1
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Khan EA, Greve M, Russell I, Ciesielski TM, Lundregan S, Jensen H, Rønning B, Bones AM, Asimakopoulos AG, Waugh CA, Jaspers VLB. Lead exposure is related to higher infection rate with the gapeworm in Norwegian house sparrows (Passer domesticus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123443. [PMID: 38278400 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution is identified as an important threat to bird and other wildlife populations. Many metals and toxic elements, along with poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are known to induce immunomodulation and have previously been linked to increased pathogen prevalence and infectious disease severity. In this study, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) was investigated at the coast of Helgeland in northern Norway. This population is commonly infected with the parasitic nematode "gapeworm" (Syngamus trachea), with a prevalence of 40-60 % during summer months. Gapeworm induces severe respiratory disease in birds and has been previously demonstrated to decrease survival and reproductive success in wild house sparrows. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a higher exposure to pollution with PFASs, metals and other elements influences gapeworm infection in wild house sparrows. We conducted PFASs and elemental analysis on whole blood from 52 house sparrows from Helgeland, including analyses of highly toxic metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As). In addition, we studied gapeworm infection load by counting the parasite eggs in faeces from each individual. We also studied the expression of microRNA 155 (miR155) as a key regulator in the immune system. Elevated blood concentrations of Pb were found to be associated with an increased prevalence of gapeworm infection in the house sparrow. The expression of miR155 in the plasma of the house sparrow was only weakly associated with Pb. In contrast, we found relatively low PFASs concentrations in the house sparrow blood (∑ PFASs 0.00048-354 μg/L) and PFASs were not associated to miR155 nor infection rate. The current study highlights the potential threat posed by Pb as an immunotoxic pollutant in small songbirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa A Khan
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.
| | - Melissa Greve
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Isabelle Russell
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Sarah Lundregan
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Bernt Rønning
- Department of Teacher Education, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Atle M Bones
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | | | | | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
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2
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Shepelkova GS, Evstifeev VV, Berezovskiy YS, Tarasov RV, Bagirov MA, Yeremeev VV. Lung Inflammation Signature in Post-COVID-19 TB Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16315. [PMID: 38003504 PMCID: PMC10671676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216315] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of infectious disease mortality worldwide, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects tuberculosis progression have not yet been established. Here, we compared the level of inflammation in the wall of the tuberculoma and in the parenchymal lung tissue of 30 patients diagnosed with tuberculoma without a history of COVID-19 and 30 patients diagnosed with tuberculoma 3 months after COVID-19. We also characterized TB activity in these patients using a panel of TB-associated miRNAs. Histopathological changes were examined in the resection material, and the expression level of cytokine/chemokine genes was determined by qRT-PCR. In patients with a history of COVID-19, the histological data obtained suggested activation of tuberculosis. In the same group of patients, as opposed to those without a history of COVID-19, equally high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines were expressed both in the tuberculoma wall and in the periphery of the resected specimen. A full set of miRNAs (miR-191, miR-193a, miR-222, miR-223, miR-155, miR-26a, and miR-150) were downregulated in the sera of patients with TB and active COVID-19 co-infection compared to controls. Our observations indicate signs of tuberculosis activation resulting from COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina S. Shepelkova
- Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow 107564, Russia; (V.V.E.); (Y.S.B.); (R.V.T.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Vladimir V. Evstifeev
- Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow 107564, Russia; (V.V.E.); (Y.S.B.); (R.V.T.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Yuriy S. Berezovskiy
- Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow 107564, Russia; (V.V.E.); (Y.S.B.); (R.V.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Moscow Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Center, Moscow 127055, Russia
| | - Ruslan V. Tarasov
- Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow 107564, Russia; (V.V.E.); (Y.S.B.); (R.V.T.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Mamed A. Bagirov
- Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow 107564, Russia; (V.V.E.); (Y.S.B.); (R.V.T.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Vladimir V. Yeremeev
- Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow 107564, Russia; (V.V.E.); (Y.S.B.); (R.V.T.); (M.A.B.)
