1
|
Queiroz MIC, Lazaro CM, Dos Santos LMB, Rentz T, Virgilio-da-Silva JV, Moraes-Vieira PMM, Cunha FAS, Santos JCC, Vercesi AE, Leite ACR, Oliveira HCF. In vivo chronic exposure to inorganic mercury worsens hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor knockout mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116254. [PMID: 38547729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116254] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metal exposure leads to multiple system dysfunctions. The mechanisms are likely multifactorial and involve inflammation and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate markers and risk factors for atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor knockout mouse model chronically exposed to inorganic mercury (Hg) in the drinking water. Results revealed that Hg exposed mice present increased plasma levels of cholesterol, without alterations in glucose. As a major source and target of oxidants, we evaluated mitochondrial function. We found that liver mitochondria from Hg treated mice show worse respiratory control, lower oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and increased H2O2 release. In addition, Hg induced mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. Erythrocytes from Hg treated mice showed a 50% reduction in their ability to take up oxygen, lower levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase and GPx). The Hg treatment disturbed immune system cells counting and function. While lymphocytes were reduced, monocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils were increased. Peritoneal macrophages from Hg treated mice showed increased phagocytic activity. Hg exposed mice tissues present metal impregnation and parenchymal architecture alterations. In agreement, increased systemic markers of liver and kidney dysfunction were observed. Plasma, liver and kidney oxidative damage indicators (MDA and carbonyl) were increased while GSH and thiol groups were diminished by Hg exposure. Importantly, atherosclerotic lesion size in the aorta root of Hg exposed mice were larger than in controls. In conclusion, in vivo chronic exposure to Hg worsens the hypercholesterolemia, impairs mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox function, alters immune cells profile and function, causes several tissues oxidative damage and accelerates atherosclerosis development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiara I C Queiroz
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotecnology, Federal University do Alagoas (UFAL), AL, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Lazaro
- Dept of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil
| | - Lohanna M B Dos Santos
- Dept of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Rentz
- Dept of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil
| | - João V Virgilio-da-Silva
- Dept Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro M M Moraes-Vieira
- Dept Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco A S Cunha
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotecnology, Federal University do Alagoas (UFAL), AL, Brazil; Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Josué C C Santos
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotecnology, Federal University do Alagoas (UFAL), AL, Brazil
| | - Anibal E Vercesi
- Dept of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Catarina R Leite
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotecnology, Federal University do Alagoas (UFAL), AL, Brazil.
| | - Helena C F Oliveira
- Dept of Structural and Functional Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nucera S, Serra M, Caminiti R, Ruga S, Passacatini LC, Macrì R, Scarano F, Maiuolo J, Bulotta R, Mollace R, Bosco F, Guarnieri L, Oppedisano F, Ilari S, Muscoli C, Palma E, Mollace V. Non-essential heavy metal effects in cardiovascular diseases: an overview of systematic reviews. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1332339. [PMID: 38322770 PMCID: PMC10844381 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1332339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important cause of premature death and disability worldwide. Environmental degradation and cardiovascular diseases are two keys to health challenges, characterized by a constant evolution in an industrialized world that exploits natural resources regardless of the consequences for health. The etiological risk factors of CVDs are widely known and include dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and chronic cigarette consumption. However, one component that is often underestimated is exposure to heavy metals. The biological perspective explains that different metals play different roles. They are therefore classified into essential heavy metals, which are present in organisms where they perform important vital functions, especially in various physiological processes, or non-essential heavy metals, with a no biological role but, nonetheless, remain in the environment in which they are absorbed. Although both types of metal ions are many times chemically similar and can bind to the same biological ligands, the attention given today to nonessential metals in several eukaryotic species is starting to raise strong concerns due to an exponential increase in their concentrations. The aim of this systematic review was to assess possible correlations between exposure to nonessential heavy metals and increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, reporting the results of studies published in the last 5 years through March 2023. Methods The studies includes reviews retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and following the PICO (Population Intervention Comparison Outcome Population) framework. Results Eight reviews, including a total of 153 studies, were identified. Seven of these review enlighted the association between CVDs and non-essential heavy metals chronic exposure. Discussion It is evident that exposure to heavy metals represent a risk factor for CVDs onset. However, further studies are needed to better understand the effects caused by these metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Nucera
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Macrì
