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Renal toxicity and biokinetics models after repeated uranium instillation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4111. [PMID: 36914734 PMCID: PMC10011524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31073-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During nuclear fuel processing, workers can potentially be exposed to repeated inhalations of uranium compounds. Uranium nephrotoxicity is well documented after acute uranium intake, but it is controversial after long-term or protracted exposure. This study aims to analyze the nephrotoxicity threshold after repeated uranium exposure through upper airways and to investigate the resulting uranium biokinetics in comparison to reference models. Mice (C57BL/6J) were exposed to uranyl nitrate (0.03-3 mg/kg/day) via intranasal instillation four times a week for two weeks. Concentrations of uranium in urines and tissues were measured at regular time points (from day 1 to 91 post-exposure). At each exposure level, the amount of uranium retained in organs/tissues (kidney, lung, bone, nasal compartment, carcass) and excreta (urine, feces) reflected the two consecutive weeks of instillation except for renal uranium retention for the highest uranium dose. Nephrotoxicity biomarkers, KIM-1, clusterin and osteopontin, are induced from day 4 to day 21 and associated with changes in renal function (arterial fluxes) measured using non-invasive functional imaging (Doppler-ultrasonography) and confirmed by renal histopathological analysis. These results suggest that specific biokinetic models should be developed to consider altered uranium excretion and retention in kidney due to nephrotoxicity. The threshold is between 0.25 and 1 mg/kg/day after repeated exposure to uranium via upper airways.
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Zhang L, Chu J, Xia B, Xiong Z, Zhang S, Tang W. Health Effects of Particulate Uranium Exposure. TOXICS 2022; 10:575. [PMID: 36287855 PMCID: PMC9610560 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Uranium contamination has become a nonnegligible global health problem. Inhalation of particulate uranium is one of the predominant routes of occupational and environmental exposure. Uranium particle is a complex two-phase flow of matter that is both particulate and flowable. This particular physicochemical property may alter its biological activity. Epidemiological studies from occupationally exposed populations in the uranium industry have concluded that there is a possible association between lung cancer risk and uranium exposure, while the evidence for the risk of other tumors is not sufficient. The toxicological effects of particulate uranium exposure to animals have been shown in laboratory tests to focus on respiratory and central nervous system damage. Fibrosis and tumors can occur in the lung tissue of the respiratory tract. Uranium particles can also induce a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity, targeting mitochondria. The understanding of the health risks and potential toxicological mechanisms of particulate uranium contamination is still at a preliminary stage. The diversity of particle parameters has limited the in-depth exploration. This review summarizes the current evidence on the toxicology of particulate uranium and highlights the knowledge gaps and research prospects.
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Hettiarachchi E, Das M, Cadol D, Frey BA, Rubasinghege G. The fate of inhaled uranium-containing particles upon clearance to gastrointestinal tract. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1257-1266. [PMID: 35916312 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00209d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uranium-bearing respirable dust can cause various health problems, such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders, cancers, immunosuppression, and autoimmunity. Exposure to elevated levels of uranium is linked to many such health conditions in Navajo Nation residents in northwestern New Mexico. Most studies have focused on the fate of inhaled dust particles (<4 μm) in the lungs. However, larger-sized inhaled particles (10-20 μm) can be cleared to the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT), thereby enabling them to interact with stomach and intestinal fluids. Despite the vital importance of understanding the fate of uranium-bearing solids entering the human GIT and their impact on body tissues, cells, and gut microbiota, our understanding remains limited. This study investigated uranium solubility from dust and sediment samples collected near two uranium mines in the Grants Mining District in New Mexico in two simulated gastrointestinal fluids representing fasting conditions in the GIT: Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) and Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF). The dissolution of uranium from dust depends on its mineralogy, fluid pH, and composition. The dust samples from the Jackpile mine favored higher solubility in the SIF solution, whereas the sediment samples from the St. Anthony Mine favored higher solubility in the SGF solution. Further, geochemical calculations performed with the PHREEQC modeling program suggested that samples rich in the minerals andersonite, tyuyamunite, and/or autunite have higher uranium dissolution in the SIF solution than in the SGF solution. We also tested the effect of added kaolinite and microcline, which are both present in some samples. The ratio of dissolved uranium in SGF relative to SIF decreases with the addition of kaolinite for all mineral phases but andersonite. With the addition of microcline, the ratio of dissolved uranium in SGF relative to SIF decreases for all the tested uranium minerals. The most prevalent oxidation state of dissolved uranium was computationally determined as +6, U(VI). The geochemical calculations made with PHREEQC agree with the experimentally observed results. Therefore, this study gives insight into the mineralogy-controlled toxicological assessment of uranium-containing inhaled dust cleared to the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshani Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
| | - Milton Das
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
| | - Daniel Cadol
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Bonnie A Frey
- New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
| | - Gayan Rubasinghege
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, USA.
