristina Fernández-Díez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, 24071, Spain
| | - María Paz Herráez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, León, 24071, Spain.
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Boschen KE, Keller SM, Roth TL, Klintsova AY. Epigenetic mechanisms in alcohol- and adversity-induced developmental origins of neurobehavioral functioning. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 66:63-79. [PMID: 29305195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The long-term effects of developmental alcohol and stress exposure are well documented in both humans and non-human animal models. Damage to the brain and attendant life-long impairments in cognition and increased risk for psychiatric disorders are debilitating consequences of developmental exposure to alcohol and/or psychological stress. Here we discuss evidence for a role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating these consequences. While we highlight some of the common ways in which stress or alcohol impact the epigenome, we point out that little is understood of the epigenome's response to experiencing both stress and alcohol exposure, though stress is a contributing factor as to why women drink during pregnancy. Advancing our understanding of this relationship is of critical concern not just for the health and well-being of individuals directly exposed to these teratogens, but for generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Boschen
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - S M Keller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - T L Roth
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
| | - A Y Klintsova
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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Mandal C, Halder D, Jung KH, Chai YG. In Utero Alcohol Exposure and the Alteration of Histone Marks in the Developing Fetus: An Epigenetic Phenomenon of Maternal Drinking. Int J Biol Sci 2017; 13:1100-1108. [PMID: 29104501 PMCID: PMC5666325 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.21047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol is well known for its teratogenic effects during fetal development. Maternal alcohol consumption allows the developing fetus to experience the detrimental effects of alcohol exposure. Alcohol-mediated teratogenic effects can vary based on the dosage and the length of exposure. The specific mechanism of action behind this teratogenic effect is still unknown. Previous reports demonstrated that alcohol participates in epigenetic alterations, especially histone modifications during fetal development. Additional research is necessary to understand the correlation between major epigenetic events and alcohol-mediated teratogenesis such as that observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Here, we attempted to collect all the available information concerning alcohol-mediated histone modifications during gestational fetal development. We hope that this review will aid researchers to further examine the issues associated with ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchal Mandal
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Debasish Halder
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Hwa Jung
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Natural Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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15
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Changes to histone modifications following prenatal alcohol exposure: An emerging picture. Alcohol 2017; 60:41-52. [PMID: 28431792 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are important for facilitating gene-environment interactions in many disease etiologies, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Extensive research into the role of DNA methylation and miRNAs in animal models has illuminated the complex role of these mechanisms in FASD. In contrast, histone modifications have not been as well researched, due in part to being less stable than DNA methylation and less well-characterized in disease. It is now apparent that even changes in transient marks can have profound effects if they alter developmental trajectories. In addition, many histone methylations are now known to be relatively stable and can propagate themselves. As technologies and knowledge have advanced, a small group has investigated the role of histone modifications in FASD. Here, we synthesize the data on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on histone modifications. Several key points are evident. AS with most alcohol-induced outcomes, timing and dosage differences yield variable effects. Nevertheless, these studies consistently find enrichment of H3K9ac, H3K27me2,3, and H3K9me2, and increased expression of histone acetyltransferases and methyltransferases. The consistency of these alterations may implicate them as key mechanisms underlying FASD. Histone modification changes do not often correlate with gene expression changes, though some important examples exist. Encouragingly, attempts to reproduce specific histone modification changes are very often successful. We comment on possible directions for future studies, focusing on further exploration of current trends, expansion of time-point and dosage regimes, and evaluation of biomarker potential.
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16
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Lussier AA, Weinberg J, Kobor MS. Epigenetics studies of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: where are we now? Epigenomics 2017; 9:291-311. [PMID: 28234026 PMCID: PMC5549650 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse in utero events can alter the development and function of numerous physiological systems, giving rise to lasting neurodevelopmental deficits. In particular, data have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure can reprogram neurobiological systems, altering developmental trajectories and resulting in increased vulnerability to adverse neurobiological, behavioral and health outcomes. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are potential mediators for the reprogramming of neurobiological systems, as they may provide a link between the genome, environmental conditions and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This review outlines the current state of epigenetic research in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, highlighting the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the reprogramming of neurobiological systems by alcohol and as potential diagnostic tools for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. We also present an assessment of the current limitations in studies of prenatal alcohol exposure, and highlight the future steps needed in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A Lussier
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Human Early Learning Partnership, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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17
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Xu W, Huo L, Li J, Xu C, Wang S, Yang Y, Liu C, Zheng X, Feng X, Yan X. Effects of Alcohol on Mitochondrial Functions of Cumulus Cells in Mice. Cell Reprogram 2017; 19:123-131. [PMID: 28170286 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2016.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is an important compound used in food, agriculture, and medicine. In this study, we investigated the effect of alcohol on oocyte quality in mice by exposing animals for different duration times during an estrous cycle. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from mice after pregnant mare serum gonadotropin- and human chorionic gonadotropin-induced superovulation. Ovulation number, E2 level in serum, and parthenogenetic embryo development in vitro were evaluated. Mitochondrial gene expression, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the cumulus were also assessed. The results showed that acute exposure to alcohol did not affect ovulation time (p > 0.05). Blasocyst formation rate in vitro was significantly improved after 1 and 2 days of alcohol exposure (p < 0.01). Mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly increased after 1-4 days of alcohol exposure (p < 0.05), but it decreased after 5 days (p < 0.05). ROS levels remained relatively low after 2, 3, and 4 days of exposure (p < 0.05), and they significantly increased after 6 days (p < 0.05). In addition, alcohol altered the expression of mitochondrial and nuclear genes in the cumulus. Taken together, our data suggest that acute exposure to alcohol affects oocyte quality by influencing the function and gene expression in the cumulus. These results underscore potential implications for the development of human reproductive therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlu Xu