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3
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Kolijn PM, Langerak AW. Immune dysregulation as a leading principle for lymphoma development in diverse immunological backgrounds. Immunol Lett 2023; 263:46-59. [PMID: 37774986 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from lymphocytes, which poses a significant challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment due to its diverse subtypes and underlying mechanisms. This review aims to explore the shared and distinct features of various forms of lymphoma predisposing conditions, with a focus on genetic, immunological and molecular aspects. While diseases such as autoimmune disorders, inborn errors of immunity and iatrogenic immunodeficiencies are biologically and immunologically distinct, each of these diseases results in profound immune dysregulation and a predisposition to lymphoma development. Interestingly, the increased risk is often skewed towards a particular subtype of lymphoma. Patients with inborn errors of immunity in particular present with extreme forms of lymphoma predisposition, providing a unique opportunity to study the underlying mechanisms. External factors such as chronic infections and environmental exposures further modulate the risk of lymphoma development. Common features of conditions predisposing to lymphoma include: persistent inflammation, recurrent DNA damage or malfunctioning DNA repair, impaired tumor surveillance and viral clearance, and dysregulation of fundamental cellular processes such as activation, proliferation and apoptosis. Our growing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of lymphomagenesis provides opportunities for early detection, prevention and tailored treatment of lymphoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Martijn Kolijn
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anton W Langerak
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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4
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Arman K, Dalloul Z, Bozgeyik E. Emerging role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in COVID-19 with implications to therapeutics. Gene 2023; 861:147232. [PMID: 36736508 PMCID: PMC9892334 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection which is commonly known as COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) has creeped into the human population taking tolls of life and causing tremendous economic crisis. It is indeed crucial to gain knowledge about their characteristics and interactions with human host cells. It has been shown that the majority of our genome consists of non-coding RNAs. Non-coding RNAs including micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) display significant roles in regulating gene expression in almost all cancers and viral diseases. It is intriguing that miRNAs and lncRNAs remarkably regulate the function and expression of major immune components of SARS-CoV-2. MiRNAs act via RNA interference mechanism in which they bind to the complementary sequences of the viral RNA strand, inducing the formation of silencing complex that eventually degrades or inhibits the viral RNA and viral protein expression. LncRNAs have been extensively shown to regulate gene expression in cytokine storm and thus emerges as a critical target for COVID-19 treatment. These lncRNAs also act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by sponging miRNAs and thus affecting the expression of downstream targets during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we extensively discuss the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs, describe their mechanism of action and their different interacting human targets cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we discuss possible ways how an interference with their molecular function could be exploited for new therapies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifee Arman
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
| | - Zeinab Dalloul
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Esra Bozgeyik
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
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5
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Hardin LT, Xiao N. miRNAs: The Key Regulator of COVID-19 Disease. Int J Cell Biol 2022; 2022:1645366. [PMID: 36345541 PMCID: PMC9637033 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1645366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As many parts of the world continue to fight the innumerable waves of COVID-19 infection, SARS-CoV-2 continues to sculpt its antigenic determinants to enhance its virulence and evolvability. Several vaccines were developed and used around the world, and oral antiviral medications are being developed against SARS-CoV-2. However, studies showed that the virus is mutating in line with the antibody's neutralization escape; thus, new therapeutic alternatives are solicited. We hereby review the key role that miRNAs can play as epigenetic mediators of the cross-talk between SARS-CoV-2 and the host cells. The limitations resulting from the "virus intelligence" to escape and antagonize the host miRNAs as well as the possible mechanisms that could be used in the viral evasion strategies are discussed. Lastly, we suggest new therapeutic approaches based on viral miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Tahrani Hardin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, 94103 CA, USA
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, 94103 CA, USA
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6
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Role of microRNA in Endocrine Disruptor-Induced Immunomodulation of Metabolic Health. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12111034. [DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of poor metabolic health is growing exponentially worldwide. This condition is associated with complex comorbidities that lead to a compromised quality of life. One of the contributing factors recently gaining attention is exposure to environmental chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Considerable evidence suggests that EDCs can alter the endocrine system through immunomodulation. More concerning, EDC exposure during the fetal development stage has prominent adverse effects later in life, which may pass on to subsequent generations. Although the mechanism of action for this phenomenon is mostly unexplored, recent reports implicate that non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRs), may play a vital role in this scenario. MiRs are significant contributors in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Studies demonstrating the immunomodulation of EDCs via miRs in metabolic health or towards the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Hypothesis are still deficient. The aim of the current review was to focus on studies that demonstrate the impact of EDCs primarily on innate immunity and the potential role of miRs in metabolic health.
