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Chornkrathok S, Carbone M, Yang H, Rouf M, Dodson RF, Dera P. Mineralogical investigation of asbestos contamination of soil near old vermiculite processing plant in Honolulu, Hawai'i. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124350. [PMID: 38857841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
From 1954 to 1983, a vermiculite processing facility operated near the Honolulu airport and processed raw material from the Libby, Montana mine, which is now well known for the high asbestos content of its clay deposits. The factory was closed in 1983 due to health hazard concerns, and remediation was performed in 2001 as part of the Libby mine superfund project. However, because of close proximity of the closed-down facility to residential areas of metropolitan Honolulu, some concerns remain regarding the possible environmental persistence of the harmful contaminant. To assess the dispersion of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite and explore the impact of trade winds on its distribution, air samples, and soil samples were collected from multiple locations near the former vermiculite plant. Polarized light microscopy was employed to identify elongated minerals, including potential asbestos. Quantitative mineralogical analysis utilizing X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement revealed an average content of approximately 7% vermiculite and 4% tremolite at the site. The asbestiform nature of tremolite was confirmed through X-ray micro-diffraction. Detailed analysis of airborne samples using transmission electron microscopy revealed no detectable levels of asbestos fibers in the vicinity of the former processing facilities, but the possibility of asbestos fibers becoming airborne due to mechanical disturbance during dry weather cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasithorn Chornkrathok
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA; Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Michele Carbone
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Haining Yang
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Mohammad Rouf
- Globeteck Group, Inc., 2800 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | | | - Przemyslaw Dera
- Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
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2
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Salucci S, Giordani M, Betti M, Valentini L, Gobbi P, Mattioli M. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of natural (fibrous epsomite crystals) and synthetic (Epsom salt) magnesium sulfate. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:685-694. [PMID: 37982323 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mineral fibers represents an occupational and environmental hazard since particulate inhalation leads to several health disorders. However, few data are available on the effect of fibers with high solubility like natural epsomite, a water-soluble fiber with an inhalable size that allows it to penetrate biological systems, with regard to the respiratory tract. This study evaluated the natural (fibrous epsomite) and synthetic (Epsom salt) magnesium sulfate pathogenicity. Investigations have been performed through morpho-functional and biochemical analyses, in an in vitro cell model that usually grows as monocytes, but that under appropriate conditions differentiates into macrophages. These latter, known as alveolar macrophages, if referred to lungs, represent the first line of defense against harmful inhaled stimuli. Morphological observations reveal that, if Epsom salt induces osmotic stress on cell culture, natural epsomite fibers lead to cellular alterations including thickening of the nuclear envelope and degenerated mitochondria. Moreover, the insoluble fraction (impurities) internalized by cells induces diffuse damage characterized at the highest dosage and exposure time by secondary necrosis or necrotic cell death features. Biochemical analyses confirm this mineral behavior that involves MAPK pathway activation, resulting in many different cellular responses ranging from proliferation control to cell death. Epsom salt leads to MAPK/ERK activation, a marker predictive of overall survival. Unlike, natural epsomite induces upregulation of MAPK/p38 protein involved in the phosphorylation of downstream targets driving necrotic cell death. These findings demonstrate natural epsomite toxicity on U937 cell culture, making the inhalation of these fibers potentially hazardous for human health. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Natural epsomite and synthetic Epsom salt effects have been evaluated in U937 cell model. Epsom salt induces an osmotic cellular stress. Natural epsomite fibers lead to cellular damage and can be considered potentially dangerous for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Giordani
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Betti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DISB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Laura Valentini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DISB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DISB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Mattioli
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Bertuccio FR, Agustoni F, Galli G, Bortolotto C, Saddi J, Baietto G, Baio N, Montini S, Putignano P, D’Ambrosio G, Corsico AG, Pedrazzoli P, Stella GM. Pleural Mesothelioma: Treatable Traits of a Heterogeneous Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5731. [PMID: 38136277 PMCID: PMC10741585 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive disease with diffuse nature, low median survival, and prolonged latency presenting difficulty in prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. Here, we review all these aspects to underline the progress being made in its investigation and to emphasize how much work remains to be carried out to improve prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Rocco Bertuccio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Agustoni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Galli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Radiology Institute, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Jessica Saddi
