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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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Gros-Désormeaux F, Caffin F, Igert A, Guatto N, Piérard C. Is CEES a good analog of sulfur mustard? Macroscopic aspect, histology, and molecular biology comparisons between sulfur mustard and CEES-induced skin lesions. Toxicol Lett 2022; 361:21-28. [PMID: 35341927 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical blistering warfare agent affecting multiple organs. SM is an ongoing chemical threat in addition to the accidental risk associated with World War I buried shells. As no specific treatments are available, only symptomatic therapies can be used. To test new medical countermeasures in standard laboratories, analogs such as 2-chloroethyl ethylsulfide (CEES) are currently used, although only a few studies compare its clinical effects with SM. In the present paper, skin lesions induced by SM and CEES are compared in terms of their macroscopic aspects, histology, and molecular biology to evaluate the pertinence of CEES as a SM analog. For this purpose, an in vivo model of CEES vapor exposure, similar to that of SM, is described in this paper. RESULTS: showed similar skin lesions with CEES and SM but with slight differences in the apparition delay and intensity of the lesions. Indeed, SM induced earlier, deeper, and stronger lesions. However, the same healing status was observed at the end of the study period (14 days). In conclusion, CEES appears a relevant analog of SM, leading to similar skin lesions. The CEES vapor exposure model therefore seems suitable for testing new medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Gros-Désormeaux
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques - Unité Vésicants, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place du Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France.
| | - Fanny Caffin
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques - Unité Vésicants, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place du Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Alexandre Igert
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques - Unité Vésicants, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place du Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Nathalie Guatto
- Département des Plateformes et Recherches Technologiques - Unité Imagerie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place du Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Christophe Piérard
- Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques - Unité Vésicants, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place du Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
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Tumu HCR, Cuffari BJ, Billack B. Combination of ebselen and hydrocortisone substantially reduces nitrogen mustard-induced cutaneous injury. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:375-385. [PMID: 34806038 PMCID: PMC8585582 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the vesicant countermeasure effects of hydrocortisone (HC) and ebselen (EB-1), administered as monotherapy or as a combination treatment. The mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM) was utilized and test doses of HC (0.016, 0.023, 0.031, 0.047, 0.063, 0.125 or 0.250 mg/ear), EB-1 (0.125, 0.187, 0.250, 0.375 or 0.500 mg/ear) or the combination of HC + EB-1 were topically applied at 15 min, 4 h and 8 h after nitrogen mustard exposure. Ear punch biopsies were obtained 24 h after mechlorethamine (HN2) exposure. Compared to control ears, ear tissues exposed topically to HN2 (0.500 µmol/ear) presented with an increase in ear thickness, vesication, TUNEL fluorescence and expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In contrast, HN2 exposed ears treated topically with EB-1 showed a significant decrease in morphometric thickness and vesication vs. HN2 alone. Ear tissues exposed to HN2 and then treated with HC also demonstrated reductions in morphometric thickness and vesication. Combination treatment of HC + EB-1 was found to be the most effective at reducing HN2-induced ear edema and vesication. The combination also dramatically decreased HN2-mediated cutaneous expression of iNOS and MMP-9 and decreased HN2-induced TUNEL staining. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the combination of HC + EB-1 is an efficacious countermeasure to HN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanta C Rao Tumu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Benedette J. Cuffari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
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Chang YC, Hahn RA, Gordon MK, Laskin JD, Gerecke DR. A type IV collagenase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-(4-phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS), suppresses skin injury induced by sulfur mustard. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 401:115078. [PMID: 32479919 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic blistering agent thought to mediate its action, in part, by activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the skin and disrupting components of the basement membrane zone (BMZ). Type IV collagenases (MMP-9) degrade type IV collagen in the skin, a major component of the BMZ at the dermal-epidermal junction. In the present studies, a type IV collagenase inhibitor, N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-(4-phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS), was tested for its ability to protect the skin against injury induced by SM in the mouse ear vesicant model. SM induced inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia and microblistering at the dermal/epidermal junction of mouse ears 24-168 h post-exposure. This was associated with upregulation of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in the skin. Dual immunofluorescence labeling showed increases in MMP-9 in the epidermis and in the adjacent dermal matrix of the SM injured skin, as well as breakdown of type IV collagen in the basement membrane. Pretreatment of the skin with BiPS reduced signs of SM-induced cutaneous toxicity; expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein was also downregulated in the skin by BiPS. Following BiPS pretreatment, type IV collagen appeared intact and was similar to control skin. These results demonstrate that inhibiting type IV collagenases in the skin improves basement membrane integrity after exposure to SM. BiPS may hold promise as a potential protective agent to mitigate SM induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoke-Chen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Rita A Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
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Tumu HCR, Cuffari BJ, Pino MA, Palus J, Piętka-Ottlik M, Billack B. Ebselen oxide attenuates mechlorethamine dermatotoxicity in the mouse ear vesicant model. Drug Chem Toxicol 2018; 43:335-346. [DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1488858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hemanta C. Rao Tumu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Benedette J. Cuffari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Maria A. Pino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Specialties, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Jerzy Palus
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Piętka-Ottlik
- Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, USA
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Chang YC, Soriano M, Hahn RA, Casillas RP, Gordon MK, Laskin JD, Gerecke DR. Expression of cytokines and chemokines in mouse skin treated with sulfur mustard. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 355:52-59. [PMID: 29935281 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide, SM) is a chemical warfare agent that generates an inflammatory response in the skin and causes severe tissue damage and blistering. In earlier studies, we identified cutaneous damage induced by SM in mouse ear skin including edema, erythema, epidermal hyperplasia and microblistering. The present work was focused on determining if SM-induced injury was associated with alterations in mRNA and protein expression of specific cytokines and chemokines in the ear skin. We found that SM caused an accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils in the tissue within one day which persisted for at least 7 days. This was associated with a 2-15 fold increase in expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α at time points up to 7 days post-SM exposure. Marked increases (20-1000 fold) in expression of chemokines associated with recruitment and activation of macrophages were also noted in the tissue including growth-regulated oncogene α (GROα/CXCL1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF/CSF3), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP1α/CCL3), and IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP10/CXCL10). The pattern of cytokines/chemokine expression was coordinate with expression of macrophage elastase/MMP12 and neutrophil collagenase/MMP8 suggesting that macrophages and neutrophils were, at least in part, a source of cytokines and chemokines. These data support the idea that inflammatory cell-derived mediators contribute to the pathogenesis of SM induced skin damage. Modulating the infiltration of inflammatory cells and reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators in the skin may be an important strategy for mitigating SM-induced cutaneous injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoke-Chen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Melannie Soriano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rita A