Thymic cytoarchitecture changes in mice exposed to vanadium

Metal mixture exposure and the risk for immunoglobulin A nephropathy: Evidence from weighted quantile sum regression

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of glomerulonephritis in adults worldwide. Environmental metal exposure has been reported to be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of kidney diseases, yet no further epidemiological study has been conducted to assess the effects of metal mixture exposure on IgAN risk. In this study, we conducted a matched case‒control design with three controls for each patient to investigate the association between metal mixture exposure and IgAN risk. A total of 160 IgAN patients and 480 healthy controls were matched for age and sex. Plasma levels of arsenic, lead, chromium, manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc, and vanadium were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used a conditional logistic regression model to assess the association between individual metals and IgAN risk, and a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model to analyze the effects of metal mixtures on IgAN risk. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate overall associations between plasma metal concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels. We observed that except for Cu, all the metals analyzed were nonlinearly associated with decreased eGFR, and higher concentrations of arsenic and lead were associated with elevated IgAN risk in both single-metal [3.29 (1.94, 5.57), 6.10 (3.39, 11.0), respectively] and multiple-metal [3.04 (1.66, 5.57), 4.70 (2.47, 8.97), respectively] models. Elevated manganese [1.76 (1.09, 2.83)] levels were associated with increased IgAN risk in the single-metal model. Copper was inversely related to IgAN risk in both single-metal [0.392 (0.238, 0.645)] and multiple-metal [0.357 (0.200, 0.638)] models. The WQS indices in both positive [2.04 (1.68, 2.47)] and negative [0.717 (0.603, 0.852)] directions were associated with IgAN risk. Lead, arsenic, and vanadium contributed significant weights (0.594, 0.195, and 0.191, respectively) in the positive direction; copper, cobalt, and chromium carried significant weights (0.538, 0.253, and 0.209, respectively). In conclusion, metal exposure was related to IgAN risk. Lead, arsenic, and copper were all significantly weighted factors of IgAN development, which may require further investigation.

Personal air pollution exposure and metals in the nasal epithelial lining fluid of COPD patients

Sampling of the nasal epithelial lining fluid is a potential method to assess exposure to air pollution within the respiratory tract among high risk populations. We investigated associations of short- and long-term particulate matter exposure (PM) and pollution-related metals in the nasal fluid of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study included 20 participants with moderate-to-severe COPD from a larger study who measured long-term personal exposure to PM2.5 using portable air monitors and short-term PM2.5 and black carbon (BC) using in-home samplers for the seven days preceding nasal fluid collection. Nasal fluid was sampled from both nares by nasosorption, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of metals with major airborne sources. Correlations of selected elements (Fe, Ba, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Cu) were determined within the nasal fluid. Associations between personal long-term PM2.5 and seven day home PM2.5 and BC exposure and nasal fluid metal concentrations were determined by linear regression. Within nasal fluid samples, concentrations of vanadium and nickel (r = 0.8) and lead and zinc (r = 0.7) were correlated. Seven day and long-term PM2.5 exposure were both associated with higher levels of copper, lead, and vanadium in the nasal fluid. BC exposure was associated with higher levels of nickel in the nasal fluid. Levels of certain metals in the nasal fluid may serve as biomarkers of air pollution exposure in the upper respiratory tract.

HISTOULTRASTRUCTURAL FEATURES OF THYMOCYTES DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL GENERAL DEHYDRATION OF A MILD DEGREE

OBJECTIVE

The aim: The objective of the current study was to reveal ultrastructural changes in rats' thymocytes in experimental data in conditions of mild general dehydration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 20 non-linear adult male laboratory rats weighing 150-170 g. Histological and semi-thin slides of the thymus were prepared according to the required guidelines.

RESULTS

Results: On average, in the cortical zone of the thymus, there was decreased cellularity by 13.4% (p<0.001), while in the medulla zone this indicator turned out to be unreliable - 5.5% (р=0.19), compared to the indicators in animals of the control group. The study showed that a slight degree of general dehydration of the body causes ultrastructural changes in the thymus and is accompanied by a cell-mediated response of the central link of immunogenesis and results in morphological changes in the thymus, which are atrophic in nature with a typical pattern of remodeling of the organ's microstructure, which corresponds to cellular aging and the associated sign of accelerated involution.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: General dehydration of a mild degree in the experiment is accompanied by a cell-mediated response of the central link of immunogenesis and results in morphological changes in the thymus, which are atrophic in nature with a typical pattern of remodeling of the organ's microstructure, which corresponds to cellular aging and the associated sign of accelerated involution.