- Department of Oncology, Clinical-Surgical, Unit of Radiation Therapy, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Guido Baietto
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Baio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Montini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Putignano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gioacchino D’Ambrosio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Diagnostical Services and Imaging, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Angelo G. Corsico
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.R.B.); (F.A.); (G.G.); (N.B.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (A.G.C.); (P.P.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Carbone M, Minaai M, Takinishi Y, Pagano I, Yang H. Preventive and therapeutic opportunities: targeting BAP1 and/or HMGB1 pathways to diminish the burden of mesothelioma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:749. [PMID: 37880686 PMCID: PMC10599047 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a cancer typically caused by asbestos. Mechanistically, asbestos carcinogenesis has been linked to the asbestos-induced release of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where HMGB1 promotes autophagy and cell survival, and to the extracellular space where HMGB1 promotes chronic inflammation and mesothelioma growth. Targeting HMGB1 inhibited asbestos carcinogenesis and the growth of mesothelioma. It is hoped that targeting HMGB1 will be a novel therapeutic strategy that benefits mesothelioma patients. Severe restrictions and/or a complete ban on the use of asbestos were introduced in the 80 and early 90s in the Western world. These measures have proven effective as the incidence of mesothelioma/per 100,000 persons is decreasing in these countries. However, the overall number of mesotheliomas in the Western world has not significantly decreased. There are several reasons for that which are discussed here: (1) the presence of asbestos in old constructions; (2) the development of rural areas containing asbestos or other carcinogenic mineral fibers in the terrain; (3) the discovery of an increasing fraction of mesotheliomas caused by germline genetic mutations of BAP1 and other tumor suppressor genes; (4) mesotheliomas caused by radiation therapy; (5) the overall increase in the population and of the fraction of older people who are much more susceptible to develop all types of cancers, including mesothelioma. In summary, the epidemiology of mesothelioma is changing, the ban on asbestos worked, there are opportunities to help mesothelioma patients especially those who develop in a background of germline mutations and there is the opportunity to prevent a mesothelioma epidemic in the developing world, where the use of asbestos is increasing exponentially. We hope that restrictive measures similar to those introduced in the Western world will soon be introduced in developing countries to prevent a mesothelioma epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Carbone
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
| | - Michael Minaai
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Yasutaka Takinishi
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Ian Pagano
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Haining Yang
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
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Cao L, Xie W, Cui H, Xiong Z, Tang Y, Zhang X, Feng Y. Fibrous Clays in Dermopharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications: Traditional and Emerging Perspectives. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122097. [PMID: 35952800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Functionalization of natural clay minerals for high value-added pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications receives significant research attention worldwide attributable to a rising demand and ongoing search for green, efficient, economically sustainable and ecofriendly geomaterials. Fibrous clays, i.e. palygorskite and sepiolite, are naturally-occurring hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate clay minerals with 2:1 layer-chain microstructure and one-dimensional nanofibrous morphology. Due to their unique structural, textural and compatibility features, over the past decade, fibrous clays and their organic modified derivatives are increasingly used in the dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic fields as excipients, active agents or nanocarriers to develop novel skin delivery systems or to modify drug release profile for enhanced health effects. This comprehensive review presents the up-to-date information on fibrous clays used in topically-applied products for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes with the focus on their performance-related structural characteristics and the underlying mechanisms. The recent advancement of fibrous clay-based skin delivery systems was summarized in wide range of applications including pelotherapy, wound healing, antimicrobial action, coloration and UV protection. An overview of the commonly used topically-applied dosage forms (powders, hydrogels, films, peloids and Pickering emulsion) as well as the toxicological aspects was also included, which might provide guidance to the design and development of fibrous clay-based skin delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wenjing Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Hongyan Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ziyi Xiong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Research and Development, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Yongjun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; Gansu West Attapulgite Application Research Institute, Baiyin, Gansu 730900, China.