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7
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Jantawongsri K, Nørregaard RD, Bach L, Dietz R, Sonne C, Jørgensen K, Lierhagen S, Ciesielski TM, Jenssen BM, Waugh CA, Eriksen R, Nowak B, Anderson K. Effects of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of lead (Pb) on expression of stress and immune-related genes, and microRNAs in shorthorn sculpins (Myoxocephalus scorpius). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1068-1077. [PMID: 36006498 PMCID: PMC9458575 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Old lead-zinc (Pb-Zn) mining sites in Greenland have increased the environmental concentration of Pb in local marine organisms, including the shorthorn sculpin. Organ metal concentrations and histopathology have been used in environmental monitoring programs to evaluate metal exposure and subsequent effects in shorthorn sculpins. So far, no study has reported the impact of heavy metals on gene expression involved in metal-related stress and immune responses in sculpins. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exposure to environmentally relevant waterborne Pb (0.73 ± 0.35 μg/L) on hepatic gene expression of metallothionein (mt), immunoglobulin M (igm), and microRNAs (miRNAs; mir132 and mir155) associated with immune responses in the shorthorn sculpin compared to a control group. The mt and igm expression were upregulated in the Pb-exposed group compared to the control group. The transcripts of mir132 and mir155 were not different in sculpins between the Pb-exposed and control group; however, miRNA levels were significantly correlated with Pb liver concentrations. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between liver Pb concentrations and igm, and a positive relationship between igm and mir155. The results indicate that exposure to Pb similar to those concentrations reported in in marine waters around Greenland Pb-Zn mine sites influences the mt and immune responses in shorthorn sculpins. This is the first study to identify candidate molecular markers in the shorthorn sculpins exposed to waterborne environmentally relevant Pb suggesting mt and igm as potential molecular markers of exposure to be applied in future assessments of the marine environment near Arctic mining sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khattapan Jantawongsri
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia.
| | - Rasmus Dyrmose Nørregaard
- Department of Ecoscience and Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lis Bach
- Department of Ecoscience and Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience and Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience and Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kasper Jørgensen
- Den Blå Planet, National Aquarium Denmark, Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, DK-2770, Kastrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Syverin Lierhagen
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Ecoscience and Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156, NO-9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Courtney Alice Waugh
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, NO-7729, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Ruth Eriksen
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, TAS, 7004, Australia
| | - Barbara Nowak
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
- Department of Ecoscience and Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kelli Anderson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
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8
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Liu Z, Huang Y, Jin X, Liu L, Gu H. PCB153 suppressed autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RICTOR/Akt/mTOR signaling by the upregulation of microRNA-155 in rat primary chondrocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 449:116135. [PMID: 35732230 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a typical type of persistent organic pollutant. PCB exposure is associated to the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis (OA); however, the involved mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the pro-osteoarthritic effect of 2, 2', 4, 4', 5, 5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153), and the involvement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the RICTOR/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. PCB153 of 20 and 30 μM increased the expression of MMP13 and decreased the expression of type II collagen, in a concentration-dependent manner. PCB153 treatment reduced the expression of Beclin 1 and LC3B, but increased the expression of p62 by upregulating miR-155 levels. PCB153 treatment activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by upregulating miR-155 levels. RICTOR was involved in activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and was also regulated by miR-155. In conclusion, PCB153 could promote the degradation of the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes by upregulating miR-155 via a mechanism related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RICTOR/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which suppressed autophagy and facilitated the development of OA. MiR-155 may represent potential therapeutic targets to alleviate the development of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, China Medical University, 110122, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, China Medical University, 110122, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, China Medical University, 110122, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, China Medical University, 110122, China
| | - Hailun Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, 110004, China.
