Potential Role of Lycopene in the Inhibition of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Ferroptosis in Spleen Via Modulation of Iron Ion Homeostasis

Se-Methylselenocysteine Ameliorates DEHP-Induced Ferroptosis in Testicular Sertoli Cells via the Nrf2/GPX4 Axis

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an important plasticizer in industrial production, and its toxic effects on testes are widely recognized. Se-methylselenocysteine (SMC) is a major selenium compound found in selenium-rich plants, which possesses unique biological properties such as antioxidants. However, the effect of SMC on DEHP-induced testicular injury and the specific mechanism remains unknown. In this study, 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups and were given corn oil (Control), DEHP, low-dose SMC (L-SMC), moderate-dose SMC (M-SMC), or high-dose SMC (H-SMC). The sperm quality of the mice in each group was determined, and HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to observe testicular morphology, and testicular tissues were collected for the subsequent molecular biological analyses. The TM4 cell line was applied in vitro for mechanism validation. Our results showed that DEHP could lead to decreased sperm quality and blood-testis barrier damage in mice, which could be alleviated by SMC. Mitochondrial damage accompanied by accumulation of total iron content, MDA, and 4-HNE, as well as downregulation of antioxidants SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px were observed after DEHP treatment, which exhibited a typical ferroptosis feature. In vitro experiments confirmed that SMC promoted upregulation of GPX4 in TM4 cells and was able to alleviate DEHP metabolite MEHP-induced ferroptosis and promote the expression of cell junction key proteins ZO-1, Occludin, and Connexin 43, which could be inhibited by the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 or the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Overall, the above results suggest that SMC ameliorates the DEHP-induced ferroptosis in testicular Sertoli cells, protects the blood-testis barrier, and prevents sperm aberrations via the Nrf2/GPX4 axis.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and its metabolites research trend: a bibliometric analysis

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most widely used plasticizers. Many studies focus on the impact of continuous exposure to DEHP on humans and ecosystems. In this study, the bibliometric analysis of DEHP and its metabolites research was conducted to assess the research performances, hotspot issues, and trends in this field. The data was retrieved from a Web of Science Core Collection online database. VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to analyze. A total of 4672 publications were collected from 1975 to 2022 October 21. The number of publications and citations increased annually in the last decades. China had the largest number of publications, and the USA had the highest co-authorship score. The most productive and most frequently cited institutions were the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (USA), respectively. The journal with the most publications was the Science of Total Environment, and the most cited one was the Environmental Health Perspectives. The most productive and cited author was Calafat A. M. (USA). The most cited reference was "Phthalates: toxicology and exposure." Four hotspot issues were as follows: influences of DEHP on the organisms and its possible mechanisms, assessment of DEHP exposure to the human and its metabolism, dynamics of DEHP in external environments, and indoor exposure of DEHP and health outcomes. The research trends were DNOP, preterm birth, gut microbiota, microplastics, lycopene, hypertension, and thyroid hormones. This study can provide researchers with new ideas and decision-makers with reference basis to formulate relevant policies.

Ferroptosis as an emerging target in sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobin disorder marked by red blood cell sickling, resulting in severe anemia, painful episodes, extensive organ damage, and shortened life expectancy. In SCD, increased iron levels can trigger ferroptosis, a specific type of cell death characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxide accumulation, leading to damage and organ impairments. The intricate interplay between iron, ferroptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in SCD underscores the necessity of thoroughly understanding these processes for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the importance of balancing the complex interactions among various factors and exploitation of the knowledge in developing novel therapeutics for this devastating disease.

Dibutyl phthalate exposure induced mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis by enhancing VDAC2 in zebrafish ZF4 cells

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) contamination has raised global concern for decades, while its health risk with toxic mechanisms requires further elaboration. This study used zebrafish ZF4 cells to investigate the toxicity of ferroptosis with underlying mechanisms in response to DBP exposure. Results showed that DBP induced ferroptosis, characterized by accumulation of ferrous iron, lipid peroxidation, and decrease of glutathione peroxidase 4 levels in a time-dependent manner, subsequently reduced cell viability. Transcriptome analysis revealed that voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) in mitochondrial outer membrane was upregulated in ferroptosis signaling pathways. Protecting mitochondria with a VDAC2 inhibitor or siRNAs attenuated the accumulation of mitochondrial superoxide and lipid peroxides, the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and the overload of iron levels, suggesting VDAC2 oligomerization mediated the influx of iron into mitochondria that is predominant and responsible for mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis under DBP exposure. Furthermore, the pivotal role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) was identified in the transcriptional regulation of vdac2 by ChIP assay. And the intervention of atf4b inhibited DBP-induced VDAC2 upregulation and oligomerization. Taken together, this study reveals that ATF4-VDAC2 signaling pathway is involved in the DBP-induced ferroptosis in zebrafish ZF4 cells, contributing to the in-depth understanding of biotoxicity and the ecological risk assessment of phthalates.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced lipophagy-related renal ferroptosis in quail (Coturnix japonica)

