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Goswami DG, Singh SK, Okoyeocha EOM, Roney AK, Madadgar O, Tuttle R, Sosna W, Anantharam P, Croutch CR, Agarwal R, Tewari-Singh N. Dermal Exposure to Vesicating Nettle Agent Phosgene Oxime: Clinically Relevant Biomarkers and Skin Injury Progression in Murine Models. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:536-545. [PMID: 37652710 PMCID: PMC10801780 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001718] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosgene oxime (CX), categorized as a vesicating chemical threat agent, causes effects that resemble an urticant or nettle agent. CX is an emerging potential threat agent that can be deployed alone or with other chemical threat agents to enhance their toxic effects. Studies on CX-induced skin toxicity, injury progression, and related biomarkers are largely unknown. To study the physiologic changes, skin clinical lesions and their progression, skin exposure of SKH-1 and C57BL/6 mice was carried out with vapor from 10 μl CX for 0.5-minute or 1.0-minute durations using a designed exposure system for consistent CX vapor exposure. One-minute exposure caused sharp (SKH-1) or sustained (C57BL/6) decrease in respiratory and heart rate, leading to mortality in both mouse strains. Both exposures caused immediate blanching, erythema with erythematous ring (wheel) and edema, and an increase in skin bifold thickness. Necrosis was also observed in the 0.5-minute CX exposure group. Both mouse strains showed comparative skin clinical lesions upon CX exposure; however, skin bifold thickness and erythema remained elevated up to 14 days postexposure in SKH-1 mice but not in C57BL/6 mice. Our data suggest that CX causes immediate changes in the physiologic parameters and gross skin lesions resembling urticaria, which could involve mast cell activation and intense systemic toxicity. This novel study recorded and compared the progression of skin injury to establish clinical biomarkers of CX dermal exposure in both the sexes of two murine strains relevant for skin and systemic injury studies and therapeutic target identification. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Phosgene oxime (CX), categorized as a vesicating agent, is considered as a potent chemical weapon and is of high military and terrorist threat interest since it produces rapid onset of severe injury as an urticant. However, biomarkers of clinical relevance related to its toxicity and injury progression are not studied. Data from this study provide useful clinical markers of CX skin toxicity in mouse models using a reliable CX exposure system for future mechanistic and efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh G Goswami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Satyendra K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Ebenezar O M Okoyeocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Andrew K Roney
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Omid Madadgar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Rick Tuttle
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - William Sosna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Poojya Anantharam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Claire R Croutch
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine (D.G.G., E.O.M.O., A.K.R., O.M., N.T.-S.) and Department of Biomedical Engineering (S.K.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; MRIGlobal, Kansas City, Missouri (R.T., W.S., P.A., C.R.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (R.A.)