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Scarano
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Department of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Mollace
- Department of Systems Medicine, University “Tor Vergata” of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Science of Health Department, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Science of Health Department, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara Ilari
- Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Renato Dulbecco Institute, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Oliveira J, Moreira ELG, de Bem AF. Beyond cardiovascular risk: Implications of Familial hypercholesterolemia on cognition and brain function. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 93:102149. [PMID: 38056504 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102149] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a metabolic condition caused mainly by a mutation in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene (LDLR), which is highly prevalent in the population. Besides being an important causative factor of cardiovascular diseases, FH has been considered an early risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive and emotional behavioral impairments in LDL receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice are associated with neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, impaired neurogenesis, brain oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, today, LDLr-/- mice, a widely used animal model for studying cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, are also considered an interesting tool for studying dementia. Here, we reviewed the main findings in LDLr-/- mice regarding the relationship between FH and brain dysfunctions and dementia development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade de Oliveira
- Laboratory of investigation on metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Luiz Gasnhar Moreira
- Neuroscience Coworking Lab, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Andreza Fabro de Bem
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Federal District, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040360, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grunst ML, Grunst AS, Grémillet D, Fort J. Combined threats of climate change and contaminant exposure through the lens of bioenergetics. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:5139-5168. [PMID: 37381110 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Organisms face energetic challenges of climate change in combination with suites of natural and anthropogenic stressors. In particular, chemical contaminant exposure has neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, and behavioral effects which may additively or interactively combine with challenges associated with climate change. We used a literature review across animal taxa and contaminant classes, but focused on Arctic endotherms and contaminants important in Arctic ecosystems, to demonstrate potential for interactive effects across five bioenergetic domains: (1) energy supply, (2) energy demand, (3) energy storage, (4) energy allocation tradeoffs, and (5) energy management strategies; and involving four climate change-sensitive environmental stressors: changes in resource availability, temperature, predation risk, and parasitism. Identified examples included relatively equal numbers of synergistic and antagonistic interactions. Synergies are often suggested to be particularly problematic, since they magnify biological effects. However, we emphasize that antagonistic effects on bioenergetic traits can be equally problematic, since they can reflect dampening of beneficial responses and result in negative synergistic effects on fitness. Our review also highlights that empirical demonstrations remain limited, especially in endotherms. Elucidating the nature of climate change-by-contaminant interactive effects on bioenergetic traits will build toward determining overall outcomes for energy balance and fitness. Progressing to determine critical species, life stages, and target areas in which transformative effects arise will aid in forecasting broad-scale bioenergetic outcomes under global change scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Grunst
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Andrea S Grunst
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - David Grémillet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lopes-Araújo A, Arrifano GP, Macchi BM, Augusto-Oliveira M, Santos-Sacramento L, Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios RC, Jiménez-Moreno M, Martins Filho AJ, Alvarez-Leite JI, Oriá RB, do Nascimento JLM, Crespo-Lopez ME. Hair mercury is associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk: An anthropometric, biochemical and genetic cross-sectional study of Amazonian vulnerable populations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115971. [PMID: 37105291 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between human exposure to mercury and cardiovascular risk using lipid profile (including apolipoproteins) and genetic analysis of Amazonian riverine population. Anthropometric data (gender, age, height, weight, blood pressure, and neck and waist circumferences) of the participants were recorded. Total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) content were quantified in hair by ICP-MS and GC-pyro-AFS system. Polymorphisms rs662799, rs693, rs429358 and rs7412 (of genes of apolipoproteins A-V, B, and E at positions 112 and 158, respectively) were genotyped by real-time PCR. The population presented a dyslipidemia profile significantly correlated with high mercury levels. The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) index was also positively correlated with mercury, supporting a possible causal relationship. Allelic distributions were similar to those described in other populations, suggesting that genetic susceptibility may not have a significant role in the lipid alterations found in this work. This study demonstrated for the first time: i) the relationship between mercury exposure and cardiovascular risk-related apolipoproteins in humans, ii) the ApoB levels and the ApoB/ApoA-I index as the risk factors more strongly associated to the mercury-related dyslipidemia in humans, and iii) the prevalence of high/moderate risk of acute myocardial infarction in the vulnerable and chronically exposed-populations of the Amazon, in addition to the genotypic profile of the three most frequent polymorphisms in apolipoproteins of relevance for cardiovascular risk. This early detection of lipid alterations is essential to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially in chronically exposed populations such as those found in the Amazon. Therefore, in addition to provide data for the Minamata Convention implementation, our work is in line with the efforts joined by all members of the World Health Organization committed to reducing premature deaths originating from non-communicable diseases by 25% in 2025, including CVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil
| | - Barbarella M Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil
| | - Letícia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil
| | - Rosa C Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - María Jiménez-Moreno
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | | | | | - Reinaldo B Oriá
- Laboratório da Biologia da Cicatrização, Ontogenia e Nutrição de Tecidos. Departamento de Morfologia e Instituto de Biomedicina, Escola de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José Luiz M do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang X, Hao H, Ma K, Pang H, Li X, Tian T, Hou S, Ning X, Wu H, Hou Q, Li M, Sun Y, Song X, Jin M. The role and mechanism of unfolded protein response signaling pathway in methylmercury-induced apoptosis of mouse spermatocytes germ cell-2 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:472-482. [PMID: 36330985 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of unfolded protein response (UPR) in methylmercury (MeHg)-induced Mouse Spermatocytes (GC-2spd[ts]) apoptosis. Methods such as MTT, flow cytometry, and Western Blot were used to evaluate the cell viability, membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium ion (Ca2+ ), rate of cell apoptosis, and the expression of apoptosis-related and UPR-related protein. The results showed that with the increase of MeHg concentration, cell viability and MMP decreased, ROS, Ca2+ , rate of cell apoptosis, and the expression of apoptosis-related protein and UPR-related protein increased. To further explore the effect of ROS-induced oxidative damage on it, the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was used. The effects of MeHg on germ cell (GC-2) cells were partially inhibited after NAC pretreatment. Our present study proved that MeHg might induce cell apoptosis by activating the UPR signaling pathway in GC-2 cells and affect normal reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiayu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Hao
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Ma
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Pang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Tian
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Hou
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofan Ning
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaohong Hou
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuling Song
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghua Jin
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nascimento TS, Pinto DV, Dias RP, Raposo RS, Nunes PIG, Roque CR, Santos FA, Andrade GM, Viana JL, Fostier AH, Sussulini A, Alvarez-Leite JI, Fontes-Ribeiro C, Malva JO, Oriá RB. Chronic Methylmercury Intoxication Induces Systemic Inflammation, Behavioral, and Hippocampal Amino Acid Changes in C57BL6J Adult Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13837. [PMID: 36430321 PMCID: PMC9697706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is highly toxic to the human brain. Although much is known about MeHg neurotoxic effects, less is known about how chronic MeHg affects hippocampal amino acids and other neurochemical markers in adult mice. In this study, we evaluated the MeHg effects on systemic lipids and inflammation, hippocampal oxidative stress, amino acid levels, neuroinflammation, and behavior in adult male mice. Challenged mice received MeHg in drinking water (2 mg/L) for 30 days. We assessed weight gain, total plasma cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), endotoxin, and TNF levels. Hippocampal myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), amino acid levels, and cytokine transcripts were evaluated. Mice underwent open field, object recognition, Y, and Barnes maze tests. MeHg-intoxicated mice had higher weight gain and increased the TG and TC plasma levels. Elevated circulating TNF and LPS confirmed systemic inflammation. Higher levels of MPO and MDA and a reduction in IL-4 transcripts were found in the hippocampus. MeHg-intoxication led to increased GABA and glycine, reduced hippocampal taurine levels, delayed acquisition in the Barnes maze, and poor locomotor activity. No significant changes were found in AChE activity and object recognition. Altogether, our findings highlight chronic MeHg-induced effects that may have long-term mental health consequences in prolonged exposed human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyciane S. Nascimento
- Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Daniel V. Pinto
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo P. Dias
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Ramon S. Raposo
- Experimental Biology Core, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza 60812-020, Brazil
| | - Paulo Iury G. Nunes
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Cássia R. Roque
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Flávia A. Santos
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Geanne M. Andrade
- Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, Brazil
| | - José Lucas Viana
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Anne H. Fostier
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Sussulini
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline I. Alvarez-Leite
- Laboratory of Atherosclerosis and Nutritional Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos Fontes-Ribeiro
