1
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Liang J, Yan Z, Zhang Y, Xu H, Song W. Proteomics analysis of resistance mechanism of Trichoderma harzianum under U(VI) stress. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 270:107303. [PMID: 37783189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107303] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Trichoderma harzianum has a certain resistance to Hexavalent Uranium (U(VI)), but its resistance mechanism is unknown. Based on proteomics sequencing using DIA mode, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of Trichoderma harzianum under U(VI) stress were identified. GO enrichment, KEGG annotation analysis and DEPs annotation were performed. The results showed that 8 DEPs, 8 DEPs and 15 DEPs were obtained in the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups, respectively. The functional classification of GO demonstrated that DEPs were associated with 17 molecular functions, 5 biological processes, and 5 cellular components. Furthermore, DEPs were enriched in transport and catabolism, energy metabolism, translation, and signal transduction. These findings showed that Trichoderma harzianum was significantly changed in protein expression and signaling pathway after U(VI) exposure. Therefore, these results have provided Trichoderma harzianum with a theoretical background that can be applied to environmental cleanup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Jianghuai College of Anhui University, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Zhuna Yan
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Huan Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Wencheng Song
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China.
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2
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Berntsson E, Vosough F, Noormägi A, Padari K, Asplund F, Gielnik M, Paul S, Jarvet J, Tõugu V, Roos PM, Kozak M, Gräslund A, Barth A, Pooga M, Palumaa P, Wärmländer SKTS. Characterization of Uranyl (UO 22+) Ion Binding to Amyloid Beta (Aβ) Peptides: Effects on Aβ Structure and Aggregation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2618-2633. [PMID: 37487115 PMCID: PMC10401651 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Uranium (U) is naturally present in ambient air, water, and soil, and depleted uranium (DU) is released into the environment via industrial and military activities. While the radiological damage from U is rather well understood, less is known about the chemical damage mechanisms, which dominate in DU. Heavy metal exposure is associated with numerous health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent age-related cause of dementia. The pathological hallmark of AD is the deposition of amyloid plaques, consisting mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregated into amyloid fibrils in the brain. However, the toxic species in AD are likely oligomeric Aβ aggregates. Exposure to heavy metals such as Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb is known to increase Aβ production, and these metals bind to Aβ peptides and modulate their aggregation. The possible effects of U in AD pathology have been sparsely studied. Here, we use biophysical techniques to study in vitro interactions between Aβ peptides and uranyl ions, UO22+, of DU. We show for the first time that uranyl ions bind to Aβ peptides with affinities in the micromolar range, induce structural changes in Aβ monomers and oligomers, and inhibit Aβ fibrillization. This suggests a possible link between AD and U exposure, which could be further explored by cell, animal, and epidemiological studies. General toxic mechanisms of uranyl ions could be modulation of protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Berntsson
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Faraz Vosough
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andra Noormägi
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Fanny Asplund
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Gielnik
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus
University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Suman Paul
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jüri Jarvet
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vello Tõugu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Per M. Roos
- Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- University
Healthcare Unit of Capio St. Göran Hospital, 112 81 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department
of Biomedical Physics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
- SOLARIS
National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian
University, 31-007 Kraków, Poland
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Barth
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute
of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peep Palumaa
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sebastian K. T. S. Wärmländer
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Bolt HM. The Janus face of uranium in toxicology. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:689-690. [PMID: 35118510 PMCID: PMC8850217 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann M Bolt
- Leibniz Research Centre on Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) Ardeystr. 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany.
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4
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Rusin A, Li M, Cocchetto A, Seymour C, Mothersill C. Radiation exposure and mitochondrial insufficiency in chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome. Med Hypotheses 2021; 154:110647. [PMID: 34358921 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) is a heterogeneous disease that may be promoted by various environmental stressors, including viral infection, toxin uptake, and ionizing radiation exposure. Previous studies have identified mitochondrial dysfunction in CFIDS patients, including modulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, deletions in the mitochondrial genome, and upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This paper focuses on radiation effects and hypothesizes that CFIDS is primarily caused by stressor-induced mitochondrial metabolic insufficiency, which results in decreased energy production and anabolic metabolites required for normal cellular metabolism. Furthermore, tissues neighbouring or distant from directly perturbed tissues compensate for this dysfunction, which causes symptoms associated with CFIDS. This hypothesis is justified by reviewing the links between radiation exposure and CFIDS, cancer, immune dysfunction, and induction of oxidative stress. Moreover, the relevance of mitochondria in cellular responses to radiation and metabolism are discussed and putative mitochondrial biomarkers for CFIDS are introduced. Implications for diagnosis are then described, including a potential urine assay and PCR test for mitochondrial genome mutations. Finally, future research needs are offered with an emphasis on where rapid progress may be made to assist the afflicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Rusin
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada.