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Laskin JD, Ozkuyumcu K, Zhou P, Croutch CR, Heck DE, Laskin DL, Joseph LB. Skin Models Used to Define Mechanisms of Action of Sulfur Mustard. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e551. [PMID: 37849329 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.177] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a threat to both civilian and military populations. Human skin is highly sensitive to SM, causing delayed erythema, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration, followed by the appearance of large fluid-filled blisters. Skin wound repair is prolonged following blistering, which can result in impaired barrier function. Key to understanding the action of SM in the skin is the development of animal models that have a pathophysiology comparable to humans such that quantitative assessments of therapeutic drugs efficacy can be assessed. Two animal models, hairless guinea pigs and swine, are preferred to evaluate dermal products because their skin is morphologically similar to human skin. In these animal models, SM induces degradation of epidermal and dermal tissues but does not induce overt blistering, only microblistering. Mechanisms of wound healing are distinct in these animal models. Whereas a guinea pig heals by contraction, swine skin, like humans, heals by re-epithelialization. Mice, rats, and rabbits are also used for SM mechanistic studies. However, healing is also mediated by contraction; moreover, only microblistering is observed. Improvements in animal models are essential for the development of therapeutics to mitigate toxicity resulting from dermal exposure to SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kevin Ozkuyumcu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Peihong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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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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Hassanpour M, Hajihassani F, Abdollahpourasl M, Cheraghi O, Aghamohamadzade N, Rahbargazi R, Nouri M, Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi Y, Zarghami N, Akbarzadeh A, Panahi Y, Sahebkar A. Pathophysiological Effects of Sulfur Mustard on Skin and its Current Treatments: Possible Application of Phytochemicals. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2020; 24:3-19. [PMID: 32679016 DOI: 10.2174/1386207323666200717150414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfur-(SM) and nitrogen (NM)-based mustards are the mutagenic incapacitating compounds which are widely used in vesicating the chemical warfare and cause toxicity in many organs, especially skin. SM, as a potent vesicating agent, contributes to the destruction of skin in dermis and epidermis layers. The progression of the lesion depends on the concentration of SM and the duration of exposure. Body responses start with pruritus, erythema, edema and xerosis, which lead to the accumulation of immune cells in the target sites and recruitment of mast cells and paracrine-mediated activity. Pro-inflammatory effectors are accumulated in the epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands resulting in the destruction of the basement membrane beneath the epidermis. There is still no satisfactory countermeasure against SM-induced lesions in clinical therapy, and the symptomatic or supportive treatments are routine management approaches. OBJECTIVE The current review highlights the recent progression of herbal medicines application in SM-induced injuries through the illustrative examples and also demonstrates their efficacies, properties and mechanism of actions as therapeutic agents. CONCLUSION Phytochemicals and herbal extracts with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been recently shown to hold therapeutic promise against the SM-induced cutaneous complications. The present review discusses the possible application of herbal medicines in the healing of SM-induced injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hassanpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fateme Hajihassani
- Department of Health Management, School of Management and Medical informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Omid Cheraghi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Aghamohamadzade
- Endocrine and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Rahbargazi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Younes Pilehvar-Soltanahmadi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Akbarzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yunes Panahi
- Pharmacotherapy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Laskin JD, Wahler G, Croutch CR, Sinko PJ, Laskin DL, Heck DE, Joseph LB. Skin remodeling and wound healing in the Gottingen minipig following exposure to sulfur mustard. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 115:104470. [PMID: 32445752 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104470] [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] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM), a dermal vesicant that has been used in chemical warfare, causes inflammation, edema and epidermal erosions depending on the dose and time following exposure. Herein, a minipig model was used to characterize wound healing following dermal exposure to SM. Saturated SM vapor caps were placed on the dorsal flanks of 3-month-old male Gottingen minipigs for 30 min. After 48 h the control and SM wounded sites were debrided daily for 7 days with wet to wet saline gauze soaks. Animals were then euthanized, and full thickness skin biopsies prepared for histology and immunohistochemistry. Control skin contained a well differentiated epidermis with a prominent stratum corneum. A well-developed eschar covered the skin of SM treated animals, however, the epidermis beneath the eschar displayed significant wound healing with a hyperplastic epidermis. Stratum corneum shedding and a multilayered basal epithelium consisting of cuboidal and columnar cells were also evident in the neoepidermis. Nuclear expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was contiguous in cells along the basal epidermal layer of control and SM exposed skin; SM caused a significant increase in PCNA expression in basal and suprabasal cells. SM exposure was also associated with marked changes in expression of markers of wound healing including increases in keratin 10, keratin 17 and loricrin and decreases in E-cadherin. Trichrome staining of control skin showed a well-developed collagen network with no delineation between the papillary and reticular dermis. Conversely, a major delineation was observed in SM-exposed skin including a web-like papillary dermis composed of filamentous extracellular matrix, and compact collagen fibrils in the lower reticular dermis. Although the dermis below the wound site was disrupted, there was substantive epidermal regeneration following SM-induced injury. Further studies analyzing the wound healing process in minipig skin will be important to provide a model to evaluate potential vesicant countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Gabriella Wahler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | | | - Patrick J Sinko
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America
| | - Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States of America.