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9
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Kroglund IB, Eide SKK, Østnes JE, Kroglund RT, Frisli JE, Waugh CA. Primary Cell Lines From Feathers and Blood of Free-Living Tawny Owls (Strix aluco): A New In Vitro Tool for Non-Lethal Toxicological Studies. Front Genet 2022; 13:856766. [PMID: 35651947 PMCID: PMC9149357 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.856766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The validation of the use of primary cell lines from non-lethal matrixes of feathers and blood of nestlings of a wild bird species, the tawny owl (Strix aluco) is described. Tawny Owl Feather Fibroblast (TOFF) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cultured from the pulp of the secondary wing feathers and whole blood respectively from free-living tawny owl nestlings. Cell growth was registered up until 48 h for both the PBMC cells and the TOFFs. The validation of these primary cell lines in free-living birds has the potential to advance the assessment of immunotoxicological effects in wildlife via non-lethal manner. They provide a key tool with which to study cell toxicity and responses to environmental stressors on a cellular level in wild bird species of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Eivind Østnes
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Steinkjer, Norway
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10
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Klimenko OV. Perspectives on the Use of Small Noncoding RNAs as a Therapy for Severe Virus-Induced Disease Manifestations and Late Complications. BIONANOSCIENCE 2022; 12:994-1001. [PMID: 35529531 PMCID: PMC9066397 DOI: 10.1007/s12668-022-00977-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Many viruses appear each year. Some of these viruses result in severe disease and even death. The frequency of epidemics and pandemics is growing at an alarming rate. The lack of virus-specific etiopathogenic drugs necessitates the search for new tools for the complex treatment of severe viral diseases and their late complications. Small noncoding RNAs and their antagonists may be effective therapeutic tools for preventing virus-induced damage to targeted epithelial cells and surrounding tissues in the manifestation stage. Moreover, sncRNAs could interfere with the virus-interacting host genes that trigger the malignant transformation of target cells as a late complication of severe viral diseases.
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11
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Saulle I, Garziano M, Fenizia C, Cappelletti G, Parisi F, Clerici M, Cetin I, Savasi V, Biasin M. MiRNA Profiling in Plasma and Placenta of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnant Women. Cells 2021; 10:1788. [PMID: 34359957 PMCID: PMC8305278 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are gene expression regulators associated with several human pathologies, including those generated by viral infections. Their role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 has been investigated and reviewed in many informative studies; however, a thorough miRNA outline in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women (SIPW), at both systemic and placental levels, is missing. To fill this gap, blood and placenta biopsies collected at delivery from 15 asymptomatic SIPW were immediately analysed for: miRNA expression (n = 84) (QPCR array), antiviral/immune mRNA target expression (n = 74) (QGene) and cytokine/chemokines production (n = 27) (Multiplex ELISA). By comparing these results with those obtained from six uninfected pregnant women (UPW), we observed that, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the transcriptomic profile of pregnant women is significantly altered in different anatomical districts, even in the absence of clinical symptoms and vertical transmission. This characteristic combination of miRNA and antiviral/immune factors seems to control both the infection and the dysfunctional immune reaction, thus representing a positive correlate of protection and a potential therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Saulle
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Micaela Garziano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudio Fenizia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gioia Cappelletti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.P.)
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate Buzzi Children’s Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.P.)
| | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
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12
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Sun J, Letcher RJ, Waugh CA, Jaspers VLB, Covaci A, Fernie KJ. Influence of perfluoroalkyl acids and other parameters on circulating thyroid hormones and immune-related microRNA expression in free-ranging nestling peregrine falcons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145346. [PMID: 33736417 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to certain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) can have considerable effects on the endocrine and immune systems, although such effects remain largely uncharacterized in wildlife. Using an apex avian predator, we investigated possible relationships of thyroid hormones (THs), specifically free (F) and total (T) thyroxine (FT4; TT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3; TT3), and the expression of an immune-related microRNA biomarker (i.e., miR-155), with the concentrations of 11 PFAAs in nestling peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). Nestling peregrines (n = 56; usually two chicks of each sex per nest) were blood sampled when 23 ± 4 days old in urban and rural regions of the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin (Ontario, Canada) in 2016 and 2018. The circulating concentrations of several PFAAs were significantly associated with THs and estimated thyroid gland activity (TT3:TT4; FT3:FT4), including PFHxS (FT3; FT3:FT4), PFDS (TT3; TT3:TT4), PFOA (TT4; FT3:FT4), PFTeDA (TT4; FT3:FT4), PFHxDA (TT4; TT3:TT4) and ΣPFCAs (TT4). Our novel evaluation of miR-155 in peregrine nestlings identified significantly negative relationships of plasma miR-155 counts with PFHxS and PFOA concentrations, indicating potential down-regulation of miR-155 expression and impaired immunity. Several PFAA homologues significantly predicted the variation in THs and miR-155 in conjunction with year (e.g., inter-annual differences in weather, ambient temperature, rainfall), region (urban/rural), nestling age, and/or diet (trophic position; δ15N), which suggests that multiple environmental and biological stressors, including PFAA exposure, influenced thyroid activity and immune function in these nestlings. Further research is warranted to identify the mechanisms and additional impacts of PFAA-related thyroid and immune disruption on the growth, development, and health risks in developing birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Sun
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, CN-510632 Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, K1A 0H3 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Courtney A Waugh
