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Giang HTN, Hai TT, Nguyen H, Vuong TK, Morton LW, Culbertson CB. Elevated congenital heart disease birth prevalence rates found in Central Vietnam and dioxin TCDD residuals from the use of 2, 4, 5-T herbicides (Agent Orange) in the Da Nang region. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001050. [PMID: 36962560 PMCID: PMC10021360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) birth prevalence rate in Da Nang City and two adjacent provinces in Central Vietnam reported by Giang et al. in 2019 was 20.09/1000 births, much higher than any CHD birth rates previously reported. In this current study, three physicians trained in pediatric cardiology reanalyzed and reclassified the Giang et al 2019 cardiac anomalies data, eliminating singular small PDAs and separating cardiac defects into 27 contemporary CHD subgroups. These CHD subgroups were then statistically compared with Liu et al. 2019 Global CHD birth prevalence study of Asian Low-Middle Income Countries (LMIC) CHD subgroup rate of 9.34/1000 births (95% CI 8.07-10.70). Despite applying newer diagnostic criteria and refining the cardiac anomalies data, the Da Nang region continued to show significantly (p<0.0001) elevated total CHD birth prevalence rates at 14.71/1000 births (95% CI 12.74-16.69) compared to the Asian LMIC CHD birth prevalence rate 9.34/1000 births. This finding raises the question of whether environmental persistence of the contaminant dioxin TCDD from 2,4,5-T herbicides (Agent Orange) used during the Vietnam War (1961-1971) in the Da Nang region might be a factor associated with elevated CHD birth prevalence, as it is not present in other LMIC surrounding Vietnam. We recommend testing of soils and sediments in rural and agricultural areas in Central Vietnam that received high volume applications of contaminated herbicides to assess the relationship of the higher CHD birth prevalence rate and the presence of residual dioxin TCDD. Enhanced fetal cardiac echocardiograpy in the region to screen for CHD would enable early interventions and could improve outcomes for infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Thi Nam Giang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, The University of Da Nang, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thanh Hai
- Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Nguyen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Lois Wright Morton
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Wang J, Kimura E, Mongan M, Xia Y. Genetic Control of MAP3K1 in Eye Development and Sex Differentiation. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010034. [PMID: 35011600 PMCID: PMC8750206 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The MAP3K1 is responsible for transmitting signals to activate specific MAP2K-MAPK cascades. Following the initial biochemical characterization, genetic mouse models have taken center stage to elucidate how MAP3K1 regulates biological functions. To that end, mice were generated with the ablation of the entire Map3k1 gene, the kinase domain coding sequences, or ubiquitin ligase domain mutations. Analyses of the mutants identify diverse roles that MAP3K1 plays in embryonic survival, maturation of T/B cells, and development of sensory organs, including eye and ear. Specifically in eye development, Map3k1 loss-of-function was found to be autosomal recessive for congenital eye abnormalities, but became autosomal dominant in combination with Jnk and RhoA mutations. Additionally, Map3k1 mutation increased eye defects with an exposure to environmental agents such as dioxin. Data from eye developmental models reveal the nexus role of MAP3K1 in integrating genetic and environmental signals to control developmental activities. Here, we focus the discussions on recent advances in understanding the signaling mechanisms of MAP3K1 in eye development in mice and in sex differentiation from human genomics findings. The research works featured here lead to a deeper understanding of the in vivo signaling network, the mechanisms of gene-environment interactions, and the relevance of this multifaceted protein kinase in disease etiology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ying Xia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-513-558-0371
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3
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Developmental and lifelong dioxin exposure induces measurable changes in cardiac structure and function in adulthood. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10378. [PMID: 34001975 PMCID: PMC8129097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89825-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital abnormality. A precise etiology for CHD remains elusive, but likely results from interactions between genetic and environmental factors during development, when the heart adapts to physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Further, it has become clearer that early exposure to toxins that do not result in overt CHD may be associated with adverse cardiac outcomes that are not manifested until later life. Previously, interference with endogenous developmental functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), either by gene ablation or by in utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent AHR ligand, was shown to cause structural, molecular and functional cardiac abnormalities and altered heart physiology in mouse embryos. Here, we show that continuous exposure to TCDD from fertilization throughout adulthood caused male mice to underperform at exercise tolerance tests compared to their control and female counterparts, confirming previous observations of a sexually dimorphic phenotype. Renin-angiotensin stimulation by angiotensin II (Ang II) caused measurable increases in blood pressure and left ventricle mass, along with decreased end diastolic volume and preserved ejection fraction. Interestingly, TCDD exposure caused measurable reductions in the myocardial hypertrophic effects of Ang II, suggesting that endogenous AHR signaling present in adulthood may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertrophy. Overall, the findings reported in this pilot study highlight the complex systems underlying TCDD exposure in the development of cardiac dysfunction in later life.
