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Liu S, Zhao Y, Li C, Yi Y, Zhang Y, Tian J, Han J, Pan C, Lu X, Su Y, Wang L, Liu C, Meng J, Liang A. Long-term oral administration of Kelisha capsule does not cause hepatorenal toxicity in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 332:118320. [PMID: 38740107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Kelisha capsules (KLS) are often used to treat acute diarrhoea, bacillary dysentery, heat stroke, and other diseases. One of its components, Asarum, contains aristolochic acid I which is both nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. However, the aristolochic acid (AA) content in KLS and its toxicity remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The aims of this study were to quantitatively determine the contents of five aristolochic acid analogues (AAAs) in Asarum and KLS, and systematically evaluate the in vivo toxicity of KLS in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to determine the content of the five AAAs in Asarum and KLS. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KLS at 0, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 g/kg respectively, and then sacrificed after 4 weeks of administration or after an additional 2 weeks of recovery. The endpoints assessed included body weight measurements, serum biochemistry and haematology indices, and clinical and histopathological observations. RESULTS The AAAs content in Asarum sieboldii Miq. (HB-ESBJ) were much lower than those of the other Asarums. The contents of AA I, AA IVa, and aristolactam I in KLS were in the ranges of 0.03-0.06 μg/g, 1.89-2.16 μg/g, and 0.55-1.60 μg/g, respectively, whereas AA II and AA IIIa were not detected. None of the rats showed symptoms of toxic reactions and KLS was well tolerated throughout the study. Compared to the control group, the activated partial thromboplastin time values of rats in the 1.5 and 3.0 g/kg groups significantly reduced after administration (P < 0.05). In addition, the serum triglycerides of male rats in the 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg groups after administration, and the 0.75, 1.5, 3.0 g/kg groups after recovery were significantly decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001). No significant drug-related toxicological changes were observed in other serum biochemical indices, haematology, or histopathology. CONCLUSIONS The AA I content in KLS met the limit requirements (<0.001%) of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Therefore, it is safe to use KLS in the short-term. However, for safety considerations, attention should be paid to the effects of long-term KLS administration on coagulation function and triglyceride metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chunying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yan Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Yushi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Jingzhuo Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Jiayin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chen Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Xiao Lu
- Zhejiang Sukean Pharmaceutical CO.LTD, Hangzhou, 311228, China.
| | - Yan Su
- Zhejiang Sukean Pharmaceutical CO.LTD, Hangzhou, 311228, China.
| | - Lianmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Chenyue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Jing Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Aihua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicine and TCM Injections, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Dos Santos Dantas Lima L, Felipe Domingues Passero L, Indriunas A, de Souza Santos I, Francisco Uchôa Coqueiro L, Alexandre Souza da Cruz K, Batista de Almeida A, Carlos Fernandes Galduróz J, Rodrigues E. The Meaning of Plants' Names: A New Discovering Approach to Its Medicinal and/or Toxic Properties. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2024; 2024:6678557. [PMID: 38410808 PMCID: PMC10896657 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6678557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Some of the vernacular or scientific names are related to possible medicinal and/or toxic properties that can reveal the presence of potential bioactive agents, contributing to the discovery of new drugs and/or knowledge of the risks associated with their use. This study sought to list the scientific and vernacular names of plants whose lexicons are related to those possible properties of plants and to compare them with the "ethno" (ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological) and pharmacological data available in the scientific literature. A floating reading of the two classical and reference works on Brazilian medicinal plants was performed, and plants with vernacular and/or scientific names related to the possible medicinal and/or toxic properties were listed. Correlations between the meanings of the species' names (lexicon) and their possible biological properties were made from their translation from Latin by consulting dictionaries. A bibliographic survey was conducted on the "ethno" and pharmacological data for each species. Finally, data from these three dimensions (lexicon, "ethno," and pharmacology) were classified and compared using a bioprospection classification. It resulted in a list of 90 plant species belonging to 47 families. 66 of the 90 species presented "ethno" data from the scientific literature, while 46 species presented pharmacological data. Of these, 46 (69.7%) and 27 (58.7%), respectively, showed equivalence with the possible medicinal and/or toxic properties of plants according to their lexicons. According to this study, half of the plants investigated demonstrate equivalence in the three dimensions analyzed (lexicons, "ethno," and pharmacological data from the scientific literature). Gastrointestinal and nervous system categories are among the most common in all three dimensions. Plant lexicons may be closely linked to the possible medicinal and/or toxic properties and the study of plant lexicons may represent one more approach for the search for new drugs, mainly considering the gastrointestinal, nervous, and parasites categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Dos Santos Dantas Lima
- Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sa˜o Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, No 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente 11350-011, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Indriunas
- Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista-São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro 20940-040, Brazil
| | - Ingrid de Souza Santos
- Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sa˜o Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, No 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Luíza Francisco Uchôa Coqueiro
- Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sa˜o Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, No 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Kayo Alexandre Souza da Cruz
- Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sa˜o Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, No 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Batista de Almeida
- Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sa˜o Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, No 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Fernandes Galduróz
- Departament of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 862, Edifício Ciências Biomédicas-1° Andar, São Paulo 04724-000, Brazil
| | - Eliana Rodrigues
- Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies (CEE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sa˜o Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, No 275, Diadema 09972-270, SP, Brazil
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Wang C, Liu Y, Han J, Li W, Sun J, Wang Y. Detection and Removal of Aristolochic Acid in Natural Plants, Pharmaceuticals, and Environmental and Biological Samples: A Review. Molecules 2023; 29:81. [PMID: 38202664 PMCID: PMC10779802 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are a toxic substance present in certain natural plants. Direct human exposure to these plants containing AAs leads to a severe and irreversible condition known as aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Additionally, AAs accumulation in the food chain through environmental mediators can trigger Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), an environmental variant of AAN. This paper presents a concise overview of the oncogenic pathways associated with AAs and explores the various routes of environmental exposure to AAs. The detection and removal of AAs in natural plants, drugs, and environmental and biological samples were classified and summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods were analyzed. It is hoped that this review can provide effective insights into the detection and removal of AAs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China; (C.W.); (Y.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Yunchao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China; (C.W.); (Y.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Jintai Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China; (C.W.); (Y.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Wenying Li