Hahn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Marion K Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Donald R Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Goswami DG, Agarwal R, Tewari-Singh N. Phosgene oxime: Injury and associated mechanisms compared to vesicating agents sulfur mustard and lewisite. Toxicol Lett 2017; 293:112-119. [PMID: 29141200 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Phosgene Oxime (CX, Cl2CNOH), a halogenated oxime, is a potent chemical weapon that causes immediate acute injury and systemic effects. CX, grouped together with vesicating agents, is an urticant or nettle agent with highly volatile, reactive, corrosive, and irritating vapor, and has considerably different chemical properties and toxicity compared to other vesicants. CX is absorbed quickly through clothing with faster cutaneous penetration compared to other vesicating agents causing instantaneous and severe damage. For this reason, it could be produced as a weaponized mixture with other chemical warfare agents to enhance their deleterious effects. The immediate devastating effects of CX and easy synthesis makes it a dangerous chemical with both military and terrorist potentials. Although CX is the most potent vesicating agent, it is one of the least studied chemical warfare agents and the pathophysiology as well as long term effects are largely unknown. CX exposure results in immediate pain and inflammation, and it mainly affects skin, eye and respiratory system. There are no antidotes available against CX-induced injury and the treatment is only supportive. This review summarizes existing knowledge regarding exposure, toxicity and the probable underlying mechanisms of CX compared to other important vesicants' exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Giri Goswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Hall CA, Lydon HL, Dalton CH, Chipman JK, Graham JS, Chilcott RP. The percutaneous toxicokinetics of Sulphur mustard in a damaged skin porcine model and the evaluation of WoundStat™ as a topical decontaminant. J Appl Toxicol 2017; 37:1036-1045. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A. Hall
- CBRN & Chemical Toxicological Research Group, Centre for Radiation; Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health Protection Agency; Chilton UK
- School of BioSciences; University of Birmingham; Birmingham UK
| | - Helen L. Lydon
- CBRN & Chemical Toxicological Research Group, Centre for Radiation; Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health Protection Agency; Chilton UK
- School of BioSciences; University of Birmingham; Birmingham UK
| | | | | | - John S. Graham
- Medical Toxicology Branch Analytical Toxicology Division; US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense; Aberdeen Proving Ground; MD 21010 USA
| | - Robert P. Chilcott
- CBRN & Chemical Toxicological Research Group, Centre for Radiation; Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health Protection Agency; Chilton UK
- Research Centre for Topical Drug Delivery and Toxicology; University of Hertfordshire; Hatfield UK
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Cutaneous exposure to vesicant phosgene oxime: Acute effects on the skin and systemic toxicity. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 317:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Tewari-Singh N, Agarwal R. Mustard vesicating agent-induced toxicity in the skin tissue and silibinin as a potential countermeasure. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1374:184-92. [PMID: 27326543 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to the vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) causes severe skin injury with delayed blistering. Depending upon the dose and time of their exposure, edema and erythema develop into blisters, ulceration, necrosis, desquamation, and pigmentation changes, which persist weeks and even years after exposure. Research advances have generated data that have started to explain the probable mechanism of action of vesicant-induced skin toxicity; however, despite these advances, effective and targeted therapies are still deficient. This review highlights studies on two SM analogs, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and NM, and CEES- and NM-induced skin injury mouse models that have substantially added to the knowledge on the complex pathways involved in mustard vesicating agent-induced skin injury. Furthermore, employing these mouse models, studies under the National Institutes of Health Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats program have identified the flavanone silibinin as a novel therapeutic intervention with the potential to be developed as an effective countermeasure against skin injury following exposure to mustard vesicating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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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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Goswami DG, Kumar D, Tewari-Singh N, Orlicky DJ, Jain AK, Kant R, Rancourt RC, Dhar D, Inturi S, Agarwal C, White CW, Agarwal R. Topical nitrogen mustard exposure causes systemic toxic effects in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 67:161-70. [PMID: 25481215 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are reported to be easily absorbed by skin upon exposure causing severe cutaneous injury and blistering. Our studies show that topical exposure of NM (3.2mg) onto SKH-1 hairless mouse skin, not only caused skin injury, but also led to significant body weight loss and 40-80% mortality (120 h post-exposure), suggesting its systemic effects. Accordingly, further studies herein show that NM exposure initiated an increase in circulating white blood cells by 24h (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils) and thereafter a decrease (neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes). NM exposure also reduced both white and red pulp areas of the spleen. In the small intestine, NM exposure caused loss of membrane integrity of the surface epithelium, abnormal structure of glands and degeneration of villi. NM exposure also resulted in the dilation of glomerular capillaries of kidneys, and an increase in blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio. Our results here with NM are consistent with earlier reports that exposure to higher SM levels can cause damage to the hematopoietic system, and kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal tract toxicity. These outcomes will add to our understanding of the toxic effects of topical vesicant exposure, which might be helpful towards developing effective countermeasures against injuries from acute topical exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh G Goswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anil K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rama Kant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Raymond C Rancourt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deepanshi Dhar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carl W White
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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14
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Lomash V, Pant SC. A novel decontaminant and wound healant formulation of N,N'-dichloro-bis[2,4,6-trichlorophenyl]urea against sulfur mustard-induced skin injury. Wound Repair Regen 2014; 22:85-95. [PMID: 24393156 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM)-induced dermatotoxicity can be prevented by an immediate use of decontamination agents. However, practically due to the time lapse between decontamination and exposure, there is always a possibility of wound formation. In view of this, a hydrophilic decontamination formulation of CC-2 (DRDE/WH-03) was fortified with Aloe vera gel and betaine (DRDE/WH-01) for improving its wound healing ability. Swiss albino mice were exposed to SM percutaneously (5 mg/kg) once, and after 24 hours, DRDE/WH-01, DRDE/WH-03, framycetin, and aloe gel were applied topically, daily for 7 days. Skin sections were subjected to histopathology, histomorphologic grading, tissue leukocytosis, and immunohistochemistry of inflammatory-reparative biomarkers on 3 and 7 days, respectively. DRDE/WH-01, framycetin, and aloe gel showed better reepithelialization, angiogenesis, and fibroplasia compared with DRDE/WH-03 and SM control. On the basis of histomorphologic scale, DRDE/WH-01, framycetin, and aloe gel were found to be equally efficacious. Up-regulation of interleukin-6 and infiltrating leukocytes, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiogenesis, fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor-alpha with fibroplasia and reepithelialization were well correlated at various stages of the healing process. DRDE/WH-01 was equally effective as framycetin and has shown improved wound healing efficacy compared with DRDE/WH-03. Thus, DRDE/WH-01 can be recommended as a universal decontaminant and wound healant against vesicant-induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Lomash
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence R&D Establishment, Gwalior, India
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15