| | - Megan Li
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Alan Cocchetto
- National CFIDS Foundation Inc., 103 Aletha Road, Needham, MA USA
| | - Colin Seymour
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
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5
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Ahmed RS, Mohammed RS. Assessment of uranium concentration in blood of Iraqi females diagnosed with breast cancer. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2021; 60:193-201. [PMID: 33221962 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-020-00881-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a widespread significant health problem in Iraq and contributes 11% to total deaths. Throughout the Gulf Wars of 1991 and 2003, about 1200 tons of ammunition were dropped around Iraq. After the wars, cancer incidence in Iraq is about 7,000 to 8,000 cancers cases per year, and the overall incidence of lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer has increased twofold and even tripled, as compared to the time before the wars. This increase could result from environmental pollution with radioactive materials including uranium, as cancer can be caused by ionizing radiation. To investigate this hypothesis, uranium concentration in the blood of 64 Iraqi females has been measured by means of CR-39 track etch detectors (42 blood samples collected from females diagnosed with breast cancer and 22 blood samples from females without breast cancer). The results show that the uranium concentrations ranged from 19.1 ± 0.3 to 238.4 ± 0.4 with an average value of 94.9 ± 5.0 ng L-1 in the blood of women with breast cancer and from 5.2 ± 0.2 to 18.7 ± 0.04 with an average value of 10.5 ± 0.1 ng L-1 in the blood of women without breast cancer. In comparison with the literature data, elevated levels of uranium concentration were recorded in both groups, and significantly higher average uranium concentrations were found in the blood of women with breast cancer as compared to those in the blood samples of women without breast cancer. It is concluded that there is a correlation between the incidence of breast cancer in Iraqi women and elevated levels of uranium concentrations in their blood. Whether this is a casual relationship is unclear, because cancer can be caused by various carcinogens, including environmental pollution in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha S Ahmed
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Alkadhimiya, PO box 70010, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Raghad S Mohammed
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
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6
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Ran Y, Wang S, Zhao Y, Li J, Ran X, Hao Y. A review of biological effects and treatments of inhaled depleted uranium aerosol. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 222:106357. [PMID: 32755761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is primarily used for DU bombs and DU tanks in the military. Aerosol inhalation is considered the primary route of DU exposure. Although laboratory tests have confirmed that inhalation of DU aerosol can cause lung, kidney, and other organ damage, epidemiological studies have found no conclusive evidence that persons in areas with prolonged exposure to DU-containing bombs are affected. After the body inhaled DU aerosols, we first clear the insoluble DU through whole-lung lavage (WLL). Then we eliminate the soluble uranium by the chelating agent. Besides, reducing DU damage to tissues and cells through drugs is also an important treatment method. In future research, emphasis should be placed on the damage mechanism of DU aerosol, the laboratory and clinical research of DU chelating agents, the research on the combination of DU chelating agent and WLL, and the research and development of new drugs to prevent DU damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yazhen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xinze Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuhui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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7
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McDiarmid MA, Gucer P, Centeno JA, Todorov T, Squibb KS. Semen Uranium Concentrations in Depleted Uranium Exposed Gulf War Veterans: Correlations with Other Body Fluid Matrices. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 190:45-51. [PMID: 30293130 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1527-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental metal exposure, as well as dietary metals, may adversely affect semen quality even as others play an essential role in normal spermatogenesis and fertility. Measures of seminal fluid metals have therefore been of high interest in the last several decades but have shown inconsistent results in correlations with some semen quality parameters. As well, environmental metal measures across various body fluid matrices have not been consistently correlated contrary to what one might hypothesize based on a systemic body burden of metal. This may be due to the body fluid matrices assessed and to other differences in laboratory methods and sample preparation. Measures of uranium, a potentially toxic metal in humans, have not previously been reported in the semen of environmentally metal-exposed populations. We report here uranium seminal fluid results and the high correlation of uranium concentrations across several body fluid matrices in a cohort of military veterans exposed to depleted uranium in combat events during the Iraqi Gulf War. These results inform the risk communication conversation for exposed populations and broaden the public health assessments from various exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McDiarmid
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Baltimore, Maryland, 10 N. Greene St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore S, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Patricia Gucer
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Baltimore, Maryland, 10 N. Greene St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore S, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jose A Centeno
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Todor Todorov
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Katherine S Squibb
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Baltimore, Maryland, 10 N. Greene St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore S, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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8
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Jakhu R, Mehra R, Mittal HM. Exposure assessment of natural uranium from drinking water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2016; 18:1540-1549. [PMID: 27874899 DOI: 10.1039/c6em00514d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The uranium concentration in the drinking water of the residents of the Jaipur and Ajmer districts of Rajasthan has been measured for exposure assessment. The daily intake of uranium from the drinking water for the residents of the study area is found to vary from 0.4 to 123.9 μg per day. For the average uranium ingestion rate of 35.2 μg per day for a long term exposure period of 60 years, estimations have been made for the retention of uranium in different body organs and its excretion with time using ICRP's biokinetic model of uranium. Radioactive and chemical toxicity of uranium has been reported and discussed in detail in the present manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Jakhu
- Department of Physics, Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, India.