Toxic Effects of Inhaled Vanadium Attached to Particulate Matter: A Literature Review

Environmental pollution is a worldwide problem recognized by the World Health Organization as a major health risk factor that affects low-, middle- and high-income countries. Suspended particulate matter is among the most dangerous pollutants, since it contains toxicologically relevant agents, such as metals, including vanadium. Vanadium is a transition metal that is emitted into the atmosphere especially by the burning of fossil fuels to which dwellers are exposed. The objective of this literature review is to describe the toxic effects of vanadium and its compounds when they enter the body by inhalation, based especially on the results of a murine experimental model that elucidates the systemic effects that vanadium has on living organisms. To achieve this goal, we reviewed 85 articles on the relevance of vanadium as a component of particulate matter and its toxic effects. Throughout several years of research with the murine experimental model, we have shown that this element generates adverse effects in all the systems evaluated, because it causes immunotoxicity, hematotoxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and reprotoxicity, among other noxious effects. The results with this experimental model add evidence of the effects generated by environmental pollutants and increase the body of evidence that can lead us to make more intelligent environmental decisions for the welfare of all living beings.

Associations of prenatal exposure to vanadium with early-childhood growth: A prospective prenatal cohort study

Prenatal vanadium exposure is reported to be associated with restricted fetal growth and adverse birth outcomes. However, trimester-specific vanadium exposure in relation to early-childhood growth still remains unclear. A total of 1873 Chinese mother-infant pairs from whom a complete series of maternal urinary samples were collected over three stages of pregnancy were included from 2014 to 2016. The urinary concentrations of vanadium were analyzed. Children's anthropometric parameters were measured at birth, 6, 12 and 24 months. In boys, each doubling increase in vanadium concentrations at middle pregnancy was inversely associated with weight-for-length [- 9.07% (-17.21%, -0.93%)] and BMI z-score [- 9.66% (-18.05%, -1.28%)] at 24 months. Moreover, vanadium exposure at late pregnancy was negatively associated with weight [- 9.85% (-16.42%, -3.28%)], weight-for-length [- 11.00% (-18.40%, -3.60%)], and BMI z-scores [- 11.05% (-18.67%, -3.42%)] at 24 months in boys. However, the negative associations were not observed in girls, and we found evidence for sex difference (FDR p for interaction=0.01, 0.01 and 0.03 for weight, weight-for-length and BMI z-scores, respectively). Prenatal vanadium exposure may have an adverse effect on early-childhood growth, and the middle and late pregnancy could be windows of vulnerability for the adverse effects of vanadium exposure on growth development.

The effect of ammonia exposure on energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamic proteins in chicken thymus: Through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy

Ammonia (NH₃) gas is an atmospheric pollutant, produced from different sources. In poultry houses NH₃ is produced from the biological process of liter, manure, and protein composition. It has been well documented that NH₃ adversely effects the health of chickens. However, the underlying mechanism of NH₃ toxicity on chicken thymus is still unknown. Thymus is an important immune organ, which play a critical role in eliciting protective immune responses to ensure healing process and elimination of harmful stimuli. The results showed that NH₃ exposure reduced antioxidant activities and induced oxidative stress in thymus tissues. Histological observation showed normal morphology of chicken thymus in control group. In contrast, increased number of nuclear debris, vacuoles, and cristae break were seen in NH₃ affected chickens. Ultrastructural analysis indicated mitochondrial breakdown, disappearance, vacuoles, and chromatin condensation in NH₃ treated groups. The mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis related genes were significantly enhanced in the chicken thymus of NH₃ affected chickens compared to control group. Moreover, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay results suggested that NH₃ exposure increased positive stained nuclei in the chicken thymus. Meanwhile, NH₃ exposure reduced the number of CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes, decreased the adenosine triphosphate (ATPase) activities. The mRNA and protein expression of autophagy, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dynamics proteins were altered by NH₃ exposure. In summary, these results showed that NH₃ induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagic cell death (ACD), which could be the possible causes of immune damage and structural impairment in chicken thymus.

Protective Effects of Dietary Antioxidants against Vanadium-Induced Toxicity: A Review

Vanadium (V) in its inorganic forms is a toxic metal and a potent environmental and occupational pollutant and has been reported to induce toxic effects in animals and people. In vivo and in vitro data show that high levels of reactive oxygen species are often implicated in vanadium deleterious effects. Since many dietary (exogenous) antioxidants are known to upregulate the intrinsic antioxidant system and ameliorate oxidative stress-related disorders, this review evaluates their effectiveness in the treatment of vanadium-induced toxicity. Collected data, mostly from animal studies, suggest that dietary antioxidants including ascorbic acid, vitamin E, polyphenols, phytosterols, and extracts from medicinal plants can bring a beneficial effect in vanadium toxicity. These findings show potential preventive effects of dietary antioxidants on vanadium-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, neurotoxicity, testicular toxicity, and kidney damage. The relevant mechanistic insights of these events are discussed. In summary, the results of studies on the role of dietary antioxidants in vanadium toxicology appear encouraging enough to merit further investigations.