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DNA damage signaling in the cellular responses to mustard vesicants. Toxicol Lett 2020; 326:78-82. [PMID: 32173488 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Mustard vesicants, including sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide, SM) and nitrogen mustard (bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine, HN2) are cytotoxic blistering agents synthesized for chemical warfare. Because they contain highly reactive electrophilic chloroethyl side chains, they readily react with cellular macromolecules like DNA forming monofunctional and bifunctional adducts. By targeting DNA, mustards can compromise genomic integrity, disrupt the cell cycle, and cause mutations and cytotoxicity. To protect against genotoxicity following exposure to mustards, cells initiate a DNA damage response (DDR). This involves activation of signaling cascades including ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated), ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related) and DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic unit). Signaling induced by the DDR leads to the recruitment and activation of repair related proteins such as phospho H2AX and phospho p53 to sites of DNA lesions. Excessive DNA modifications by mustards can overwhelm DNA repair leading to single and double strand DNA breaks, cytotoxicity and tissue damage, sometimes leading to cancer. Herein we summarize DDR signaling pathways induced by SM, HN2 and the half mustard, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). At the present time, little is known about how mustard-induced DNA damage leads to the activation of DDR signaling. A better understanding of mechanisms by which mustard vesicants induce the DDR may lead to the development of countermeasures effective in mitigating tissue injury.
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Rose D, Schmidt A, Brandenburger M, Sturmheit T, Zille M, Boltze J. Sulfur mustard skin lesions: A systematic review on pathomechanisms, treatment options and future research directions. Toxicol Lett 2017; 293:82-90. [PMID: 29203275 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare, which has been used for one hundred years. However, its exact pathomechanisms are still incompletely understood and there is no specific therapy available so far. In this systematic review, studies published between January 2000 and July 2017 involving pathomechanisms and experimental treatments of SM-induced skin lesions were analyzed to summarize current knowledge on SM pathology, to provide an overview on novel treatment options, and to identify promising targets for future research to more effectively counter SM effects. We suggest that future studies should focus on (I) systemic effects of SM intoxication due to its distribution throughout the body, (II) removal of SM depots that continuously release active compound contributing to chronic skin damage, and (III) therapeutic options that counteract the pleiotropic effects of SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Rose
- Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Mönkhofer Weg 239a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23652, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annette Schmidt
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany; Universität der Bundeswehr, Fakultät für Humanwissenschaften, Department für Sportwissenschaft, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85577, Neubiberg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Brandenburger
- Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Mönkhofer Weg 239a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23652, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tabea Sturmheit
- Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Mönkhofer Weg 239a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23652, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Mönkhofer Weg 239a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23652, Lübeck, Germany; Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Johannes Boltze
- Department of Translational Medicine and Cell Technology, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Mönkhofer Weg 239a, 23562, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23652, Lübeck, Germany
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8
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Dachir S, Rabinovitz I, Yaacov G, Gutman H, Cohen L, Horwitz V, Cohen M, Kadar T. Whole body exposure of rats to sulfur mustard vapor. Drug Chem Toxicol 2017; 42:231-242. [PMID: 29171299 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2017.1402917] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is an incapacitating chemical warfare agent used in numerous conflicts around the world and it is still a major threat for both, army troops and civilians. To evaluate its multiple targets effects in experimental setup, a model of whole body exposure (WBE) to SM vapor was established in rats and its simultaneous effects on lungs and eyes as well as on general wellbeing were examined. Rats were exposed to SM vapor. Evaluation (up to 10 weeks post-exposure) included body weight, general observation, blood counts and histological analysis. Results showed that following a latency-period of several hours, rats typical symptoms developed over a period of more than one week. The initial symptoms, characterized by swollen and erythematic nose, deteriorated into extensive rhinorrhea, eye closure, excessive lacrimation as well as rhonchi, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Alopecia and behavioral abnormality were also recorded. A weight loss of up to 40% was measured within one week with spontaneous recovery to baseline level within three weeks after exposure. Blood counts revealed leukopenia during the first three days post-exposure. Histological evaluation revealed a long lasting damage to the trachea, lungs and eyes. Thus, WBE to SM, was found to closely mimic the deleterious effects of SM on the sensitive tissues previously described in human victims during WWI and the Iran-Iraq war. The use of this animal model will enable comprehensive characterization of changes in biological processes that may lead to the development of therapeutic measures to ameliorate SM induced multi-system injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomit Dachir