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Mouret S, Wartelle J, Batal M, Emorine S, Bertoni M, Poyot T, Cléry-Barraud C, Bakdouri NE, Peinnequin A, Douki T, Boudry I. Time course of skin features and inflammatory biomarkers after liquid sulfur mustard exposure in SKH-1 hairless mice. Toxicol Lett 2014; 232:68-78. [PMID: 25275893 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a strong bifunctional alkylating agent that produces severe tissue injuries characterized by erythema, edema, subepidermal blisters and a delayed inflammatory response after cutaneous exposure. However, despite its long history, SM remains a threat because of the lack of effective medical countermeasures as the molecular mechanisms of these events remain unclear. This limited number of therapeutic options results in part of an absence of appropriate animal models. We propose here to use SKH-1 hairless mouse as the appropriate model for the design of therapeutic strategies against SM-induced skin toxicity. In the present study particular emphasis was placed on histopathological changes associated with inflammatory responses after topical exposure of dorsal skin to three different doses of SM (0.6, 6 and 60mg/kg) corresponding to a superficial, a second-degree and a third-degree burn. Firstly, clinical evaluation of SM-induced skin lesions using non invasive bioengineering methods showed that erythema and impairment of skin barrier increased in a dose-dependent manner. Histological evaluation of skin sections exposed to SM revealed that the time to onset and the severity of symptoms including disorganization of epidermal basal cells, number of pyknotic nuclei, activation of mast cells and neutrophils dermal invasion were dose-dependent. These histopathological changes were associated with a dose- and time-dependent increase in expression of specific mRNA for inflammatory mediators such as interleukins (IL1β and IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP-1α, MIP-2 and MIP-1αR) and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC also called CXCL1) as well as adhesion molecules (L-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)) and growth factor (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (Csf3)). A dose-dependent increase was also noted after SM exposure for mRNA of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP9) and laminin-γ2 which are associated with SM-induced blisters formation. Taken together, our results show that SM-induced skin histopathological changes related to inflammation is similar in SKH-1 hairless mice and humans. SKH-1 mouse is thus a reliable animal model for investigating the SM-induced skin toxicity and to develop efficient treatment against SM-induced inflammatory skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Mouret
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - Julien Wartelle
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Mohamed Batal
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France; UJF & CNRS, CEA, INAC, SCIB, LCIB (UMR_E 3CEA-UJF), Laboratoire Lésions des Acides Nucléiques, 17 Rue des Martyrs, Grenoble Cedex 9 F-38054, France
| | - Sandy Emorine
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Marine Bertoni
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Thomas Poyot
- Pôle de Génomique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Cécile Cléry-Barraud
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Nacera El Bakdouri
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - André Peinnequin
- Pôle de Génomique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Thierry Douki
- UJF & CNRS, CEA, INAC, SCIB, LCIB (UMR_E 3CEA-UJF), Laboratoire Lésions des Acides Nucléiques, 17 Rue des Martyrs, Grenoble Cedex 9 F-38054, France
| | - Isabelle Boudry
- Unité Brûlure Chimique, Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, 24 avenue Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38700 La Tronche, France
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16
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Tewari-Singh N, Jain AK, Orlicky DJ, White CW, Agarwal R. Cutaneous injury-related structural changes and their progression following topical nitrogen mustard exposure in hairless and haired mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85402. [PMID: 24416404 PMCID: PMC3885697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify effective therapies against sulfur mustard (SM)-induced skin injuries, various animals have been used to assess the cutaneous pathology and related histopathological changes of SM injuries. However, these efforts to establish relevant skin injury endpoints for efficacy studies have been limited mainly due to the restricted assess of SM. Therefore, we employed the SM analog nitrogen mustard (NM), a primary vesicating and bifunctional alkylating agent, to establish relevant endpoints for efficient efficacy studies. Our published studies show that NM (3.2 mg) exposure for 12–120 h in both the hairless SKH-1 and haired C57BL/6 mice caused clinical sequelae of toxicity similar to SM exposure in humans. The NM-induced cutaneous pathology-related structural changes were further analyzed in this study and quantified morphometrically (as percent length or area of epidermis or dermis) of skin sections in mice showing these lesions. H&E stained skin sections of both hairless and haired mice showed that NM (12–120 h) exposure caused epidermal histopathological effects such as increased epidermal thickness, epidermal-dermal separation, necrotic/dead epidermis, epidermal denuding, scab formation, parakeratosis (24–120 h), hyperkeratosis (12–120 h), and acanthosis with hyperplasia (72–120 h). Similar NM exposure in both mice caused dermal changes including necrosis, edema, increase in inflammatory cells, and red blood cell extravasation. These NM-induced cutaneous histopathological features are comparable to the reported lesions from SM exposure in humans and animal models. This study advocates the usefulness of these histopathological parameters observed due to NM exposure in screening and optimization of rescue therapies against NM and SM skin injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Carl W. White
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of nitrogen mustard-induced cutaneous effects in SKH-1 hairless and C57BL/6 mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 66:129-38. [PMID: 24373750 DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicant warfare agent which causes severe skin injuries. Currently, we lack effective antidotes against SM-induced skin injuries, in part due to lack of appropriate animal model(s) that can be used for efficacy studies in laboratory settings to identify effective therapies. Therefore, to develop a relevant mouse skin injury model, we examined the effects of nitrogen mustard (NM), a primary vesicant and a bifunctional alkylating agent that induces toxic effects comparable to SM. Specifically, we conducted histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of several applicable cutaneous pathological lesions following skin NM (3.2mg) exposure for 12-120h in SKH-1 and C57BL/6 mice. NM caused a significant increase in epidermal thickness, incidence of microvesication, cell proliferation, apoptotic cell death, inflammatory cells (neutrophils, macrophages and mast cells) and myleoperoxidase activity in the skin of both mouse strains. However, there was a more prominent NM-induced increase in epidermal thickness, and macrophages and mast cell infiltration, in SKH-1 mice relative to what was seen in C57BL/6 mice. NM also caused collagen degradation and edema at early time points (12-24h); however, at later time points (72 and 120h), dense collagen staining was observed, indicating either water loss or start of integument repair in both the mouse strains. This study provides quantitative measurement of NM-induced histopathological and immunohistochemical cutaneous lesions in both hairless and haired mouse strains that could serve as useful tools for screening and identification of effective therapies for treatment of skin injuries due to NM and SM.
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18
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Lulla A, Reznik S, Trombetta L, Billack B. Use of the mouse ear vesicant model to evaluate the effectiveness of ebselen as a countermeasure to the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 34:1373-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anju Lulla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; St. John's University; Jamaica NY 11439 USA
| | - Sandra Reznik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; St. John's University; Jamaica NY 11439 USA
| | - Louis Trombetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; St. John's University; Jamaica NY 11439 USA
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; St. John's University; Jamaica NY 11439 USA
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19
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Modified immunoslotblot assay to detect hemi and sulfur mustard DNA adducts. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 206:523-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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20
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Sawale SD, Ambhore PD, Pawar PP, Pathak U, Deb U, Satpute RM. Ameliorating effect of S-2(ω-aminoalkylamino) alkylaryl sulfide (DRDE-07) on sulfur mustard analogue, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Toxicol Mech Methods 2013; 23:702-10. [DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2013.843109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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21