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de Gannes M, Ko CI, Zhang X, Biesiada J, Niu L, Koch SE, Medvedovic M, Rubinstein J, Puga A. Dioxin Disrupts Dynamic DNA Methylation Patterns in Genes That Govern Cardiomyocyte Maturation. Toxicol Sci 2020; 178:325-337. [PMID: 33017471 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD), the leading birth defect worldwide, has a largely unknown etiology, likely to result from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors during heart development, at a time when the heart adapts to diverse physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Crucial among these is the regulation of cardiomyocyte development and postnatal maturation, governed by dynamic changes in DNA methylation. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that exposure to the environmental toxicant tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) disrupts several molecular networks responsible for heart development and function. To test the hypothesis that the disruption caused by TCDD in the heart results from changes in DNA methylation and gene expression patterns of cardiomyocytes, we established a stable mouse embryonic stem cell line expressing a puromycin resistance selectable marker under control of the cardiomyocyte-specific Nkx2-5 promoter. Differentiation of these cells in the presence of puromycin induces the expression of a large suite of cardiomyocyte-specific markers. To assess the consequences of TCDD treatment on gene expression and DNA methylation in these cardiomyocytes, we subjected them to transcriptome and methylome analyses in the presence of TCDD. Unlike control cardiomyocytes maintained in vehicle, the TCDD-treated cardiomyocytes showed extensive gene expression changes, with a significant correlation between differential RNA expression and DNA methylation in 111 genes, many of which are key elements of pathways that regulate cardiovascular development and function. Our findings provide an important clue toward the elucidation of the complex interactions between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms after developmental TCDD exposure that may contribute to CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew de Gannes
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Chia-I Ko
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Liang Niu
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Sheryl E Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
| | - Jack Rubinstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics
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AHR Signaling Interacting with Nutritional Factors Regulating the Expression of Markers in Vascular Inflammation and Atherogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218287. [PMID: 33167400 PMCID: PMC7663825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and a high-fat diet (HFD) increase the risk of mortality from atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies indicate that PM2.5 generated by combustion activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and inflammatory cytokines contributing to PM2.5-mediated atherogenesis. Here we investigate the effects of components of a HFD on PM-mediated activation of AHR in macrophages. Cells were treated with components of a HFD and AHR-activating PM and the expression of biomarkers of vascular inflammation was analyzed. The results show that glucose and triglyceride increase AHR-activity and PM2.5-mediated induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1 mRNA in macrophages. Cholesterol, fructose, and palmitic acid increased the PM- and AHR-mediated induction of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Treatment with palmitic acid significantly increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and markers of vascular injury in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) after treatment with PM2.5. The PM2.5-mediated activation of the atherogenic markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and S100A9, a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, was found to be AHR-dependent and involved protein kinase A (PKA) and a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) binding element. This study identified nutritional factors interacting with AHR signaling and contributing to PM2.5-induced markers of atherogenesis and future cardiovascular risk.