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Guéguen Y, Frerejacques M. Review of Knowledge of Uranium-Induced Kidney Toxicity for the Development of an Adverse Outcome Pathway to Renal Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084397. [PMID: 35457214 PMCID: PMC9030063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) is a conceptual construct of causally and sequentially linked events, which occur during exposure to stressors, with an adverse outcome relevant to risk assessment. The development of an AOP is a means of identifying knowledge gaps in order to prioritize research assessing the health risks associated with exposure to physical or chemical stressors. In this paper, a review of knowledge was proposed, examining experimental and epidemiological data, in order to identify relevant key events and potential key event relationships in an AOP for renal impairment, relevant to stressors such as uranium (U). Other stressors may promote similar pathways, and this review is a necessary step to compare and combine knowledge reported for nephrotoxicants. U metal ions are filtered through the glomerular membrane of the kidneys, then concentrate in the cortical and juxtaglomerular areas, and bind to the brush border membrane of the proximal convoluted tubules. U uptake by epithelial cells occurs through endocytosis and the sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-IIa). The identified key events start with the inhibition of the mitochondria electron transfer chain and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, due to cytochrome b5/cytochrome c disruption. In the nucleus, U directly interacts with negatively charged DNA phosphate, thereby inducing an adduct formation, and possibly DNA strand breaks or cross-links. U also compromises DNA repair by inhibiting zing finger proteins. Thereafter, U triggers the Nrf2, NF-κB, or endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The resulting cellular key events include oxidative stress, DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory effects. Finally, the main adverse outcome is tubular damage of the S2 and S3 segments of the kidneys, leading to tubular cell death, and then kidney failure. The attribution of renal carcinogenesis due to U is controversial, and specific experimental or epidemiological studies must be conducted. A tentative construction of an AOP for uranium-induced kidney toxicity and failure was proposed.
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El Hayek E, Medina S, Guo J, Noureddine A, Zychowski KE, Hunter R, Velasco CA, Wiesse M, Maestas-Olguin A, Brinker CJ, Brearley A, Spilde M, Howard T, Lauer FT, Herbert G, Ali AM, Burchiel S, Campen MJ, Cerrato JM. Uptake and Toxicity of Respirable Carbon-Rich Uranium-Bearing Particles: Insights into the Role of Particulates in Uranium Toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9949-9957. [PMID: 34235927 PMCID: PMC8413144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) presents an environmental health risk for communities residing close to uranium (U) mine sites. However, the role of the particulate form of U on its cellular toxicity is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the cellular uptake and toxicity of C-rich U-bearing particles as a model organic particulate containing uranyl citrate over a range of environmentally relevant concentrations of U (0-445 μM). The cytotoxicity of C-rich U-bearing particles in human epithelial cells (A549) was U-dose-dependent. No cytotoxic effects were detected with soluble U doses. Carbon-rich U-bearing particles with a wide size distribution (<10 μm) presented 2.7 times higher U uptake into cells than the particles with a narrow size distribution (<1 μm) at 100 μM U concentration. TEM-EDS analysis identified the intracellular translocation of clusters of C-rich U-bearing particles. The accumulation of C-rich U-bearing particles induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity as indicated by the increased phosphorylation of the histone H2AX and cell death, respectively. These findings reveal the toxicity of the particulate form of U under environmentally relevant heterogeneous size distributions. Our study opens new avenues for future investigations on the health impacts resulting from environmental exposures to the particulate form of U near mine sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Sebastian Medina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Department of Biology, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701, United States
| | - Jimin Guo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Molecular Medicine, MSC08 4720, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Achraf Noureddine
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Katherine E Zychowski
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Data Sciences, MSC09 5350, University of New Mexico College of Nursing, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Russell Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Carmen A Velasco
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Chemical Engineering Faculty, Central University of Ecuador, Ciudad Universitaria, Ritter s/n & Bolivia, P.O. Box 17-01-3972, Quito 170129, Ecuador