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Batal M, Boudry I, Mouret S, Wartelle J, Emorine S, Bertoni M, Bérard I, Cléry-Barraud C, Douki T. Temporal and spatial features of the formation of DNA adducts in sulfur mustard-exposed skin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 273:644-50. [PMID: 24141030 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that targets skin where it induces large blisters. DNA alkylation is a critical step to explain SM-induced cutaneous symptoms. We determined the kinetics of formation of main SM-DNA adducts and compare it with the development of the SM-induced pathogenesis in skin. SKH-1 mice were exposed to 2, 6 and 60 mg/kg of SM and treated skin was biopsied between 6h and 21 days. Formation of SM DNA adducts was dose-dependent with a maximum immediately after exposure. However, adducts were persistent and still detectable 21 days post-exposure. The time-dependent formation of DNA adducts was also found to be correlated with the appearance of apoptotic cells. This temporal correlation suggests that these two early events are responsible for the severity of the damage to the skin. Besides, SM-DNA adducts were also detected in areas located next to contaminated zone, thus suggesting that SM diffuses in skin. Altogether, this work provides for the first time a clear picture of SM-induced genotoxicity using DNA adducts as a marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Batal
- Laboratoire «Lésions des Acides Nucléiques», Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble 1, CEA/Institut Nanoscience et Cryogénie/SCIB, UMR-E3, Grenoble, France; Département de Toxicologie et Risques Chimiques, Unité de Brûlure Chimique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Antenne de La Tronche, France
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22
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Tewari-Singh N, Jain AK, Inturi S, White CW, Agarwal R. Clinically-relevant cutaneous lesions by nitrogen mustard: useful biomarkers of vesicants skin injury in SKH-1 hairless and C57BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67557. [PMID: 23826320 PMCID: PMC3691145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A paucity of clinically applicable biomarkers to screen therapies in laboratory is a limitation in the development of countermeasures against cutaneous injuries by chemical weapon, sulfur mustard (SM), and its analog nitrogen mustard (NM). Consequently, we assessed NM-caused progression of clinical cutaneous lesions; notably, skin injury with NM is comparable to SM. Exposure of SKH-1 hairless and C57BL/6 (haired) mice to NM (3.2 mg) for 12-120 h caused clinical sequelae of toxicity, including microblister formation, edema, erythema, altered pigmentation, wounding, xerosis and scaly dry skin. These toxic effects of NM were similar in both mouse strains, except that wounding and altered pigmentation at 12-24 h and appearance of dry skin at 24 and 72 h post-NM exposure were more pronounced in C57BL/6 compared to SKH-1 mice. Conversely, edema, erythema and microblister formation were more prominent in SKH-1 than C57BL/6 mice at 24-72 h after NM exposure. In addition, 40-60% mortality was observed following 120 h of NM exposure in the both mouse strains. Overall, these toxic effects of NM are comparable to those reported in humans and other animal species with SM, and thus represent clinically-relevant cutaneous injury endpoints in screening and optimization of therapies for skin injuries by vesicating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anil K. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Swetha Inturi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Carl W. White
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Chang YC, Wang JD, Svoboda KK, Casillas RP, Laskin JD, Gordon MK, Gerecke DR. Sulfur mustard induces an endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the mouse ear vesicant model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:178-87. [PMID: 23357548 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is a cell survival pathway upregulated when cells are under severe stress. Severely damaged mouse ear skin exposed to the vesicant, sulfur mustard (bis-2-chloroethyl sulfide, SM), resulted in increased expression of ER chaperone proteins that accompany misfolded and incorrectly made proteins targeted for degradation. Time course studies with SM using the mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM) showed progressive histopathologic changes including edema, separation of the epidermis from the dermis, persistent inflammation, upregulation of laminin γ2 (one of the chains of laminin-332, a heterotrimeric skin glycoprotein required for wound repair), and delayed wound healing from 24h to 168h post exposure. This was associated with time related increased expression of the cell survival ER stress marker, GRP78/BiP, and the ER stress apoptosis marker, GADD153/CHOP, suggesting simultaneous activation of both cell survival and non-mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Dual immunofluorescence labeling of a keratinocyte migration promoting protein, laminin γ2 and GRP78/BIP, showed colocalization of the two molecules 72h post exposure indicating that the laminin γ2 was misfolded after SM exposure and trapped within the ER. Taken together, these data show that ER stress is induced in mouse skin within 24h of vesicant exposure in a defensive response to promote cell survival; however, it appears that this response is rapidly overwhelmed by the apoptotic pathway as a consequence of severe SM-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoke-Chen Chang
- Rutgers University, Pharmacology and Toxicology, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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24
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Anderson DR, Mitcheltree LW, Brobst DE, Byers SL, Merz DF, Gold MB. A vapor exposure model for neonatal mice. Toxicol Mech Methods 2012; 12:59-70. [PMID: 20597816 DOI: 10.1080/15376510209167936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (HD) is a vesicant compound that was first used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I. (Papirmeister et al. 1991). Numerous animal models have been used to study HD-induced vesication. In this article, we describe modifications of the vapor cup model of Mershon and colleagues (1990) to establish a new vapor cup model for use in neonatal mice. The need to develop this model resulted from the development of gene-targeted knockout mice that can be used to evaluate the function of specific genes and their contribution to HD-induced pathology. However, the knockouts are haired mice; therefore, it is necessary to perform vapor exposures on the pups prior to their growing hair. Neonatal mice were anesthetized with isofluorane inhalation and placed in sternal recumbency on a 37 degrees C isothermal pad to maintain body heat during exposure. The vapor cup consisted of a 1.5-mL microfuge tube cap (8 mm inside diameter) modified using a Dremel tool to contour its rim to better fit the curve of a mouse pups back. The inside of the cap was fitted with an 8-mm disk of Whatman #2 filter paper, and the rim of the cap was coated with a thin bead of Thomas Lubriseal grease. Ten muL of neat HD was placed on the filter paper disk, and the cup was immediately inverted and placed onto the back of an anesthetized mouse pup. Exposure times varied from 10 to 30 min. At 24 h postexposure, the mice were euthanized; the HD-exposed skin was removed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Following a minimum of 24 h of formalin fixation, the skin sections were bisected across the exposed area. The sections were embedded in paraffin with the central straight-cut surfaces being the focus of histological evaluation. The amount of damage associated with the HD vapor cup exposure varied with time in a dose response fashion. Typical damage consisted of varying amounts of epidermal necrosis at the basal cell level, with occasional separation of epidermis from dermis (microvesication). In severe cases there was complete coagulation of the epidermis and no microvesication. This model should prove useful in identifying the biochemical mechanism of action of HD and ultimately aid in the evaluation of treatment compounds. It may also provide a relevant exposure model for other compounds for which the assessment of vapor-induced damage is necessitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana R Anderson
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, MarylandUSA
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2,6-Dithiopurine, a nucleophilic scavenger, protects against mutagenesis in mouse skin treated in vivo with 2-(chloroethyl) ethyl sulfide, a mustard gas analog. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 263:203-9. [PMID: 22732900 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard [bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide, SM] is a well-known DNA-damaging agent that has been used in chemical warfare since World War I, and is a weapon that could potentially be used in a terrorist attack on a civilian population. Dermal exposure to high concentrations of SM produces severe, long-lasting burns. Topical exposure to high concentrations of 2-(chloroethyl) ethyl sulfide (CEES), a monofunctional analog of SM, also produces severe skin lesions in mice. Utilizing a genetically engineered mouse strain, Big Blue, that allows measurement of mutation frequencies in mouse tissues, we now show that topical treatment with much lower concentrations of CEES induces significant dose- and time-dependent increases in mutation frequency in mouse skin; the mutagenic exposures produce minimal toxicity as determined by standard histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for cytokeratin 6 and the DNA-damage induced phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ-H2AX). We attempted to develop a therapeutic that would inhibit the CEES-induced increase in mutation frequency in the skin. We observe that multi-dose, topical treatment with 2,6-dithiopurine (DTP), a known chemical scavenger of CEES, beginning 1h post-exposure to CEES, completely abolishes the CEES-induced increase in mutation frequency. These findings suggest the possibility that DTP, previously shown to be non-toxic in mice, may be useful as a therapeutic agent in accidental or malicious human exposures to SM.