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Vogel CFA, Van Winkle LS, Esser C, Haarmann-Stemmann T. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a target of environmental stressors - Implications for pollution mediated stress and inflammatory responses. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101530. [PMID: 32354640 PMCID: PMC7327980 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor regulating the expression of genes, for instance encoding the monooxygenases cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1A2, which are important enzymes in metabolism of xenobiotics. The AHR is activated upon binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and related ubiquitous environmental chemicals, to mediate their biological and toxic effects. In addition, several endogenous and natural compounds can bind to AHR, thereby modulating a variety of physiological processes. In recent years, ambient particulate matter (PM) associated with traffic related air pollution (TRAP) has been found to contain significant amounts of PAHs. PM containing PAHs are of increasing concern as a class of agonists, which can activate the AHR. Several reports show that PM and AHR-mediated induction of CYP1A1 results in excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress. Furthermore, exposure to PM and PAHs induce inflammatory responses and may lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and increased cancer risk. In this review, we summarize findings showing the critical role that the AHR plays in mediating effects of environmental pollutants and stressors, which pose a risk of impacting the environment and human health. PAHs present on ambient air pollution particles are ligands of the cellular AHR. AHR-dependent induction of CYP1, AKR, NOX and COX-2 genes can be a source of ROS generation. AHR signaling and NRF2 signaling interact to regulate the expression of antioxidant genes. Air pollution and ROS can affect inflammation, which is partially triggered by AHR and associated immune responses. Skin, lung, and the cardiovascular system are major target sites for air pollution-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph F A Vogel
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Laura S Van Winkle
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine Department of Anatomy, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 5616, USA
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Cardiovascular Effects of PCB 126 (3,3',4,4',5-Pentachlorobiphenyl) in Zebrafish Embryos and Impact of Co-Exposure to Redox Modulating Chemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051065. [PMID: 30823661 PMCID: PMC6429282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing cardiovascular system of zebrafish is a sensitive target for many environmental pollutants, including dioxin-like compounds and pesticides. Some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can compromise the cardiovascular endothelial function by activating oxidative stress-sensitive signaling pathways. Therefore, we exposed zebrafish embryos to PCB126 or to several redox-modulating chemicals to study their ability to modulate the dysmorphogenesis produced by PCB126. PCB126 produced a concentration-dependent induction of pericardial edema and circulatory failure, and a concentration-dependent reduction of cardiac output and body length at 80 hours post fertilization (hpf). Among several modulators tested, the effects of PCB126 could be both positively and negatively modulated by different compounds; co-treatment with α-tocopherol (vitamin E liposoluble) prevented the adverse effects of PCB126 in pericardial edema, whereas co-treatment with sodium nitroprusside (a vasodilator compound) significantly worsened PCB126 effects. Gene expression analysis showed an up-regulation of cyp1a, hsp70, and gstp1, indicative of PCB126 interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), while the transcription of antioxidant genes (sod1, sod2; cat and gpx1a) was not affected. Further studies are necessary to understand the role of oxidative stress in the developmental toxicity of low concentrations of PCB126 (25 nM). Our results give insights into the use of zebrafish embryos for exploring mechanisms underlying the oxidative potential of environmental pollutants.
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Pulignani S, Borghini A, Vecoli C, Foffa I, Ait-Ali L, Andreassi MG. A Functional Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Genetic Variant, Alone and in Combination with Parental Exposure, is a Risk Factor for Congenital Heart Disease. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2019; 18:261-267. [PMID: 29185192 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-017-9436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent experimental studies showed that ablation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as well as its activation by exogenous ligands disrupt the molecular networks involved in heart formation and function, leading to congenital heart disease (CHD). However, no evidence is available about the role of AhR in humans. We assessed the prevalence of a functional AhR genetic variant (p.Arg554Lys) in CHD patients as well as its joint effects with parental exposure. A total of 128 CHD patients (76 males; age 6.2 ± 6.7 years) and 274 controls (160 males; age at birth) were genotyped for the AhR polymorphism by using the TaqMan® Drug Metabolism Genotyping assay. Both case and control parents completed a structured questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle and preconception exposures. Genotype (p = 0.001) and allele (p < 0.0001) distributions of AhR p.Arg554Lys differed significantly between patients and controls. A significant elevated CHD risk was found under dominant (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.9-4.6, p < 0.0001) and additive genetic models (OR = 6.2, 95% CI 2-19, p = 0.001). There was a significant interaction between 554-Lys allele and paternal smoking exposure (ORsmoking = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.9-2.9; ORallele = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3-5; ORinteraction = 4.9, 95% CI = 2.4-9.9, p interaction < 0.0001). Additionally, 554-Lys allele exacerbated the effect of maternal periconceptional exposure (ORexposure = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.8-3; ORallele = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.5-4.5; ORinteraction = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.6-12, p interaction < 0.0001). Our findings showed that the AhR p.Arg554Lys polymorphism, alone and in combination with parental exposures, is associated with the CHD risk, highlighting the significant role of AhR in the cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pulignani