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Department of Physics, Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, India.
| | - H M Mittal
- Department of Physics, Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, India.
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9
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Medical effects of internal contamination with actinides: further controversy on depleted uranium and radioactive warfare. Environ Health Prev Med 2016; 21:111-7. [PMID: 27002520 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-016-0524-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nuclear Age began in 1945 with testing in New Mexico, USA, and the subsequent bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Regardless of attempts to limit the development of nuclear weapons, the current world arsenal has reached the staggering dimensions and presents a significant concern for the biosphere and mankind. In an explosion of a nuclear weapon, over 400 radioactive isotopes are released into the biosphere, 40 of which pose potential dangers including iodine, cesium, alkaline earths, and actinides. The immediate health effects of nuclear explosions include thermal, mechanical, and acute radiation syndrome. Long-term effects include radioactive fallout, internal contamination, and long-term genotoxicity. The current controversial concern over depleted uranium's somatic and genetic toxicity is still a subject of worldwide sustained research. The host of data generated in the past decades has demonstrated conflicting findings, with the most recent evidence showing that its genotoxicity is greater than previously considered. Of particular concern are the osteotropic properties of uranium isotopes due to their final retention in the crystals of exchangeable and nonexchangeable bone as well as their proximity to pluripotent stem cells. Depleted uranium remains an unresolved issue in both warfare and the search for alternative energy sources.
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10
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Wilson J, Zuniga MC, Yazzie F, Stearns DM. Synergistic cytotoxicity and DNA strand breaks in cells and plasmid DNA exposed to uranyl acetate and ultraviolet radiation. J Appl Toxicol 2014; 35:338-49. [PMID: 24832689 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) has a chemical toxicity that is independent of its radioactivity. The purpose of this study was to explore the photoactivation of uranyl ion by ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a chemical mechanism of uranium genotoxicity. The ability of UVB (302 nm) and UVA (368 nm) radiation to photoactivate uranyl ion to produce single strand breaks was measured in pBR322 plasmid DNA, and the presence of adducts and apurinic/apyrimidinic sites that could be converted to single strand breaks by heat and piperidine was analyzed. Results showed that DNA lesions in plasmid DNA exposed to UVB- or UVA-activated DU were only slightly heat reactive, but were piperidine sensitive. The cytotoxicity of UVB-activated uranyl ion was measured in repair-proficient and repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells and human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. The cytotoxicity of co-exposures of uranyl ion and UVB radiation was dependent on the order of exposure and was greater than co-exposures of arsenite and UVB radiation. Uranyl ion and UVB radiation were synergistically cytotoxic in cells, and cells exposed to photoactivated DU required different DNA repair pathways than cells exposed to non-photoactivated DU. This study contributes to our understanding of the DNA lesions formed by DU, as well as their repair. Results suggest that excitation of uranyl ion by UV radiation can provide a pathway for uranyl ion to be chemically genotoxic in populations with dermal exposures to uranium and UV radiation, which would make skin an overlooked target organ for uranium exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Wilson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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11
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Long-term exposure to depleted uranium in Gulf-War veterans does not induce chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Mutat Res 2013; 757:132-9. [PMID: 23933231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is a high-density heavy metal that has been used in munitions since the 1991 Gulf War. DU is weakly radioactive and chemically toxic, and long-term exposure may cause adverse health effects. This study evaluates genotoxic effects of exposure to DU by measuring chromosome damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes with fluorescence in situ hybridization whole-chromosome painting. Study participants are Gulf War-I Veterans with embedded DU fragments and/or inhalation exposure due to involvement in friendly-fire incidents; they are enrolled in a long-term health surveillance program at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center. Blood was drawn from 35 exposed male veterans aged 39 to 62 years. Chromosomes 1, 2, and 4 were painted red and chromosomes 3, 5, and 6 were simultaneously labeled green. At least 1800 metaphase cells per subject were scored. Univariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of log(urine uranium), age at time of blood draw, log(lifetime X-rays), pack-years smoked and alcohol use, against frequencies of cells with translocated chromosomes, dicentrics, acentric fragments, color junctions and abnormal cells. No significant relationships were observed between any cytogenetic endpoint and log(urine uranium) levels, smoking, or log(lifetime X-rays). Age at the time of blood draw showed significant relationships with all endpoints except for cells with acentric fragments. Translocation frequencies in these Veterans were all well within the normal range of published values for healthy control subjects from around the world. These results indicate that chronic exposure to DU does not induce significant levels of chromosome damage in these Veterans.