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Ishai Rabinovitz
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Guy Yaacov
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Hila Gutman
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Liat Cohen
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Vered Horwitz
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Maayan Cohen
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
| | - Tamar Kadar
- a Department of Pharmacology , Israel Institute for Biological Research , Ness Ziona , Israel
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Joseph LB, Composto GM, Perez RM, Kim HD, Casillas RP, Heindel ND, Young SC, Lacey CJ, Saxena J, Guillon CD, Croutch CR, Laskin JD, Heck DE. Sulfur mustard induced mast cell degranulation in mouse skin is inhibited by a novel anti-inflammatory and anticholinergic bifunctional prodrug. Toxicol Lett 2017; 293:77-81. [PMID: 29127031 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM, bis(2-chloroethyl sulfide) is a potent vesicating agent known to cause skin inflammation, necrosis and blistering. Evidence suggests that inflammatory cells and mediators that they generate are important in the pathogenic responses to SM. In the present studies we investigated the role of mast cells in SM-induced skin injury using a murine vapor cup exposure model. Mast cells, identified by toluidine blue staining, were localized in the dermis, adjacent to dermal appendages and at the dermal/epidermal junction. In control mice, 48-61% of mast cells were degranulated. SM exposure (1.4g/m3 in air for 6min) resulted in increased numbers of degranulated mast cells 1-14days post-exposure. Treatment of mice topically with an indomethacin choline bioisostere containing prodrug linked by an aromatic ester-carbonate that targets cyclooxygenases (COX) enzymes and acetylcholinesterase (1% in an ointment) 1-14days after SM reduced skin inflammation and injury and enhanced tissue repair. This was associated with a decrease in mast cell degranulation from 90% to 49% 1-3days post SM, and from 84% to 44% 7-14days post SM. These data suggest that reduced inflammation and injury in response to the bifunctional indomethacin prodrug may be due, at least in part, to abrogating mast cell degranulation. The use of inhibitors of mast cell degranulation may be an effective strategy for mitigating skin injury induced by SM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong-Duck Kim
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaya Saxena
- Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Diane E Heck
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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10
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Schmidt A, Steinritz D, Rothmiller S, Thiermann H, Scherer AM. Effects of sulfur mustard on mesenchymal stem cells. Toxicol Lett 2017; 293:98-104. [PMID: 28818580 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wound healing disorders that occur as a result of a sulfur mustard (SM) exposure present a particular challenge. These chronic wounds are similar to other chronic wounds. In the past, it has been shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) play an important role in the healing of chronic wounds. An important property to support wound healing is their ability to migrate. However, we were able to show that SM leads to a reduction in MSC migration even at low concentrations. Currently, exposed MSCs are still able to differentiate. Further alterations are not known. The current investigation therefore focused onto the question how SM affects MSC. MATERIAL & METHODS The effect of SM on MSC was investigated. Here, the alkylation of DNA was considered, and DNA adducts were quantified over a period of 48h. The modification of the nuclei under the influence of SM was analyzed as well as proliferation of the cells by immunohistochemical staining with Ki-67 and quantification. For the quantification of the apoptosis rate, antibodies against cleaved Caspase-3, 8, and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) were used. The senescence analysis was performed after histological staining against β-galactosidase. Quantifications were carried out by using the TissueQuest System and the software TissueFAX. RESULTS SM exposure of MSC results in a dose dependent formation of nuclear DNA adducts. 4h after exposure the cells display a decreasing concentration of DNA adducts. This process is accompanied by a change of nuclei shape but without an increase of apoptosis induction. In parallel the number of cells undergoing senescence increases as a function of the SM concentration. DISCUSSION SM exposure of MSC leads to adduct formation on chromosomal DNA. These DNA adducts can be reduced without MSC are undergoing apoptosis. This indicates an active DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in combination with the formation of persistent nuclear DNA damage foci. This process is accompanied by a reduced capability of proliferation and a transition into the senescent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Schmidt
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; Universität der Bundeswehr, Fakultät für Humanwissenschaften, Department für Sportwissenschaft, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85577 Neubiberg, Germany.
