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Fujimura M, Usuki F, Unoki T. Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant capacity precedes neurological signs in a rat methylmercury intoxication model. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 146:111810. [PMID: 33058990 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The main target organ for MeHg is the nervous system, and its neurological dysfunction remains irreversible. Therefore, predictive biomarkers associated with individual susceptibility to MeHg and future clinical severity are needed to protect against the progression of MeHg toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that plasma thiol antioxidant capacity (-SHp) is a useful predictive biomarker associated with future clinical severity using MeHg-intoxicated rats administered 1 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subclavian vein of each rat once a week to examine total blood mercury concentrations and the levels of plasma oxidative stress markers. Time course analyses of the correlation between these weekly blood examination values and hind limb crossing signs score after 4 weeks of MeHg exposure were performed, and plasma -SHp levels after 2 weeks of MeHg exposure showed strong correlations with future hind limb crossing sign scores. Neuropathological changes also developed in parallel with hind limb crossing sign scores. Quantitative analysis of vacuolar areas in the spinal cord showed a strong correlation with hind limb crossing sign scores. In conclusion, evaluation of plasma -SHp levels allowed us to detect individuals at risk for health damage and could protect the sensitive population against MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Unoki
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan
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Errico S, Portaccio M, Nicolucci C, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Scafuro M, Lepore M, Diano N. A novel experimental approach for liver analysis in rats exposed to Bisphenol A by means of LC-mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018; 165:207-212. [PMID: 30553981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
An innovative complementary approach using a liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometer method and infrared spectroscopy is proposed for measuring internal biological exposure to dangerous chemical contaminants and for monitoring biochemical changes in target organs. The proposed methodologies were validated and applied in the case of rats exposed to low-doses of Bisphenol A (BPA). A liquid chromatographic method coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer was used in order to measure BPA concentration in rat livers. BPA was detected at different levels in all liver samples from BPA-treated rats, although the exposure dose was the same in all treated animals, and also from control rats, highlighting the difficulties in eliminating external uncontrolled exposure and the need for internal biological monitoring. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis was applied to detect structural changes occurring in several molecules (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids) as well as the presence of specific metabolic processes. The spectroscopic analyses clearly demonstrated a different lipid composition more than an evident lipid accumulation and a glycogen accumulation decrease, revealing a metabolic disturbance in livers with a normal histological aspect. These results demonstrated the potential of an integrated approach based on mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy to evaluate at an early stage the hepatotoxic effect of BPA exposure in an animal model. This approach can be usefully exploited in all the investigations aimed to provide better information concerning the interrelationships between contaminant exposure, dose, and health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Errico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Portaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Carla Nicolucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina, 40, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lepore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via S. M. di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
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Branco V, Caito S, Farina M, Teixeira da Rocha J, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Biomarkers of mercury toxicity: Past, present, and future trends. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:119-154. [PMID: 28379072 PMCID: PMC6317349 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1289834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) toxicity continues to represent a global health concern. Given that human populations are mostly exposed to low chronic levels of mercurial compounds (methylmercury through fish, mercury vapor from dental amalgams, and ethylmercury from vaccines), the need for more sensitive and refined tools to assess the effects and/or susceptibility to adverse metal-mediated health risks remains. Traditional biomarkers, such as hair or blood Hg levels, are practical and provide a reliable measure of exposure, but given intra-population variability, it is difficult to establish accurate cause-effect relationships. It is therefore important to identify and validate biomarkers that are predictive of early adverse effects prior to adverse health outcomes becoming irreversible. This review describes the predominant biomarkers used by toxicologists and epidemiologists to evaluate exposure, effect and susceptibility to Hg compounds, weighing on their advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, and in light of recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated toxicity, potential novel biomarkers that might be predictive of toxic effect are presented, and the applicability of these parameters in risk assessment is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Sam Caito
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Marcelo Farina
- c Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil
| | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- d Departamento Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
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Lee JW, Won EJ, Raisuddin S, Lee JS. Significance of adverse outcome pathways in biomarker-based environmental risk assessment in aquatic organisms. J Environ Sci (China) 2015; 35:115-127. [PMID: 26354700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In environmental risk assessments (ERA), biomarkers have been widely used as an early warning signal of environmental contamination. However, biomarker responses have limitation due to its low relevance to adverse outcomes (e.g., fluctuations in community structure, decreases in population size, and other similar ecobiologically relevant indicators of community structure and function). To mitigate these limitations, the concept of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) was developed. An AOP is an analytical, sequentially progressive pathway that links a molecular initiating event (MIE) to an adverse outcome. Recently, AOPs have been recognized as a potential informational tool by which the implications of molecular biomarkers in ERA can be better understood. To demonstrate the utility of AOPs in biomarker-based ERA, here we discuss a series of three different biological repercussions caused by exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and selenium (Se). Using mainly aquatic invertebrates and selected vertebrates as model species, we focus on the development of the AOP concept. Aquatic organisms are suitable bioindicator species whose entire lifespans can be observed over a short period; moreover, these species can be studied on the molecular and population levels. Also, interspecific differences between aquatic organisms are important to consider in an AOP framework, since these differences are an integral part of the natural environment. The development of an environmental pollutant-mediated AOP may enable a better understanding of the effects of environmental pollutants in different scenarios in the diverse community of an ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wuk Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Won
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea
| | - Sheikh Raisuddin
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, South Korea.
