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Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Shadboorestan A, Niknahad H, Noorafshan A, Fardid R, Nadimi E, Bakhtari A, Omidi M. Disrupting Development: Unraveling the Interplay of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways in Kidney Development Under the Influence of Environmental Pollutants. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023:10.1007/s12011-023-04009-z. [PMID: 38117383 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms governing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and Wnt/β-Catenin pathways crosstalk is of paramount importance for elucidating normal development. We investigated the repercussions of aberrant activation of these signaling pathways on kidney development. HEK-293 cells were subjected to AHR and Wnt activators and inhibitors for 3 and 24 h. Subsequently, pregnant adult female BALB/c mice were administered treatments at gestation day 9 (GD-9), and embryos were analyzed at GD-18 using a combination of cellular, molecular, stereological, and histopathological techniques. Our results demonstrated a noteworthy escalation in oxidative stress and gene expression endpoints associated with apoptosis. Moreover, stereological analyses exhibited alterations in cortex, proximal tubule, and kidney tissue vessels volumes. Remarkably, co-treatment with 6-formylindolo [3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) and cadmium (Cd) resulted in a significant reduction in glomerulus volume, while elevating the volumes of distal tubule, Henle loop, and connective tissue, compared to the control group. Histopathological investigations further confirmed structural changes in the loop of Henle and proximal tubule, alongside a decline in glomerular volume. Additionally, the expression levels of AHR and Ctnnb1 genes significantly increased in the Cd-treated group compared to the control group. Enhanced expression of apoptosis-related genes, including Bcl-x, Bax, and Caspase3, along with alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C release, was observed. In contrast, Gsk3 gene expression was significantly decreased. Our findings robustly establish that chemical pollutants, such as Cd, disrupt the AHR and Wnt/β-Catenin physiological roles during developmental stages by inhibiting the metabolic degradation of FICZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Shadboorestan
- Depertment of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Noorafshan
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Departments of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fardid
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Nadimi
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azizollah Bakhtari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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2
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Sondermann NC, Faßbender S, Hartung F, Hätälä AM, Rolfes KM, Vogel CFA, Haarmann-Stemmann T. Functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) beyond the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115371. [PMID: 36528068 PMCID: PMC9884176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating adaptive and maladaptive responses toward exogenous and endogenous signals. Research from various biomedical disciplines has provided compelling evidence that the AHR is critically involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases and disorders, including autoimmunity, inflammatory diseases, endocrine disruption, premature aging and cancer. Accordingly, AHR is considered an attractive target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic measures. However, the ligand-based targeting of AHR is considerably complicated by the fact that the receptor does not always follow the beaten track, i.e. the canonical AHR/ARNT signaling pathway. Instead, AHR might team up with other transcription factors and signaling molecules to shape gene expression patterns and associated physiological or pathophysiological functions in a ligand-, cell- and micromilieu-dependent manner. Herein, we provide an overview about some of the most important non-canonical functions of AHR, including crosstalk with major signaling pathways involved in controlling cell fate and function, immune responses, adaptation to low oxygen levels and oxidative stress, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Further research on these diverse and exciting yet often ambivalent facets of AHR biology is urgently needed in order to exploit the full potential of AHR modulation for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Sondermann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Faßbender
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederick Hartung
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna M Hätälä
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katharina M Rolfes
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph F A Vogel
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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McGuire P, Glicksman C, Wixtrom R, Sung CJ, Hamilton R, Lawrence M, Haws M, Ferenz S, Kadin M. Microbes, Histology, Blood Analysis, Enterotoxins, and Cytokines: Findings From the ASERF Systemic Symptoms in Women-Biospecimen Analysis Study: Part 3. Aesthet Surg J 2022; 43:230-244. [PMID: 35980942 PMCID: PMC9896138 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjac225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been an increasing need to acquire rigorous scientific data to answer the concerns of physicians, patients, and the FDA regarding the self-reported illness identified as breast implant illness (BII). There are no diagnostic tests or specific laboratory values to explain the reported systemic symptoms described by these patients. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine if there are quantifiable laboratory findings that can be identified in blood, capsule tissue pathology, or microbes that differentiate women with systemic symptoms they attribute to their implants from 2 control groups. METHODS A prospective blinded study enrolled 150 subjects into 3 cohorts: (A) women with systemic symptoms they attribute to implants who requested implant removal; (B) women with breast implants requesting removal or exchange who did not have symptoms attributed to implants; and (C) women undergoing cosmetic mastopexy who have never had any implanted medical device. Capsule tissue underwent detailed analysis and blood was sent from all 3 cohorts to evaluate for markers of inflammation. RESULTS No significant histologic differences were identified between the cohorts, except there were more capsules with synovial metaplasia in the non-BII cohort. There was no statistical difference in thyroid-stimulating hormone, vitamin D levels, or complete blood count with differential between the cohorts. Next-generation sequencing revealed no statistically significant difference in positivity between Cohort A and B. Of the 12 cytokines measured, 3 cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-13, and IL-22, were found to be significantly more often elevated in sera of subjects in Cohort A than in Cohorts B or C. The enterotoxin data demonstrated an elevation in immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A in Cohort A. There was no correlation between the presence of IgE or IgG anti-Staphylococcal antibody and a positive next-generation sequencing result. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the current literature by demonstrating few identifiable biomedical markers to explain the systemic symptoms self-reported by patients with BII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia McGuire
- Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA and a clinical editor for Aesthetic Surgery Journal
| | - Caroline Glicksman
- Corresponding Author: Dr Caroline Glicksman, 2164 State Highway 35, Building A, Sea Girt, NJ 08750, USA. E-mail:
| | | | - C James Sung
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert Hamilton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marshall Kadin
- Brown University Alpert School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA
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Nilén G, Obamwonyi OS, Liem-Nguyen V, Engwall M, Larsson M, Keiter SH. Observed and predicted embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of organic and inorganic environmental pollutants and their mixtures in zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 248:106175. [PMID: 35523058 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessment of chemicals is still primarily focusing on single compound evaluation, even if environmental contamination consists of a mixture of pollutants. The concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models have been developed to predict mixture toxicity. Both models assume no interaction between the components, resulting in an additive mixture effect. In the present study, the embryo toxicity test (OECD TG no. 236) with zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) was performed to investigate whether the toxicity caused by binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures of organic (Benzo[a]pyrene, perfluorooctanesulfonate, and 3,3´,4,4´,5-pentachlorobiphenyl 126) and inorganic (arsenate) pollutants can be predicted by CA and IA. The acute toxicity and sub-lethal alterations such as lack of blood circulation were investigated. The models estimated the mixture toxicity well and most of the mixtures were additive. However, the binary mixture of PFOS and PCB126 caused a synergistic effect, with almost a ten-fold difference between the observed and predicted LC50-value. For most of the mixtures, the CA model was better in predicting the mixture toxicity than the IA model, which was not expected due to the chemicals' different modes of action. In addition, some of the mixtures caused sub-lethal effects not observed in the single compound toxicity tests. The mixture of PFOS and BaP caused a division of the yolk and imbalance was caused by the combination of PFOS and As and the ternary mixture of PFOS, As, and BaP. Interestingly, PFOS was part of all three mixtures causing the mixture specific sub-lethal effects. In conclusion, the present study shows that CA and IA are mostly resulting in good estimations of the risks that mixtures with few components are posing. However, for a more reliable assessment and a better understanding of mixture toxicity, further investigations are required to study the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Nilén
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Osagie S Obamwonyi
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden; University of Duisburg-Essen, Forsthausweg 2, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Van Liem-Nguyen
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Magnus Engwall
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Steffen H Keiter
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, S-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
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5
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Ferroptosis as a mechanism of non-ferrous metal toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2391-2417. [PMID: 35727353 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death, implicated in multiple pathologies. Given that the toxicity elicited by some metals is linked to alterations in iron metabolism and induction of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis might be involved in such toxicity. Although direct evidence is insufficient, certain pioneering studies have demonstrated a crosstalk between metal toxicity and ferroptosis. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying metal-induced ferroptosis include induction of ferritinophagy, increased DMT-1 and TfR cellular iron uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation, inhibition of Xc-system and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, altogether resulting in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In addition, there is direct evidence of the role of ferroptosis in the toxicity of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, manganese, copper, and aluminum exposure. In contrast, findings on the impact of cobalt and nickel on ferroptosis are scant and nearly lacking altogether for mercury and especially lead. Other gaps in the field include limited studies on the role of metal speciation in ferroptosis and the critical cellular targets. Although further detailed studies are required, it seems reasonable to propose even at this early stage that ferroptosis may play a significant role in metal toxicity, and its modulation may be considered as a potential therapeutic tool for the amelioration of metal toxicity.