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Giordani M, Meli MA, Roselli C, Betti M, Peruzzi F, Taussi M, Valentini L, Fagiolino I, Mattioli M. Could soluble minerals be hazardous to human health? Evidence from fibrous epsomite. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112579. [PMID: 34968437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
From a toxicological point of view, particulates and fibres with high solubility in water and/or in biological environments have not been considered in detail and the knowledge to date in this area is very scarce. In this study, the water-soluble natural epsomite fibres from Perticara Mine (Italy) were investigated using SEM-EDS, XRPD, ICP-AES and alpha spectrometry measurements which were combined and integrated to characterise the fibres' morphology, crystal chemistry and mineralogy. The morphological and morphometric results showed that most of the fibres are of inhalable size (Dae 5.09 μm) and can be potentially adsorbed from all parts of the respiratory tract. Chemical analysis reveals significant amounts of toxic elements (As, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr, Ti, Zn) and surprisingly high contents of radioactive isotopes (210Po and 228Th) in epsomite crystals, making the inhalation of these fibres potentially hazardous to human health. Through this study, we want to focus on soluble minerals, such as epsomite, which can be present in both natural and anthropic environments and have never been considered from the point of view of their potential hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giordani
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Maria Assunta Meli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Carla Roselli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Betti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Fabio Peruzzi
- Speleological Federation of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Taussi
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Laura Valentini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Michele Mattioli
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Kuroda A. Recent progress and perspectives on the mechanisms underlying Asbestos toxicity. Genes Environ 2021; 43:46. [PMID: 34641979 PMCID: PMC8507173 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-021-00215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cases of mesothelioma are known to result from exposure to asbestos fibers in the environment or occupational ambient air. The following questions regarding asbestos toxicity remain partially unanswered: (i) why asbestos entering the alveoli during respiration exerts toxicity in the pleura; and (ii) how asbestos causes mesothelioma, even though human mesothelial cells are easily killed upon exposure to asbestos. As for the latter question, it is now thought that the frustrated phagocytosis of asbestos fibers by macrophages prolongs inflammatory responses and gives rise to a “mutagenic microenvironment” around mesothelial cells, resulting in their malignant transformation. Based on epidemiological and genetic studies, a carcinogenic model has been proposed in which BRCA1-associated protein 1 mutations are able to suppress cell death in mesothelial cells and increase genomic instability in the mutagenic microenvironment. This leads to additional mutations, such as CDKN2A [p16], NF2, TP53, LATS2, and SETD2, which are associated with mesothelioma carcinogenesis. Regarding the former question, the receptors involved in the intracellular uptake of asbestos and the mechanism of transfer of inhaled asbestos from the alveoli to the pleura are yet to be elucidated. Further studies using live-cell imaging techniques will be critical to fully understanding the mechanisms underlying asbestos toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Kuroda
- Unit of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 739-8530, Japan.