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a synthetic chemical applied as a plasticizer. As an environmental toxicant, DEHP poses a serious health threat. Many studies have revealed that DEHP can cause lead to various degrees of damage to the kidney. However, the evidence of DEHP-induced renal ferroptosis has not been reported. The purpose of this work was to probe the specific role of lipophagy in DEHP-induced renal injury and to investigate the relationship between lipophagy and ferroptosis. Quail were treated with DEHP (250 mg/kg BW/day, 500 mg/kg BW/day and 750 mg/kg BW/day) for 45 days. Microstructural and ultrastructural observations showed that DEHP caused damage to glomerular and tubular cells, and autophagy with multilayer structures were observed, suggesting that DEHP can induce lipophagy. The results indicated that the iron homeostasis was abnormal and the lipid peroxidation was increased. SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 were down-regulated. PTGS2, ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were elevated. In conclusion, DEHP could induce lipid peroxidation, lead to ferroptosis, and damage renal cells. Therefore, the relationship between lipophagy and ferroptosis was elucidated, which provided a new basis for intervention and prevention of DEHP increased diseases.

Ferroptosis as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Mycotoxicosis: A Review

Mycotoxin contamination has become one of the biggest hidden dangers of food safety, which seriously threatens human health. Understanding the mechanisms by which mycotoxins exert toxicity is key to detoxification. Ferroptosis is an adjustable cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and glutathione (GSH) depletion. More and more studies have shown that ferroptosis is involved in organ damage from mycotoxins exposure, and natural antioxidants can alleviate mycotoxicosis as well as effectively regulate ferroptosis. In recent years, research on the treatment of diseases by Chinese herbal medicine through ferroptosis has attracted more attention. This article reviews the mechanism of ferroptosis, discusses the role of ferroptosis in mycotoxicosis, and summarizes the current status of the regulation of various mycotoxicosis through ferroptosis by Chinese herbal interventions, providing a potential strategy for better involvement of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of mycotoxicosis in the future.

Deoxynivalenol induces testicular ferroptosis by regulating the Nrf2/System Xc-/GPX4 axis

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common mycotoxin contaminant in food and feed. DON accumulation in food chain severely threatens human and animal health due to the toxic effects on the reproduction system. However, the underlying mechanism of DON on male reproductive dysfunction is still in debate and there is little information about whether DON triggers testicular ferroptosis. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups and treated by oral gavage with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg BW DON for 28 days. Firstly, we proved that male reproduction dysfunction was induced by DON through assessing testicular histopathology, serum testosterone level as well as blood-testis barrier integrity. Then, we verified ferroptosis occurred in DON-induced testicular dysfunction model through disrupting iron homeostasis, increasing lipid peroxidation and inhibiting system Xc^-/Gpx4 axis. Notably, the present data showed DON reduced antioxidant capacity via blocking Nrf2 pathway to lead to the further weakness of ferroptosis resistance. Altogether, these results indicated that DON caused mice testicular ferroptosis associated with inhibiting Nrf2/System Xc-/GPx4 axis, which provided that maintaining testicular iron homeostasis and activating Nrf2 pathway may be a potential target for alleviating testicular toxicity of DON in the future.

Lycopene alleviates multiple-mycotoxin-induced toxicity by inhibiting mitochondrial damage and ferroptosis in the mouse jejunum