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6
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Grishanova AY, Perepechaeva ML. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Oxidative Stress as a Double Agent and Its Biological and Therapeutic Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126719. [PMID: 35743162 PMCID: PMC9224361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has long been implicated in the induction of a battery of genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor necessary for the launch of transcriptional responses important in health and disease. In past decades, evidence has accumulated that AhR is associated with the cellular response to oxidative stress, and this property of AhR must be taken into account during investigations into a mechanism of action of xenobiotics that is able to activate AhR or that is susceptible to metabolic activation by enzymes encoded by the genes that are under the control of AhR. In this review, we examine various mechanisms by which AhR takes part in the oxidative-stress response, including antioxidant and prooxidant enzymes and cytochrome P450. We also show that AhR, as a participant in the redox balance and as a modulator of redox signals, is being increasingly studied as a target for a new class of therapeutic compounds and as an explanation for the pathogenesis of some disorders.
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7
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Keshavarzi M, Moradbeygi F, Mobini K, Ghaffarian Bahraman A, Mohammadi P, Ghaedi A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. The interplay of aryl hydrocarbon receptor/WNT/CTNNB1/Notch signaling pathways regulate amyloid beta precursor mRNA/protein expression and effected the learning and memory of mice. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 11:147-161. [PMID: 35237419 PMCID: PMC8882790 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) plays a pathophysiological role in the development of Alzheimer's disease as well as a physiological role in neuronal growth and synaptogenesis. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/WNT/Catenin Beta 1 (CTNNB1)/Notch signaling pathways stamp in many functions, including development and growth of neurons. However, the regulatory role of AhR-/WNT-/CTNNB1-/Notch-induced APP expression and its influence on hippocampal-dependent learning and memory deficits is not clear. Male BALB/C mice received 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (an AhR agonist), CH223191(an AhR antagonist), DAPT (an inhibitor of Notch signaling), and XAV-939 (a WNT pathway inhibitor) at a single dose of 100 μg/kg, 1, 5 , and 5 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, via intraperitoneal injection alone or in combination. Gene expression analyses and protein assay were performed on the 7th and 29th days. To assess the hippocampal-dependent memory, all six mice also underwent contextual fear conditioning on the 28th day after treatments. Our results showed that endogenous ligand of AhR has a regulatory effect on APP gene. Also, the interaction of AhR/WNT/CTNNB1 has a positive regulatory effect, but Notch has a negative regulatory effect on the mRNA and protein expression of APP, which have a correlation with mice's learning skills and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Keshavarzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran,Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar 7146864685, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Moradbeygi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran
| | - Keivan Mobini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran
| | - Ali Ghaffarian Bahraman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran,Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Parisa Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar 7146864685, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Ghaedi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Correspondence address. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7146864685, Iran. Tel.: +98(71)32425374; Fax: +98(71)32424326; E-mail:
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8
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van de Veerdonk FL, Renga G, Pariano M, Bellet MM, Servillo G, Fallarino F, De Luca A, Iannitti RG, Piobbico D, Gargaro M, Manni G, D'Onofrio F, Stincardini C, Sforna L, Borghi M, Castelli M, Pieroni S, Oikonomou V, Villella VR, Puccetti M, Giovagnoli S, Galarini R, Barola C, Maiuri L, Maria Agnese DF, Cellini B, Talesa V, Dinarello CA, Costantini C, Romani L. Anakinra restores cellular proteostasis by coupling mitochondrial redox balance to autophagy. J Clin Invest 2021; 132:144983. [PMID: 34847078 PMCID: PMC8759782 DOI: 10.1172/jci144983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy selectively degrades aggregation-prone misfolded proteins caused by defective cellular proteostasis. However, the complexity of autophagy may prevent the full appreciation of how its modulation could be used as a therapeutic strategy in disease management. Here we define a molecular pathway through which recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra, anakinra) affects cellular proteostasis independently from the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1). Anakinra promoted H2O2-driven autophagy through a xenobiotic sensing pathway involving the aryl hydrocarbon receptor that, activated through the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1-kynurenine pathway, transcriptionally activates NADPH Oxidase 4 independent of the IL-1R1. By coupling the mitochondrial redox balance to autophagy, anakinra improved the dysregulated proteostasis network in murine and human cystic fibrosis. We anticipate that anakinra may represent a therapeutic option in addition to its IL-1R1 dependent anti-inflammatory properties by acting at the intersection of mitochondrial oxidative stress and autophagy with the capacity to restore conditions in which defective proteostasis leads to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgia Renga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marina M Bellet
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Servillo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Antonella De Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rossana G Iannitti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Danilo Piobbico
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Manni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fiorella D'Onofrio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Sforna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Borghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Castelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Pieroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Valeria R Villella
- European Institute for Research in Cystic Fibrosis, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Puccetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Galarini
- Centro Sviluppo e Validazione Metodi, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carolina Barola
- Centro Sviluppo e Validazione Metodi, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Maiuri
- European Institute for Research in Cystic Fibrosis, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Cellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Talesa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Charles A Dinarello
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, United States of America
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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9
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Ghaffarian-Bahraman A, Arabnezhad MR, Keshavarzi M, Davani-Davari D, Jamshidzadeh A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Influence of cellular redox environment on aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands induced melanogenesis. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 79:105282. [PMID: 34856342 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105282] [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: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many environmental pollutants, natural compounds, as well as endogenous chemicals exert their biological/toxicological effects by reacting with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Previous evidence shed new light on the role of AhR in skin physiology by regulating melanin production. In this study, we investigated the effect of oxidative imbalance induced by AhR ligands on the melanogenesis process in B16 murine melanoma cells. Exposure to 6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) or benzo-α-pyrene (BαP) led to enhanced expression of CTNNB1, MITF, and TYR genes following increased tyrosinase enzyme activity and melanin content in an AhR-dependent manner. Analysis of the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) / oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio revealed that treatment with AhR ligands is associated with oxidative stress which can be ameliorated with NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) or diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). On the other hand, NAC and DPI enhanced melanogenesis induced by AhR ligands by reducing the level of ROS. We have shown for the first time that a cellular redox status is a critical event during AhR ligand-induced melanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghaffarian-Bahraman
- Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Arabnezhad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Keshavarzi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Dorna Davani-Davari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran.