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12
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Al-Hadithi TS, Al-Diwan JK, Saleh AM, Shabila NP. Birth defects in Iraq and the plausibility of environmental exposure: A review. Confl Health 2012; 6:3. [PMID: 22839108 PMCID: PMC3492088 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1505-6-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An increased prevalence of birth defects was allegedly reported in Iraq in the post 1991 Gulf War period, which was largely attributed to exposure to depleted uranium used in the war. This has encouraged further research on this particular topic. This paper reviews the published literature and provided evidence concerning birth defects in Iraq to elucidate possible environmental exposure. In addition to published research, this review used some direct observation of birth defects data from Al-Ramadi Maternity and Paediatric Hospital in Al-Anbar Governorate in Iraq from1st July 2000 through 30th June 2002. In addition to depleted uranium other war-related environmental factors have been studied and linked directly or indirectly with the increasing prevalence of birth defects. However, the reviewed studies and the available research evidence do not provide a clear increase in birth defects and a clear indication of a possible environmental exposure including depleted uranium although the country has been facing several environmental challenges since 1980.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq S Al-Hadithi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Jawad K Al-Diwan
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Abubakir M Saleh
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Nazar P Shabila
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
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13
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Long term depleted uranium exposure in Gulf War I veterans does not cause elevated numbers of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2011; 720:53-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Carvalho FP, Oliveira JM. Uranium isotopes in the Balkan's environment and foods following the use of depleted uranium in the war. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:352-360. [PMID: 20303178 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/12/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Immediately after the Balkan's war in 1999, there has been widespread international concern about the environmental contamination with depleted uranium (DU) from ammunitions used in the conflict. Exposure of military staff and local populations to uranium metal and to its ionizing radiation were feared as potential causes for leukemia and other diseases in that region. In January 2001 a scientific mission was carried out by Portugal to evaluate those issues. A large number of environmental and food samples collected in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, such as soils, water, aerosols, vegetables, bread, and meat were analyzed by radiochemistry and alpha spectrometry. Results of the analyses for total uranium and individual uranium isotopes are presented. Uranium in agriculture soils in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina averaged 1.8+/-0.8mgkg(-)(1) and 3+/-1mgkg(-)(1), while concentrations in drinking water from public supplies averaged 0.5+/-0.2microgL(-)(1) and 0.4+/-0.3microgL(-)(1), respectively. Results on soils indicated also that environmental contamination by DU was much localized and confined to the areas of ammunition impact. Concentrations of uranium in most of the environmental and food samples were comparable to concentrations of uranium measured in other European regions, such as Portugal and United Kingdom, and uranium isotopic ratios were in general compatible with isotopic ratios typical of natural uranium. However, a few samples displayed modified uranium isotopic ratios and could have been contaminated by DU. Implications of DU in radiation exposure of the population and in environmental contamination are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando P Carvalho
- Nuclear and Technological Institute (ITN), Department of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, E.N. 10, 2686-953 Sacavém, Portugal.
| | - João M Oliveira
- Nuclear and Technological Institute (ITN), Department of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, E.N. 10, 2686-953 Sacavém, Portugal
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Li WB, Gerstmann UC, Höllriegl V, Szymczak W, Roth P, Hoeschen C, Oeh U. Radiation dose assessment of exposure to depleted uranium. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2009; 19:502-514. [PMID: 18596688 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2008.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 05/24/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is claimed to contribute to human health problems, known as the Gulf War Syndrome and the Balkan Syndrome. Quantitative radiation dose is required to estimate the health risk of DU materials. The influences of the solubility parameters in the human alimentary tract and the respiratory tract systems and the aerosol particles size on the radiation dose of DU materials were evaluated. The dose conversion factor of daily urinary excretion of DU is provided. The retention and excretion of DU in the human body after a contamination at a wound site were predicted. Dose coefficients of DU after ingestion and inhalation were calculated using the solubility parameters of the DU corrosion products in simulated gastric and simulated lung fluid, which were determined in the Helmholtz Zentrum München. (238)U is the main radiation dose contributor per 1 Bq of DU materials. The dose coefficients of DU materials were estimated to be 3.5 x 10(-8) and 2.1 x 10(-6) Sv Bq(-1) after ingestion and inhalation for members of the public. The ingestion dose coefficient of DU materials is about 75% of the natural uranium value. The inhalation dose coefficient of DU material is in between those for Type M and Type S according to the category for inhaled materials defined by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Radiation dose possibly received from DU materials can directly be estimated by using the dose conversion factor provided in this study, if daily urinary excretion of DU is measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Bo Li
- Institute of Radiation Protection, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.
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