Multiple mycotoxins contamination in foods and feeds threatens human and animal health after they accumulate in the food chain, producing various toxic effects. The common mycotoxins contaimination in feeds are zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), but the effects of their co-exposure on the jejunum are not well understood. Lycopene (LYC) has been reported to have antioxidant activity that alleviates jejunal damage. In this study, we investigated the possible role of LYC as a treatment to mitigate the combined effects of ZEN, DON, and AFB1 on the jejunum of mice. Eighty male specific-pathogen-free ICR mice were randomly allocated to treatments with LYC (10 mg kg-1) and/or ZEN + DON + AFB1 (10 mg kg-1 ZEN, 1 mg kg-1 DON, and 0.5 mg kg-1 AFB1). The results indicated that LYC alleviated ZEN + DON + AFB1-induced jejunal injury by ameliorating the jejunal structural injury and increasing the villus height/crypt depth ratio and the levels of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens 1 [ZO1], occludin1 and claudin1) in the mouse jejunum. LYC also inhibited the oxidative stress induced by co-exposure to ZEN, DON, and AFB1 via reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhancing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). LYC also alleviated jejunal mitochondrial damage in the ZEN + DON + AFB1-affected mice, evident as an increase in mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1) transcription and a reduction in mitochondrial mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) and Mfn2 transcription. Co-exposure to ZEN, DON, and AFB1 also significantly increased the transcription of ferroptosis-related genes (transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1), ferritin heavy chain 1 [Fth1], solute carrier family 3 member 2 [Slc3a2], and glutathione peroxidase 4 [Gpx4]), TFR1 and Fe2+ concentration. Notably, LYC potentially alleviated ZEN + DON + AFB1-induced jejunal ferroptosis. These results demonstrate that LYC alleviates ZEN + DON + AFB1-induced jejunal toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis and mitochondrial damage in mice.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces liver injury by promoting ferroptosis via downregulation of GPX4 in pregnant mice

As one kind of endocrine disrupting chemical, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been reported to cause liver dysfunction in epidemiological and experimental studies. Abnormal liver function in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Few studies have investigated the potential effect of gestational DEHP exposure on the liver in pregnant mice, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, pregnant ICR mice were exposed to doses (0, 500, 1,000 mg/kg/day) of DEHP in the presence or absence of 5 mg/kg/day ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1, ferroptosis inhibitor) by oral gavage from gestation day 4 to day 18. HepG2 cells were exposed to different doses of monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP, a major metabolite of DEHP) in vitro. Hepatic function and pathologic changes were observed. Oxidative stress, iron metabolism, and ferroptosis-related indicators and genes were evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that gestational DEHP exposure induced disordered liver function and hepatocyte morphology changes in pregnant mice, along with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and Fe2+ content and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels. The expression levels of the selected ferroptosis-related genes Slc7a11, Gpx4, and Nfr2 were significantly decreased, and Ptgs2 and Lpcat3 were significantly increased. Notably, Fer-1 attenuated DEHP-induced liver injury and ferroptosis. Furthermore, MEHP exhibited a synergistic effect with RSL3 (a GPX4 inhibitor) in promoting ferroptosis in vitro. Taken together, the results demonstrated that DEHP induced liver injury and ferroptosis in pregnant mice, probably by inhibiting the GPX4 pathway through lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure leads to ferroptosis via the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway in mouse testes

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an extensively used plasticizer and has been shown to cause reproductive dysfunction in humans and model animals. However, the exact mechanisms of testicular injury induced by DEHP exposure have not been fully clarified. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we found that mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (MEHP, a major biometabolite of DEHP) and DEHP concentrations were elevated in mouse serum after DEHP exposure. Using RNA-seq, we found that ferroptosis and HIF-1 signaling pathways might be involved in testicular injury due to prepubertal DEHP exposure. Subsequent Western blotting, ferrous iron and MDA measurements, and immunofluorescence of testicular sections verified the RNA-seq findings. Consistently, based on the RNA-seq findings, we found that ferroptosis and HIF-1 signaling pathways might play crucial roles in Leydig and Sertoli cell injury due to MEHP exposure in vitro. Further experiments also confirmed ferroptosis in Leydig and Sertoli cells. Using Western blotting, cellular immunofluorescence and ChIP-qPCR, we found that MEHP exposure caused HIF-1α accumulation and stabilization, resulted in HIF-1α translocation into the nucleus, and induced HIF-1α/Hmox1 binding in Leydig and Sertoli cells. To clarify whether HIF-1α plays a pivotal role in MEHP-induced ferroptosis, we knocked out Hif-1α using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. We found that Hif-1α knockout rescued MEHP-induced ferroptosis. In summary, our findings certified that prepubertal DEHP exposure led to ferroptosis in mouse testes via the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Lycopene mitigates DEHP-induced hepatic mitochondrial quality control disorder via regulating SIRT1/PINK1/mitophagy axis and mitochondrial unfolded protein response