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Heterozygous germline BLM mutations increase susceptibility to asbestos and mesothelioma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:33466-33473. [PMID: 33318203 PMCID: PMC7776606 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019652117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare biallelic BLM gene mutations cause Bloom syndrome. Whether BLM heterozygous germline mutations (BLM +/-) cause human cancer remains unclear. We sequenced the germline DNA of 155 mesothelioma patients (33 familial and 122 sporadic). We found 2 deleterious germline BLM +/- mutations within 2 of 33 families with multiple cases of mesothelioma, one from Turkey (c.569_570del; p.R191Kfs*4) and one from the United States (c.968A>G; p.K323R). Some of the relatives who inherited these mutations developed mesothelioma, while none with nonmutated BLM were affected. Furthermore, among 122 patients with sporadic mesothelioma treated at the US National Cancer Institute, 5 carried pathogenic germline BLM +/- mutations. Therefore, 7 of 155 apparently unrelated mesothelioma patients carried BLM +/- mutations, significantly higher (P = 6.7E-10) than the expected frequency in a general, unrelated population from the gnomAD database, and 2 of 7 carried the same missense pathogenic mutation c.968A>G (P = 0.0017 given a 0.00039 allele frequency). Experiments in primary mesothelial cells from Blm +/- mice and in primary human mesothelial cells in which we silenced BLM revealed that reduced BLM levels promote genomic instability while protecting from cell death and promoted TNF-α release. Blm +/- mice injected intraperitoneally with asbestos had higher levels of proinflammatory M1 macrophages and of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-10, and IL-12 in the peritoneal lavage, findings linked to asbestos carcinogenesis. Blm +/- mice exposed to asbestos had a significantly shorter survival and higher incidence of mesothelioma compared to controls. We propose that germline BLM +/- mutations increase the susceptibility to asbestos carcinogenesis, enhancing the risk of developing mesothelioma.
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Araújo CM, das Virgens Santana M, do Nascimento Cavalcante A, Nunes LCC, Bertolino LC, de Sousa Brito CAR, Barreto HM, Eiras C. Cashew-gum-based silver nanoparticles and palygorskite as green nanocomposites for antibacterial applications. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 115:110927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Abstract
Mesothelioma has long been associated with the exposure to asbestos, which was largely used in manufacturing activities. Toxicology studies in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that asbestos fibers were carcinogenic, and epidemiology studies revealed that asbestos exposure was paralleled by the increase in the incidence of mesothelioma and related mortality rates. More recently, the role of chronic inflammation and the molecular mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis by mineral fibers were elucidated following the discovery of the roles of HMGB1 and inflammasome. A change of paradigm was the discovery of a prevalence of mesotheliomas attributable to inherited mutations of cancer susceptibility genes. The discovery of BAP1 as a predisposition gene for the development of familial mesothelioma and other cancers implemented genome studies in patients with mesothelioma and routine clinical surveys in individuals at risk to identify germline mutations associated with cancers included in the BAP1 syndrome. A further progress in the approach to asbestos-related malignancy was the adoption of combined genetics and environmental analyses according to the model of gene-environment (GxE) interactions. This review aims at updating on the most recently discovered mechanisms of tumorigenesis and the pivotal role of GxE interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaming Xue
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Haining Yang
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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11
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Urso L, Cavallari I, Sharova E, Ciccarese F, Pasello G, Ciminale V. Metabolic rewiring and redox alterations in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:52-61. [PMID: 31819191 PMCID: PMC6964675 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy of mesothelial cells with increasing incidence, and in many cases, dismal prognosis due to its aggressiveness and lack of effective therapies. Environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos is considered the main aetiological factor for MPM. Inhaled asbestos fibres accumulate in the lungs and induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the presence of iron associated with the fibrous silicates and to the activation of macrophages and inflammation. Chronic inflammation and a ROS-enriched microenvironment can foster the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells. In addition, MPM cells have a highly glycolytic metabolic profile and are positive in 18F-FDG PET analysis. Loss-of-function mutations of BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) are a major contributor to the metabolic rewiring of MPM cells. A subset of MPM tumours show loss of the methyladenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) locus, resulting in profound alterations in polyamine metabolism, ATP and methionine salvage pathways, as well as changes in epigenetic control of gene expression. This review provides an overview of the perturbations in metabolism and ROS homoeostasis of MPM cells and the role of these alterations in malignant transformation and tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Urso