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Lomash V, Jadhav SE, Ahmed F, Vijayaraghavan R, Pant SC. Evaluation of wound-healing formulation against sulphur mustard-induced skin injury in mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2011; 31:588-605. [PMID: 22144726 DOI: 10.1177/0960327111429139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sulphur mustard (SM) is a bifunctional alkylating agent that causes cutaneous blisters in human and animals. Remedies to SM-induced dermatotoxicity are still in experimental stage. Due to inevitable requirement of a wound-healing formulation against SM-induced skin lesions, efficacy of formulations including povidone iodine, Aloe vera gel, betaine or framycetin sulphate was evaluated in present study. SM was applied percutaneously (5 mg/kg) once on back region of Swiss albino mice; and after 24 hours, DRDE/WH-02 (Defence Research and Development Establishment/ Wound Healant- 02, containing polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP], A. vera gel and betaine), Ovadine, Soframycin or A. vera gel were applied topically, daily for 3 or 7 days in different groups. Skin sections were subjected to histopathology, histomorphologic grading, tissue leukocytosis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemistry of inflammatory-reparative biomarkers. DRDE/WH-02 treated mice received highest score on the basis of histomorphologic scale and lowest number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to other groups. DRDE/WH-02 showed better wound healing as evidenced by widespread re-epithelialization, homogenous fibroplasias well supported by the expression of transforming growth factor-α, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and fibroblast growth factor. Upregulation of interleukin 6 in DRDE/WH-02-treated mice skin resulted in increased tissue leukocytosis and an early removal of tissue debris that initiated reparative process at faster rate compared to other groups. In conclusion, DRDE/WH-02 provided better healing effect and can be recommended as an effective wound healant against SM-induced skin injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Lomash
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Ham HY, Hong CW, Lee SN, Kwon MS, Kim YJ, Song DK. Sulfur mustard primes human neutrophils for increased degranulation and stimulates cytokine release via TRPM2/p38 MAPK signaling. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 258:82-8. [PMID: 22036725 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (2,2'-bis-chloroethyl-sulfide; SM) has been a military threat since the World War I. The emerging threat of bioterrorism makes SM a major threat not only to military but also to civilian world. SM injury elicits an inflammatory response characterized by infiltration of neutrophils. Although SM was reported to prime neutrophils, the mechanism has not been identified yet. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of SM-induced priming in human neutrophils. SM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in human neutrophils in a concentration-dependent fashion. Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) 2 inhibitors (clotrimazole, econazole and flufenamic acid) and silencing of TRPM2 by shRNA attenuated SM-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. SM primed degranulation of azurophil and specific granules in response to activation by fMLP as previously reported. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited SM-induced priming. Neither PD98057, an ERK inhibitor, nor SP600215, a JNK inhibitor, inhibited SM-induced priming. In addition, SM enhanced phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 and release of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. SB203580 inhibited SM-induced NF-kB phosphorylation and cytokine release. These results suggest the involvement of TRPM2/p38 MAPK pathway in SM-induced priming and cytokines release in neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Yong Ham
- Department of Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Vallet V, Poyot T, Cléry-Barraud C, Coulon D, Sentenac C, Peinnequin A, Boudry I. Acute and long-term transcriptional responses in sulfur mustard-exposed SKH-1 hairless mouse skin. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2011; 31:38-47. [DOI: 10.3109/15569527.2011.609206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Joseph LB, Gerecke DR, Heck DE, Black AT, Sinko PJ, Cervelli JA, Casillas RP, Babin MC, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Structural changes in the skin of hairless mice following exposure to sulfur mustard correlate with inflammation and DNA damage. Exp Mol Pathol 2011; 91:515-27. [PMID: 21672537 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2011.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM, bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide) is a bifunctional alkylating agent that causes dermal inflammation, edema and blistering. To investigate the pathogenesis of SM-induced injury, we used a vapor cup model which provides an occlusive environment in which SM is in constant contact with the skin. The dorsal skin of SKH-1 hairless mice was exposed to saturated SM vapor or air control. Histopathological changes, inflammatory markers and DNA damage were analyzed 1-14 days later. After 1 day, SM caused epidermal thinning, stratum corneum shedding, basal cell karyolysis, hemorrhage and macrophage and neutrophil accumulation in the dermis. Cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorylated histone 2A.X (phospho-H2A.X), markers of apoptosis and DNA damage, respectively, were increased whereas proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was down-regulated after SM exposure. By 3 days, epithelial cell hypertrophy, edema, parakeratosis and loss of epidermal structures were noted. Enzymes generating pro-inflammatory mediators including myeloperoxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 were upregulated. After 7 days, keratin-10, a differentiation marker, was evident in the stratum corneum. This was associated with an underlying eschar, as neoepidermis began to migrate at the wound edges. Trichrome staining revealed increased collagen deposition in the dermis. PCNA expression in the epidermis was correlated with hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis. By 14 days, there was epidermal regeneration with extensive hyperplasia, and reduced expression of cleaved caspase-3, cyclooxygenase-2 and phospho-H2A.X. These findings are consistent with the pathophysiology of SM-induced skin injury in humans suggesting that the hairless mouse can be used to investigate the dermatoxicity of vesicants and the potential efficacy of countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie B Joseph
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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Designing of mouse model: a new approach for studying sulphur mustard-induced skin lesions. Burns 2011; 37:851-64. [PMID: 21334815 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was planned to design a mouse model for studying sulphur mustard (SM)-induced skin injury. SM was applied dermally at dose of 5 or 10 mg kg(-1) in polyethyleneglycol-300 (PEG-300) or dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) or acetone once. The changes in body weight, organ body weight indices (OBWI) and haematological and oxidative stress parameters were investigated over a period of 3-7 days and supported by histopathological observations. Exposure to SM in PEG-300 or DMSO resulted in a significant depletion in body weight, OBWI, hepatic glutathione (GSH) and elevation in hepatic lipid peroxidation, without affecting the blood GSH and hepatic oxidised glutathione (GSSG) levels. Interestingly, no aforesaid change was observed after dermal application of SM diluted in acetone. These biochemical changes were supported by the histological observations, which revealed pronounced toxic effect and damage to liver, kidney and spleen after dermal application of SM diluted in PEG-300 or DMSO. The skin showed similar microscopic changes after dermal application of SM in all the three diluents, however; the severity of lesions was found to be time and dose dependent. It can be concluded that dermal exposure of SM diluted in acetone can be used to mimic SM-induced skin toxicity without systemic toxicity in a mouse model.
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Jain AK, Tewari-Singh N, Orlicky DJ, White CW, Agarwal R. 2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulfide causes microvesication and inflammation-related histopathological changes in male hairless mouse skin. Toxicology 2011; 282:129-38. [PMID: 21295104 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2011.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (HD) is a vesicating agent that has been used as a chemical warfare agent in a number of conflicts, posing a major threat in both military conflict and chemical terrorism situations. Currently, we lack effective therapies to rescue skin injuries by HD, in part, due to the lack of appropriate animal models, which are required for conducting laboratory studies to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of promising agents that could potentially be translated in to real HD-caused skin injury. To address this challenge, the present study was designed to assess whether microvesication could be achieved in mouse skin by an HD analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) exposure; notably, microvesication is a key component of HD skin injury in humans. We found that skin exposure of male SKH-1 hairless mice to CEES caused epidermal-dermal separation indicating microvesication. In other studies, CEES exposure also caused an increase in skin bi-fold thickness, wet/dry weight ratio, epidermal thickness, apoptotic cell death, cell proliferation, and infiltration of macrophages, mast cells and neutrophils in male SKH-1 hairless mouse skin. Taken together, these results establish CEES-induced microvesication and inflammation-related histopathological changes in mouse skin, providing a potentially relevant laboratory model for developing effective countermeasures against HD skin injury in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Denver, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Box C238 P-15 Research 2, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Ghanei M, Poursaleh Z, Harandi AA, Emadi SE, Emadi SN. Acute and chronic effects of sulfur mustard on the skin: a comprehensive review. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2010; 29:269-77. [DOI: 10.3109/15569527.2010.511367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Black AT, Hayden PJ, Casillas RP, Heck DE, Gerecke DR, Sinko PJ, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Expression of proliferative and inflammatory markers in a full-thickness human skin equivalent following exposure to the model sulfur mustard vesicant, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2010; 249:178-87. [PMID: 20840853 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2010.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard is a potent vesicant that induces inflammation, edema and blistering following dermal exposure. To assess molecular mechanisms mediating these responses, we analyzed the effects of the model sulfur mustard vesicant, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, on EpiDerm-FT™, a commercially available full-thickness human skin equivalent. CEES (100-1000 μM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in pyknotic nuclei and vacuolization in basal keratinocytes; at high concentrations (300-1000 μM), CEES also disrupted keratin filament architecture in the stratum corneum. This was associated with time-dependent increases in expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a marker of cell proliferation, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and phosphorylated histone H2AX, markers of DNA damage. Concentration- and time-dependent increases in mRNA and protein expression of eicosanoid biosynthetic enzymes including COX-2, 5-lipoxygenase, microsomal PGE₂ synthases, leukotriene (LT) A₄ hydrolase and LTC₄ synthase were observed in CEES-treated skin equivalents, as well as in antioxidant enzymes, glutathione S-transferases A1-2 (GSTA1-2), GSTA3 and GSTA4. These data demonstrate that CEES induces rapid cellular damage, cytotoxicity and inflammation in full-thickness skin equivalents. These effects are similar to human responses to vesicants in vivo and suggest that the full thickness skin equivalent is a useful in vitro model to characterize the biological effects of mustards and to develop potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne T Black