| | - Marco Wiesse
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Angelea Maestas-Olguin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - C Jeffrey Brinker
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Tamara Howard
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, MSC08 4750, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul Mehdi Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Scott Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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Aluko OM, Umukoro S. Methyl jasmonate reverses chronic stress-induced memory dysfunctions through modulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission, antioxidant defense system, and Nrf2 expressions. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 393:2339-2353. [PMID: 32666287 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01939-6] [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: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) has been shown to cause memory loss via increased oxidative stress and deregulation of monoaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmissions. Although the benefits of methyl jasmonate (MJ), a well-known anti-stress plant hormone against chronic stress-induced psychopathologies, have been earlier reported, its effects on antioxidant defense molecules, monoaminergic transmitters, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) immunopositive cells have not been extensively studied. The present study was designed to examine its effect on memory functions, antioxidant biomarkers, monoaminergic transmitters, and Nrf2 immunopositive cell expression in rats exposed to UCMS. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of MJ (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) 30 min before exposure to UCMS daily for 28 days. Memory function was assessed on day 29 using a modified elevated plus maze and novel object recognition tests. The antioxidant biomarkers, level of monoamines (serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine), and Nrf2 immunopositive cell expression were determined in the rat brain tissues. The activity of cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase enzymes was also determined. MJ attenuated memory deficits and elevated the brain levels of monoamines in UCMS rats. UCMS-induced increase of brain cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities was inhibited by MJ. Also, MJ attenuated UCMS-induced decrease in antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx, GST, and SOD) and thiol contents in the brains of rats. UCMS-induced increase in NO level and Nrf2 immunopositive cell expression in the rat's brain was attenuated by MJ. Taken together, these findings suggest that increasing antioxidant defense molecules and monoaminergic/cholinergic neurotransmitters and decreasing the Nrf2 immunopositive cell expressions may contribute to the memory-promoting effects of MJ in rats exposed to UCMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oritoke M Aluko
- Department of Physiology, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Solomon Umukoro
- Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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7
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Ma M, Wang R, Xu L, Xu M, Liu S. Emerging health risks and underlying toxicological mechanisms of uranium contamination: Lessons from the past two decades. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106107. [PMID: 32932066 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Uranium contamination is a global health concern. Regarding natural or anthropogenic uranium contamination, the major sources of concern are groundwater, mining, phosphate fertilizers, nuclear facilities, and military activities. Many epidemiological and laboratory studies have demonstrated that environmental and occupational uranium exposure can induce multifarious health problems. Uranium exposure may cause health risks because of its chemotoxicity and radiotoxicity in natural or anthropogenic scenarios: the former is generally thought to play a more significant role with regard to the natural uranium exposure, and the latter is more relevant to enriched uranium exposure. The understanding of the health risks and underlying toxicological mechanisms of uranium remains at a preliminary stage, and many controversial findings require further research. In order to present state-of-the-art status in this field, this review will primarily focus on the chemotoxicity of uranium, rather than its radiotoxicity, as well as the involved toxicological mechanisms. First, the natural or anthropogenic uranium contamination scenarios will be briefly summarized. Second, the health risks upon natural uranium exposure, for example, nephrotoxicity, bone toxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and pulmonary toxicity, will be discussed based on the reported epidemiological cases and laboratory studies. Third, the recent advances regarding the toxicological mechanisms of uranium-induced chemotoxicity will be highlighted, including oxidative stress, genetic damage, protein impairment, inflammation, and metabolic disorder. Finally, the gaps and challenges in the knowledge of uranium-induced chemotoxicity and underlying mechanisms will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lining Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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8