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10
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Banerjee M, Al-Eryani L, Srivastava S, Rai SN, Pan J, Kalbfleisch TS, States JC. Delineating the Effects of Passaging and Exposure in a Longitudinal Study of Arsenic-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a HaCaT Cell Line Model. Toxicol Sci 2021; 185:184-196. [PMID: 34730829 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a major deleterious health effect of chronic arsenic (iAs) exposure. The molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced cSCC remains poorly understood. We recently demonstrated that chronic iAs exposure leads to temporally regulated genome-wide changes in profiles of differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs at each stage of carcinogenesis (7, 19 and 28 weeks) employing a well-established passage-matched HaCaT cell line model of arsenic-induced cSCC. Here, we performed longitudinal differential expression analysis (miRNA and mRNA) between the different time points (7 vs. 19 weeks and 19 vs. 28 weeks) within unexposed and exposed groups, coupled to expression pairing and pathway analyses to differentiate the relative effects of long-term passaging and chronic iAs exposure. Data showed that 66-105 miRNA [p < 0.05; log2(Fold Change)>I1I] and 2826-4079 mRNA [p < 0.001; log2(Fold Change)>I1I] molecules were differentially expressed depending on the longitudinal comparison. Several mRNA molecules differentially expressed as a function of time, independent of iAs exposure were being targeted by miRNA molecules which were also differentially expressed in a time dependent manner. Distinct pathways were predicted to be modulated as a function of time or iAs exposure. Some pathways were also modulated both by time and exposure. Thus, the HaCaT model can distinguish between the effects of passaging and chronic iAs exposure individually and corroborate our previously published data on effects of iAs exposure compared to unexposed passage matched HaCaT cells. In addition, this work provides a template for cell line based longitudinal chronic exposure studies to follow for optimal efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayukh Banerjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY
| | - Laila Al-Eryani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY.,Centre for Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, India New Delhi, 110012
| | - Shesh N Rai
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY.,Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY
| | - Jianmin Pan
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY
| | - Theodore S Kalbfleisch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY
| | - J Christopher States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, USA Louisville, KY
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11
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The Role of Oxidative Stress in NAFLD-NASH-HCC Transition-Focus on NADPH Oxidases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060687. [PMID: 34204571 PMCID: PMC8235710 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A peculiar role for oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its transition to the inflammatory complication non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as in its threatening evolution to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is supported by numerous experimental and clinical studies. NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are enzymes producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose abundance in liver cells is closely related to inflammation and immune responses. Here, we reviewed recent findings regarding this topic, focusing on the role of NOXs in the different stages of fatty liver disease and describing the current knowledge about their mechanisms of action. We conclude that, although there is a consensus that NOX-produced ROS are toxic in non-neoplastic conditions due to their role in the inflammatory vicious cycle sustaining the transition of NAFLD to NASH, their effect is controversial in the neoplastic transition towards HCC. In this regard, there are indications of a differential effect of NOX isoforms, since NOX1 and NOX2 play a detrimental role, whereas increased NOX4 expression appears to be correlated with better HCC prognosis in some studies. Further studies are needed to fully unravel the mechanisms of action of NOXs and their relationships with the signaling pathways modulating steatosis and liver cancer development.