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250000, China;
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China; (C.W.); (Y.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Yinan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong, Jinan Engineering Laboratory for Multi-Scale Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
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Chin ML, Au CK, Chan CK, Jin L, Živković Stošić MZ, Đorđević Zlatković MR, Zlatković D, Pavlović NM, Chan W. Fabrication of a Simple and Efficient HPLC Reduction Column for Online Conversion of Aristolochic Acids to Aristolactams Prior to Sensitive Fluorescence Detection. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12365-12372. [PMID: 37565718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids produced naturally by plants from the Aristolochia and Asarum genera, which have been used extensively as herbal medicines. In addition to consuming AA-containing herbal medicinal products, there is emerging evidence that humans are also exposed to AA through the environment. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for global action to remove AA exposure sources and to implement preventative measures against the development of AA-associated cancers. Herein, we report the development of a simple and efficient iron powder-packed reduction column that allows online post-column conversion of the nonfluorescing AA to its corresponding strongly fluorescing aristolactam (AL), facilitating the sensitive and selective detection of AA in herbal medicinal products, food grain, arable soil, or groundwater samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Moreover, AL, a group of naturally occurring derivatives of AA that have demonstrated toxicity to cultured bacteria, human cells, and rats, is monitored and quantified simultaneously with AA in one single run without sacrificing sensitivity. In comparison with existing analytical methods for AA measurement, the newly developed method is not only inexpensive and less laborious, but it also offers improved sensitivity. We believe this novel method will find wide application in identifying the presence of AA in food, herbal medicines, and environmental samples, thus assisting in the identification and removal of AA exposure sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Lung Chin
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Kit Au
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Kong Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Long Jin
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Milena Z Živković Stošić
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Miljana R Đorđević Zlatković
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Dragan Zlatković
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Wan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
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5
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Li PL, Huang CH, Mao L, Li J, Sheng ZG, Zhu BZ. An unprecedented free radical mechanism for the formation of DNA adducts by the carcinogenic N-sulfonated metabolite of aristolochic acids. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 205:332-345. [PMID: 37179032 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The carcinogenicity of aristolochic acids (AAs) has been attributed mainly to the formation of stable DNA-aristolactam (DNA-AL) adducts by its reactive N-sulfonated metabolite N-sulfonatooxyaristolactam (N-OSO3--AL). The most accepted mechanism for such DNA-AL adduct formation is via the postulated but never unequivocally-confirmed aristolactam nitrenium ion. Here we found that both sulfate radical and two ALI-derived radicals (N-centered and C-centered spin isomers) were produced by N-OSO3--ALI, which were detected and unequivocally identified by complementary applications of ESR spin-trapping, HPLC-MS coupled with deuterium-exchange methods. Both the formation of the three radical species and DNA-ALI adducts can be significantly inhibited (up to 90%) by several well-known antioxidants, typical radical scavengers, and spin-trapping agents. Taken together, we propose that N-OSO3--ALI decomposes mainly via a new N-O bond homolysis rather than the previously proposed heterolysis pathway, yielding reactive sulfate and ALI-derived radicals, which are together and in concert responsible for forming DNA-ALI adducts. This study presents strong and direct evidence for the production of free radical intermediates during N-OSO3--ALI decomposition, providing an unprecedented free radical perspective and conceptual breakthrough, which can better explain and understand the molecular mechanism for the formation of DNA-AA adducts, the carcinogenicity of AAs and their potential prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Chun-Hua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China.
| | - Li Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Zhi-Guo Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Ben-Zhan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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Chiang SY, Wey MT, Luo YS, Shih WC, Chimeddulam D, Hsu PC, Huang HF, Tsai TH, Wu KY. Simultaneous toxicokinetic studies of aristolochic acid I and II and aristolactam I and II using a newly-developed microdialysis liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 177:113856. [PMID: 37257633 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are naturally occurring genotoxic carcinogens linked to Balkan endemic nephropathy and aristolochic acid nephropathy. Aristolochic acid I and II (AA-I and AA-II) are the most abundant AAs, and AA-I has been reported to be more genotoxic and nephrotoxic than AA-II. This study aimed to explore metabolic differences underlying the differential toxicity. We developed a novel microdialysis sampling coupled with solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MD-SPE-LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously study the toxicokinetics (TK) of AA-I and AA-II and their corresponding aristolactams (AL-I and AL-II) in the blood of Sprague Dawley rats co-treated with AA-1 and AA-II. Near real-time monitoring of these analytes in the blood of treated rats revealed that AA-I was absorbed, distributed, and eliminated more rapidly than AA-II. Moreover, the metabolism efficiency of AA-I to AL-I was higher compared to AA-II to AL-II. Only 0.58% of AA-I and 0.084% of AA-II was reduced to AL-I and AL-II, respectively. The findings are consistent with previous studies and support the contention that differences in the in vivo metabolism of AA-I and AA-II may be critical factors for their differential toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Yin Chiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Rd, North Dist., Taichung, 404333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsai Wey
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 100025, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Syuan Luo
- Institute of Food and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 404333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Shih
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 100025, Taiwan
| | - Dalaijamts Chimeddulam
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 100025, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chi Hsu
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Rd, North Dist., Taichung, 404333, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Fen Huang
- School of Post-baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2. Linong St., Taipei, 100147, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Yuh Wu
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 100025, Taiwan; Institute of Food and Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 404333, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xuzhou Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei, 100025, Taiwan.