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Environmental Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, L7S 1A1 Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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Merz MP, Turner JD. Is early life adversity a trigger towards inflammageing? Exp Gerontol 2021; 150:111377. [PMID: 33905877 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are many 'faces' of early life adversity (ELA), such as childhood trauma, institutionalisation, abuse or exposure to environmental toxins. These have been implicated in the onset and severity of a wide range of chronic non-communicable diseases later in life. The later-life disease risk has a well-established immunological component. This raises the question as to whether accelerated immune-ageing mechanistically links early-life adversity to the lifelong health trajectory resulting in either 'poor' or 'healthy' ageing. Here we examine observational and mechanistic studies of ELA and inflammageing, highlighting common and distinct features in these two life stages. Many biological processes appear in common including reduction in telomere length, increased immunosenescence, metabolic distortions and chronic (viral) infections. We propose that ELA shapes the developing immune, endocrine and nervous system in a non-reversible way, creating a distinct phenotype with accelerated immunosenescence and systemic inflammation. We conclude that ELA might act as an accelerator for inflammageing and age-related diseases. Furthermore, we now have the tools and cohorts to be able to dissect the interaction between ELA and later life phenotype. This should, in the near future, allow us to identify the ecological and mechanistic processes that are involved in 'healthy' or accelerated immune-ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam P Merz
- Immune Endocrine and Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 2 avenue de Université, L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Immune Endocrine and Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
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14
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Wyler E, Mösbauer K, Franke V, Diag A, Gottula LT, Arsiè R, Klironomos F, Koppstein D, Hönzke K, Ayoub S, Buccitelli C, Hoffmann K, Richter A, Legnini I, Ivanov A, Mari T, Del Giudice S, Papies J, Praktiknjo S, Meyer TF, Müller MA, Niemeyer D, Hocke A, Selbach M, Akalin A, Rajewsky N, Drosten C, Landthaler M. Transcriptomic profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infected human cell lines identifies HSP90 as target for COVID-19 therapy. iScience 2021; 24:102151. [PMID: 33585804 PMCID: PMC7866843 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Detailed knowledge of the molecular biology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is crucial for understanding of viral replication, host responses, and disease progression. Here, we report gene expression profiles of three SARS-CoV- and SARS-CoV-2-infected human cell lines. SARS-CoV-2 elicited an approximately two-fold higher stimulation of the innate immune response compared to SARS-CoV in the human epithelial cell line Calu-3, including induction of miRNA-155. Single-cell RNA sequencing of infected cells showed that genes induced by virus infections were broadly upregulated, whereas interferon beta/lambda genes, a pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, were expressed only in small subsets of infected cells. Temporal analysis suggested that transcriptional activities of interferon regulatory factors precede those of nuclear factor κB. Lastly, we identified heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) as a protein relevant for the infection. Inhibition of the HSP90 activity resulted in a reduction of viral replication and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in primary human airway epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Wyler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirstin Mösbauer
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vedran Franke
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Asija Diag
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lina Theresa Gottula
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roberto Arsiè
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Filippos Klironomos
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Charité – University Hospital Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Koppstein
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Hönzke
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Salah Ayoub
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Buccitelli
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karen Hoffmann
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Richter
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivano Legnini
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andranik Ivanov
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – University Hospital Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tommaso Mari
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Del Giudice
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Papies
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Samantha Praktiknjo
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas F. Meyer
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, UKSH, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcel Alexander Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hocke
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Selbach
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Altuna Akalin
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Rajewsky
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Hannoversche Str 28, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Sciences, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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15
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The emerging role of microRNAs in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107204. [PMID: 33221169 PMCID: PMC7664359 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed significant public health problems for the human populations worldwide after the 1918 influenza A virus (IVA) (H1N1) pandemic. Although numerous efforts have been made to unravel the mechanisms underlying the coronavirus, a notable gap remains in our perception of the COVID-19 pathogenesis. The innate and adaptive immune systems have a pivotal role in the fate of viral infections, such as COVID-19 pandemic. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known as short noncoding RNA molecules and appear as indispensable governors of almost any cellular means. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that miRNAs participate in essential mechanisms of cell biology, regulation of the immune system, and the onset and progression of numerous types of disorders. The immune responses to viral respiratory infections (VRIs), including influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus (RV), are correlated with the ectopic expression of miRNAs. Alterations of the miRNA expression in epithelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic and acute airway infections. Hence, analyzing the role of these types of nucleotides in antiviral immune responses and the characterization of miRNA target genes might contribute to understanding the mechanisms of the interplay between the host and viruses, and in the future, potentially result in discovering therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of acute COVID-19 infection. In this article, we present a general review of current studies concerning the function of miRNAs in different VRIs, particularly in coronavirus infection, and address all available therapeutic prospects to mitigate the burden of viral infections.