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Adekeye AO, Irawo GJ, Fafure AA. Ficus exasperata Vahl leaves extract attenuates motor deficit in vanadium-induced parkinsonism mice. Anat Cell Biol 2020; 53:183-193. [PMID: 32647086 PMCID: PMC7343565 DOI: 10.5115/acb.19.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal herbs have played significant roles in the treatment of various diseases in humans and animals. Sodium metavanadate is a potentially toxic environmental pollutant that induces oxidative damage, neurological disorder, Parkinsonism and Parkinson-like disease upon excessive exposure. This study is designed to investigate the impact of saponin fraction of Ficus exasperata Vahl leaf extract (at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 14 days at different animal groupings) on vanadium treated mice. Animals were randomly grouped into five groups. Control (normal saline), NaVO3 (10 mg/kg for 7 days), withdrawal group, NaVO3+Vahl (low dose) and NaVO3+Vahl (high dose). The animals were screened for motor coordination using rotarod and PBTs and a post mortem study was conducted by quantitatively assessing the markers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione activities, and also through immunohistochemistry via glia fibrillary acidic protein, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter to study the integrity of astrocytes and dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SNc). Vanadium-exposed group showed a decreased motor activity on the neurobehavioural tests as well as an increase in markers of oxidative stress. Saponin fraction of F. exasperata Vahl leaves extract produced a statistically significant motor improvement which may be due to high antioxidant activities of saponin, thereby providing an ameliorative effect on the histoarchitecture of the SNc. It can be inferred that the saponin fraction of F. exasperata Vahl leaves extract to possesses ameliorative, motor-enhancing and neurorestorative benefit on motor deficit in vanadium-induced parkinsonism mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeshina O Adekeye
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria
| | - Gold J Irawo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Adedamola Adediran Fafure
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
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9
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Hettiarachchi E, Paul S, Cadol D, Frey B, Rubasinghege G. Mineralogy Controlled Dissolution of Uranium from Airborne Dust in Simulated Lung Fluids (SLFs) and Possible Health Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2019; 6:62-67. [PMID: 30775400 PMCID: PMC6372124 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.8b00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The recent increase in cardiovascular and metabolic disease in the Navajo population residing close to the Grants Mining District (GMD) in New Mexico is suggested to be due to exposure to environmental contaminants, in particular uranium in respirable dusts. However, the chemistry of uranium-containing-dust dissolution in lung fluids and the role of mineralogy are poorly understood, as is their impact on toxic effects. The current study is focused on the dissolution of xcontaining-dust, collected from several sites near Jackpile and St. Anthony mines in the GMD, in two simulated lung fluids (SLFs): Gamble's solution (GS) and Artificial Lysosomal Fluid (ALF). We observe that the respirable dust includes uranium minerals that yield the uranyl cation, UO2 2+, as the primary dissolved species in these fluids. Dust rich in uraninite and carnotite is more soluble in GS, which mimics interstitial conditions of the lungs. In contrast, dust with low uraninite and high kaolinite is more soluble in ALF, which simulates the alveolar macrophage environment during phagocytosis. Moreover, geochemical modeling, performed using PHREEQC, is in good agreement with our experimental results. Thus, the current study highlights the importance of site-specific toxicological assessments across mining districts with the focus on their mineralogical differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshani Hettiarachchi
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, New Mexico 87801, United States
| | - Shaylene Paul
- Department of Environmental Science, Navajo Technical University, Lowerpoint Road, Crownpoint, New Mexico 87313, United States
| | - Daniel Cadol
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Tech, 801 LeRoy Pl, Socorro, New Mexico 87801, United States
| | - Bonnie Frey
- New Mexico Bureau of Geology, New Mexico Tech, 801 LeRoy Pl, Socorro, New Mexico 87801, United States
| | - Gayan Rubasinghege
- Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, New Mexico 87801, United States
- Corresponding Author: G. Rubasinghege. .