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Zhang J, Chan CK, Pavlović NM, Chan W. Effects of Diet on Aristolochic Acid-DNA Adduct Formation: Implications for Balkan Endemic Nephropathy Etiology. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:438-445. [PMID: 36881864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to aristolochic acids (AAs) through AA-containing herbal medicine or AA-contaminated food is associated with the development of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) and Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), both public health risks to which the World Health Organization is calling for global action to remove exposure sources. The AA exposure-induced DNA damage is believed to be related to both the nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity of AA observed in patients suffering from BEN. While the chemical toxicology of AA is well-studied, we investigated in this study the understated effect of different nutrients, food additives, or health supplements on DNA adduct formation by aristolochic acid I (AA-I). By culturing human embryonic kidney cells in an AAI-containing medium enriched with different nutrients, results showed that cells cultured in fatty acid-, acetic acid-, and amino acid-enriched media produced ALI-dA adducts at significantly higher frequencies than that cultured in the normal medium. ALI-dA adduct formation was most sensitive to amino acids, indicating that amino acid- or protein-rich diets might lead to a higher risk of mutation and even cancer. On the other hand, cells cultured in media supplemented with sodium bicarbonate, GSH, and NAC reduced ALI-dA adduct formation rates, which sheds light on their potential use as risk-mitigating strategies for people at risk of AA exposure. It is anticipated that the results of this study will help to better understand the effect of dietary habits on cancer and BEN development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Kong Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Wang X, Lu Q, Dou L, Liu M, Li P, Yu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Wen K. Broad-specificity indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for aristolochic acids: Computer-aided hapten design and molecular mechanism of antibody recognition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:159941. [PMID: 36347294 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Long-term dietary exposure of aristolochic acids (AAs)-contaminated food proved to be one of the main culprits of Endemic Nephropathy, renal failure; and urothelial cancer. The antibodies utilized in immunoassays for AAs suffer from low affinity and failure of recognition to the family of AAs. This study, we prepared a broad-specificity monoclonal antibody (mAb) 5H5 with highly and uniform affinity for AAs by help of computational chemistry fully exposing the AAs common structures of methoxy and hydroxyl groups. The mAb 5H5 exhibited half inhibitory concentrations of AAA, AAB, AAC, AAD were 0.03, 0.06, 0.05, 0.03 ng/mL. To explain the broad-specificity profile of mAb 5H5, molecular docking was performed. Results shown that multiple conformations of AAs can be flexibly oriented in the spacious cavity of single-chain variable fragment antibody (scFv) 5H5 and the specific hydron bonds were formed by ASN62 and GLY64 of scFV 5H5 to the nitro group of AAs which gave an explanation of the high cross-reactivity of mAb 5H5. The ELISA based on the broad-specificity mAb 5H5with detection limits of 0.04-0.11 μg/kg and 0.02-0.06 μg/kg for four AAs in flour and soil samples, respectively. The study provided a promising method for the family of AAs in environmental and food samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingpeng Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Leina Dou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Minggang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peipei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuezhi Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Animal Derived Food Safety, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, 100193 Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Lewerenz L, Abouzeid S, Yahyazadeh M, Hijazin T, Selmar D. Novel Cognitions in Allelopathy: Implications from the "Horizontal Natural Product Transfer". PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3264. [PMID: 36501305 PMCID: PMC9741141 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Whereas the translocation of allelochemicals between plants is well established, a related general transfer of genuine specialized metabolites has not been considered so far. The elucidation of the so-called "Horizontal Natural Product Transfer" revealed that alkaloids, such as nicotine and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are leached out from decomposing alkaloid-containing plants (donor plants), are indeed taken up by the roots of plants growing in the vicinity (acceptor plants). Further studies demonstrated that phenolic compounds, such as coumarins or stilbenes, are also taken up by acceptor plants. Contemporary analyses from co-cultivation experiments outlined that natural products are not exclusively transferred from dead and rotting donor plant materials, but also from vital plants. In analogy to xenobiotics, the imported specialized metabolites might also be modified within the acceptor plants. As known from the uptake of xenobiotics, the import of specialized metabolites is also generally due to a simple diffusion of the substances across the biomembranes and does not require a carrier. The uptake depends in stricto sensu on the physicochemical properties of the certain compound. This article presents a current overview of the phenomenon of "Horizontal Natural Product Transfer" and discusses its relevance for our understanding of allelopathic interactions. The knowledge that specialized metabolites might in general be readily translocated from one plant into others should significantly contribute to our understanding of plant-plant interactions and-in particular-to the evolution of typical allelopathic effects, such as inhibition of growth and germination of potential competitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lewerenz
- Institut für Pflanzenbiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sara Abouzeid
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mahdi Yahyazadeh
- Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran P.O. Box 13185-116, Iran
| | - Tahani Hijazin
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Mutah University, P.O. Box 7, Mutah 61710, Jordan
| | - Dirk Selmar
- Institut für Pflanzenbiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 4, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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10
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang C, Li K, Tang W, Sun J, Wang X. Uptake, Translocation, and Fate of Carcinogenic Aristolochic Acid in Typical Vegetables in Soil-Plant Systems. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238271. [PMID: 36500364 PMCID: PMC9739334 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
When Aristolochia plants wilt and decay, aristolochic acids (AAs) are released into the soil, causing soil contamination. It has been demonstrated that aristolochic acid can be accumulated and enriched in crops through plant uptake. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the migration and accumulation of AAs in a realistic simulated soil environment. In this study, Aristolochia herbal extracts were mixed with soil for growing three typical vegetables: lettuce, celery, and tomato. The contents of AAs in the above-mentioned plants were determined by an established highly sensitive LC-MS/MS method to study the migration and accumulation of AAs. We found that AAs in the soil can be transferred and accumulated in plants. AAs first entered the roots, which were more likely to accumulate AAs, and partially entered the above-ground parts. This further confirms that AAs can enter the food chain through plants and can have serious effects on human health. It was also shown that plants with vigorous growth and a large size absorbed AAs from the soil at a faster rate. The more AAs present in the soil, the more they accumulated in the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong, Jinan Engineering Laboratory for Multi-Scale Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Yinan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong, Jinan Engineering Laboratory for Multi-Scale Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); or (X.W.)
| | - Changhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Kan Li
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Weifang Tang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Xikui Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
- Correspondence: (Y.W.); or (X.W.)
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11
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Das S, Thakur S, Korenjak M, Sidorenko VS, Chung FFL, Zavadil J. Aristolochic acid-associated cancers: a public health risk in need of global action. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:576-591. [PMID: 35854147 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are a group of naturally occurring compounds present in many plant species of the Aristolochiaceae family. Exposure to AA is a significant risk factor for severe nephropathy, and urological and hepatobiliary cancers (among others) that are often recurrent and characterized by the prominent mutational fingerprint of AA. However, herbal medicinal products that contain AA continue to be manufactured and marketed worldwide with inadequate regulation, and possible environmental exposure routes receive little attention. As the trade of food and dietary supplements becomes increasingly globalized, we propose that further inaction on curtailing AA exposure will have far-reaching negative effects on the disease trends of AA-associated cancers. Our Review aims to systematically present the historical and current evidence for the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of AA, and the effect of removing sources of AA exposure on cancer incidence trends. We discuss the persisting challenges of assessing the scale of AA-related carcinogenicity, and the obstacles that must be overcome in curbing AA exposure and preventing associated cancers. Overall, this Review aims to strengthen the case for the implementation of prevention measures against AA's multifaceted, detrimental and potentially fully preventable effects on human cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrat Das
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Shefali Thakur
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Korenjak
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Viktoriya S Sidorenko
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France.