| | - Dirk Steinritz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Munich, Goethestr. 33, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Rothmiller
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - A Michael Scherer
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, HELIOS Amper Clinics, Krankenhausstrasse 15, 85221 Dachau, Germany
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11
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Joseph LB, Composto GM, Heck DE. Tissue injury and repair following cutaneous exposure of mice to sulfur mustard. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1378:118-123. [PMID: 27371823 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13125] [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] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In mouse skin, sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent vesicant, damaging both the epidermis and the dermis. The extent of wounding is dependent on the dose of SM and the duration of exposure. Initial responses include erythema, pruritus, edema, and xerosis; this is followed by an accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in the tissue, activation of mast cells, and the release of mediators, including proinflammatory cytokines and bioactive lipids. These proinflammatory mediators contribute to damaging the epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands and to disruption of the epidermal basement membrane. This can lead to separation of the epidermis from the dermis, resulting in a blister, which ruptures, leading to the formation of an eschar. The eschar stimulates the formation of a neoepidermis and wound repair and may result in persistent epidermal hyperplasia. Epidermal damage and repair is associated with upregulation of enzymes generating proinflammatory and pro-growth/pro-wound healing mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2, which generates prostanoids, inducible nitric oxide synthase, which generates nitric oxide, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, and galectin-3. Characterization of the mediators regulating structural changes in the skin during SM-induced tissue damage and wound healing will aid in the development of therapeutic modalities to mitigate toxicity and stimulate tissue repair processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey.
| | - Gabriella M Composto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Environmental Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
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12
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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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13
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Wohlman IM, Composto GM, Heck DE, Heindel ND, Lacey CJ, Guillon CD, Casillas RP, Croutch CR, Gerecke DR, Laskin DL, Joseph LB, Laskin JD. Mustard vesicants alter expression of the endocannabinoid system in mouse skin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 303:30-44. [PMID: 27125198 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.04.014] [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: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vesicants including sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are bifunctional alkylating agents that cause skin inflammation, edema and blistering. This is associated with alterations in keratinocyte growth and differentiation. Endogenous cannabinoids, including N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), are important in regulating inflammation, keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing. Their activity is mediated by binding to cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Levels of endocannabinoids are regulated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). We found that CB1, CB2, PPARα and FAAH were all constitutively expressed in mouse epidermis and dermal appendages. Topical administration of NM or SM, at concentrations that induce tissue injury, resulted in upregulation of FAAH, CB1, CB2 and PPARα, a response that persisted throughout the wound healing process. Inhibitors of FAAH including a novel class of vanillyl alcohol carbamates were found to be highly effective in suppressing vesicant-induced inflammation in mouse skin. Taken together, these data indicate that the endocannabinoid system is important in regulating skin homeostasis and that inhibitors of FAAH may be useful as medical countermeasures against vesicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene M Wohlman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Gabriella M Composto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Diane E Heck
- Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Ned D Heindel
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - C Jeffrey Lacey
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, United States.
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