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrea Borghini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Vecoli
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilenia Foffa
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lamia Ait-Ali
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Asweto CO, Hu H, Liang S, Wang L, Liu M, Yang H, Duan J, Sun Z. Gene profiles to characterize the combined toxicity induced by low level co-exposure of silica nanoparticles and benzo[a]pyrene using whole genome microarrays in zebrafish embryos. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 163:47-55. [PMID: 30036756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested that air pollutants combine exposure have greater adverse effects. However, limited studies were available on the combined toxicity of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The study was to evaluate the toxic effect and mechanisms of low-dose exposure of SiNPs, B[a]P and co-exposure in zebrafish embryos. In this study, zebrafish embryos received intravenous microinjection of SiNPs and B[a]P, and then was used to select differentially expressed genes by microarray analysis. Multiple bioinformatics analyses and STC analysis were done to identify key genes, pathways and biological processes and the expression trend of genes in each group. 1) 3065 differentially expressed genes were identified in zebrafish embryos. 2) These differentially expressed genes were involved in multiple biological processes and cellular processes such as immunity, response to stimuli, cell proliferation, adhesion, signaling transduction, and embryonic development. 3) Dynamic Gene Network analysis was used to identify a subgroup of 26 core genes that involved in multiple biological processes and cellular processes. 4) Pathway analysis and Signal-net analysis indicated that the MAPK signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, PI3k/Akt signaling pathway, and several pathways associated with immune response were the most prominent significant pathways induced by co-exposure of SiNPs and B[a]P in zebrafish embryos. Our study demonstrated that the molecular actions of co-treated with SiNPs and B[a]P on the immune system, inflammatory process and cardiovascular development had more severe toxicity than single exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Otieno Asweto
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Hejing Hu
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Lijing Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Mengdi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Han Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Junchao Duan
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China.
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
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Chirollo C, Ceruso M, Pepe T, Vassallo A, Marrone R, Severino L, Anastasio A. Levels and congeners distribution of dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs in buffaloes adipose tissues sampled in vivo and milk. CYTA - JOURNAL OF FOOD 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2018.1531938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Chirollo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Ceruso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Marrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorella Severino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Aniello Anastasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Scortichini G, Amorena M, Brambilla G, Ceci R, Chessa G, Diletti G, Esposito M, Esposito V, Nardelli V. Sheep farming and the impact of environment on food safety. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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12
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Wang Q, Kurita H, Carreira V, Ko CI, Fan Y, Zhang X, Biesiada J, Medvedovic M, Puga A. Ah Receptor Activation by Dioxin Disrupts Activin, BMP, and WNT Signals During the Early Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Inhibits Cardiomyocyte Functions. Toxicol Sci 2015; 149:346-57. [PMID: 26572662 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The AHR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates gene-environment interactions. Genome-wide expression profiling during differentiation of mouse ES cells into cardiomyocytes showed that AHR activation by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin; Dioxin (TCDD), its prototypical ligand, disrupted the expression of multiple homeobox transcription factors and inhibited cardiomyocyte contractility. Here we treated ES cells with TCDD at daily differentiation intervals to investigate whether TCDD-induced loss of contractility had a developmental window of sensitivity. Surprisingly, contractility was an AHR-dependent TCDD target solely between differentiation days 0 and 3 during the period of panmesoderm development, when TCDD also disrupted expression of genes in the TGFβ/BMP2/4 and wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT)signaling pathways, suppressed the secretion of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4), WNT3a, and WNT5a and elevated the secretion of Activin A, as determined by ELISA of the secreted proteins in the culture medium. Supplementing the culture medium with BMP4, WNT3a, or WNT5a during the first 3 days of differentiation successfully countered TCDD-induced impairment of contractility, while anti-WNT3a, or anti-WNT5a antibodies or continuous Noggin (a BMP4 antagonist) or Activin A treatment inhibited the contractile phenotype. In Ahr(+/+), but not in Ahr(-) (/) (-) ES cells, TCDD treatment significantly increased mitochondrial copy number, suggestive of mitochondrial stress and remodeling. Sustained AHR activation during ES cell differentiation appears to disrupt the expression of signals critical to the ontogeny of cardiac mesoderm and cause the loss of contractility in the resulting cardiomyocyte lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Hisaka Kurita
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Vinicius Carreira
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Chia-I Ko
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Yunxia Fan
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267