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10
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Nigra AE, Ruiz-Hernandez A, Redon J, Navas-Acien A, Tellez-Plaza M. Environmental Metals and Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: A Systematic Review Beyond Lead and Cadmium. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:416-433. [PMID: 27783356 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Published systematic reviews concluded that there is moderate to strong evidence to infer a potential role of lead and cadmium, widespread environmental metals, as cardiovascular risk factors. For other non-essential metals, the evidence has not been appraised systematically. Our objective was to systematically review epidemiologic studies on the association between cardiovascular disease in adults and the environmental metals antimony, barium, chromium, nickel, tungsten, uranium, and vanadium. We identified a total of 4 articles on antimony, 1 on barium, 5 on chromium, 1 on nickel, 4 on tungsten, 1 on uranium, and 0 on vanadium. We concluded that the current evidence is not sufficient to inform on the cardiovascular role of these metals because of the small number of studies. Few experimental studies have also evaluated the role of these metals in cardiovascular outcomes. Additional epidemiologic and experimental studies, including prospective cohort studies, are needed to understand the role of metals, including exposure to metal mixtures, in cardiovascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Nigra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, 11 Floor Rm 1105, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Adrian Ruiz-Hernandez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain.,Area of Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk, Institute for Biomedical Research Hospital Clinical of Valencia (INCLIVA), Av. Menendez Pelayo, 4 accesorio, 6010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Josep Redon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibañez, 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain.,Area of Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk, Institute for Biomedical Research Hospital Clinical of Valencia (INCLIVA), Av. Menendez Pelayo, 4 accesorio, 6010, Valencia, Spain.,CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Minister of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, 11 Floor Rm 1105, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maria Tellez-Plaza
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Area of Cardiometabolic and Renal Risk, Institute for Biomedical Research Hospital Clinical of Valencia (INCLIVA), Av. Menendez Pelayo, 4 accesorio, 6010, Valencia, Spain.
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11
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Miller AC, Rivas R, Tesoro L, Kovalenko G, Kovaric N, Pavlovic P, Brenner D. Radiation exposure from depleted uranium: The radiation bystander effect. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 331:135-141. [PMID: 28602947 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is a radioactive heavy metal used primarily in military applications. Published data from our laboratory have demonstrated that DU exposure in vitro to immortalized human osteoblast cells (HOS) is both neoplastically transforming and genotoxic. In vivo studies have also demonstrated that DU is leukemogenic and genotoxic. DU possesses both a radiological (alpha particle) and chemical (metal) component but is generally considered a chemical biohazard. Studies have shown that alpha particle radiation does play a role in DU's toxic effects. Evidence has accumulated that non-irradiated cells in the vicinity of irradiated cells can have a response to ionization events. The purpose of this study was to determine if these "bystander effects" play a role in DU's toxic and neoplastic effects using HOS cells. We investigated the bystander responses between DU-exposed cells and non-exposed cells by co-culturing the two equal populations. Decreased cell survival and increased neoplastic transformation were observed in the non-DU exposed cells following 4 or 24h co-culture. In contrast Ni (II)- or Cr(VI)- exposed cells were unable to alter those biological effects in non-Ni(II) or non-Cr(VI) exposed co-cultured cells. Transfer experiments using medium from the DU-exposed and non-exposed co-cultured cells was able to cause adverse biological responses in cells; these results demonstrated that a factor (s) is secreted into the co-culture medium which is involved in this DU-associated bystander effect. This novel effect of DU exposure could have implications for radiation risk and for health risk assessment associated with DU exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Miller
- Science Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Radiology and Radiation Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, United States; Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10022, United States; New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | - Rafael Rivas
- Science Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Radiology and Radiation Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, United States
| | - Leonard Tesoro