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
| | - Jiri Zavadil
- Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer WHO, Lyon, France.
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12
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Rao J, Peng T, Li N, Wang Y, Yan C, Wang K, Qiu F. Nephrotoxicity induced by natural compounds from herbal medicines - a challenge for clinical application. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:757-778. [PMID: 36815678 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2168178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Herbal medicines (HMs) have long been considered safe and effective without serious toxic and side effects. With the continuous use of HMs, more and more attention has been paid to adverse reactions and toxic events, especially the nephrotoxicity caused by natural compounds in HMs. The composition of HMs is complex and various, especially the mechanism of toxic components has been a difficult and hot topic. This review comprehensively summarizes the kidney toxicity characterization and mechanism of nephrotoxic natural compounds (organic acids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, cytotoxic proteins, and minerals) from different sources. Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of HMs-induced kidney injury were provided. In vitro and in vivo models for evaluating nephrotoxicity and the latest biomarkers are also included in this investigation. More broadly, this review may provide theoretical basis for safety evaluation and further comprehensive development and utilization of HMs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiu Rao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Ting Peng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Caiqin Yan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, P. R. China
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13
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Liu H, Cheng X, Guan H, Wang C. Rapid and Simultaneous Quantification of Six Aristolochic Acids and Two Lignans in Asari Radix et Rhizoma Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 2022:5269545. [PMID: 36124165 PMCID: PMC9482547 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5269545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Asari Radix et Rhizoma (AR) is a widely-used Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple active lignans and rare nephrotoxic components-aristolochic acids derivatives (AAs). However, the current quality control method carried out by Chinese Pharmacopoeia has defects in trace AAs detection and insufficient marker ingredients, which is unable to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of AR. To improve the quality control method of AR, a rapid, sensitive, and reliable chromatographic analytic method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was established for the simultaneous analysis of multiple AAs and lignans in AR samples. Positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was applied for the detection of the eight analytes. The method showed available linearity (R 2 ≥ 0.991), the limit of quantification (2-5 ng/mL), precision (RSD <8.12%), and accuracy (89.78-112.16%). A total of 6 AAs and 2 lignans were quantified for their content in 15 AR samples. The content of AA-IVa, AA-VIIa, and aristololactam I (AL-I) was much higher than the AA-I controlled by pharmacopoeia. Considering the potential toxicity of AAs, AA-IVa, AA-VIIa, and AL-I should also be controlled in AR. A considerable amount of active sesamin was detected in AR, suggesting that it could be added as a quality marker for the quality control of AR. The newly developed analytical method could be applied for the fast evaluation of toxic AA's content and quality during quality control of AR or preparations containing AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanze Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Huida Guan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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14
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Lukinich-Gruia AT, Nortier J, Pavlović NM, Milovanović D, Popović M, Drăghia LP, Păunescu V, Tatu CA. Aristolochic acid I as an emerging biogenic contaminant involved in chronic kidney diseases: A comprehensive review on exposure pathways, environmental health issues and future challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 297:134111. [PMID: 35231474 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Described in the 1950s, Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) has been recognized as a chronic kidney disease (CKD) with clinical peculiarities and multiple etiological factors. Environmental contaminants - aromatic compounds, mycotoxins and phytotoxins like aristolochic acids (AAs) - polluting food and drinking water sources, were incriminated in BEN, due to their nephrotoxic and carcinogenic properties. The implication of AAs in BEN etiology is currently a highly debated topic due to the fact that they are found within the Aristolochiaceae plants family, used around the globe as traditional medicine and they were also incriminated in Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy (AAN). Exposure pathways have been investigated, but it is unclear to what extent AAs are acting alone or in synergy with other cofactors (environmental, genetics) in triggering kidney damage. Experimental studies strengthen the hypothesis that AAI, the most studied compound in the AAs class, is a significant environmental contaminant and a most important causative factor of BEN. The aim of this review is to compile information about the natural exposure pathways to AAI, via traditional medicinal plants, soil, crop plants, water, food, air. Data that either supports or contradicts the AAI theory concerning BEN etiology was consolidated and available solutions to reduce human exposure were discussed. Because AAI is a phytotoxin with physicochemical properties that allow its transportation in environmental matrices from different types of areas (endemic, nonendemic), and induce CKDs (BEN, AAN) and urinary cancers through bioaccumulation, this review aims to shed a new light on this compound as a biogenic emerging pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra T Lukinich-Gruia
- OncoGen Centre, Clinical County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Joëlle Nortier
- Nephrology Department, Brugmann Hospital & Laboratory of Experimental Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Nikola M Pavlović
- Kidneya Therapeutics, Klare Cetkin 11, 11070, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Niš, Univerzitetski Trg 2, 18106, Niš, Serbia.
| | | | - Miloš Popović
- Department for Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia.
| | - Lavinia Paula Drăghia
- OncoGen Centre, Clinical County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Virgil Păunescu
- OncoGen Centre, Clinical County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723, Timisoara, Romania; Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, Timisoara, 300041, Romania.
| | - Călin A Tatu
- OncoGen Centre, Clinical County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723, Timisoara, Romania; Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, Timisoara, 300041, Romania.