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Ciminale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
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12
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Carbone M, Adusumilli PS, Alexander HR, Baas P, Bardelli F, Bononi A, Bueno R, Felley-Bosco E, Galateau-Salle F, Jablons D, Mansfield AS, Minaai M, de Perrot M, Pesavento P, Rusch V, Severson DT, Taioli E, Tsao A, Woodard G, Yang H, Zauderer MG, Pass HI. Mesothelioma: Scientific clues for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. CA Cancer J Clin 2019; 69:402-429. [PMID: 31283845 PMCID: PMC8192079 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma affects mostly older individuals who have been occupationally exposed to asbestos. The global mesothelioma incidence and mortality rates are unknown, because data are not available from developing countries that continue to use large amounts of asbestos. The incidence rate of mesothelioma has decreased in Australia, the United States, and Western Europe, where the use of asbestos was banned or strictly regulated in the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating the value of these preventive measures. However, in these same countries, the overall number of deaths from mesothelioma has not decreased as the size of the population and the percentage of old people have increased. Moreover, hotspots of mesothelioma may occur when carcinogenic fibers that are present in the environment are disturbed as rural areas are being developed. Novel immunohistochemical and molecular markers have improved the accuracy of diagnosis; however, about 14% (high-resource countries) to 50% (developing countries) of mesothelioma diagnoses are incorrect, resulting in inadequate treatment and complicating epidemiological studies. The discovery that germline BRCA1-asssociated protein 1 (BAP1) mutations cause mesothelioma and other cancers (BAP1 cancer syndrome) elucidated some of the key pathogenic mechanisms, and treatments targeting these molecular mechanisms and/or modulating the immune response are being tested. The role of surgery in pleural mesothelioma is controversial as it is difficult to predict who will benefit from aggressive management, even when local therapies are added to existing or novel systemic treatments. Treatment outcomes are improving, however, for peritoneal mesothelioma. Multidisciplinary international collaboration will be necessary to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Carbone
- Thoracic Oncology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Prasad S. Adusumilli
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - H. Richard Alexander
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Paul Baas
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fabrizio Bardelli
- National Research Council Institute of Nanotechnology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Bononi
- Thoracic Oncology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Raphael Bueno
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - David Jablons
- Thoracic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Michael Minaai
- Thoracic Oncology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia Pesavento
- Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology Laboratory, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Valerie Rusch
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David T. Severson
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emanuela Taioli
- Translational Epidemiology and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anne Tsao
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Thoracic and Head/Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gavitt Woodard
- Thoracic Oncology, Department of Surgery, Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Haining Yang
- Thoracic Oncology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | | | - Harvey I. Pass
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
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Prismatic to Asbestiform Offretite from Northern Italy: Occurrence, Morphology and Crystal-Chemistry of a New Potentially Hazardous Zeolite. MINERALS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/min8020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Carbone M, Kanodia S, Chao A, Miller A, Wali A, Weissman D, Adjei A, Baumann F, Boffetta P, Buck B, de Perrot M, Dogan AU, Gavett S, Gualtieri A, Hassan R, Hesdorffer M, Hirsch FR, Larson D, Mao W, Masten S, Pass HI, Peto J, Pira E, Steele I, Tsao A, Woodard GA, Yang H, Malik S. Consensus Report of the 2015 Weinman International Conference on Mesothelioma. J Thorac Oncol 2017; 11:1246-1262. [PMID: 27453164 PMCID: PMC5551435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