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João O. Malva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Reinaldo B. Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Qiu Q, Huang Y, Zhang B, Huang D, Chen X, Fan Z, Lin J, Yang W, Wang K, Qu N, Li J, Li Z, Huang J, Li S, Zhang J, Liu G, Rui G, Chen X, Zhao Q. Noninvasive Dual-Modality Photoacoustic-Ultrasonic Imaging to Detect Mammalian Embryo Abnormalities after Prenatal Exposure to Methylmercury Chloride (MMC): A Mouse Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:27002. [PMID: 35108087 PMCID: PMC8809665 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe environmental pollution and contaminants left in the environment due to the abuse of chemicals, such as methylmercury, are associated with an increasing number of embryonic disorders. Ultrasound imaging has been widely used to investigate embryonic development malformation and dysorganoplasia in both research and clinics. However, this technique is limited by its low contrast and lacking functional parameters such as the ability to measure blood oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ) and hemoglobin content (HbT) in tissues, measures that could be early vital indicators for embryonic development abnormality. Herein, we proposed combining two highly complementary techniques into a photoacoustic-ultrasound (PA-US) dual-modality imaging approach to noninvasively detect early mouse embryo abnormalities caused by methylmercury chloride (MMC) in real time. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the use of PA-US dual-modality imaging for noninvasive detection of embryonic toxicity at different stages of growth following prenatal MMC exposure. Additionally, we compared the PA-US imagining results to traditional histological methods to determine whether this noninvasive method could detect early developmental defects in utero. METHODS Different dosages of MMC were administrated to pregnant mice by gavage to establish models of different levels of embryonic malformation. Ultrasound, photoacoustic signal intensity (PSI), blood oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), and hemoglobin content (HbT) were quantified in all experimental groups. Furthermore, the embryos were sectioned and examined for pathological changes. RESULTS Using PA-US imaging, we detected differences in PSI, SaO 2 , HbT, and heart volume at embryonic day (E)14.5 and E11.5 for low and high dosages of MMC, respectively. More important, our results showed that differences between control and treated embryos identified by in utero PA-US imaging were consistent with those identified in ex vivo embryos using histological methods. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that noninvasive dual-modality PA-US is a promising strategy for detecting developmental toxicology in the uterus. Overall, this study presents a new approach for detecting embryonic toxicities, which could be crucial in clinics when diagnosing aberrant embryonic development. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8907.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yali Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Doudou Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhongxiong Fan
- Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen & Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province & Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Soft Functional Materials Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinpei Lin
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Department, Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wensheng Yang
- Department of Pathology Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ning Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shenrui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Gang Rui
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A Novel Diselenide-Probucol-Analogue Protects Against Methylmercury-Induced Toxicity in HT22 Cells by Upregulating Peroxide Detoxification Systems: a Comparison with Diphenyl Diselenide. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:127-139. [PMID: 35043379 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental neurotoxicant whose mechanisms of action involve oxidation of endogenous nucleophilic groups (mainly thiols and selenols), depletion of antioxidant defenses, and disruption of neurotransmitter homeostasis. Diphenyl diselenide-(PhSe)2-a model diaryl diselenide, has been reported to display significant protective effects against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity under both in vitro and in vivo experimental conditions. In this study, we compared the protective effects of (PhSe)2 with those of RC513 (4,4'-diselanediylbis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), a novel diselenide-probucol-analog) against MeHg-induced toxicity in the neuronal (hippocampal) cell line HT22. Although both (PhSe)2 and RC513 significantly mitigated MeHg- and tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH)-cytotoxicity, the probucol analog exhibited superior protective effects, which were observed earlier and at lower concentrations compared to (PhSe)2. RC513 treatment (at either 0.5 µM or 2 µM) significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, which has been reported to counteract MeHg-toxicity. (PhSe)2 was also able to increase GPx activity, but only at 2 µM. Although both compounds increased the Gpx1 transcripts at 6 h after treatments, only RC513 was able to increase mRNA levels of Prx2, Prx3, Prx5, and Txn2, which are also involved in peroxide detoxification. RC513 (at 2 µM) significantly increased GPx-1 protein expression in HT22 cells, although (PhSe)2 displayed a minor (nonsignificant) effect in this parameter. In agreement, RC513 induced a faster and superior capability to cope with exogenously-added peroxide (t-BuOOH). In summary, when compared to the prototypical organic diaryl diselenide [(PhSe)2], RC513 displayed superior protective properties against MeHg-toxicity in vitro; this was paralleled by a more pronounced upregulation of defenses related to detoxification of peroxides, which are well-known MeHg-derived intermediate oxidant species.