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15
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Zhang J, Chan KKJ, Chan W. Synergistic Interaction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Phthalate Esters, or Phenol on DNA Adduct Formation by Aristolochic Acid I: Insights into the Etiology of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:849-857. [PMID: 35471859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) is a multifactorial environmental disease, with chronic exposure to aristolochic acids (AAs) through AA-contaminated food being one of the major etiological mechanisms. However, the bulk of previous research has only focused on investigating the possible roles of individual pollutants in disease development and the etiological mechanism of BEN remains controversial. In this study, we investigated the exposure concentration and duration dependence of coexposure to phthalate esters and lignite coal-derived phenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the metabolism and DNA adduct formation of aristolochic acid I (AAI). Results showed that both the metabolic activation and DNA adduct formation of AAI in cultured human kidney cells were affected by their coexposure to the above-mentioned environmental pollutants. Furthermore, our results suggest that chemicals leached from lignite coal likely played a role by triggering AA-activating enzymes to produce more of the promutagenic DNA adducts, thus further elevating the nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity of AAs and increasing the risk of BEN. It is believed that the results of this study provide a better understanding of the etiological mechanism of BEN and offer insights into methods and policies to lower the risk of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan-Kit Jason Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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16
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Drăghia LP, Lukinich-Gruia AT, Oprean C, Pavlović NM, Păunescu V, Tatu CA. Aristolochic acid I: an investigation into the role of food crops contamination, as a potential natural exposure pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:4163-4178. [PMID: 33796971 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00903-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a potent nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compound produced by plants of the Aristolochiaceae family and thoroughly investigated as a main culprit in the etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN). So far, the AAI exposure was demonstrated to occur through the consumption of Aristolochia clematitis plants as traditional remedies, and through the contamination of the surrounding environment in endemic areas: soil, food and water contamination. Our study investigated for the first time the level of AAI contamination in 141 soil and vegetable samples from two cultivated gardens in non-endemic areas, A. clematitis being present in only one of the gardens. We developed and validated a simple and sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry method for qualitative and quantitative AAI analysis. The results confirmed the presence of AAI at nanogram levels in soil and vegetable samples collected from the non-endemic garden, where A. clematitis grows. These findings provide additional evidence that the presence of A. clematitis can cause food crops and soil contamination and unveil the pathway through which AAI could move from A. clematitis to other plant species via a common matrix: the soil. Another issue regarding the presence of AAI, in a non-endemic BEN area from Romania, could underlie a more widespread environmental exposure to AAI and explain certain BEN-like cases in areas where BEN has not been initially described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Paula Drăghia
- Department of Functional Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Victor Babes', Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania.
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, OncoGen Centre, County Hospital 'Pius Branzeu', Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Alexandra Teodora Lukinich-Gruia
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, OncoGen Centre, County Hospital 'Pius Branzeu', Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Camelia Oprean
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, OncoGen Centre, County Hospital 'Pius Branzeu', Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Environmental and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Victor Babes', Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Virgil Păunescu
- Department of Functional Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Victor Babes', Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, OncoGen Centre, County Hospital 'Pius Branzeu', Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Călin Adrian Tatu
- Department of Functional Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Victor Babes', Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, OncoGen Centre, County Hospital 'Pius Branzeu', Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
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17
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Zhang Y, Han Y, Dong C, Li C, Liang T, Ling G, Nie H. Rapid characterization and pharmacokinetic study of aristolochic acid analogues using ion mobility mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:4247-4253. [PMID: 33950274 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aristolochic acid analogues (AAAs), naturally existing in herbal Aristolochia and Asarum genera, were once widely used in traditional pharmacopeias because of their anti-inflammatory properties, but lately they were identified as potential nephrotoxins and mutagens. A method for rapid characterization of AAAs in serum was developed using ion mobility spectrometry coupled with mass spectrometry (IMS-MS). Five AAAs, containing four aristolochic acids and one aristolactam, were separated and identified within milliseconds. AAAs were separated in gas phase based on the difference of their ion mobility (K0), and then identified based on their K0 values, m/z, and product ions from MS/MS. Quantitative analysis of AAAs was performed using an internal standard with a satisfactory sensitivity. Limits of detection (signal-to-noise = 3) and quantification (signal-to-noise = 10) were 1-5 ng/mL and 3-8 ng/mL, respectively. The method was validated and successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics study of AAAs in rats, offering a promising way for fast screening and evaluation of AAAs in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Yehua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China.
| | - Chenglong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Tuo Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 10050, China
| | - Guannan Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Honggang Nie
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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18
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Chan CK, Chan KKJ, Liu N, Chan W. Quantitation of Protein Adducts of Aristolochic Acid I by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A Novel Method for Biomonitoring Aristolochic Acid Exposure. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:144-153. [PMID: 33410325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that chronic exposure to aristolochic acids (AAs) is one of the etiological pathways leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to the traditional practice of herbal medicine and AA-containing plants being used extensively as medicinal herbs, over 100 million East Asians are estimated to be at risk of AA poisoning. Given that the chronic nephrotoxicity of AAs only manifests itself after decades of exposure, early diagnosis of AA exposure could allow for timely intervention and disease risk reduction. However, an early detection method is not yet available, and diagnosis can only be established at the end stage of CKD. The goal of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and selective method to quantitate protein adducts of aristolochic acid I (AAI) as a biomarker of AA exposure. The method entails the release of protein-bound aristolactam I (ALI) by heat-assisted alkaline hydrolysis, extraction of ALI, addition of internal standard, and quantitation by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric analysis. Accuracy and precision of the method were critically evaluated using a synthetic ALI-containing glutathione adduct. The validated method was subsequently used to detect dose-dependent formation of ALI-protein adducts in human serum albumin exposed to AAI and in proteins isolated from the tissues and sera of AAI-exposed rats. Our time-dependent study showed that ALI-protein adducts remained detectable in rats even at 28 days postdosing. It is anticipated that the developed method will fill the technical gap in diagnosing AA intoxication and facilitate the biomonitoring of human exposures to AAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Kong Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan-Kit Jason Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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19
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Au CK, Zhang J, Chan CK, Li C, Liu G, Pavlović NM, Yao J, Chan W. Determination of Aristolochic Acids in Vegetables: Nephrotoxic and Carcinogenic Environmental Pollutants Contaminating a Broad Swath of the Food Supply and Driving Incidence of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:2446-2454. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | | | - Jing Yao
- Department of Mathematics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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20
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Afshar-Mogaddam MR, Yadeghari A, Jouyban A. An Overview on Analytical Methods for Quantitative Determination of Aristolochic Acids. CURR ANAL CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1573411014666180704124213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Aristolochic acids are chemically linked to nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids
which are found in aristolochia plants. These compounds are intrinsically carcinogenic, while they
have been used in traditional medicine from a long time ago. Despite the beneficial effects of herbals
for treating some diseases, they possess some side effects.
Methods:
Therefore, the development of a sensitive and selective procedure for the determination of
these harmful components in various complicated samples is an important task for health systems and
drug authorities. In the past years, ultra-pressure liquid chromatography, high performance liquid
chromatography and capillary electrophoresis with different detection systems were used for determination
of aristolochic acids in various samples.