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12
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Coelho NR, Matos C, Pimpão AB, Correia MJ, Sequeira CO, Morello J, Pereira SA, Monteiro EC. AHR canonical pathway: in vivo findings to support novel antihypertensive strategies. Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105407. [PMID: 33418029 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Essential hypertension (HTN) is a disease where genetic and environmental factors interact to produce a high prevalent set of almost indistinguishable phenotypes. The weak definition of what is under the umbrella of HTN is a consequence of the lack of knowledge on the players involved in environment-gene interaction and their impact on blood pressure (BP) and mechanisms. The disclosure of these mechanisms that sense and (mal)adapt to toxic-environmental stimuli might at least determine some phenotypes of essential HTN and will have important therapeutic implications. In the present manuscript, we looked closer to the environmental sensor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in cardiovascular physiology, but better known by its involvement in biotransformation of xenobiotics through its canonical pathway. This review aims to disclose the contribution of the AHR-canonical pathway to HTN. For better mirror the complexity of the mechanisms involved in BP regulation, we privileged evidence from in vivo studies. Here we ascertained the level of available evidence and a comprehensive characterization of the AHR-related phenotype of HTN. We reviewed clinical and rodent studies on AHR-HTN genetic association and on AHR ligands and their impact on BP. We concluded that AHR is a druggable mechanistic linker of environmental exposure to HTN. We conclude that is worth to investigate the canonical pathway of AHR and the expression/polymorphisms of its related genes and/or other biomarkers (e.g. tryptophan-related ligands), in order to identify patients that may benefit from an AHR-centered antihypertensive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno R Coelho
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Clara Matos
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
| | - António B Pimpão
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
| | - M João Correia
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Catarina O Sequeira
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Judit Morello
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal.
| | - Emília C Monteiro
- Translational Pharmacology Lab, CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo Mártires da Pátria, 130, Lisboa, 1169-056, Portugal
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13
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Rannug A. How the AHR Became Important in Intestinal Homeostasis-A Diurnal FICZ/AHR/CYP1A1 Feedback Controls Both Immunity and Immunopathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165681. [PMID: 32784381 PMCID: PMC7461111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the 1970s, when profound immunosuppression caused by exogenous dioxin-like compounds was first observed, the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in immunomodulation has been the focus of considerable research interest. Today it is established that activation of this receptor by its high-affinity endogenous ligand, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), plays important physiological roles in maintaining epithelial barriers. In the gut lumen, the small amounts of FICZ that are produced from L-tryptophan by microbes are normally degraded rapidly by the inducible cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) enzyme. This review describes how when the metabolic clearance of FICZ is attenuated by inhibition of CYP1A1, this compound passes through the intestinal epithelium to immune cells in the lamina propria. FICZ, the level of which is thus modulated by this autoregulatory loop involving FICZ itself, the AHR and CYP1A1, plays a central role in maintaining gut homeostasis by potently up-regulating the expression of interleukin 22 (IL-22) by group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s). IL-22 stimulates various epithelial cells to produce antimicrobial peptides and mucus, thereby both strengthening the epithelial barrier against pathogenic microbes and promoting colonization by beneficial bacteria. Dietary phytochemicals stimulate this process by inhibiting CYP1A1 and causing changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The activity of CYP1A1 can be increased by other microbial products, including the short-chain fatty acids, thereby accelerating clearance of FICZ. In particular, butyrate enhances both the level of the AHR and CYP1A1 activity by stimulating histone acetylation, a process involved in the daily cycle of the FICZ/AHR/CYP1A1 feedback loop. It is now of key interest to examine the potential involvement of FICZ, a major physiological activator of the AHR, in inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Rannug
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Vogel CFA, Van Winkle LS, Esser C, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a target of environmental stressors - Implications for pollution mediated stress and inflammatory responses. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101530. [PMID: 32354640 PMCID: PMC7327980 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating the expression of genes, for instance encoding the monooxygenases cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1A2, which are important enzymes in metabolism of xenobiotics. The AHR is activated upon binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and related ubiquitous environmental chemicals, to mediate their biological and toxic effects. In addition, several endogenous and natural compounds can bind to AHR, thereby modulating a variety of physiological processes. In recent years, ambient particulate matter (PM) associated with traffic related air pollution (TRAP) has been found to contain significant amounts of PAHs. PM containing PAHs are of increasing concern as a class of agonists, which can activate the AHR. Several reports show that PM and AHR-mediated induction of CYP1A1 results in excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress. Furthermore, exposure to PM and PAHs induce inflammatory responses and may lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and increased cancer risk. In this review, we summarize findings showing the critical role that the AHR plays in mediating effects of environmental pollutants and stressors, which pose a risk of impacting the environment and human health. PAHs present on ambient air pollution particles are ligands of the cellular AHR. AHR-dependent induction of CYP1, AKR, NOX and COX-2 genes can be a source of ROS generation. AHR signaling and NRF2 signaling interact to regulate the expression of antioxidant genes. Air pollution and ROS can affect inflammation, which is partially triggered by AHR and associated immune responses. Skin, lung, and the cardiovascular system are major target sites for air pollution-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F A Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Laura S Van Winkle