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Carreira VS, Fan Y, Kurita H, Wang Q, Ko CI, Naticchioni M, Jiang M, Koch S, Zhang X, Biesiada J, Medvedovic M, Xia Y, Rubinstein J, Puga A. Disruption of Ah Receptor Signaling during Mouse Development Leads to Abnormal Cardiac Structure and Function in the Adult. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142440. [PMID: 26555816 PMCID: PMC4640841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) Theory proposes that the environment encountered during fetal life and infancy permanently shapes tissue physiology and homeostasis such that damage resulting from maternal stress, poor nutrition or exposure to environmental agents may be at the heart of adult onset disease. Interference with endogenous developmental functions of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), either by gene ablation or by exposure in utero to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent AHR ligand, causes structural, molecular and functional cardiac abnormalities and altered heart physiology in mouse embryos. To test if embryonic effects progress into an adult phenotype, we investigated whether Ahr ablation or TCDD exposure in utero resulted in cardiac abnormalities in adult mice long after removal of the agent. Ten-months old adult Ahr-/- and in utero TCDD-exposed Ahr+/+ mice showed sexually dimorphic abnormal cardiovascular phenotypes characterized by echocardiographic findings of hypertrophy, ventricular dilation and increased heart weight, resting heart rate and systolic and mean blood pressure, and decreased exercise tolerance. Underlying these effects, genes in signaling networks related to cardiac hypertrophy and mitochondrial function were differentially expressed. Cardiac dysfunction in mouse embryos resulting from AHR signaling disruption seems to progress into abnormal cardiac structure and function that predispose adults to cardiac disease, but while embryonic dysfunction is equally robust in males and females, the adult abnormalities are more prevalent in females, with the highest severity in Ahr-/- females. The findings reported here underscore the conclusion that AHR signaling in the developing heart is one potential target of environmental factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S. Carreira
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Yunxia Fan
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Hisaka Kurita
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Chia-I Ko
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Mindi Naticchioni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Sheryl Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Jack Rubinstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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14
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Visciano P, Scortichini G, Suzzi G, Diletti G, Schirone M, Martino G. Concentrations of Contaminants with Regulatory Limits in Samples of Clam (Chamelea gallina) Collected along the Abruzzi Region Coast in Central Italy. J Food Prot 2015; 78:1719-28. [PMID: 26319726 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of pollutants with regulatory limits were determined in specimens of Chamelea gallina, a species of clam collected along the Abruzzi coastal region of the central Adriatic Sea. Nine sampling sites were selected to evaluate the distribution of contaminants in the environment and the health risk for consumers. The concentrations of all the examined compounds were lower than the maximums set by European legislation. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and total mercury were below the detection limit (0.18 μg/kg for benzo[a]anthracene, 0.30 μg/kg for chrysene, 0.12 μg/kg for benzo[b]fluoranthene, 0.08 μg/kg for benzo[a]pyrene, and 0.0050 mg/kg for total mercury) in all the analyzed samples. Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium were 0.104 and 0.110 mg/kg, respectively. Of the non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, PCB-153, PCB-180, and PCB-138 were the most abundant at all sampling sites (1a to 9a) at 0.25 mi (ca. 0.4 km) and at some sampling sites (1b, 2b, 3b, 5b and 7b) at 0.35 mi (ca. 0.56 km). Principal component analysis revealed that the concentrations of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls were similar at the majority of sampling sites, and O8CDD and 2,3,7,8-T4CDF were the predominant dioxin congeners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierina Visciano
- Faculty of BioScience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Mosciano Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Giampiero Scortichini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Suzzi
- Faculty of BioScience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Mosciano Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Diletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Schirone
- Faculty of BioScience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Mosciano Sant'Angelo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Martino
- Faculty of BioScience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Mosciano Sant'Angelo, Italy
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15
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Carreira VS, Fan Y, Wang Q, Zhang X, Kurita H, Ko CI, Naticchioni M, Jiang M, Koch S, Medvedovic M, Xia Y, Rubinstein J, Puga A. Ah Receptor Signaling Controls the Expression of Cardiac Development and Homeostasis Genes. Toxicol Sci 2015; 147:425-35. [PMID: 26139165 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital abnormality and one of the leading causes of newborn death throughout the world. Despite much emerging scientific information, the precise etiology of this disease remains elusive. Here, we show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) regulates the expression of crucial cardiogenesis genes and that interference with endogenous AHR functions, either by gene ablation or by agonist exposure during early development, causes overlapping structural and functional cardiac abnormalities that lead to altered fetal heart physiology, including higher heart rates, right and left ventricle dilation, higher stroke volume, and reduced ejection fraction. With striking similarity between AHR knockout (Ahr(-/-)) and agonist-exposed wild type (Ahr(+/+)) embryos, in utero disruption of endogenous AHR functions converge into dysregulation of molecular mechanisms needed for attainment and maintenance of cardiac differentiation, including the pivotal signals regulated by the cardiogenic transcription factor NKH2.5, energy balance via oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle and global mitochondrial function and homeostasis. Our findings suggest that AHR signaling in the developing mammalian heart is central to the regulation of pathways crucial for cellular metabolism, cardiogenesis, and cardiac function, which are potential targets of environmental factors associated with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius S Carreira