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a hazardous chemical which is used as a plasticizer in the plastic products. Lycopene (LYC) is a carotenoid that has protective roles against cellular damage in different organs. The present study sought to explore the role of the interaction between mitophagy and mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt) in the LYC mitigating DEHP-induced hepatic mitochondrial quality control disorder. The mice were treated with LYC (5 mg/kg) and/or DEHP (500 or 1000 mg/kg). In our findings, LYC prevented DEHP-induced histopathological alterations including steatosis and fibrosis, and ultrastructural injuries including decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and mitochondria volume density. Furthermore, LYC alleviated DEHP-induced mitochondrial biogenesis disorder by suppressing SIRT1-PGC-1α axis, PINK1-mediated mitophagy and the activation of mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR^mt). This research suggested that LYC could prevent DEHP-induced hepatic mitochondrial quality control disorder via regulating SIRT1/PINK1/mitophagy axis and UPR^mt. The present study provided a current understanding about the potential implication of the SIRT1/PINK1/mitophagy axis and UPR^mt in LYC preventing DEHP-induced hepatic mitochondrial quality control disorder.

Lycopene prevents DEHP-induced testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress via regulating nuclear xenobiotic receptors and unfolded protein response in mice

Lycopene (LYC) is a potent antioxidant synthesized by red vegetables or plants. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is frequently detected in diverse agricultural environments and considered as a reproductive toxicant. The present research was designed to assess the potential mechanisms of DEHP-induced testicular toxicity and the treatment efficacy of LYC. In this study, after the oral administration of LYC at the dose of 5 mg per kg b.w. per day, mice were given 500 or 1000 mg per kg b.w. per day of DEHP. This research suggested that LYC prevented the DEHP-induced disorder at the levels of activity and content of CYP450 enzymes. LYC attenuated DEHP-caused enhancement in nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs) and the phase I metabolizing enzymes (CYP1, CYP2, CYP3, etc.) levels. Furthermore, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was induced by DEHP and triggered unfolded protein response (UPR). Interestingly, LYC could effectively ameliorate these "hit". The present study suggested that LYC prevents DEHP-induced ER stress in testis via regulating NXRs and UPRER.

Cadmium induced Fak -mediated anoikis activation in kidney via nuclear receptors (AHR/CAR/PXR)-mediated xenobiotic detoxification pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal of considerable toxicity, possessing a serious environmental problem that threatening food safety and human health. However, the underlying mechanisms of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity and detoxification response remain largely unclear. Cd was administered at doses of 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg diet with feed for 90 days and produced potential damage to chickens' kidneys. The results showed that Cd exposure induced renal anatomical and histopathological injuries. Cd exposure up-regulated cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s), activated nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs) response, including aryl hydro-carbon receptor (AHR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and pregnane X receptor (PXR) by low and moderate doses of Cd, and induced an increase in CYP isoforms expression. Cd exposure down-regulated phase II detoxification enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, and glutathione (GSH) content), and GST isoforms transcription . Furthermore, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, multidrug resistance protein (MRP1), and P-glycoprotein (P-GP) levels were elevated by low dose, but high dose inhibited the P-GP expression. Activation of detoxification enzymes lost their ability of resistance as increasing dose of Cd, afterwards brought into severe renal injury. Additionally, Cd suppressed focal adhesion kinase (Fak) and integrins protein expression as well as activated extrinsic pathway and intrinsic pathways, thereby producing anoikis. In conclusion, these results indicated that Cd induced Fak-mediated anoikis activation in the kidney via nuclear receptors (AHR/CAR/PXR)-mediated xenobiotic detoxification pathway.

Role of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum coupling in lycopene preventing DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a hazardous compound used as a plasticizer in plastic products. As a natural carotenoid, lycopene (LYC) is considered an effective protective agent against various types of organ damage. The present study aimed to investigate the role of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) coupling in LYC preventing DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity. The mice were treated with LYC (5 mg kg^-1) and/or DEHP (500 or 1000 mg kg^-1). In the present study, LYC prevented DEHP-induced histopathological changes including fibrosis and glycogen storage in the liver. Additionally, LYC alleviated DEHP-induced ultrastructural injury of mitochondria and ER. LYC had the underlying preventability against DEHP-induced mitochondrial dynamics imbalance including an increase in fission and a decrease in fusion. Furthermore, DEHP induced mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) disorder-induced ER stress through the ER unfolded protein response (UPR^ER), but LYC alleviated these alterations. Therefore, LYC prevented DEHP-induced hepatic mitochondrial dynamics and MAM disorder, leading to ER stress. The present study provides novel evidence of mitochondria-ER coupling as a target for LYC that prevents DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Cadmium induced cerebral toxicity via modulating MTF1-MTs regulatory axis

Metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF1) participates in redox homeostasis and heavy metals detoxification via regulating the expression of metal responsive genes. However, the exact role of MTF1 in Cd-induced cerebral toxicity remains unclear. Herein, we explored the mechanism of Cd-elicited cerebral toxicity through modulating MTF1/MTs pathway in chicken cerebrum exposed to different concentrations of Cd (35 mg, 70 mg, and 140 mg/kg CdCl₂) via diet. Notably, cerebral tissues showed varying degrees of microstructural changes under Cd exposure. Cd exposure significantly up-regulated the expression of metal transporters (DMT1, ZIP8, and ZIP10) with concomitant elevated Cd level, as determined by ICP-MS. Cd significantly altered other cerebral biometals concentrations (particularly, Zn, Fe, Se, Cr, Mo, and Pb) and redox balance, resulting in increased cerebral oxidative stress. More importantly, Cd exposure suppressed MTF1 mRNA and nuclear protein levels and its target metal-responsive genes, notably metallothioneins (MT1 and MT2), and Fe and Cu transporter genes (FPN1, ATOX1, and XIAP). Moreover, Cd disrupted the regulation of expression of selenoproteome (particularly, GPxs and SelW), and cerebral Se level. Overall, our data revealed that molecular mechanisms associated with Cd-induced cerebral damage might include over-expression of DMT1, ZIP8 and ZIP10, and suppression of MTF1 and its main target metal-responsive genes as well as several selenoproteins.

Lycopene prevents DEHP-induced hepatic oxidative stress damage by crosstalk between AHR-Nrf2 pathway

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widespread plasticizer that persists in the environment and can significantly contribute to serious health hazards of liver especially oxidative stress injury. Lycopene (LYC) as a carotenoid has recently gained widespread attention because of antioxidant activity. However, the potential mechanism of DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity and antagonism effect of LYC on it are still unclear. To explore the underlying mechanisms of this hypothesis, the mice were given by gavage with LYC (5 mg/kg) and DEHP (500 or 1000 mg/kg). The data suggested that DEHP caused liver enlargement, reduction of antioxidant activity markers, increase of oxidative stress indicators and disorder of cytochrome P450 enzymes system (CYP450s) homeostasis. DEHP-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) activated the NF-E2-relatedfactor2 (Nrf2) and nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs) system including Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), Pregnane X receptor (PXR) and Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Interestingly, these disorders and injuries were prevented after LYC treatment. Taken together, DEHP administration resulted in hepatotoxicity including oxidative stress injury and disordered CYP450 system, but these alterations might be ameliorated by LYC via crosstalk between AHR-Nrf2 pathway.

The protective effect of nnano-selenium against cadmium-induced cerebellar injury via the heat shock protein pathway in chicken

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic environmental heavy metals that poses health hazard to animals due to its toxicity. Nano-Selenium (Nano-Se) is a Nano-composite form of Se, which has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for its protective roles against heavy metals-induced toxicity. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a critical role in cellular homeostasis. However, the potential protective effects of Nano-Se against Cd-induced cerebellar toxicity remain to be illustrated. To investigate the toxic effects of Cd on chicken's cerebellum, and the protective effects of Nano-Se against Cd-induced cerebellar toxicity, a total of 80 male chicks were divided into four groups and treated as follows: (A) 0 mg/kg Cd, (B) 1 mg/kg Nano-Se (C) 140 mg/kg Cd + 1 mg/kg Nano-Se (D) 140 mg/kg Cd for 90 days. We tested heat shock protein pathway-related factors including heat shock factors (HSFs) HSF1, HSF2, HSF3 and heat shock proteins (HSPs) HSP10, HSP25, HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 expressions. Histopathological results showed that Cd treatment caused degradation of Purkinje cells. In addition, HSFs and HSPs expression decreased significantly in the Cd group. Nano-Se co-treatment with Cd enhanced the expression of HSFs and HSPs. In summary, our findings explicated a potential protective effect of Nano-Se against Cd-induced cerebellar injury in chicken, suggesting that Nano-Se is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of Cd toxicity.