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Dorandeu F, Taysse L, Boudry I, Foquin A, Hérodin F, Mathieu J, Daulon S, Cruz C, Lallement G. Cutaneous challenge with chemical warfare agents in the SKH-1 hairless mouse. (I) Development of a model for screening studies in skin decontamination and protection. Hum Exp Toxicol 2010; 30:470-90. [PMID: 20547654 DOI: 10.1177/0960327110373615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to lethal chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is no longer only a military issue due to the terrorist threat. Among the CWAs of concern are the organophosphorus nerve agent O-ethyl-S-(2[di-isopropylamino]ethyl)methyl-phosphonothioate (VX) and the vesicant sulfur mustard (SM). Although efficient means of decontamination are available, most of them lose their efficacy when decontamination is delayed after exposure of the bare skin. Alternatively, CWA skin penetration can be prevented by topical skin protectants. Active research in skin protection and decontamination is thus paramount. In vivo screening of decontaminants or skin protectants is usually time consuming and may be expensive depending on the animal species used. We were thus looking for a suitable, scientifically sound and cost-effective model, which is easy to handle. The euthymic hairless mouse Crl: SKH-1 (hr/hr) BR is widely used in some skin studies and has previously been described to be suitable for some experiments involving SM or SM analogs. To evaluate the response of this species, we studied the consequences of exposing male anaesthetized SKH-1 mice to either liquid VX or to SM, the latter being used in liquid form or as saturated vapours. Long-term effects of SM burn were also evaluated. The model was then used in the companion paper (Taysse et al.(1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- F Dorandeu
- Département de Toxicologie et risque chimique, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherches du Service de Santé des Armées, La Tronche, France.
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Shakarjian MP, Heck DE, Gray JP, Sinko PJ, Gordon MK, Casillas RP, Heindel ND, Gerecke DR, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Mechanisms mediating the vesicant actions of sulfur mustard after cutaneous exposure. Toxicol Sci 2009; 114:5-19. [PMID: 19833738 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfp253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM), a chemical weapon first employed during World War I, targets the skin, eyes, and lung. It remains a significant military and civilian threat. The characteristic response of human skin to SM involves erythema of delayed onset, followed by edema with inflammatory cell infiltration, the appearance of large blisters in the affected area, and a prolonged healing period. Several in vivo and in vitro models have been established to understand the pathology and investigate the mechanism of action of this vesicating agent in the skin. SM is a bifunctional alkylating agent which reacts with many targets including lipids, proteins, and DNA, forming both intra- and intermolecular cross-links. Despite the relatively nonselective chemical reactivity of this agent, basal keratinocytes are more sensitive, and blistering involves detachment of these cells from their basement membrane adherence zones. The sequence and manner in which these cells die and detach is still unresolved. Much has been discovered over the past two decades with respect to the mechanisms of SM-induced cytotoxicity and the intracellular and extracellular targets of this vesicant. In this review, the effects of SM exposure on the skin are described, as well as potential mechanisms mediating its actions. Successful therapy for SM poisoning will depend on following new mechanistic leads to develop drugs that target one or more of its sites of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Shakarjian
- Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Health Sciences and Practice, Institute of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
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Hayden PJ, Petrali JP, Stolper G, Hamilton TA, Jackson GR, Wertz PW, Ito S, Smith WJ, Klausner M. Microvesicating effects of sulfur mustard on an in vitro human skin model. Toxicol In Vitro 2009; 23:1396-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2009.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kehe K, Balszuweit F, Steinritz D, Thiermann H. Molecular toxicology of sulfur mustard-induced cutaneous inflammation and blistering. Toxicology 2009; 263:12-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2009.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Revised: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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38
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Chang YC, Sabourin CLK, Lu SE, Sasaki T, Svoboda KKH, Gordon MK, Riley DJ, Casillas RP, Gerecke DR. Upregulation of gamma-2 laminin-332 in the mouse ear vesicant wound model. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2009; 23:172-84. [PMID: 19526566 PMCID: PMC4465420 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cell migration during wound healing is regulated in part by enzymatic processing of laminin-332 (formerly LN-5), a heterodimer formed from alpha, beta, and gamma polypeptide chains. Under static conditions, laminin-332 is secreted into the extracellular matrix as a proform and has two chains processed to smaller forms, allowing it to anchor epithelial cells to the basement membrane of the dermis. During incisional wounding, laminin gamma2 chains in particular are processed to smaller sizes and function to promote epithelial sheet migration over the wound bed. The present study examines whether this same function occurs following chemical injury. The mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM) was used to follow the pathology in the ear and test whether processed laminin-332 enhances epithelial cell migration. Skin biopsies of sulfur mustard (SM) exposed ears for several time points were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis. SM exposure greatly increased mRNA levels for laminin-gamma2 in comparison to the other two chains. Protein production of laminin-gamma2 was upregulated, and there was an increase in the processed forms. Protein production was in excess of the amount required to form heterotrimeric laminin-332 and was associated with the migrating epithelial sheet, suggesting a potential role in wound healing for monomeric laminin-gamma2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoke-Chen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, EOHSI, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Shou-En Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, UMDNJ School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kathy K. H. Svoboda
- Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Marion K. Gordon
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, EOHSI, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - David J. Riley
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Robert P. Casillas
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201-2693, USA
| | - Donald R. Gerecke
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, EOHSI, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Rogers JV, McDougal JN, Price JA, Reid FM, Graham JS. Transcriptional responses associated with sulfur mustard and thermal burns in porcine skin. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2009; 27:135-60. [PMID: 18988085 DOI: 10.1080/15569520802092054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In military and civilian environments, serious cutaneous damage can result from thermal burns or exposure to the blistering agent sulfur mustard [bis (2-chloroethyl) sulfide; HD]. Similar therapies have historically been used to treat cutaneous thermal and HD injuries; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of tissue damage and wound healing may differ between the types of burns. Using microarray analysis, this study assessed the transcriptional responses to cutaneous HD and thermal injury at 48 hours post-exposure to identify molecular networks and genes associated with each type of skin injury. Ventral abdominal sites on each of 4 weanling swine were exposed to 400 mul of undiluted HD or a heated brass rod (70 degrees C) for 8 minutes and 45-60 seconds, respectively. At 48 hours post-exposure, total RNA was isolated from excised skin samples and hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip Porcine Genome Arrays (containing 20,201 genes). Both HD and thermal exposure promoted significant transcriptional changes where 290 and 267 transcripts were increased and 197 and 707 transcripts were decreased with HD and thermal exposure, respectively. HD- and thermal-injured skin expressed 149 increased and 148 decreased common transcripts. Comparison of the 10 most significantly changed biological functions for HD and thermal exposures identified 7 overlapping functional groups. Canonical pathways analysis revealed 15 separate signaling pathways containing transcripts associated with both HD and thermal exposure. Within these pathways, 5 transcripts (CXCR4, FGFR2, HMOX1, IL1R1, and TLR4) were identified as known targets for existing phase II/III clinical trial or Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. This study is the first to directly assess transcriptional changes in porcine skin subjected to HD or thermal injury over the same time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V Rogers
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Columbus, Ohio 43201, USA.