Results:
In this review, different analytical methods have been discussed in brief and applications of
them in diverse samples have been summarized.
Conclusion:
Different approaches are compared from point of sensitivity, selectivity, and extraction
efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adeleh Yadeghari
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Jouyban
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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21
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Chan CK, Tung KK, Pavlović NM, Chan W. Remediation of aristolochic acid-contaminated soil by an effective advanced oxidation process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137528. [PMID: 32143041 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are persistent soil pollutants in the agricultural fields of the Balkan Peninsula that are endemic for Aristolochia clematitis L. This class of carcinogenic and nephrotoxic phytotoxins is taken up by crops through root absorption and contaminates staple foods across the peninsula. Human exposure to AAs via dietary intake has recently been recognized as a cause of Balkan endemic nephropathy. For the sake of public health, human exposure to AAs from all sources should be minimized in a timely manner. However, currently, there is no available remediation method to remove AAs from soil. In this study, we developed the first soil remediation method for AAs using Fenton's reagent (FR), a combination of ferrous ion and hydrogen peroxide, and optimized factors, including pH, temperature, time, and dose of FR, to achieve the best degradation performance. The maximum AA degradation efficiency was found to be >97% in soil with 500 μg kg-1 of AAs. We anticipate that this developed method, mediated via Fenton reaction, will be useful to effectively eliminate AAs from the Balkan farmlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Kong Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Ki Tung
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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22
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Tung KK, Chan CK, Zhao Y, Chan KKJ, Liu G, Pavlović NM, Chan W. Occurrence and Environmental Stability of Aristolochic Acids in Groundwater Collected from Serbia: Links to Human Exposure and Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1554-1561. [PMID: 31884786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) have been known as potent nephrotoxins since the use of AA-containing herbal medicines was linked with a series of sporadic renal fibrotic nephropathy cases, and yet an estimated 100 million people worldwide are still at risk today because of continued use of similar medicines. However, a similar nephropathic condition is endemic in the rural Balkan regions (e.g., Serbian farming villages) and AAs were again found to be the causative agents. In the case of this Balkan endemic nephropathy, AAs were found to have originated from a widespread local weed Aristolochia clematitis L. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that AAs released from decomposition of A. clematitis were also being leached into groundwater, thus polluting the drinking water of local residents. We initiated the study by developing a dispersive solid-phase extraction-based sample preparation method for water samples suspected of AA contamination. The validated method was then coupled with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method to measure AAs in groundwater samples collected from Serbia. Our study revealed for the first time that groundwater in Serbia is extensively contaminated with AA-I, at ng/L levels. Results also showed that AAs are long-lived water contaminants, with no observable concentration changes over a 2-month period of sample storage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085 , China
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23
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Sun J, Zhou G, Jiang X, Wang X. QuEChERS pretreatment combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for determination of aristolochic acids I and II in Chinese herbal patent medicines. RSC Adv 2020; 10:25319-25324. [PMID: 35517454 PMCID: PMC9055279 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03200j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acid I and II (AA I and II), a kind of nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compound, are widely added in Chinese herbal patent medicines though they have been banned due to their toxicity. However, the traditional sample pre-treatment combined with the LC-MS analysis system is not effective to determine AAs in such complicated patent medicines. The QuEChERS pretreatment method possesses some merits such as being quick and effective. In this work, the modified QuEChERS method was first used to determine AA I and II in Chinese herbal patent medicines combined with the HPLC-MS/MS analysis system. Extraction and removal of target analytes from powder, tablet, and capsule samples were conducted using the modified QuEChERS pretreatment. The liquid extracts of Chinese herbal patent medicines could be analyzed directly. The method optimization results show that average recoveries ranged from 96.6% to 110.3% with relative standard deviations ranging from 4.2% to 13.0%. The quantization limits of the three selected matrices are estimated as follows (AA I/II): 2.8/6.5 ng mL−l in liquid herbal extract, 6.5/12.5 ng g−1 in tablets, and 22.1/42.1 ng g−1 in capsules. This method was conducted to investigate the presence of AAs, which are a type of nephrotoxic and carcinogenic carboxylic acid, in 30 herbal products sold through the Internet in China. AA I and II were detected in 53% and 20%, respectively, of tested samples. Aristolochic acid I and II (AA I and II), a kind of nephrotoxic and carcinogenic compound, are widely added in Chinese herbal patent medicines though they have been banned due to their toxicity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250100
- China
| | - Yinan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250100
- China
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
| | - Guowei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250100
- China
| | - Xiaojie Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals in Universities of Shandong
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250100
- China
| | - Xikui Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences)
- Jinan 250353
- China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
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24
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Petrescu AM, Lukinich‐Gruia AT, Paunescu V, Ilia G. A Theoretical Study of the Molecular Coupled Structures of Aristolochic Acids and Humic Acid, Potential Environmental Contaminants. Chem Biodivers 2019; 16:e1900406. [PMID: 31568671 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201900406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alina M. Petrescu
- OncoGen CenterCounty Hospital ‘Pius Branzeu' 156 Liviu Rebreanu Blvd. 300736 Timisoara Romania
- West University of Timisoara 14 Pestalozzi Str. Timisoara RO-300115 Romania
| | | | - Virgil Paunescu
- OncoGen CenterCounty Hospital ‘Pius Branzeu' 156 Liviu Rebreanu Blvd. 300736 Timisoara Romania
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Victor Babes' 2 Eftimie Murgu Sq. 300041 Timisoara Romania
| | - Gheorghe Ilia
- West University of Timisoara 14 Pestalozzi Str. Timisoara RO-300115 Romania
- Institute of Chemistry ‘Coriolan Dragulescu' 24 Mihai Viteazu Blvd. 300223 Timisoara Romania
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25
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Development of a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for aristolochic acids detection: Application in food and agricultural soil analyses. Food Chem 2019; 289:673-679. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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26
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BRCA2 deficiency is a potential driver for human primary ovarian insufficiency. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:474. [PMID: 31209201 PMCID: PMC6572856 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive problem has been one of the top issues for women health worldwide in recent decades. As a typical female disease, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) results in a loss of ovarian follicles and oocytes that thus destroys women fertility. However, due to the complex of POI etiology and rare resource of human POI oocytes, few biomarkers have been identified in clinics and no effective strategy could be applied to treat POI patients. In the search of possible association between DNA damage and POI by Smart-Seq2 and RT2 profiler PCR array, we find that BRCA2, a core DNA repair gene for homologous recombination shows significantly lower expression in two POI patient oocytes. In line with this, we generated oocyte-specific knockout mouse model driven by Gdf9-Cre. The Brca2-deficient mice are infertile because of the arrested follicle development and defective oocyte quality caused by the accumulation of DNA damage. Notably, ectopic expression of Brca2 in Brca2-deficient oocytes could partially restore the oocyte maturation and chromosome stability. Collectively, our data assign a definite deficiency to BRCA2 as a POI driver during follicle development and oocyte maturation, and provide a potential fertility treatment strategy for POI patients induced by BRCA2 deficiency.