On November 9 and 10, 2015, the International Conference on Mesothelioma in Populations Exposed to Naturally Occurring Asbestiform Fibers was held at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting was cosponsored by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the agenda was designed with significant input from staff at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. A multidisciplinary group of participants presented updates reflecting a range of disciplinary perspectives, including mineralogy, geology, epidemiology, toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, public health, and clinical oncology. The group identified knowledge gaps that are barriers to preventing and treating malignant mesothelioma (MM) and the required next steps to address barriers. This manuscript reports the group’s efforts and focus on strategies to limit risk to the population and reduce the incidence of MM. Four main topics were explored: genetic risk, environmental exposure, biomarkers, and clinical interventions. Genetics plays a critical role in MM when the disease occurs in carriers of germline BRCA1 associated protein 1 mutations. Moreover, it appears likely that, in addition to BRCA1 associated protein 1, other yet unknown genetic variants may also influence the individual risk for development of MM, especially after exposure to asbestos and related mineral fibers. MM is an almost entirely preventable malignancy as it is most often caused by exposure to commercial asbestos or mineral fibers with asbestos-like health effects, such as erionite. In the past in North America and in Europe, the most prominent source of exposure was related to occupation. Present regulations have reduced occupational exposure in these countries; however, some people continue to be exposed to previously installed asbestos in older construction and other settings. Moreover, an increasing number of people are being exposed in rural areas that contain noncommercial asbestos, erionite, and other mineral fibers in soil or rock (termed naturally occurring asbestos [NOA]) and are being developed. Public health authorities, scientists, residents, and other affected groups must work together in the areas where exposure to asbestos, including NOA, has been documented in the environment to mitigate or reduce this exposure. Although a blood biomarker validated to be effective for use in screening and identifying MM at an early stage in asbestos/ NOA-exposed populations is not currently available, novel biomarkers presented at the meeting, such as high mobility group box 1 and fibulin-3, are promising. There was general agreement that current treatment for MM, which is based on surgery and standard chemotherapy, has a modest effect on the overall survival (OS), which remains dismal. Additionally, although much needed novel therapeutic approaches for MM are being developed and explored in clinical trials, there is a critical need to invest in prevention research, in which there is a great opportunity to reduce the incidence and mortality from MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Carbone
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.
| | - Shreya Kanodia
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ann Chao
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aubrey Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Anil Wali
- Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David Weissman
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | | | | | - Paolo Boffetta
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Brenda Buck
- Department of Geoscience, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Umran Dogan
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department and Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Steve Gavett
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mary Hesdorffer
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia
| | - Fred R Hirsch
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - David Larson
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Weimin Mao
- Cancer Research Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Scott Masten
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Harvey I Pass
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Julian Peto
- Cancer Research UK, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Pira
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ian Steele
- Notre Dame Integrated Imaging Facility, Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Anne Tsao
- Department of Thoracic and Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gavitt Alida Woodard
- Thoracic Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Haining Yang
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Shakun Malik
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Pellegrini L, Xue J, Larson D, Pastorino S, Jube S, Forest KH, Saad-Jube ZS, Napolitano A, Pagano I, Negi VS, Bianchi ME, Morris P, Pass HI, Gaudino G, Carbone M, Yang H. HMGB1 targeting by ethyl pyruvate suppresses malignant phenotype of human mesothelioma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:22649-22661. [PMID: 28186988 PMCID: PMC5410252 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos and erionite exposure. We previously reported that High-Mobility Group Box-1 protein (HMGB1), a prototypic damage-associated molecular pattern, drives MM development and sustains MM progression. Moreover, we demonstrated that targeting HMGB1 inhibited MM cell growth and motility in vitro, reduced tumor growth in vivo, and prolonged survival of MM-bearing mice. Ethyl pyruvate (EP), the ethyl ester of pyruvic acid, has been shown to be an effective HMGB1 inhibitor in inflammation-related diseases and several cancers. Here, we studied the effect of EP on the malignant phenotype of MM cells in tissue culture and on tumor growth in vivo using an orthotopic MM xenograft model. We found that EP impairs HMGB1 secretion by MM cells leading to reduced RAGE expression and NF-κB activation. As a consequence, EP impaired cell motility, cell proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth of MM cells. Moreover, EP reduced HMGB1 serum levels in mice and inhibited the growth of MM xenografts. Our results indicate that EP effectively hampers the malignant phenotype of MM, offering a novel potential therapeutic approach to patients afflicted with this dismal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pellegrini