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Yunxia Fan
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Qing Wang
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Xiang Zhang
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Hisaka Kurita
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Chia-I Ko
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Mindi Naticchioni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Sheryl Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Ying Xia
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
| | - Jack Rubinstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Division, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Alvaro Puga
- *Department of Environmental Health and Center for Environmental Genetics and
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16
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Yang J, Solaimani P, Dong H, Hammock B, Hankinson O. Treatment of mice with 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin markedly increases the levels of a number of cytochrome P450 metabolites of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver and lung. J Toxicol Sci 2014; 38:833-6. [PMID: 24213002 DOI: 10.2131/jts.38.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) increased the levels of several cytochrome P450 metabolites of the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), arachidonic acid (ARA) and linoleic acid in the serum, liver, lung and spleen of C57BL/6 mice in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-dependent fashion. These increases correlated with increased levels of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and/or CYP1B1. In the current study, we measured 77 oxylipins, including 59 that we had not measured previously, and demonstrate that TCDD also markedly increases the levels of many epoxide and diol metabolites of the omega-3 PUFAs, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) in these mice. Since these epoxide metabolites have been reported to have opposite effects on angiogenesis, tumor growth and tumor metastasis compared with the equivalent metabolites of omega-6 PUFA, these observations have important implications with regard to the potential involvement of the cytochrome P450 metabolites of PUFAs in mediating the biological effects of TCDD and other agonists of AHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Entomology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, USA
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17
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Li M, Wang X, Zhu J, Zhu S, Hu X, Zhu C, Guo X, Yu Z, Han S. Toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on cardiac development in zebrafish. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:7973-83. [PMID: 25163633 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3692-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that may pose significant health-risks to various organisms including humans. Although the mixed PCB Aroclor 1254 is widespread in the environment, its potential toxic effect on heart development and the mechanism underlying its developmental toxicity have not been previously studied. Here, we used the zebrafish as a toxicogenomic model to examine the effects of Aroclor 1254 on heart development. We found that PCB exposure during zebrafish development induced heart abnormalities including pericardial edema and cardiac looping defects. Further malformations of the zebrafish embryo were observed and death of the larvae occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Our mechanistic studies revealed that abnormalities in the arylhydrocarbon receptor, Wnt and retinoic acid signaling pathways may underlie the effects of PCBs on zebrafish heart development. Interestingly, co-administration of Aroclor 1254 and diethylaminobenzaldehyde, an inhibitor of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase, partially rescued the toxic effects of PCBs on zebrafish heart development. In conclusion, PCBs can induce developmental defects in the zebrafish heart, which may be mediated by abnormal RA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
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18
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Augmented atherogenesis in ApoE-null mice co-exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 276:136-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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19
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Chang CC, Sue YM, Yang NJ, Lee YH, Juan SH. 3-Methylcholanthrene, an AhR agonist, caused cell-cycle arrest by histone deacetylation through a RhoA-dependent recruitment of HDAC1 and pRb2 to E2F1 complex. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92793. [PMID: 24658119 PMCID: PMC3962457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that treating vascular endothelial cells with 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) caused cell-cycle arrest in the Go/G1 phase; this resulted from the induction of p21 and p27 and a decreased level and activity of the cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdk2. We further investigated the molecular mechanisms that modulate cell-cycle regulatory proteins through the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) dependent epigenetic modification of histone. AhR/RhoA activation mediated by 3MC was essential for the upregulation of retinoblastoma 2 (pRb2) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), whereas their nuclear translocation was primarily modulated by RhoA activation. The combination of increased phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) activity and decreased phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation by 3MC led to the inactivation of the Ras-cRaf pathway, which contributed to pRb2 hypophosphorylation. Increased HDAC1/pRb2 recruitment to the E2F1 complex decreased E2F1-transactivational activity and H3/H4 deacetylation, resulting in the downregulation of cell-cycle regulatory proteins (Cdk2/4 and Cyclin D3/E). Co-immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) results showed that simvastatin prevented the 3MC-increased binding activities of E2F1 proteins in their promoter regions. Additionally, RhoA inhibitors (statins) reversed the effect of 3MC in inhibiting DNA synthesis by decreasing the nuclear translocation of pRb2/HDAC1, leading to a recovery of the levels of cell-cycle regulatory proteins. In summary, 3MC decreased cell proliferation by the epigenetic modification of histone through an AhR/RhoA-dependent mechanism that can be rescued by statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Cheng Chang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Mou Sue