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine Department of Anatomy, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 5616, USA
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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Keshavarzi M, Khoshnoud MJ, Ghaffarian Bahraman A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. An Endogenous Ligand of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]Carbazole (FICZ) Is a Signaling Molecule in Neurogenesis of Adult Hippocampal Neurons. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:806-817. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01506-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Arabnezhad MR, Montazeri-Najafabady N, Chatrabnous N, Ghafarian Bahreman A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Anti-androgenic effect of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) in LNCaP cells is mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon-androgen receptors cross-talk. Steroids 2020; 153:108508. [PMID: 31586605 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The factual impact of endogenously activated AHR by 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), an endogenous ligand of AHR on androgen receptor (AR) was aim of this study. In this study, LNCaP cells were exposed to FICZ, CH223191 and flutamide (Flu) alone or in combination in the presence and absence of testosterone. CYP1A1 enzyme activity, cell viability, cellular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production, mRNA levels of PSA, KLK2, TMPRSS2, and AR genes were measured as endpoints. A declining in the expression of androgen- responsive target genes was seen by either Flu or FICZ in the presence of testosterone. Furthermore, the forced decrease in the expression of AR target genes resulted in 41% and 31% decline in the DHT and PSA concentrations respectively. Taken together, endogenously activated AHR plays a regulatory role on AR. Therefore, FICZ might be an effective chemical in treating prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Reza Arabnezhad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Nazanin Chatrabnous
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Ghafarian Bahreman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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17
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Ghaedi A, Keshavarzi M, Ghafarian Bahraman A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Selective cytochrome P450 1A1 but not 1B1 promoterCpG island DNA methylation by 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 34:e22414. [PMID: 31626383 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are essential for normal mammalian development and regulation of gene expression. In this study, we aimed to determine if an enigmatic endogenous ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), and methionine (Meth) have an epigenetic impact on AHR-regulated cytochrome P450 1A1 and B1 (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1) gene expression. Human hepatoma (HepG2-XRE-Luc and huh7) cells were exposed to FICZ in a medium with and without Meth supplementation. Selective and transient silencing of CYP1A1 but not CYP1B1 were seen by FICZ. Here we found that FICZ transiently represses CYP1A1 by targeting DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and concomitant DNA methylation of the CYP1A1 promoter gene. Treatments with 5-aza-dC augmented CYP1A1 transcription activity. Our results reveal a new mechanism for transient activation of AHR by FICZ that can negatively and positively influence gene expression, and highlight the regulatory role of Meth on the CYP1A1 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Ghaedi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Majid Keshavarzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Ali Ghafarian Bahraman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
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18
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Mobini K, Banakar E, Tamaddon G, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) Enhances The Expression of Tumor Suppressor miRNAs, miR-22, miR-515-5p, and miR-124-3p in MCF-7 Cells. CELL JOURNAL 2019; 22:115-120. [PMID: 31606975 PMCID: PMC6791069 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.6549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective microRNAs (miRNAs) play bifunctional roles in the initiation and progression of cancer, and recent evidence
has confirmed that unusual expression of miRNAs is required for the progress of breast cancer. The regulatory role of
aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its endogenous ligand, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) on the expression
of tumor suppressor miRNAs, miR-22, miR-515-5p and miR-124-3p, as well as their association with the estrogen
receptor alpha (ERα) were the aims of this study.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, the expression levels of miR-22, miR-515-5p, miR-124-3p and
miR-382-5p in MCF-7 cells were determined using the quantificational real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)
assay.
Results Our results revealed that miR-22, miR-515-5p, and miR-124-3p expressions were significantly increased in
cells transfected with ERα siRNA. Our data also showed that miR-22, miR 515-5p, and miR-124-3p expression levels
were significantly increased following FICZ treatment. Here, we found that AhR/ERα cross-talk plays a critical role in
the expression of miR-22, miR-515-5p and miR-124-3p in MCF-7 cells.