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jiaming Xue
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Leeward Community College, Mathematics and Sciences Division, University of Hawai'i System, Pearl City, HI, USA
| | - David Larson
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Sandra Pastorino
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Sandro Jube
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kelly H Forest
- Leeward Community College, Mathematics and Sciences Division, University of Hawai'i System, Pearl City, HI, USA
| | - Zeyana Salim Saad-Jube
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, Office of Public Health and Center on Aging, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Andrea Napolitano
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.,University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Ian Pagano
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Vishal S Negi
- University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Marco E Bianchi
- San Raffaele University and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paul Morris
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Harvey I Pass
- New York University School of Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giovanni Gaudino
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Michele Carbone
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Haining Yang
- University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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16
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Emri SA. The Cappadocia mesothelioma epidemic: its influence in Turkey and abroad. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:239. [PMID: 28706907 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.04.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The epidemic of mesothelioma in Cappadocia, Turkey, is unprecedented in medical history. In three Cappadocian villages, Karain, Tuzkoy and "old" Sarihidir, about 50% of all deaths (including neonatal deaths and traffic fatalities) have been caused by mesothelioma. No other epidemic in medical history has caused such a high incidence of death. This is even more unusual when considering that (I) epidemics are caused by infectious agents, not cancer, and (II) mesothelioma is a rare cancer. World-wide mesothelioma incidence varies between 1/106 in areas with no asbestos industry to about 10-30/106 in areas with asbestos industry. This article reviews how the mesothelioma epidemic was discovered in Cappadocia by Dr. Baris (my mentor), how we initially linked the epidemic to erionite exposure, and later (with Dr. Carbone) to the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental exposure. Our team's work had an important positive impact on the lives of those living in Cappadocia and also in many genetically predisposed families living around the world. I will discuss how the work that started in three remote Cappadocian villages led to the award of a NCI P01 grant to support our studies. Our studies proved that genetics modulates mineral fiber carcinogenesis and led to the discovery that carriers of germline BAP1 mutations have a very high risk of developing mesothelioma and other malignancies. A new, very active field of research developed following our discoveries to elucidate the mechanism by which BAP1 modulates mineral fiber carcinogenesis as well as to identify additional genes that when mutated increase the risk of mesothelioma and other environmentally related cancers. I am the only surviving member of this research team who saw all the phases of this research and I believe it is important to provide an accurate report, which hopefully will inspire others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salih A Emri
- Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Kemerburgaz University, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Abstract
Recent discoveries have elucidated some of the mechanisms responsible for the development of mesothelioma. These discoveries are: (I) the critical role of chronic inflammation in promoting mesothelioma growth, driven by the release of high mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB1) following asbestos deposition in tissues and its potential role as a biomarker to identify asbestos exposed individuals and mesothelioma patients; (II) the discovery that inherited heterozygous germline mutations of the deubiquitylase BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) cause a high incidence of mesothelioma in some families; and that (III) germline BAP1 mutations lower the threshold of asbestos required to cause mesothelioma in mice, evidence of gene X environment interaction. These findings together with the identification of novel serum biomarkers, including HMGB1, Fibulin-3, etc., promise to revolutionize screening and treatment of this malignancy in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Carbone
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | - Haining Yang
- Thoracic Oncology, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
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18