- Science Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Radiology and Radiation Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, United States
| | - Gregor Kovalenko
- New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Nikola Kovaric
- New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Peter Pavlovic
- New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - David Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10022, United States
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Asic A, Kurtovic-Kozaric A, Besic L, Mehinovic L, Hasic A, Kozaric M, Hukic M, Marjanovic D. Chemical toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium: The evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:665-673. [PMID: 28472753 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the current state of knowledge on chemical toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium (DU) and their effect on living systems and cell lines. This was done by presenting a summary of previous investigations conducted on different mammalian body systems and cell cultures in terms of potential changes caused by either chemical toxicity or radioactivity of DU. In addition, the authors aimed to point out the limitations of those studies and possible future directions. The majority of both in vitro and in vivo studies performed using animal models regarding possible effects caused by acute or chronic DU exposure has been reviewed. Furthermore, exposure time and dose, DU particle solubility, and uranium isotopes as factors affecting the extent of DU effects have been discussed. Special attention has been dedicated to chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage and DNA breaks, as well as micronuclei formation and epigenetic changes, as DU has recently been considered a possible causative factor of all these processes. Therefore, this approach might represent a novel area of study of DU-related irradiation effects on health. Since different studies offer contradictory results, the main aim of this review is to summarize and briefly discuss previously obtained results in order to identify the current opinion on DU toxicity and radioactivity effects in relation to exposure type and duration, as well as DU properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adna Asic
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amina Kurtovic-Kozaric
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Department of Pathology, Cytology and Human Genetics, Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, Bolnicka 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Department of Biology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Larisa Besic
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lejla Mehinovic
- Department of Biology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Azra Hasic
- Department of Biology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirza Kozaric
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Department of Pathology, Cytology and Human Genetics, Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, Bolnicka 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirsada Hukic
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Academy of Sciences and Art of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bistrik 7, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Institute for Biomedical Diagnostics Nalaz, Hasana Brkica 2, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Damir Marjanovic
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University, Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidza, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Institute for Anthropologic Research, Ljudevita Gaja 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Guéguen Y, Roy L, Hornhardt S, Badie C, Hall J, Baatout S, Pernot E, Tomasek L, Laurent O, Ebrahimian T, Ibanez C, Grison S, Kabacik S, Laurier D, Gomolka M. Biomarkers for Uranium Risk Assessment for the Development of the CURE (Concerted Uranium Research in Europe) Molecular Epidemiological Protocol. Radiat Res 2017; 187:107-127. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14505.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Pereira S, Camilleri V, Floriani M, Cavalié I, Garnier-Laplace J, Adam-Guillermin C. Genotoxicity of uranium contamination in embryonic zebrafish cells. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2012; 109:11-16. [PMID: 22204984 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Uranium is a metal used in the nuclear industry and for military applications. Studies on mammals have shown that uranium is genotoxic. However the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the genotoxicity of uranium are poorly known for other types of vertebrates such as fish. Since unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are considered to be key lesions in cell lethality, the activity of one of the major DSB-repair pathways, i.e. non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), has been evaluated in embryonic zebrafish cells (ZF4) exposed to uranium. Genotoxicity of uranium in ZF4 cells was further assessed by comet and micronucleus assays. Exposure to uranium results in the production of DSBs a few hours after incubation. These breaks trigger the phosphorylation of H2AX proteins. We showed that the DNA-PK kinase activity, essential for NHEJ, is altered by the presence of