Conclusion Overall, our data demonstrated that FICZ, as an AhR agonist could induce the expression of tumor
suppressor miRNAs, miR-22, miR-515-5p, and miR-124-3p; thus, FICZ might be regarded as a potential therapeutic
agent for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Mobini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Banakar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.ElectronicAddress:
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19
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Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Omidi M, Arabnezhad MR. Impact of CH223191-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Its Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonistic and Antagonistic Activities. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:691-697. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Arabnezhad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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20
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Mobini K, Tamaddon G, Fardid R, Keshavarzi M, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Aryl hydrocarbon-estrogen alpha receptor-dependent expression of miR-206, miR-27b, and miR-133a suppress cell proliferation and migration in MCF-7 cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22304. [PMID: 30779469 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The underlying functions of miR-206, miR-133a, miR-27b, and miR-21, and their link to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathways remain largely unexplored. In this study, we detect the expression of miR-206, miR-133a, miR-27b, and miR-21 in MCF-7 through quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction assay along with the activation/inhibition of ERα and AhR receptors. Aside from this, cell proliferation and migration as well as AhR-dependent CYP1A1 enzyme activity were measured. Here, we found that the forced increased expression of miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-27b were closely associated with the suppression of MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration. The anti-proliferative-metastatic effect of miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-27b was probably mediated by targeting the ERα and AhR signaling pathways. Considered together, our study indicated that the overexpression of miR-206, miR-133a, and miR-27b might be potential biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Mobini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shiraz, Iran.,Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fardid
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Keshavarzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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21
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Omidi M, Niknahad H, Noorafshan A, Fardid R, Nadimi E, Naderi S, Bakhtari A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. Co-exposure to an Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Endogenous Ligand, 6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), and Cadmium Induces Cardiovascular Developmental Abnormalities in Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 187:442-451. [PMID: 29808276 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) is a signal substance and an endogenous activator of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that can activate both AHR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. We aimed to determine how dysregulated signaling through AHR-Wnt/β-catenin cross-talk can influence mice heart development. Mice fetuses were exposed to Cd alone or in combination with FICZ in gestation day (GD) 0. In GD18, fetuses were harvested and randomly divided into two parts for stereological and molecular studies. Stereological and tessellation results revealed that when fetuses were co-exposed with FICZ and Cd, abnormalities were synergistically raised. In the presence of FICZ, mRNA expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin target genes significantly enhanced, especially when animals co-treated with FICZ and Cd. Based on these findings, we propose that chemical pollutants can interfere with the normal function of AHR that has a physiological role in regulating Wnt/β-catenin during cardiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Noorafshan
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Departments of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fardid
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elham Nadimi
- Histomorphometry and Stereology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Naderi
- Diagnostic Laboratory Science and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azizollah Bakhtari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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22
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Rannug A, Rannug U. The tryptophan derivative 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole, FICZ, a dynamic mediator of endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling, balances cell growth and differentiation. Crit Rev Toxicol 2018; 48:555-574. [PMID: 30226107 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2018.1493086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is not essential to survival, but does act as a key regulator of many normal physiological events. The role of this receptor in toxicological processes has been studied extensively, primarily employing the high-affinity ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). However, regulation of physiological responses by endogenous AHR ligands remains to be elucidated. Here, we review developments in this field, with a focus on 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), the endogenous ligand with the highest affinity to the receptor reported to date. The binding of FICZ to different isoforms of the AHR seems to be evolutionarily well conserved and there is a feedback loop that controls AHR activity through metabolic degradation of FICZ via the highly inducible cytochrome P450 1A1. Several investigations provide strong evidence that FICZ plays a critical role in normal physiological processes and can ameliorate immune diseases with remarkable efficiency. Low levels of FICZ are pro-inflammatory, providing resistance to pathogenic bacteria, stimulating the anti-tumor functions, and promoting the differentiation of cancer cells by repressing genes in cancer stem cells. In contrast, at high concentrations FICZ behaves in a manner similar to TCDD, exhibiting toxicity toward fish and bird embryos, immune suppression, and activation of cancer progression. The findings are indicative of a dual role for endogenously activated AHR in barrier tissues, aiding clearance of infections and suppressing immunity to terminate a vicious cycle that might otherwise lead to disease. There is not much support for the AHR ligand-specific immune responses proposed, the differences between FICZ and TCDD in this context appear to be explained by the rapid metabolism of FICZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta Rannug
- a Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ulf Rannug
- b Department of Molecular Biosciences , The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