Collapse
|
10
|
Association of Blood Mercury Levels with the Risks of Overweight and High Waist-to-Height Ratio in Children and Adolescents: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8121087. [PMID: 34943283 PMCID: PMC8700710 DOI: 10.3390/children8121087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A previous study in adults demonstrated the substantial role of mercury exposure in the development of overweight and obesity. Although children and adolescents are more susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury than adults, studies on the association of overweight and obesity with mercury exposure is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association of blood mercury levels with the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as obesity indices in Korean children and adolescents. The analyzed cross-sectional data were obtained from 1327 participants (age: 10–18 years; 672 male and 655 female) who completed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2013. The covariates included sociodemographic factors (age, sex, and household income), dietary factors (fish, shellfish, and seaweed consumption), lifestyle factors (alcohol consumption, smoking status, and exercise), and blood hematocrit levels. The adjusted geometric mean blood mercury level was 2.19 µg/L, and the level of mercury was significantly higher in the overweight (BMI ≥ 85th gender and age-specific percentiles) and high WHtR (cutoff: ≥0.5) groups than in the normal group. In all the participants, the blood mercury levels were significantly positively associated with the BMI and WHtR after adjusting for all covariates (p < 0.05). All the participants in the highest blood mercury level quartile were at a higher risk for overweight and a high WHtR than those in the lowest quartile after adjusting for all covariates (p < 0.05). Our study suggests a significant association between mercury exposure and the risks of overweight and high WHtR in Korean children and adolescents.
Collapse
|
11
|
Methylmercury-Induced Metabolic Alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans Are Diet-Dependent. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9110287. [PMID: 34822679 PMCID: PMC8619518 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxicant; however, its role in metabolic diseases has been gaining wider attention. Chronic exposure to MeHg in human populations shows an association with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MS). As the incidences of both obesity and MS are on the rise globally, it is important to understand the potential role of MeHg in the development of the disease. There is a dearth of information on dietary interactions between MeHg and lipids, which play an important role in developing MS. We have previously shown that MeHg increases food seeking behaviors, lipid levels, fat storage, and pro-adipogenic gene expression in C. elegans fed the standard OP50 Escherichia coli diet. However, we hypothesized that these metabolic changes could be prevented if the worms were fed a bacterial diet lower in lipid content. We tested whether C. elegans developed metabolic alterations in response to MeHg if they were fed two alternative E. coli strains (HT115 and HB101) that are known absorb significantly less lipids from their media. Additionally, to explore the effect of a high-lipid and high-cholesterol diet on MeHg-induced metabolic dysfunction, we supplemented the OP50 strain with twice the standard concentration of cholesterol in the nematode growth media. Wild-type worms fed either the HB101 or HT115 diet were more resistant to MeHg than the worms fed the OP50 diet, showing a significant right-hand shift in the dose–response survival curve. Worms fed the OP50 diet supplemented with cholesterol were more sensitive to MeHg, showing a significant left-hand shift in the dose–response survival curve. Changes in sensitivity to MeHg by differential diet were not due to altered MeHg intake in the worms as measured by inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Worms fed the low-fat diets showed protection from MeHg-induced metabolic changes, including decreased food consumption, lower triglyceride content, and lower fat storage than the worms fed either of the higher-fat diets. Oxidative stress is a common characteristic of both MeHg exposure and high-fat diets. Worms fed either OP50 or OP50 supplemented with cholesterol and treated with MeHg had significantly higher levels of reactive oxygen species, carbonylated proteins, and loss of glutathione than the worms fed the HT115 or HB101 low-lipid diets. Taken together, our data suggest a synergistic effect of MeHg and dietary lipid levels on MeHg toxicity and fat metabolism in C. elegans, which may affect the ability of MeHg to cause metabolic dysfunction.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zheng Y, Lin PID, Williams PL, Weisskopf MG, Cardenas A, Rifas-Shiman SL, Wright RO, Amarasiriwardena C, Claus Henn B, Hivert MF, Oken E, James-Todd T. Early pregnancy essential and non-essential metal mixtures and gestational glucose concentrations in the 2nd trimester: Results from project viva. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106690. [PMID: 34120006 PMCID: PMC10075708 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Metals are involved in glucose metabolism, and some may alter glycemic regulation. However, joint effects of essential and non-essential metals on glucose concentrations during pregnancy are unclear. This study explored the joint associations of pregnancy exposures to essential (copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc) and non-essential (arsenic, barium, cadmium, cesium, lead, mercury) metals with gestational glucose concentrations using 1,311 women enrolled 1999-2002 in Project Viva, a Boston, MA-area pregnancy cohort. The study measured erythrocyte metal concentrations from 1st trimester blood samples and used glucose concentrations measured 1 h after non-fasting 50-gram glucose challenge tests (GCT) from clinical gestational diabetes screening at 26-28 weeks gestation. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation were applied to model the associations of metal mixtures-including their interactions-with glucose concentrations post-GCT. We tested for reproducibility of BKMR results using generalized additive models. The BKMR model showed an inverse U-shaped association for barium and a linear inverse association for mercury. Specifically, estimated mean glucose concentrations were highest around 75th percentile of barium concentrations [2.1 (95% confidence interval: -0.2, 4.4) mg/dL higher comparing to the 25th percentile], and each interquartile range increase of erythrocyte mercury was associated with 1.9 mg/dL lower mean glucose concentrations (95% credible interval: -4.2, 0.4). Quantile g-computation showed joint associations of all metals, essential-metals, and non-essential metals on gestational glucose concentrations were all null, however, we observed evidences of interaction for barium and lead. Overall, we found early pregnancy barium and mercury erythrocytic concentrations were associated with altered post-load glucose concentrations in later pregnancy, with potential interactions between barium and lead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinnan Zheng
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Pi-I Debby Lin
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Chitra Amarasiriwardena
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Departments of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Caito SW, Newell-Caito J, Martell M, Crawford N, Aschner M. Methylmercury Induces Metabolic Alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans: Role for C/EBP Transcription Factor. Toxicol Sci 2021; 174:112-123. [PMID: 31851340 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxicant; however, its role in metabolic diseases has been gaining wider attention. We have previously shown that MeHg causes metabolic alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans, leading to decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactor, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. We were, therefore, interested in whether MeHg also affects nutrient metabolism, particularly lipid homeostasis, which may contribute to the development of metabolic conditions such as obesity or metabolic syndrome (MS). RNA from wild-type worms exposed to MeHg was collected immediately after treatment and used for gene expression analysis by DNA microarray. MeHg differentially regulated 215 genes, 17 genes involved in lipid homeostasis, and 12 genes involved in carbohydrate homeostasis. Of particular interest was cebp-1, the worm ortholog to human C/EBP, a pro-adipogenic transcription factor implicated in MS. MeHg increased the expression of cebp-1 as well as pro-adipogenic transcription factors sbp-1 and nhr-49, triglyceride synthesis enzyme acl-6, and lipid transport proteins vit-2 and vit-6. Concurrent with the altered gene expression, MeHg increased triglyceride levels, lipid storage, and feeding behaviors. Worms expressing mutant cebp-1 were protected from MeHg-induced alterations in lipid content, feeding behaviors, and gene expression, highlighting the importance of this transcription factor in the worm's response to MeHg. Taken together, our data demonstrate that MeHg induces biochemical, metabolic, and behavioral changes in C. elegans that can lead to metabolic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Caito
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine
| | | | - Megan Martell
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine
| | - Nicole Crawford
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Silva JL, Leocádio PCL, Reis JM, Campos GP, Capettini LSA, Foureaux G, Ferreira AJ, Windmöller CC, Santos FA, Oriá RB, Crespo-López ME, Alvarez-Leite JI. Oral methylmercury intoxication aggravates cardiovascular risk factors and accelerates atherosclerosis lesion development in ApoE knockout and C57BL/6 mice. Toxicol Res 2020; 37:311-321. [PMID: 34295795 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-020-00066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) intoxication is associated with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerosis by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. We investigated the effects of MeHg intoxication in atherosclerosis-prone (ApoE-KO) and resistant C57BL/6 mice. Mice were submitted to carotid stenosis surgery (to induce atherosclerosis faster) and received water or MeHg solution (20 mg/L) for 15 days. Tail plethysmography was performed before and after MeHg exposure. Food and MeHg solution intakes were monitored weekly. On the 15th day, mice were submitted to intravital fluorescence microscopy of mesenteric vasculature to observe in vivo leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Results showed that despite the high hair and liver Hg concentrations in the MeHg group, food and water (or MeHg solution) consumption and liver function marker levels were similar to those in controls. MeHg exposure increased total cholesterol, the atherogenic (non-HDL) fraction and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. MeHg exposure also induced inflammation, as seen by the increased rolling and adhered leukocytes in the mesenteric vasculature. Atherosclerosis lesions were more extensive in the aorta and carotid sites of MeHg-ApoE knockout mice. Surprisingly, MeHg exposure also induced atherosclerosis lesions in C57BL/6 mice, which are resistant to atherosclerosis formation. We concluded that MeHg intoxication might represent a risk for cardiovascular diseases since it accelerates atherogenesis by exacerbating several independent risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janayne L Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia ICB/UFMG Caixa Postal 486, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30161-970 Brazil
| | - Paola C L Leocádio
- Departamento de Nutrição e Saúde, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Jonas M Reis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia ICB/UFMG Caixa Postal 486, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30161-970 Brazil
| | - Gianne P Campos
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Luciano S A Capettini