- Department of Nephrology, Taipei Medical University-Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nian-Jie Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Physiology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hui Juan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Giovannini A, Rivezzi G, Carideo P, Ceci R, Diletti G, Ippoliti C, Migliorati G, Piscitelli P, Ripani A, Salini R, Scortichini G. Dioxins levels in breast milk of women living in Caserta and Naples: assessment of environmental risk factors. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 94:76-84. [PMID: 24120012 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Naples and Caserta provinces are extensively affected by the illegal dumping of hazardous and urban wastes, which were periodically set to fire. Several studies were made on the possible health impact of this illegal waste management. The aim of the study was to detect dioxins levels in breast milk of volunteer primiparae and to assess the possible source of dioxins in the affected areas. The authors determined dioxins levels in breast milk from 100 primiparae from the study area and collected anamnestic information on donors. We determined dioxins levels in breast milk from 100 primiparae from the study area and collected anamnestic information on donors. As a measure of environmental risk of dioxins (EDR) we used the interpolated values of dioxins concentration in buffalo milk samples collected in the study area. Correlations between the EDR, age of the mother, smoking habit, cheese consumption, occupation in activity at risk, presence of plants for the disposal of toxic waste or illegal burning of solid waste near the residence of the donor and dioxin level in breast milk were investigated. The dioxin level in breast milk is significantly correlated to the EDR, the age of the sampled women and the presence of illegal burning of solid waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Giovannini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale "G. Caporale", via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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21
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Persistent organic pollutants and abnormal geometry of the left ventricle in the elderly. J Hypertens 2013; 31:1547-53. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e32836221b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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22
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Sjöberg Lind Y, Lind PM, Salihovic S, van Bavel B, Lind L. Circulating levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are associated with left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the elderly. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 123:39-45. [PMID: 23562393 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Major risk factors for congestive heart failure (CHF) are myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, smoking, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity. However, since these risk factors only explain part of the risk of CHF, we investigated whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) might also play a role. METHODS In the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, left ventricular ejection fraction, (EF), E/A-ratio and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), were determined by echocardiography and serum samples of 21 POPs were analyzed in serum measured by high-resolution chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) in 998 subjects all aged 70 years. RESULTS In this cross-sectional analysis, high levels of several of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB congeners 99, 118, 105, 138, 153, and 180) and octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) were significantly related to a decreased EF. Some POPs were also related to a decreased E/A-ratio (PCBs 206 and 209). All the results were adjusted for gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, LVH and BMI, and subjects with myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation were excluded from the analysis. CONCLUSIONS Circulating levels of POPs were related to impairments in both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function independently of major congestive heart failure risk factors, suggesting a possible role of POPs in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Sjöberg Lind
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
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23
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Plavicki J, Hofsteen P, Peterson RE, Heideman W. Dioxin inhibits zebrafish epicardium and proepicardium development. Toxicol Sci 2012; 131:558-67. [PMID: 23135548 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic exposure to the environmental contaminant and aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, dioxin), disrupts cardiac development and function in fish, birds, and mammals. In zebrafish, the temporal window of sensitivity to the cardiotoxic effects of TCDD coincides with epicardium formation. We hypothesized that this TCDD-induced heart failure results from disruption of epicardial development. To determine whether embryonic TCDD exposure inhibits epicardium and proepicardium (PE) development in zebrafish, we used histology and fluorescence immunocytochemistry to examine the epicardium formation in fish exposed to TCDD. TCDD exposure prevented epicardium formation. Using live imaging and in situ hybridization, we found that TCDD exposure blocked the formation of the PE cluster. In situ hybridization experiments showed that TCDD exposure also prevented the expression of the PE marker tcf21 at the site where the PE normally forms. TCDD also inhibited expansion of the epicardial layer across the developing heart: Exposure after PE formation was completed prevented further expansion of the epicardium. However, TCDD exposure did not affect epicardial cells already present. Because TCDD blocks epicardium formation, but is not directly toxic to the epicardium once complete, we propose that inhibition of epicardium formation can account for the window of sensitivity to TCDD cardiotoxicity in developing zebrafish. Epicardium development is crucial to heart development. Loss of this layer during development may account for most if not all of the TCDD-induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Plavicki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-2222, USA