- 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University , Xi'an, China
| | - Lihui Huo
- 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University , Xi'an, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University , Xi'an, China
| | - Chunli Xu
- 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University , Xi'an, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- 2 Department of Experimental Surgery of Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an, China
| | - Yanhong Yang
- 3 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- 3 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaomin Zheng
- 4 Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance , Ministry of Education, Yinchuan, China .,5 Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki , Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xiuliang Feng
- 2 Department of Experimental Surgery of Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an, China
| | - Xingrong Yan
- 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University , Xi'an, China
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18
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Yan X, Pan B, Lv T, Liu L, Zhu J, Shen W, Huang X, Tian J. Inhibition of histone acetylation by curcumin reduces alcohol-induced fetal cardiac apoptosis. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:1. [PMID: 28056970 PMCID: PMC5217636 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-016-0310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure may cause cardiac development defects, however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. In the present study we have investigated the roles of histone modification by curcumin on alcohol induced fetal cardiac abnormalities during the development. Methods and results Q-PCR and Western blot results showed that alcohol exposure increased gene and active forms of caspase-3 and caspase-8, while decreased gene and protein of bcl-2. ChIP assay results showed that, alcohol exposure increased the acetylation of histone H3K9 near the promoter region of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and decreased the acetylation of histone H3K9 near the promoter region of bcl-2. TUNEL assay data revealed that alcohol exposure increased the apoptosis levels in the embryonic hearts. In vitro experiments demonstrated that curcumin treatment could reverse the up-regulation of active forms of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and down-regulation of bcl-2 induced by alcohol treatment. In addition, curcumin also corrected the high level of histone H3K9 acetylation induced by alcohol. Moreover, the high apoptosis level induced by alcohol was reversed after curcumin treatment in cardiac cells. Conclusions These findings indicate that histone modification may play an important role in mediating alcohol induced fetal cardiac apoptosis, possibly through the up-regulation of H3K9 acetylation near the promoter regions of apoptotic genes. Curcumin treatment may correct alcohol-mediated fetal cardiac apoptosis, suggesting that curcumin may play a protective role against alcohol abuse caused cardiac damage during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.,Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.,Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Tiewei Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Lingjuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charlie E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Xupei Huang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charlie E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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19
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Shi J, Zhao W, Pan B, Zheng M, Si L, Zhu J, Liu L, Tian J. Alcohol Exposure Causes Overexpression of Heart Development-Related Genes by Affecting the Histone H3 Acetylation via BMP Signaling Pathway in Cardiomyoblast Cells. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 41:87-95. [PMID: 27883221 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abusive alcohol utilization of pregnant woman may cause congenital heart disease (CHD) of fetus, where alcohol ignites histone H3 hyperacetylation leading to abnormal development of heart morphogenesis and associated genes. Knowledge about the regularized upstream genes is little, but bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling may actively and prominently take part in alteration in acetylation of histone H3. The supreme objective of this study was to unearth the involvement of BMP signaling pathway in alcohol-driven hyperacetylation of histone H3 in cardiomyoblast cells. METHODS Cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2 cells) were addicted with alcohol (100 mM) for 24 hours. Dorsomorphin (5 μM) was used for the inhibition of BMP signaling pathway. We detected the phosphorylation activity of SMAD1/5/8, mRNA expression, histone acetyltransferases (HAT)/histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, and acetylation of histone H3. RESULTS Following alcohol exposure, phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 and HAT activities was increased to a significant extent, while histone H3 acetylation and expression of heart development-related genes were also increased. The said phenomenon influenced by alcohol was reverted upon dorsomorphin treatment to the cells without effecting HDAC activity. CONCLUSIONS The data clearly identified that BMP-mediated histone H3 acetylation of heart development-related genes might be one of the possible cellular mechanisms to control alcohol-induced expression of heart development-related genes. Dorsomorphin, on the other hand, may modulate alcohol-induced hyperacetylation of histone H3 through BMP targeting, which could be a potential way to block CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shi
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Disease in Childhood, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Weian Zhao
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Developmental Disease in Childhood, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lina Si
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Disease in Childhood, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingjuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Disease in Childhood, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Pediatrics in Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Heart Centre, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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20
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Epigenetic Mechanisms in Developmental Alcohol-Induced Neurobehavioral Deficits. Brain Sci 2016; 6:brainsci6020012. [PMID: 27070644 PMCID: PMC4931489 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci6020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its damaging consequences on the developing infant brain are significant public health, social, and economic issues. The major distinctive features of prenatal alcohol exposure in humans are cognitive and behavioral dysfunction due to damage to the central nervous system (CNS), which results in a continuum of disarray that is collectively called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Many rodent models have been developed to understand the mechanisms of and to reproduce the human FASD phenotypes. These animal FASD studies have provided several molecular pathways that are likely responsible for the neurobehavioral abnormalities that are associated with prenatal alcohol exposure of the developing CNS. Recently, many laboratories have identified several immediate, as well as long-lasting, epigenetic modifications of DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins and microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis by using a variety of epigenetic approaches in rodent FASD models. Because DNA methylation patterns, DNA-associated histone protein modifications and miRNA-regulated gene expression are crucial for synaptic plasticity and learning and memory, they can therefore offer an answer to many of the neurobehavioral abnormalities that are found in FASD. In this review, we briefly discuss the current literature of DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins modification and miRNA and review recent developments concerning epigenetic changes in FASD.
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