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Wyrwoll CS, Papini MG, Chivers EK, Yuan J, Pavlos NJ, Lucas RM, Bierwirth PN, Larcombe AN. Long-term exposure of mice to 890 ppm atmospheric CO 2 alters growth trajectories and elicits hyperactive behaviours in young adulthood. J Physiol 2022; 600:1439-1453. [PMID: 34731494 DOI: 10.1113/jp282179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) levels are currently at 418 parts per million (ppm), and by 2100 may exceed 900 ppm. The biological effects of lifetime exposure to CO2 at these levels is unknown. Previously we have shown that mouse lung function is altered by long-term exposure to 890 ppm CO2 . Here, we assess the broader systemic physiological responses to this exposure. Mice were exposed to either 460 or 890 ppm from preconception to 3 months of age, and assessed for effects on developmental, renal and osteological parameters. Locomotor, memory, learning and anxiety-like behaviours of the mice were also assessed. Exposure to 890 ppm CO2 increased birthweight, decreased female body weight after weaning, and, as young adults, resulted in reduced engagement in memory/learning tasks, and hyperactivity in both sexes in comparison to controls. There were no clear anxiety, learning or memory changes. Renal and osteological parameters were minimally affected. Overall, this study shows that exposure of mice to 890 ppm CO2 from preconception to young adulthood alters growth and some behaviours, with limited evidence of compensatory changes in acid-base balance. These findings highlight the potential for a direct effect of increased atmospheric CO2 on mammalian health outcomes. KEY POINTS: Long-term exposure to elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 is an uncontrolled experiment already underway. This is the first known study to assess non-respiratory physiological impacts of long-term (conception to young adulthood) exposure of mice to CO2 at levels that may arise in the atmosphere due to global emissions. Exposure to elevated CO2 , in comparison to control mice, altered growth patterns in early life and resulted in hyperactive behaviours in young adulthood. Renal and bone parameters, which are important to balance acid-base levels to compensate for increased CO2 exposure, remained relatively unaffected. This work adds to the body of evidence regarding the effects of carbon emissions on mammalian health and highlights a potential future burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S Wyrwoll
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa G Papini
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Emily K Chivers
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Jinbo Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nathan J Pavlos
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- Emeritus Faculty, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Phil N Bierwirth
- Emeritus Faculty, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Alexander N Larcombe
- Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia.,Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Carbon dioxide inhibits COVID-19-type proinflammatory responses through extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, novel carbon dioxide sensors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:8229-8242. [PMID: 34741187 PMCID: PMC8571007 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are crucial for developmental processes, oncogenesis, and inflammation, including the production of proinflammatory cytokines caused by reactive oxygen species and upon severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. There are no drugs that can effectively prevent excessive inflammatory responses in endothelial cells in the lungs, heart, brain, and kidneys, which are considered the main causes of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this work, we demonstrate that human MAPKs, i.e. extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), are CO2 sensors and CO2 is an efficient anti-inflammatory compound that exerts its effects through inactivating ERK1/2 in cultured endothelial cells when the CO2 concentration is elevated. CO2 is a potent inhibitor of cellular proinflammatory responses caused by H2O2 or the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. ERK1/2 activated by the combined action of RBD and cytokines crucial for the development of severe COVID-19, i.e. interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), are more effectively inactivated by CO2 than by dexamethasone or acetylsalicylic acid in human bronchial epithelial cells. Previously, many preclinical and clinical studies showed that the transient application of 5–8% CO2 is safe and effective in the treatment of many diseases. Therefore, our research indicates that CO2 may be used for the treatment of COVID-19 as well as the modification of hundreds of cellular pathways.
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Grześk G, Nowaczyk A. Current Modulation of Guanylate Cyclase Pathway Activity-Mechanism and Clinical Implications. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113418. [PMID: 34200064 PMCID: PMC8200204 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For years, guanylate cyclase seemed to be homogenic and tissue nonspecific enzyme; however, in the last few years, in light of preclinical and clinical trials, it became an interesting target for pharmacological intervention. There are several possible options leading to an increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentrations. The first one is related to the uses of analogues of natriuretic peptides. The second is related to increasing levels of natriuretic peptides by the inhibition of degradation. The third leads to an increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration by the inhibition of its degradation by the inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5. The last option involves increasing the concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate by the additional direct activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. Treatment based on the modulation of guanylate cyclase function is one of the most promising technologies in pharmacology. Pharmacological intervention is stable, effective and safe. Especially interesting is the role of stimulators and activators of soluble guanylate cyclase, which are able to increase the enzymatic activity to generate cyclic guanosine monophosphate independently of nitric oxide. Moreover, most of these agents are effective in chronic treatment in heart failure patients and pulmonary hypertension, and have potential to be a first line option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Grześk
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 75 Ujejskiego St., 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 2 dr. A. Jurasza St., 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-52-585-3904
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