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16
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Matelski L, Keil Stietz KP, Sethi S, Taylor SL, Van de Water J, Lein PJ. The influence of sex, genotype, and dose on serum and hippocampal cytokine levels in juvenile mice developmentally exposed to a human-relevant mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls. Curr Res Toxicol 2020; 1:85-103. [PMID: 34296199 PMCID: PMC8294704 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are pervasive environmental contaminants implicated as risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Immune dysregulation is another NDD risk factor, and developmental PCB exposures are associated with early life immune dysregulation. Studies of the immunomodulatory effects of PCBs have focused on the higher-chlorinated congeners found in legacy commercial mixtures. Comparatively little is known about the immune effects of contemporary, lower-chlorinated PCBs. This is a critical data gap given recent reports that lower-chlorinated congeners comprise >70% of the total PCB burden in serum of pregnant women enrolled in the MARBLES study who are at increased risk for having a child with an NDD. To examine the influence of PCBs, sex, and genotype on cytokine levels, mice were exposed throughout gestation and lactation to a PCB mixture in the maternal diet, which was based on the 12 most abundant PCBs in sera from MARBLES subjects. Using multiplex array, cytokines were quantified in the serum and hippocampus of weanling mice expressing either a human gain-of-function mutation in ryanodine receptor 1 (T4826I mice), a human CGG premutation repeat expansion in the fragile X mental retardation gene 1 (CGG mice), or both mutations (DM mice). Congenic wildtype (WT) mice were used as controls. There were dose-dependent effects of PCB exposure on cytokine concentrations in the serum but not hippocampus. Differential effects of genotype were observed in the serum and hippocampus. Hippocampal cytokines were consistently elevated in T4826I mice and also in WT animals for some cytokines compared to CGG and DM mice, while serum cytokines were usually elevated in the mutant genotypes compared to the WT group. Males had elevated levels of 19 cytokines in the serum and 4 in the hippocampus compared to females, but there were also interactions between sex and genotype for 7 hippocampal cytokines. Only the chemokine CCL5 in the serum showed an interaction between PCB dose, genotype, and sex. Collectively, these findings indicate differential influences of PCB exposure and genotype on cytokine levels in serum and hippocampal tissue of weanling mice. These results suggest that developmental PCB exposure has chronic effects on baseline serum, but not hippocampal, cytokine levels in juvenile mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Matelski
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kimberly P. Keil Stietz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sunjay Sethi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sandra L. Taylor
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA,MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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17
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Hansen E, Huber N, Bustnes JO, Herzke D, Bårdsen BJ, Eulaers I, Johnsen TV, Bourgeon S. A novel use of the leukocyte coping capacity assay to assess the immunomodulatory effects of organohalogenated contaminants in avian wildlife. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105861. [PMID: 32563774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Apex predators are characterized by high levels of biomagnifying organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) which have been found to induce detrimental health effects in wildlife, such as immune system impairment. The leukocyte coping capacity (LCC) assay is a functional real-time measure of an innate immune response essential in pathogen resistance, known as the respiratory burst. The current study suggests the novel use of this tool to test whether OHCs impair the innate immune system of a sentinel top predator, the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla; WTE). The LCC analysis was performed in the field on WTE nestlings (n = 84) from northern Norway over two breeding seasons. Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) dominated the total OHC load, surpassing the levels of legacy organochlorines. In addition, we detected significant negative correlations between concentrations of all polychlorinated biphenyls, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and the LCC of WTE nestlings. Based on our current findings reflecting a potential negative effect of both emerging and legacy OHCs on innate immune capacity, we suggest LCC to be a relevant and accessible test expanding the ecotoxicological toolbox to assess sub-lethal effects of OHCs in apex avian wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hansen
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Nikolaus Huber
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savovenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Framsenteret, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Trond V Johnsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
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