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24
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Cassina M, Salviati L, Di Gianantonio E, Clementi M. Genetic susceptibility to teratogens: state of the art. Reprod Toxicol 2012; 34:186-91. [PMID: 22659091 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that the susceptibility to the teratogenic effect of drugs within human populations varies extremely from one individual to another, even after identical exposures. One of the factors that may explain these interindividual differences is the genetic makeup in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the respective drugs. In fact, both maternal and embryonic/fetal genotypes can affect placental transport, absorption, metabolism, distribution and receptor binding of an agent, influencing its teratogenicity. We have reviewed the literature and commented on the reported correlations between genetic factors and drug-induced birth defects. There is still a clear lack of knowledge regarding this issue and the available data are often conflicting. However, the identification of specific polymorphisms associated with predisposition to teratogenesis may allow in the future the development of personalized non-teratogenic therapies for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cassina
- Teratology Information Service, Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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25
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Dong W, Hinton DE, Kullman SW. TCDD disrupts hypural skeletogenesis during medaka embryonic development. Toxicol Sci 2011; 125:91-104. [PMID: 22020769 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective bone and cartilage development account for a large number of human birth defects annually. Normal skeletogenesis involves cartilage development in early morphogenesis through a highly coordinated and orchestrated series of events involving commitment and differentiation of mesenchymal cells to chondrocytes followed by a highly programmed process of structural maturation. Recent developmental studies with laboratory model fish demonstrate that exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) results in cartilage and skeletal abnormalities. In this study, we exposed embryonic medaka to TCDD to induce developmental modification(s) of both cartilage and bone formation. Emphasis is placed on cell-rich hyaline cartilage of the hypural plate where both chondrogenesis and osteogenesis are impaired by TCDD exposure. In this model, TCDD exposure results in a concentration-dependent impairment of mesenchymal cell recruitment, chondrocyte cell proliferation, differentiation, and progression to hypertrophy. Gene expression of ColA2, a marker of chondrocyte terminal differentiation in hypural structures, is markedly attenuated consistent with hypural dysmorphogenesis. Assessment of hypural structure using a transgenic medaka expressing mCherry under control of the osterix promoter illustrated significant attenuation in expression of the osteoblast gene marker and lack of formation of a calcified perichondral sheath surrounding hypural anlage. Overall, these studies illustrate that TCDD impacts terminal differentiation and growth of cartilage and bone in axial structures not likely derived from neural crest progenitors in medaka hypurals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Dong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
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26
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Arsenescu V, Arsenescu R, Parulkar M, Karounos M, Zhang X, Baker N, Cassis LA. Polychlorinated biphenyl 77 augments angiotensin II-induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms in male apolipoprotein E deficient mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 257:148-54. [PMID: 21925196 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) to hyperlipidemic mice augments atherosclerosis and causes formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Each of these AngII-induced vascular pathologies exhibit pronounced inflammation. Previous studies demonstrated that coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) promote inflammation in endothelial cells and adipocytes, two cell types implicated in AngII-induced vascular pathologies. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that administration of PCB77 to male apolipoprotein E (ApoE) -/- mice promotes AngII-induced atherosclerosis and AAA formation. Male ApoE-/- mice were administered vehicle or PCB77 (49 mg/kg, i.p.) during week 1 and 4 (2 divided doses/week) of AngII infusion. Body weights and total serum cholesterol concentrations were not influenced by administration of PCB77. Systolic blood pressure was increased in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77 compared to vehicle (156±6 vs 137±5 mmHg, respectively). The percentage of aortic arch covered by atherosclerotic lesions was increased in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77 compared to vehicle (2.0±0.4 vs 0.9±0.1%, respectively). Lumen diameters of abdominal aortas determined by in vivo ultrasound and external diameters of excised suprarenal aortas were increased in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77 compared to vehicle. In addition, AAA incidence increased from 47 to 85% in AngII-infused mice administered PCB77. Adipose tissue in close proximity to AAAs from mice administered PCB77 exhibited increased mRNA abundance of proinflammatory cytokines and elevated expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system (angiotensinogen, angiotensin type 1a receptor (AT1aR)). These results demonstrate that PCB77 augments AngII-induced atherosclerosis and AAA formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Arsenescu
- Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0200, USA
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