Comparative study on protective effect of different selenium sources against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity via regulating the transcriptions of selenoproteome

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, which mainly input to the aquatic environment through discharge of industrial and agricultural waste, can be a threat to human and animal health. Selenium (Se) possesses a beneficial role in protecting animals and ameliorating the toxic effects of Cd. However, the comparative antagonistic effects of different Se sources such as inorganic, organic Se and nano-form Se on Cd toxicity are still under-investigated. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparative of Se sources antagonism on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress and selenoproteome transcription. In the present study, Cd-diet disturbed in the system balance of 5 trace elements (Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Se, Cd) and impaired renal function. Se sources, including nano- Se (NS), Se- yeast (SY), sodium selenite (SS) and mixed selenium (MS) significantly recovered the balance of 4 trace elements (Zn, Cu, Cd, Se) and renal impaired indexes (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA)). Histological appearance of Cd-treated kidney indicated renal tubular epithelial vacuoles, particle degeneration and enlarged capsular space. Ultrastructure observation results illustrated that Cd-induced mitochondrial cristae reduction, membrane disappearance, and nuclear deformation. Treatment with Se sources, NS appeared a better impact on improving kidney tissues against the pathological alterations resulting from Cd administration. Meanwhile, NS reflected a significant impact on relieving Cd-induced kidney oxidative damage, and significantly restored the antioxidant defense system of the body. Our findings also showed NS ameliorated the Cd-induced downtrends expression of selenoproteome and selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors. Overall, NS was the most effective Se source in avoiding of Cd cumulative toxicity, improving antioxidant capacity and regulating of selenoproteome transcriptome and selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors expression, which contributes to ameliorate Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in chickens. These results demonstrated diet supplement with NS may prove to be an effective approach for alleviating Cd toxicity and minimizing Cd -induced health risk.

Lycopene attenuates di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced mitophagy in spleen by regulating the sirtuin3-mediated pathway

Lycopene (Lyc) has been discussed as a potential effector in the prevention and therapy of various diseases. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is regarded as a universal environmental pollutant. To clarify the potential protective effect of Lyc on DEHP-induced splenic injury, 140 male mice were randomized into seven groups: control (distilled water), vehicle control (corn oil per day), Lyc (5 mg per kg BW per day), DEHP (500 or 1000 mg per kg BW per day), and DEHP combined Lyc group, respectively. All experimental animals were treated by oral gavage for 28 days. The results that showed DEHP exposure significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of the sirtuin family (except SIRT4-5), PGC-1α, OPA1, Drp1, MFN1/2, NRF1, TFAM, Parkin and PINK in DEHP-treated alone groups and the SOD2 and LC3-II protein expression were also in accordance with the above changes. These were accompanied with an increase of the number of inflammatory cells and rate of mitochondrial damage, and autophagosome formation in the spleen. Notably, Lyc supplementation facilitated all these changes to effectively return to the normal level, indicating that Lyc exerts protective effects against DEHP-induced splenic toxicity. Altogether, the protective effects of Lyc may be a strategy to ameliorate DEHP-induced spleen damage.

AQP2 as a target of lycopene protects against atrazine-induced renal ionic homeostasis disturbance

Atrazine (ATR), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in water and soil, causes environmental nephrosis. To reveal the toxic effect of ATR on the kidney and the potential chemical nephroprotective effect of lycopene (LYC), Kun-Ming mice of specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade were treated with LYC (5 mg kg-1) and/or ATR (50 mg kg-1 or 200 mg kg-1) for 21 days. The degree of renal injury was evaluated by measuring the ion concentration, ATPase activities and the mRNA expressions/levels of associated ATPase subunits. In addition, the expression of renal aquaporins (AQPs) was analyzed. The results showed that the renal tubular epithelial cells of ATR-exposed mice were swollen, the glomeruli were significantly atrophied, and the ion concentrations were obviously changed. The activity of Na+-K+-ATPase and the transcription of its subunits were downregulated. The activity of Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and the transcription of its subunits were upregulated. The expression of AQPs, especially the critical AQP2, was affected. Notably, ATR-induced nephrotoxicity was significantly improved by LYC supplementation. Therefore, LYC could protect the kidney against ATR-induced nephrotoxicity via maintaining ionic homeostasis, reversing the changes in ATPase activity and controlling the expression of AQPs on the cell membrane. These results suggested that AQP2 was a target of LYC and protected against ATR-induced renal ionic homeostasis disturbance.