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40
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Rabinowitz P, Wiley J, Odofin L, Wilcox M, Dein FJ. Animals as sentinels of chemical terrorism agents: An evidence-based review. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 46:93-100. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650701664905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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41
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Involvement of caspases and transmembrane metalloproteases in sulphur mustard-induced microvesication in adult human skin in organ culture: directions for therapy. Toxicology 2009; 258:39-46. [PMID: 19167455 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
While skin is a major target for sulphur mustard (HD), a therapy to limit HD-induced vesication is currently not available. Since it is supposed that apoptotic cell death and proteolytic digestion of extracellular matrix proteins by metalloproteases are initiating factors for blister formation, we have explored whether inhibition of these processes could prevent HD-induced epidermal-dermal separation using adult human skin in organ culture. Involvement of the caspase and the metalloprotease families was confirmed by the observation that their respective broad spectrum inhibitors, Z-VAD-fmk and GM6001, each suppressed HD-induced microvesication. The lowest effective concentrations were 10 and 100microM, respectively. Using specific inhibitors for caspase-8 (> or =10microM) and caspase-9 (> or =10microM) we learned that HD-induced apoptosis is initiated by the death receptor pathway as well as by the mitochondrial pathway. Remarkably, blocking caspase-8 activity resulted in morphologically better conserved cells than blocking caspase-9 activity. We zoomed in on the role of metalloproteases in HD-induced microvesication by testing the effects of two inhibitors: dec-RVKR-cmk and TAPI-2. Dec-RVKR-cmk is an inhibitor of furin, which activates transmembrane enzymes of the 'a disintegrin and metalloproteinase' (ADAM)-family as well as the membrane-type metalloproteases (MTx-MMP). TAPI-2 specifically inhibits TNFalpha-converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17), which is involved in pericellular proteolysis. Both inhibitors prevented microvesication at concentrations of > or =500 and > or =20microM, respectively. This confirms that ADAMs and MT-MMPs play a role in HD-induced epidermal-dermal separation, with a particular role for TACE/ADAM17. Since TACE is involved not only in degradation of cell-matrix adhesion structures, but also in ectodomain shedding of ligands for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and in release of TNFalpha, these results imply TACE-mediated pathways as a new concept in HD toxicity. In conclusion, transmembrane metalloproteases probably form a main target for treatment of blisters in HD casualties. The observation that microvesication in the ex vivo human skin model still could be prevented when the metalloprotease inhibitor GM6001 was applied up to 8h after exposure to HD opens perspectives for non-urgent cure of HD casualties.
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Tewari-Singh N, Rana S, Gu M, Pal A, Orlicky DJ, White CW, Agarwal R. Inflammatory biomarkers of sulfur mustard analog 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide-induced skin injury in SKH-1 hairless mice. Toxicol Sci 2008; 108:194-206. [PMID: 19075041 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (HD) is an alkylating and cytotoxic chemical warfare agent, which inflicts severe skin toxicity and an inflammatory response. Effective medical countermeasures against HD-caused skin toxicity are lacking due to limited knowledge of related mechanisms, which is mainly attributed to the requirement of more applicable and efficient animal skin toxicity models. Using a less toxic analog of HD, chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), we identified quantifiable inflammatory biomarkers of CEES-induced skin injury in dose- (0.05-2 mg) and time- (3-168 h) response experiments, and developed a CEES-induced skin toxicity SKH-1 hairless mouse model. Topical CEES treatment at high doses caused a significant dose-dependent increase in skin bi-fold thickness indicating edema. Histopathological evaluation of CEES-treated skin sections revealed increases in epidermal and dermal thickness, number of pyknotic basal keratinocytes, dermal capillaries, neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, and desquamation of epidermis. CEES-induced dose-dependent increases in epidermal cell apoptosis and basal cell proliferation were demonstrated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (tdt)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling and proliferative cell nuclear antigen stainings, respectively. Following an increase in the mast cells, myeloperoxidase activity in the inflamed skin peaked at 24 h after CEES exposure coinciding with neutrophil infiltration. F4/80 staining of skin integuments revealed an increase in the number of macrophages after 24 h of CEES exposure. In conclusion, these results establish CEES-induced quantifiable inflammatory biomarkers in a more applicable and efficient SKH-1 hairless mouse model, which could be valuable for agent efficacy studies to develop potential prophylactic and therapeutic interventions for HD-induced skin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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Rogers JV, Kohne JW, Hayes TL, Reid FM, Graham JS. Measuring Liquid Sulfur Mustard Recovery to Characterize a Weanling Swine Skin Short-Term Exposure Model. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2008. [DOI: 10.1081/cus-200068610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Paromov V, Qui M, Yang H, Smith M, Stone WL. The influence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on oxidative stress and nitric oxide synthesis in stimulated macrophages treated with a mustard gas analogue. BMC Cell Biol 2008; 9:33. [PMID: 18570648 PMCID: PMC2446388 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-9-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sulphur mustard gas, 2, 2'-dichlorodiethyl sulphide (HD), is a chemical warfare agent. Both mustard gas and its monofunctional analogue, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES), are alkylating agents that react with and diminish cellular thiols and are highly toxic. Previously, we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of CEES in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and that CEES transiently inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production via suppression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein expression. NO generation is an important factor in wound healing. In this paper, we explored the hypotheses that LPS increases CEES toxicity by increasing oxidative stress and that treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) would block LPS induced oxidative stress and protect against loss of NO production. NAC stimulates glutathione (GSH) synthesis and also acts directly as a free radical scavenger. The potential therapeutic use of the antibiotic, polymyxin B, was also evaluated since it binds to LPS and could thereby block the enhancement of CEES toxicity by LPS and also inhibit the secondary infections characteristic of HD/CEES wounds. Results We found that 10 mM NAC, when administered simultaneously or prior to treatment with 500 μM CEES, increased the viability of LPS stimulated macrophages. Surprisingly, NAC failed to protect LPS stimulated macrophages from CEES induced loss of NO production. Macrophages treated with both LPS and CEES show increased oxidative stress parameters (cellular thiol depletion and increased protein carbonyl levels). NAC effectively protected RAW 264.7 cells simultaneously treated with CEES and LPS from GSH loss and oxidative stress. Polymyxin B was found to partially block nitric oxide production and diminish CEES toxicity in LPS-treated macrophages. Conclusion The present study shows that oxidative stress is an important mechanism contributing to CEES toxicity in LPS stimulated macrophages and supports the notion that antioxidants could play a therapeutic role in preventing mustard gas toxicity. Although NAC reduced oxidative stress in LPS stimulated macrophages treated with CEES, it did not reverse CEES-induced loss of NO production. NAC and polymyxin B were found to help prevent CEES toxicity in LPS-treated macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Paromov
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
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Isidore MA, Castagna MP, Steele KE, Gordon RK, Nambiar MP. A dorsal model for cutaneous vesicant injury by 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide using C57BL/6 mice. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2007; 26:265-76. [PMID: 17687691 DOI: 10.1080/15569520701521914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate stem cell-derived therapeutics for cutaneous vesicant injuries, we developed a dorsal exposure model using C57BL/6 black mice and half-mustard, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The dorsal side of a mouse was exposed to 1-5 microl of CEES for 10 minutes and then decontaminated. The data demonstrate that 3 microl of CEES induced edema and erythema that peaked 24 h post exposure. Histopathology showed a central area of deep injury characterized by severe necrosis of epidermis and dermis. The C57BL/6 is a unique model that can be used to unravel the molecular mechanism of injury, identify the effects of black skin pigmentation, and evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapeutics for cutaneous vesicant exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriane A Isidore