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27
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Han J, Xian Z, Zhang Y, Liu J, Liang A. Systematic Overview of Aristolochic Acids: Nephrotoxicity, Carcinogenicity, and Underlying Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:648. [PMID: 31244661 PMCID: PMC6580798 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are a group of toxins commonly present in the plants of genus Aristolochia and Asarum, which are spread all over the world. Since the 1990s, AA-induced nephropathy (AAN) and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) have been reported in many countries. The underlying mechanisms of AAN and AA-induced UTUC have been extensively investigated. AA-derived DNA adducts are recognized as specific biomarkers of AA exposure, and a mutational signature predominantly characterized by A→T transversions has been detected in AA-induced UTUC tumor tissues. In addition, various enzymes and organic anion transporters are involved in AA-induced adverse reactions. The progressive lesions and mutational events initiated by AAs are irreversible, and no effective therapeutic regimen for AAN and AA-induced UTUC has been established until now. Because of several warnings on the toxic effects of AAs by the US Food and Drug Administration and the regulatory authorities of some other countries, the sale and use of AA-containing products have been banned or restricted in most countries. However, AA-related adverse events still occur, especially in the Asian and Balkan regions. Therefore, the use of AA-containing herbal remedies and the consumption of food contaminated by AAs still carry high risk. More strict precautions should be taken to protect the public from AA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Han
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Xian
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yushi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Aihua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing for Identification and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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28
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Aristolochic Acids: Newly Identified Exposure Pathways of this Class of Environmental and Food-Borne Contaminants and its Potential Link to Chronic Kidney Diseases. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7010014. [PMID: 30893813 PMCID: PMC6468885 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids naturally produced by Aristolochia plants. These plants were widely used to prepare herbal remedies until AAs were observed to be highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic to humans. Although the use of AA-containing Aristolochia plants in herbal medicine is prohibited in countries worldwide, emerging evidence nevertheless has indicated that AAs are the causative agents of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), an environmentally derived disease threatening numerous residents of rural farming villages along the Danube River in countries of the Balkan Peninsula. This perspective updates recent findings on the identification of AAs in food as a result of the root uptake of free AAs released from the decayed seeds of Aristolochia clematitis L., in combination with their presence and fate in the environment. The potential link between AAs and the high prevalence of chronic kidney diseases in China is also discussed.
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29
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García-Martínez MJ, Ortega MF, Bolonio D, Llamas JF, Canoira L. Leaching of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from coal dumps reclaimed with apple trees: a mechanistic insight. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:2695-2706. [PMID: 29948535 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified as compounds that can be incorporated to run-off waters or to aquifers becoming a real threat not only to aquatic organisms but also to humans due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic activity. This work studies the presence of PAHs in a coal dump pile located in the north of Spain (Asturias), downhill a spoil pile of a cinabrium mine. This unique site gives the opportunity to assess whether acid waters have more potential to leach PAHs than normal rainwater (acidified when it gets in contact with coal spoil). The distribution of PAHs and methyl PAHs has shown that their abundance is higher in the path of acid waters which could be caused by the ability of acid water to break bonds of coal macromolecules. This chemical reaction liberates PAHs of less molecular weight that can be detected by GC-MS. Moreover, less soluble PAHs are concentrated on the acid water circulation area and more soluble PAHs more leached by acid water that rainwater, which indicates that PAHs dissolve more in acid waters than in normal rainwater. In addition, this coal spoil pile has been reclaimed with apple trees to make cider for human consumption. Up to 152 different compounds were identified in the tree samples, but neither PAHs nor methyl PAHs were found, pointing to a possible retention of the PAHs in the roots zone. Apple trees in the acid waters path show more concentration in waxes and flavour compounds, indicating a more mature apple.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J García-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, School of Mines and Energy, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M F Ortega
- Department of Energy and Fuels, School of Mines and Energy, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Bolonio
- Department of Energy and Fuels, School of Mines and Energy, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - J F Llamas
- Department of Energy and Fuels, School of Mines and Energy, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Canoira
- Department of Energy and Fuels, School of Mines and Energy, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
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30
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Li W, Chan CK, Liu Y, Yao J, Mitić B, Kostić EN, Milosavljević B, Davinić I, Orem WH, Tatu CA, Dedon PC, Pavlović NM, Chan W. Aristolochic Acids as Persistent Soil Pollutants: Determination of Risk for Human Exposure and Nephropathy from Plant Uptake. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:11468-11476. [PMID: 30286603 PMCID: PMC6413692 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to aristolochic acids (AAs) from Aristolochia plants is one of the major global causes of nephropathy, including Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN); renal failure; and urothelial cancer. The high incidence of BEN on the Balkan Peninsula is assumed to result from consumption of Aristolochia clematitis L. seeds coharvested with crops. Here, we show that AAs are long-lived soil contaminants that enter wheat and maize plants by root uptake with strong pH dependence. Soil and crops from Serbian farms in areas endemic for A. clematitis were found to be extensively contaminated with AAs, with contamination strongly correlated with local incidence of BEN. The persistence of AAs as soil contaminants suggests that weed control for A. clematitis plants is needed to reduce the incidence of BEN and aristolochic acid nephropathy, systematic surveys of soil and crop AA levels would identify high-risk regions, and it is imperative to research soil-remediation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Dept. of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Kong Chan
- Dept. of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yushuo Liu
- Division of Environment & Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Yao
- Dept. of Mathematics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | | | - Ivana Davinić
- Serbian Medical Society, Branch Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | | | - Calin A. Tatu
- Department of Biology and Environmental Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, Timisoara, RO- 300041, Romania
| | - Peter C. Dedon
- Dept. of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Wan Chan
- Dept. of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Division of Environment & Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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31
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Gruia AT, Oprean C, Ivan A, Cean A, Cristea M, Draghia L, Damiescu R, Pavlovic NM, Paunescu V, Tatu CA. Balkan endemic nephropathy and aristolochic acid I: an investigation into the role of soil and soil organic matter contamination, as a potential natural exposure pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1437-1448. [PMID: 29288399 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are carcinogenic and nephrotoxic plant alkaloids present in Aristolochia species, used in traditional medicine. Recent biomolecular and environmental studies have incriminated these toxins as an etiological agent in Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), a severe kidney disease occurring in the Balkan Peninsula. The questions on how the susceptible populations are exposed to these toxins have not yet been clearly answered. Exposure to AAs through the food chain, and environmental pollution (soil/dust), could provide an explanation for the presence of BEN in the countries where no folkloric use of the plant has been documented (Bulgaria, Croatia). Additional exposure pathways are likely to occur, and we have shown previously that AAs can contaminate crop plants through absorption from soil, under controlled laboratory environment. Here, we attempt to provide additional support to this potential exposure pathway, by revealing the presence of AAI in soil and soil organic matter samples collected from BEN and non-BEN areas. The samples were processed in order to be analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and ion trap mass spectrometry. Our results showed the presence of AAI in small concentrations, both in BEN and non-BEN soils, especially where Aristolochia plants and seeds were present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra T Gruia
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Camelia Oprean
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania.