Trace Elements Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Insulin Resistance

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of multifactorial origin. Studies have shown that trace elements such as zinc and copper may help maintain optimum function of the immune system and metabolism, while toxic metals such as lead may increase systemic autoimmunity. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between serum concentration of lithium (Li), vanadium (V), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) and SLE diagnosis, disease activity measured by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and insulin resistance (IR). This case-control, cross-sectional study included 225 patients, 120 healthy controls, and 105 SLE patients. Serum concentration of Li, V, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, and Pb was measured. Serum concentrations of V (p < 0.001), Zn (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.001) were lower and Mo (p < 0.001) and Li (p < 0.001) were higher in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls. SLE diagnosis was associated with higher serum Li (p < 0.001) concentration and lower V (p < 0.001), Zn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.020). Toxic metals and trace elements were not associated with disease activity. Levels of Cd were higher in patients with IR (p = 0.042). There was no significant association between IR and the other metals. The results indicate that SLE patients have different profiles of trace elements and toxic metals compared to healthy controls. While some toxic metals and trace elements were found to be associated with SLE diagnosis, they had no effect on disease activity and IR.

Oral administration of ammonium metavanadate and potassium dichromate distorts the inflammatory reaction induced by turpentine oil injection in male rats

Heavy metal pollution is rapidly increasing in the environment. It has been shown that exposure to vanadium and chromium is able to alter the immune response. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which these metal pollutants mediate their immunomodulatory effects are not completely understood. Herein, we examined the effect of ammonium metavanadate and potassium dichromate on the development of an inflammatory response caused by subcutaneous injection of turpentine oil. We demonstrated that pretreatment of rats with ammonium metavanadate and potassium dichromate for two weeks prior to initiation of the inflammatory response resulted in a wider zone of necrosis surrounding the site of inflammation. The acute inflammatory process in the combined model was characterized by elevated serum levels of IL-10 and decreased serum levels of IL-6 as compared to rats not treated with ammonium metavanadate and potassium dichromate. Ammonium metavanadate and potassium dichromate administration induced a decrease in the proportion of splenic His48^HighCD11b/c⁺ myeloid cells accompanied by a reduced infiltration of the wound with neutrophils. Further analysis showed decreased proportions of CD3⁺CD4⁺IFNγ⁺ and CD3⁺CD4⁺IL-4⁺ T cells in the rats with combined model as compared to inflamed rats not treated with ammonium metavanadate and potassium dichromate. The data suggest that consumption of vanadium and chromium compounds disrupts the inflammatory response through an altered balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of effector T cell activation and neutrophil expansion.

Protective activity of pyruvate against vanadium-dependent cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells

With increasing human exposure to vanadium-containing compounds and growing concern over their impact on human health, identification of safe methods for efficient treatment of vanadium poisoning may be of value. In this study, using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, we show that the toxicity of vanadyl sulphate (VOSO₄) is mitigated in the presence of sodium pyruvate. The exposure of CHO-K1 cells to 100 μM VOSO₄ for 48 h induced significant cytotoxicity (measured with a resazurin assay) and elevation of the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, in the examined cells. When added simultaneously with VOSO₄ to the culture medium, pyruvate (4.5 mM) reduced VOSO₄-mediated cytotoxicity by twofold and inhibited MDA formation. Phase-contrast microscopy confirmed that the general morphology of cell cultures treated with 100 μM VOSO₄ and 4.5 mM pyruvate was improved compared to VOSO₄-only treated cells. The two-way analysis of variance revealed that the reduction of the adverse effects of VOSO₄ in the presence of pyruvate was due to the independent action of pyruvate as well as antagonistic interaction between VOSO₄ and pyruvate. From these data, it can be concluded that the pyruvate treatment may play a beneficial role in reducing vanadium-triggered health hazards.

Multi-modal Potentiation of Oncolytic Virotherapy by Vanadium Compounds

Oncolytic viruses (OV) are an emerging class of anticancer bio-therapeutics that induce antitumor immunity through selective replication in tumor cells. However, the efficacy of OVs as single agents remains limited. We introduce a strategy that boosts the therapeutic efficacy of OVs by combining their activity with immuno-modulating, small molecule protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. We report that vanadium-based phosphatase inhibitors enhance OV infection in vitro and ex vivo, in resistant tumor cell lines. Furthermore, vanadium compounds increase antitumor efficacy in combination with OV in several syngeneic tumor models, leading to systemic and durable responses, even in models otherwise refractory to OV and drug alone. Mechanistically, this involves subverting the antiviral type I IFN response toward a death-inducing and pro-inflammatory type II IFN response, leading to improved OV spread, increased bystander killing of cancer cells, and enhanced antitumor immune stimulation. Overall, we showcase a new ability of vanadium compounds to simultaneously maximize viral oncolysis and systemic anticancer immunity, offering new avenues for the development of improved immunotherapy strategies.