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Giordani M, Mattioli M, Ballirano P, Pacella A, Cenni M, Boscardin M, Valentini L. Geological occurrence, mineralogical characterization, and risk assessment of potentially carcinogenic erionite in Italy. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:81-103. [PMID: 28339348 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2016.1263586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Erionite is a zeolite representing a well-known health hazard. In fact, exposure of humans to its fibers has been unequivocally associated with occurrence of malignant mesothelioma. For this reason, a multi-methodological approach, based upon field investigation, morphological characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) chemical analysis, and structure refinement through X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), was applied to different samples of potentially carcinogenic erionite from Northern Italy. The studied crystals have a chemical composition ranging from erionite-Ca to erionite-Na and display variable morphologies, varying from prismatic, through acicular and fibrous, to extremely fibrous asbestiform habits. The fibrous samples were characterized by an unusual preferred partition of aluminum (Al) at tetrahedral site T1 instead of tetrahedral site T2. Further, a mismatch between the a-parameter of erionite-Ca and levyne-Ca that are intergrown in the asbestiform sample was detected. This misfit was coupled to a relevant micro-strain to maintain structure coherency at the boundary. Erionite occurs in 65% of the investigated sites, with an estimated quantity of 10 to 40 vol% of the associated minerals. The presence of this mineral is of concern for risk to human health, especially if one considers the vast number of quarries and mining-related activities that are operating in the zeolite host rocks. The discovery of fibrous and asbestiform erionite in Northern Italy suggests the need for a detailed risk assessment in all Italian areas showing the same potential hazard, with specific studies such as a quantification of the potentially respirable airborne fibers and targeted epidemiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giordani
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate , Università di Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino , Italy
| | - Michele Mattioli
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate , Università di Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino , Italy
| | - Paolo Ballirano
- b Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
- c Laboratorio Fibre e Particolato Inorganico , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
| | - Alessandro Pacella
- b Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra , Sapienza Università di Roma , Roma , Italy
| | - Marco Cenni
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate , Università di Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino , Italy
| | - Matteo Boscardin
- d Museo di Archeologia e Scienze Naturali "G. Zannato" , Montecchio Maggiore , VI , Italy
| | - Laura Valentini
- e Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari , Università di Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino , Italy
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19
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Cangiotti M, Battistelli M, Salucci S, Falcieri E, Mattioli M, Giordani M, Ottaviani MF. Electron paramagnetic resonance and transmission electron microscopy study of the interactions between asbestiform zeolite fibers and model membranes. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:171-187. [PMID: 28277034 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1275901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Different asbestiform zeolite fibers of the erionite (termed GF1 and MD8, demonstrated carcinogenic) and offretite (termed BV12, suspected carcinogenic) families were investigated by analyzing the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of selected surfactant spin probes and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images in the presence of model membranes-cetyltrimethylammonium (CTAB) micelles, egg-lecithin liposomes, and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes. This was undertaken to obtain information on interactions occurring at a molecular level between fibers and membranes which correlate with entrance of fibers into the membrane model or location of the fibers at the external or internal membrane interfaces. For CTAB micelles, all fibers were able to enter the micelles, but the hair-like structure and chemical surface characteristics of GF1 modified the micelle structure toward a bilayer-like organization, while MD8 and BV12, being shorter fibers and with a high density of surface interacting groups, partially destroyed the micelles. For liposomes, GF1 fibers partially penetrated the core solution, but DMPC liposomes showed increasing rigidity and organization of the bilayer. Conversely, for MD8 and BV12, the fibers did not cross the membrane demonstrating a smaller membrane structure perturbation. Scolecite fibers (termed SC1), used for comparison, presented poor interactions with the model membranes. The carcinogenicity of the zeolites, as postulated in the series SC1<BV12<MD8<GF1, may be related to the structural modifications of the model membranes when interacting with these zeolite fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Cangiotti
- a Department of Pure and Applied Sciences , University of Urbino , Urbino , Italy
| | - Michela Battistelli
- b Department of Biomolecular Sciences , University of Urbino , Urbino , Italy
| | - Sara Salucci
- b Department of Biomolecular Sciences , University of Urbino , Urbino , Italy
| | - Elisabetta Falcieri
- b Department of Biomolecular Sciences , University of Urbino , Urbino , Italy
| | - Michele Mattioli
- a Department of Pure and Applied Sciences , University of Urbino , Urbino , Italy
| | - Matteo Giordani
- a Department of Pure and Applied Sciences , University of Urbino , Urbino , Italy
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