uranium. The presence of uranium in cells disturbs but does not inhibit the repair rate of DSBs. Such a result suggests an impact of uranium upon the reparability of DSBs and the potential activation of alternative DSBs repair pathway leading to the propagation of possible misrepaired DSBs. In parallel, we performed a transmission electron microscopy analysis of cells exposed to uranium and were able to localize internalized uranium using an Energy Dispersive X-ray microanalyser. We observed the formation of precipitates in lysosome-like vesicles for 250 μM of uranium in the medium. The appearance of these precipitates is concomitant with the decrease of the number of DSBs per cell. This process might be a part of a defence system whose role in counteracting cytotoxicity calls for further dedicated research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Pereira
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), DEI, SECRE, LRE, Cadarache, France
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Miller AC, Stewart M, Rivas R. Preconceptional paternal exposure to depleted uranium: transmission of genetic damage to offspring. HEALTH PHYSICS 2010; 99:371-379. [PMID: 20699700 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181cfe0dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is an alpha particle emitter and radioactive heavy metal used in military applications. Due to internalization of DU during military operations and the ensuing chronic internal exposure to DU, there are concerns regarding its potential health effects. Preconceptional paternal irradiation has been implicated as a causal factor in childhood cancer and it has been suggested that this paternal exposure to radiation may play a role in the occurrence of leukemia and other cancers to offspring. Similarly, in vivo heavy metal studies have demonstrated that carcinogenic effects can occur in unexposed offspring. Using a transgenic mouse system employing a lambda shuttle vector allowing mutations (in the lacI gene) to be analyzed in vitro, we have investigated the possibility that chronic preconceptional paternal DU exposure can lead to transgenerational transmission of genomic instability. The mutation frequencies in vector recovered from the bone marrow cells of the F1 offspring of male parents exposed to low, medium, and high doses of internalized DU for 7 mo were evaluated and compared to control, tantalum, nickel, and gamma radiation F1 samples. Results demonstrate that as paternal DU-dose increased there was a trend towards higher mutation frequency in vector recovered from the DNA obtained from bone marrow of F1 progeny; medium and high dose DU exposure to P1 fathers resulted in a significant increase in mutation frequency in F1 offspring (3.57 +or - 0.37 and 4.81 + or - 0.43 x 10; p < 0.001) in comparison to control (2.28 + or - 0.31 x 10). The mutation frequencies from F1 offspring of low dose DU, Ta- or Ni-implanted fathers (2. 71 + or - 0.35, 2.38 + or - 0.35, and 2.93 + or - 0.39 x 10, respectively) were not significantly different than control levels (2.28 + or - 0.31 x 10). Offspring from Co (4 Gy) irradiated fathers did demonstrate an increased lacI mutation frequency (4.69 + or - 0.48 x 10) as had been shown previously. To evaluate the role of radiation involved in the observed DU effects, males were exposed to equal concentrations (50 mg U L) of either enriched uranium or DU in their drinking water for 2 mo prior to breeding. A comparison of these offspring indicated that there was a specific-activity dependent increase in offspring bone marrow mutation frequency. Taken together these uranyl nitrate data support earlier results in other model systems showing that radiation can play a role in DU-induced biological effects in vitro. However, since the lacI mutation model measures point mutations and cannot measure large deletions that are characteristic of radiation damage, the role of DU chemical effects in the observed offspring mutation frequency increase may also be significant. Regardless of the question of DU-radiation vs. DU-chemical effects, the data indicate that there exists a route for transgenerational transmission of factor(s) leading to genomic instability in F1 progeny from DU-exposed fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Miller
- Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA.
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Palko HA, Fung JY, Louie AY. Positron emission tomography: A novel technique for investigating the biodistribution and transport of nanoparticles. Inhal Toxicol 2010; 22:657-88. [DOI: 10.3109/08958371003713745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Abstract
This article describes uranium and depleted uranium (DU), their similar isotopic compositions, how DU arises, its use in munitions and armour-proofing, and its pathways for human exposures. Particular attention is paid to the evidence of DU's health effects from cell and animal experiments and from epidemiology studies. It is concluded that a precautionary approach should be adopted to DU and that there should be a moratorium on its use by military forces. International efforts to this end are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Fairlie
- Independent Consultant on Radioactivity in the Environment, London, UK.
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