- Department of Environmental and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Alexandra Ivan
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology and Environmental Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ada Cean
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirabela Cristea
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lavinia Draghia
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Damiescu
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Virgil Paunescu
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Calin A Tatu
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital "Pius Branzeu", Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300736, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology and Environmental Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Eftimie Murgu Sq. 2, 300041, Timisoara, Romania
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32
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Li W, Chan CK, Wong YL, Chan KKJ, Chan HW, Chan W. Cooking methods employing natural anti-oxidant food additives effectively reduced concentration of nephrotoxic and carcinogenic aristolochic acids in contaminated food grains. Food Chem 2018; 264:270-276. [PMID: 29853376 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that aristolochic acids (AA) produced naturally by a common weed Aristolochia clematitis in the cultivation fields is contaminating the food products in Balkan Peninsula and acting as the etiological agent in the development of Balkan endemic nephropathy. In this study, we investigated the combined use of natural anti-oxidative "food additives" and different cooking methods to find a solution for the widespread contamination of AA in food products. The results indicated that the addition of healthy dietary supplements (such as cysteine, glutathione, ascorbic acid, citric acid and magnesium) during cooking, is a highly efficient method in lowering the concentration of AA in the final food products. Because previous observation indicated one of the toxicological mechanisms by which AA exert its toxicity is to induce oxidative stress in internal organs, it is anticipated that these added anti-oxidants will also help to attenuate the nephrotoxicity of AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Kong Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yee-Lam Wong
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - K K Jason Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ho Wai Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wan Chan
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Jadot I, Declèves AE, Nortier J, Caron N. An Integrated View of Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy: Update of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020297. [PMID: 28146082 PMCID: PMC5343833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “aristolochic acid nephropathy” (AAN) is used to include any form of toxic interstitial nephropathy that is caused either by ingestion of plants containing aristolochic acids (AA) as part of traditional phytotherapies (formerly known as “Chinese herbs nephropathy”), or by the environmental contaminants in food (Balkan endemic nephropathy). It is frequently associated with urothelial malignancies. Although products containing AA have been banned in most of countries, AAN cases remain regularly reported all over the world. Moreover, AAN incidence is probably highly underestimated given the presence of AA in traditional herbal remedies worldwide and the weak awareness of the disease. During these two past decades, animal models for AAN have been developed to investigate underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in AAN pathogenesis. Indeed, a more-in-depth understanding of these processes is essential to develop therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce the global and underestimated burden of this disease. In this regard, our purpose was to build a broad overview of what is currently known about AAN. To achieve this goal, we aimed to summarize the latest data available about underlying pathophysiological mechanisms leading to AAN development with a particular emphasis on the imbalance between vasoactive factors as well as a focus on the vascular events often not considered in AAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Jadot
- Molecular Physiology Research Unit-URPhyM, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), Namur 5000, Belgium.
| | - Anne-Emilie Declèves
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Mons 7000, Belgium.
| | - Joëlle Nortier
- Nephrology Department, Erasme Academic Hospital and Laboratory of Experimental Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels 1070, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Caron
- Molecular Physiology Research Unit-URPhyM, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), Namur 5000, Belgium.
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Chan W, Pavlović NM, Li W, Chan CK, Liu J, Deng K, Wang Y, Milosavljević B, Kostić EN. Quantitation of Aristolochic Acids in Corn, Wheat Grain, and Soil Samples Collected in Serbia: Identifying a Novel Exposure Pathway in the Etiology of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:5928-5934. [PMID: 27362729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b02203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
While to date investigations provided convincing evidence on the role of aristolochic acids (AAs) in the etiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) and upper urothelial cancer (UUC), the exposure pathways by which AAs enter human bodies to cause BEN and UUC remain obscure. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that environmental pollution by AAs and root uptake of AAs in the polluted soil may be one of the pathways by which AAs enter the human food chain. The hypothesis driving this study was that the decay of Aristolochia clematitis L., a AA-containing herbaceous plant that is found growing widespread in the endemic regions, could release free AAs to the soil, which could be taken up by food crops growing nearby, thereby transferring this potent human nephrotoxin and carcinogen into their edible parts. Using the highly sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection method, we identified and quantitated in this study for the first time AAs in corn, wheat grain, and soil samples collected from the endemic village Kutles in Serbia. Our results provide the first direct evidence that food crops and soil in the Balkans are contaminated with AAs. It is possible that the presence of AAs in edible parts of crops originating from the AA-contaminated soil could be one of the major pathways by which humans become exposed to AAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Biljana Milosavljević
- Institute for Forensic Medicine Medical Faculty, University of Niš , 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Emina N Kostić
- Clinic of Nephrology, Clinical Center Niš , 18000 Niš, Serbia
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