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Omidi M, Ghafarian-Bahraman A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A. GSH/GSSG redox couple plays central role in aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent modulation of cytochrome P450 1A1. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 32:e22164. [PMID: 29975444 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The redox regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) target genes such as the best characterized, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) has not been known. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore how cellular redox state can influence on AHR-dependent modulation of CYP1A1 transcription and enzyme activities. Male BALB/c albino mice, HepG2 cells, and human hepatoma cell line (HepG2-XRE-Luc) carrying CYP1A1 response elements were exposed to suggested endogenous ligand of AHR,6-formylindolo[3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) alone or in combination with, buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) or N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). A clear link between CYP1A1 transcription and enzyme activity and changes in the glutathione/oxidised glutathione (GSH/GSSG) redox couple was shown. In vivo and in vitro findings demonstrated that the time course of AHR activation/inhibition is characterized by an increase/decrease in the GSH/GSSG ratio. Based on these findings, we propose that many environmental pollutants and oxidants by alteration in the intracellular redox potential may interfere with the normal function of AHR target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Ghafarian-Bahraman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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24
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Rizzetti DA, da Silva TM, Escobar AG, Piagette J, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Alonso MJ, Salaices M, Wiggers GA. Mercury-induced vascular dysfunction is mediated by angiotensin II AT-1 receptor upregulation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:287-296. [PMID: 29407760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Low doses of mercury (Hg) promote deleterious effects on cardiovascular system, but the mechanisms implicated remain unclear. This study analyzed whether angiotensin II AT-1 receptors are involved in the vascular dysfunction caused by chronic exposure to low HgCl2 doses. For this, rats were divided into four groups and untreated (saline by im injections and tap water by gavage) or treated for 30 days as follows: Mercury (HgCl2im, first dose of 4.6 µg kg-1 and subsequent doses of 0.07 µg kg-1 day-1, and tap water by gavage); Losartan (saline im and losartan, 15 mg kg-1 day-1, by gavage); Losartan-Mercury (HgCl2im and Losartan by gavage). Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography, vascular reactivity in aorta by isolated organ bath, oxidative stress by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and protein expression of AT-1 receptors by Western Blot. As results, co-treatment with losartan prevented the increased aortic vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine (Phe), the involvement of ROS and prostanoids on the response to Phe and the reduced negative endothelial modulation by nitric oxide on these responses. Moreover, this co-treatment avoided the increase in plasmatic and vascular oxidative stress and AT-1 protein expression in aorta. In conclusion, these results suggest that AT-1 receptors upregulation might play a key role in the vascular damage induced by Hg exposure by increasing oxidative stress and probably by reducing NO bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danize A Rizzetti
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Taiz M da Silva
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alyne G Escobar
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Janaina Piagette
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Franck M Peçanha
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Dalton V Vassallo
- Cardiac Electromechanical and Vascular Reactivity Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Marechal Campos, 1468 Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maria J Alonso
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Atenas s/n, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulia A Wiggers
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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25
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Genotoxicity evaluation of multi-component mixtures of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic, cadmium, and lead using flow cytometry based micronucleus test in HepG2 cells. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2018; 827:9-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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26
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Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Bastan F, Akbarizadeh AR. The highly bioactive molecule and signal substance 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) plays bi-functional roles in cell growth and apoptosis in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:3365-3372. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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27
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Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Akbarizadeh AR, Delju F, Rannug A. Chromatin remodeling by curcumin alters endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 252:19-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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28
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Smirnova A, Wincent E, Vikström Bergander L, Alsberg T, Bergman J, Rannug A, Rannug U. Evidence for New Light-Independent Pathways for Generation of the Endogenous Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist FICZ. Chem Res Toxicol 2015; 29:75-86. [PMID: 26686552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a conserved transcription factor best known as a target for highly toxic halogenated substances such as dioxin, under normal xenobiotic-free conditions is of considerable scientific interest. We have demonstrated previously that a photoproduct of tryptophan, 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), fulfills the criteria for an endogenous ligand for this receptor and proposed that this compound is the enigmatic mediator of the physiological functions of AhR. Here, we describe novel light-independent pathways by which FICZ can be formed. The oxidant H2O2 was shown to convert tryptophan to FICZ on its own in the absence of light. The enzymatic deamination of tryptamine yielded indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A), which then rearranged to FICZ and its oxidation product, indolo[3,2-b]carbazole-6-carboxylic acid (CICZ). Indole-3-pyruvate (I3P) also produced I3A, FICZ, and CICZ. Malassezia yeast species, which constitute a part of the normal skin microbiota, produce a number of AhR activators from tryptophan. We identified both FICZ and CICZ among those products. Formation of FICZ from tryptophan or I3P produces a complex mixture of indole derivatives, some of which are CYP1A1 inhibitors. These can hinder the cellular clearance of FICZ and thereby increase its power as an AhR agonist. We present a general molecular mechanism involving dehydrogenations and oxidative coupling for the formation of FICZ in which I3A is the important precursor. In conclusion, our results suggest that FICZ is likely to be formed systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Wincent
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Jan Bergman
- Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet , SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Agneta Rannug
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet , SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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