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DeBord DG, Burgoon L, Edwards SW, Haber LT, Kanitz MH, Kuempel E, Thomas RS, Yucesoy B. Systems Biology and Biomarkers of Early Effects for Occupational Exposure Limit Setting. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12 Suppl 1:S41-54. [PMID: 26132979 PMCID: PMC4654673 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1060324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In a recent National Research Council document, new strategies for risk assessment were described to enable more accurate and quicker assessments. This report suggested that evaluating individual responses through increased use of bio-monitoring could improve dose-response estimations. Identification of specific biomarkers may be useful for diagnostics or risk prediction as they have the potential to improve exposure assessments. This paper discusses systems biology, biomarkers of effect, and computational toxicology approaches and their relevance to the occupational exposure limit setting process. The systems biology approach evaluates the integration of biological processes and how disruption of these processes by chemicals or other hazards affects disease outcomes. This type of approach could provide information used in delineating the mode of action of the response or toxicity, and may be useful to define the low adverse and no adverse effect levels. Biomarkers of effect are changes measured in biological systems and are considered to be preclinical in nature. Advances in computational methods and experimental -omics methods that allow the simultaneous measurement of families of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins in a single analysis have made these systems approaches feasible for broad application. The utility of the information for risk assessments from -omics approaches has shown promise and can provide information on mode of action and dose-response relationships. As these techniques evolve, estimation of internal dose and response biomarkers will be a critical test of these new technologies for application in risk assessment strategies. While proof of concept studies have been conducted that provide evidence of their value, challenges with standardization and harmonization still need to be overcome before these methods are used routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Gayle DeBord
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Applied Research and Technology, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lyle Burgoon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Stephen W. Edwards
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Lynne T. Haber
- Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA), Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - M. Helen Kanitz
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Applied Research and Technology, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Eileen Kuempel
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Education and Information Division, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Russell S. Thomas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- The Hamner Institute for Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Berran Yucesoy
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Heath Effects Laboratory Division, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Lioy PJ. Exposure science: a view of the past and milestones for the future. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:1081-90. [PMID: 20308034 PMCID: PMC2920079 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of human exposure to environmental toxicants has evolved as a scientific field over the past 30 years. OBJECTIVES This review provides a historical perspective on the growth of exposure science as a field, with some emphasis on the results from initial observational studies in obtaining information needed for generating hypotheses on significant human contact with environmental agents, testing the performance of models, and reducing exposures to protect public health. DISCUSSION Advances in activity pattern and behavioral research that established a suite of variables needed to accurately define contact and factors that influence contact are also discussed. The identification and characterization of these factors have played a pivotal role in the growth of the field and in developing exposure reduction strategies. Answers to two key questions on the relevance and fundamental value of exposure science to the fields of environmental health and risk management are presented as a path forward: a) What does one do with such exposure information? b) What roles does exposure science play in situations beyond observational analyses and interpretation? CONCLUSIONS The discussion identifies the need for more focused use of observational studies of exposure for epidemiologic analyses. Further, the introduction and use of new tools and approaches for hypothesis testing that can improve the use of exposure science in prevention research for risk management is needed to affect the source-to-effect continuum. A major restructuring of the field is not required to achieve innovation. However, additional resources for training and education are required to ensure that the potential for exposure science to play a central role in reducing and preventing excess risk within environmental/occupational health is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Lioy
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
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Weis BK, Balshaw D, Barr JR, Brown D, Ellisman M, Lioy P, Omenn G, Potter JD, Smith MT, Sohn L, Suk WA, Sumner S, Swenberg J, Walt DR, Watkins S, Thompson C, Wilson SH. Personalized exposure assessment: promising approaches for human environmental health research. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:840-8. [PMID: 16002370 PMCID: PMC1257643 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2004] [Accepted: 03/03/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
New technologies and methods for assessing human exposure to chemicals, dietary and lifestyle factors, infectious agents, and other stressors provide an opportunity to extend the range of human health investigations and advance our understanding of the relationship between environmental exposure and disease. An ad hoc Committee on Environmental Exposure Technology Development was convened to identify new technologies and methods for deriving personalized exposure measurements for application to environmental health studies. The committee identified a "toolbox" of methods for measuring external (environmental) and internal (biologic) exposure and assessing human behaviors that influence the likelihood of exposure to environmental agents. The methods use environmental sensors, geographic information systems, biologic sensors, toxicogenomics, and body burden (biologic) measurements. We discuss each of the methods in relation to current use in human health research; specific gaps in the development, validation, and application of the methods are highlighted. We also present a conceptual framework for moving these technologies into use and acceptance by the scientific community. The framework focuses on understanding complex human diseases using an integrated approach to exposure assessment to define particular exposure-disease relationships and the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in disease occurrence. Improved methods for exposure assessment will result in better means of monitoring and targeting intervention and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda K Weis
- Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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