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology/Division of Biochemistry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Smith KJ, Skelton H. Chemical Warfare Agents Chemical Warfare Agents: Their Past and Continuing Threat and Evolving Therapies
Part II of II. Skinmed 2007; 2:297-303. [PMID: 14673262 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-9740.2003.03021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chemical warfare agents are ideal weapons for terrorists and for use in military operations against both civilian populations and troops. Thus, there have been efforts by the United States in cooperation with other concerned nations to develop animal models to understand the pathophysiology of the injuries induced by these agents, and to develop suitable animal models for testing of pre-and post-exposure protectants and therapies. Sulfur mustard remains the most significant chemical warfare agent that produces cutaneous injuries. Institution of standard recommendations prior to threatened exposure or after exposure are something that we need to be aware of in the world we live in. In addition, pre-and post-exposure therapies now being studied offer hope for moderating the mortality and morbidity that can result from chemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Smith
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Brodsky B, Trivedi S, Peddada S, Flagler N, Wormser U, Nyska A. Early effects of iodine on DNA synthesis in sulfur mustard-induced skin lesions. Arch Toxicol 2006; 80:212-6. [PMID: 16252085 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-005-0032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2005] [Accepted: 09/01/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM) is powerful alkylator and highly cytotoxic blisterogen in both humans and animals. This study in male guinea pigs shows that, at an early stage (5 h) after SM exposure, a marked increase occurred in epithelial nuclear vacuolation, epidermal thickening, and dermal acute inflammation. Topical iodine treatment reduced the severity of these parameters. The rate of DNA synthesis expressed by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine was reduced upon topical treatment with iodine only or SM only by 46 and 72%, respectively. Iodine treatment following SM exposure exerted an effect similar to that of SM only, indicating that DNA synthesis is not directly involved in the mechanism of action of iodine-induced protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Brodsky
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904 Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
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Shakarjian MP, Bhatt P, Gordon MK, Chang YC, Casbohm SL, Rudge TL, Kiser RC, Sabourin CL, Casillas RP, Ohman-Strickland P, Riley DJ, Gerecke DR. Preferential expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in mouse skin after sulfur mustard exposure. J Appl Toxicol 2006; 26:239-46. [PMID: 16489579 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of enzymes responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, play important roles in inflammatory and immune responses. In skin, MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) are normally inactive but can be expressed during tissue injury. Both degrade collagen IV and other critical components of the basement membrane zone that separates the epidermis from the dermis. The expression of MMP-2 and -9 was studied in sulfur mustard (SM)-exposed ear skin from mice to determine their role in tissue vesicant injury. Punch biopsies of mouse ears were collected between 6 and 168 h after exposure to 97.5 mM (0.08 mg) SM diluted in CH(2)Cl(2). They were examined histologically and assayed for MMP-2 and -9 expression by gelatinase activity assays, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. A time-related increase in overall gelatinase activity was observed in SM-treated ears. At 168 h after SM exposure, the relative levels of MMP-9 mRNA were increased 27-fold and MMP-9 protein 9-fold when compared with the control (CH(2)Cl(2) treated) ears. In contrast, there were no observable increases in the MMP-2 mRNA or protein levels between treated and control ears. These observations suggest the differential expression of MMP-2 and -9 during the cutaneous response to SM injury and suggest a role for MMP-9 in SM-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Shakarjian
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854-5635, USA
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Wormser U, Brodsky B, Proscura E, Foley JF, Jones T, Nyska A. Involvement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in sulfur mustard-induced skin lesion; effect of topical iodine. Arch Toxicol 2005; 79:660-70. [PMID: 16001271 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-005-0681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/19/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur mustard (SM), also termed mustard gas, is a potent vesicant that elicits an inflammatory response upon exposure of the skin. Evaluation of mouse ear 3 h after SM exposure revealed acute inflammatory-cell aggregates in the vascular beds accompanied by strongly TNF-alpha-positive neutrophils. Eight hours after SM exposure, this phenomenon became intensified and associated with infiltration into the adjacent dermis. In ear skin topically treated with iodine, however, no inflammatory cells were observed 3 h after SM exposure; 8 h postexposure, blood vessels contained very few TNF-alpha-positive inflammatory cells. Since TNF-alpha induction was shown to be associated with reactive oxygen species production, we studied the effect of iodine on activated peritoneal mouse neutrophils. Iodine elicited a concentration-dependent reduction in the oxidative burst of activated neutrophils. Iodine also scavenged hydroxyl radicals generated by glucose oxidase in a concentration-dependent manner. The involvement of TNF-alpha in SM-induced skin toxicity was confirmed by reduction of 49 and 30% in ear edema following administration of 1 and 2 mug anti-TNF-alpha antibodies, respectively. These findings were corroborated by quantitative analysis of the histological findings showing 46% reduction in acute inflammation and no signs of subacute inflammation in the treated group, in contrast to the control group treated with SM only. Other epidermal (microblister formation, ulceration, and necrosis) and dermal (neutrophilia, hemorrhage, and necrosis) parameters also showed marked reductions in the antibodies-treated group in comparison to controls. The combination of iodine and antiTNF-alpha antibodies might constitute a new approach for treatment of SM-exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Wormser
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Faculty of Medicine, Berman Building, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, 91904 Jerusalem, Israel.
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Rogers JV, Choi YW, Kiser RC, Babin MC, Casillas RP, Schlager JJ, Sabourin CLK. Microarray analysis of gene expression in murine skin exposed to sulfur mustard. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2005; 18:289-99. [PMID: 15674843 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard [bis-(2-chloroethyl)-sulfide; SM] produces a delayed inflammatory response followed by blister formation in skin of exposed individuals. Studies are underway evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological compounds to protect against SM skin injury. Microarray analysis provides the opportunity to identify multiple transcriptional biomarkers associated with SM exposure. This study examined SM-induced changes in gene expression in skin from mice cutaneously exposed to SM using cDNA microarrays. Ear skin from five mice, paired as SM-exposed right ear and dichloromethane vehicle-exposed left ear at six dose levels (0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.16 mg; 6 mM to 195 mM range), was harvested at 24 h post-exposure. SM-induced gene expression was analyzed using cDNA microarrays that included 1,176 genes. Genes were selected on the basis of all mice (N=5) in the same dose group demonstrating a > or =2-fold increase or decrease in gene expression for the SM-exposed tissue compared to the dichloromethane vehicle control ear tissue at all six SM doses. When skin exposed to all six concentrations of SM was compared to controls, a total of 19 genes within apoptosis, transcription factors, cell cycle, inflammation, and oncogenes and tumor suppressors categories were found to be upregulated; no genes were observed to be downregulated. Differences in the number and category of genes that were up- or down-regulated in skin exposed to low (0.005-0.01 mg) and high (0.08-0.16 mg) doses of SM were also observed. The results of this study provide a further understanding of the molecular responses to cutaneous SM exposure, and enable the identification of potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for treating SM injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V Rogers
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Medical Research and Evaluation Facility, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
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