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Giselle Foureaux
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Anderson J Ferreira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Cláudia C Windmöller
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Flávia A Santos
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará Brazil
| | - Reinaldo B Oriá
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará Brazil
| | - Maria E Crespo-López
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará Brazil
| | - Jacqueline I Alvarez-Leite
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia ICB/UFMG Caixa Postal 486, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30161-970 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lacerda Leocádio PC, Dias RP, Pinto DV, Reis JM, Rodrigues Nascimento JC, Anne de Castro Brito G, Valença JT, Foureaux G, Ferreira AJ, Windmöller CC, Crespo-Lopez ME, Santos FA, Oriá RB, Alvarez-Leite JI. Pollutants and nutrition: Are methylmercury effects on blood pressure and lipoprotein profile comparable to high-fat diet in mice? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 204:111036. [PMID: 32784013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) due to contaminated fish intake as part of a high-fat (HFD), high-carbohydrate diets is a reality today for many populations. HFD is associated with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Some studies suggest that MeHg induces those risk factors. We evaluated the effect of MeHg exposure in mice fed with HFD or control diet for eight weeks. In the last experimental 15 days, the half group received a MeHg solution (20 mg/L) replacing water. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, lipoprotein concentrations, and paraoxonase activity were evaluated. Liver cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and IBA-1+ cells, as well as transcriptional levels of genes related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, were also assessed. HFD and both MeHg groups presented increased BP and total cholesterol (TC). In the liver, HFD but not MeHg was related to an increase in TC. Also, MeHg intoxication reduced paraoxonase activity regardless of diet. MeHg intoxication and HFD increased steatosis and the number of IBA-1+ cells and modified some gene transcripts associated with lipid metabolism. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MeHg effects on CVD risk factors resemble those caused by HFD.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang S, Dong D, Li P, Hua X, Zheng N, Sun S, Hou S, An Q, Li P, Li Y, Song X, Li X. Mercury concentration and fatty acid composition in muscle tissue of marine fish species harvested from Liaodong Gulf: An intelligence quotient and coronary heart disease risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 726:138586. [PMID: 32481211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine fish species are an important source of biologically valuable proteins, fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but they are also susceptible to pollutants. Mercury is liable to bioamplify in the aquatic food chain, and the health risks posed by methylmercury (MeHg) could undermine the benefits of eating fish, so risk-benefit assessments are needed for those fish species regularly consumed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the concentrations of mercury and characteristics of fatty acids in marine fish harvested from Liaodong Gulf, China, so as to better understand the risk-benefit effects of marine fish consumption. We found that the ratio of MeHg to total Hg (THg) was normally distributed. The concentrations of THg and MeHg in marine fish muscles (14 species, a total of 239) ranged from 0.920 to 0.288 μg/g and 0.050 to 0.192 μg/g, respectively. There were no significant interannual differences in the muscles' concentrations of MeHg and THg, or of their fatty acids (p > 0.05). The proportion of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) varied significantly among different marine fish-feeding habits (predacious, omnivorous, benthivorous and planktivorous), but the differences between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were not significant, which may be due to the undistinguished fatty acids (p < 0.05). The risk-benefit assessment using the intelligence quotient (IQ) scoring model revealed that all the studied marine fish had positive effects on child IQ under different consumption scenarios. Additionally, the integrated risk-benefit analysis for adult cardiovascular health showed that all the studied marine fish, but especially Ditrema temmincki Bleeker, are capable of reducing the relative cardiovascular risk posed by the MeHg in the fish. We conclude the positive effects of eating common marine fish from the Liaodong Gulf far outweigh their negative ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Deming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiuyi Hua
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China; Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Siyu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Shengnan Hou
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, China; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qirui An
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Pengyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| | - Yunyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Xue Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Resources, Jilin University, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Farkhondeh T, Afshari R, Mehrpour O, Samarghandian S. Mercury and Atherosclerosis: Cell Biology, Pathophysiology, and Epidemiological Studies. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 196:27-36. [PMID: 31529242 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01899-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Today atherosclerosis is considered as a main cause of death in the worldwide. There is a significant association between heavy metal exposure and atherosclerosis. In this study, we discussed the scientific literature about the effect of mercury on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We also considered the epidemiological studies on mercury as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus were searched by using the following keywords to 2019: (cardiovascular diseases OR atherosclerosis OR endothelial dysfunction) AND (mercury). Mercury has the potential to act as one of the novel risk factors for atherosclerosis development. The findings have indicated the role of mercury in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. Mercury can induce atherosclerosis indirectly via increasing the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels as well as decreasing the HDL-C level. Mercury can be considered as a risk factor in the atherosclerosis progression. However, more studies are required to find the exact mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis induced by mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Reza Afshari
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Omid Mehrpour
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Akiyama M, Unoki T, Yoshida E, Ding Y, Yamakawa H, Shinkai Y, Ishii I, Kumagai Y. Repression of mercury accumulation and adverse effects of methylmercury exposure is mediated by cystathionine γ-lyase to produce reactive sulfur species in mouse brain. Toxicol Lett 2020; 330:128-133. [PMID: 32413476 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Reactive sulfur species (RSS), such as hydropersulfides and hydropolysulfides with high nucleophilicity, contain mobilized sulfur that readily captures xenobiotic electrophiles, leading to their sulfur adducts. We have previously reported that RSS produced by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) captures the electrophilic metal methylmercury (MeHg) to form inert sulfur adducts, which in turn play a critical role in the protection against MeHg-induced motor impairment in mice. However, the mechanism underlying this neuroprotective effect is not fully understood. Here, we addressed this using CSE-knockout mice. The cerebellum of CSE-knockout mice was more susceptible to MeHg than that of wild type mice. Moreover, these CSE-deficient mice exhibited a higher level of mercury accumulation in the brain. However, co-treatment with sodium tetrasulfide, an RSS able to capture MeHg, leading to the formation of its sulfur adducts, blocked the increased accumulation of mercury, motor dysfunction and mortality caused by CSE deficiency. Our findings suggest that capturing MeHg by RSS in association with its sulfur adduct formation is involved in the repression of the brain distribution and deleterious effects of MeHg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Akiyama
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Unoki
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
| | - Eiko Yoshida
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-0022, Japan
| | - Yunjie Ding
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroto Yamakawa
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Master's Program in Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Shinkai
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Isao Ishii
- Laboratory of Health Chemistry, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Machida, Tokyo 194-8543, Japan
| | - Yoshito Kumagai
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cho HW, Kim SH, Park MJ. An association of blood mercury levels and hypercholesterolemia among Korean adolescents. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 709:135965. [PMID: 31927427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A few experimental studies have suggested that mercury exposure might be associated with dyslipidemia, possibly through its interference with the activities of genes and enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. Mercury exposure has been associated with the risk of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in previous adult studies. However, only a few studies have been conducted in pediatric populations. We aimed to assess the associations between total blood mercury concentrations and lipid profiles in Korean adolescents. METHODS The study population comprised 1890 adolescents (963 males and 927 females; age: 10-19 years) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2013 and 2016 and whose fasting blood samples were obtained to determine their blood mercury concentrations and lipid profiles. We analyzed the distribution of lipid profiles and the prevalence of dyslipidemia based on the total blood mercury concentrations. RESULTS The geometric mean of the blood mercury concentration was 1.89 μg/L and was significantly higher in males (1.96 μg/L) than in females (1.83 μg/L). The total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels significantly increased as the blood total mercury concentration increased in males, not in females. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not show significant associations with total blood mercury levels. The prevalence of hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia also significantly increased in the highest blood mercury quartile group compared with that in the lowest blood mercury quartile group in males (P-for-trend <0.001). Male adolescents in the highest total blood mercury quartile group were found to be at higher risk of hypercholesterolemia than those in the lowest quartile group after adjusting for the covariates including obesity [odds ratios (95% confidential interval): 3.72 (1.03-13.4)]. Total blood mercury quartile showed a positive linear relationship with the risk of hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia after controlling for the covariates in males. CONCLUSION Our results suggest the potential association between mercury exposure and the risk of hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia in male adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hye Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mi Jung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ramos A, Dos Santos MM, de Macedo GT, Wildner G, Prestes AS, Masuda CA, Dalla Corte CL, Teixeira da Rocha JB, Barbosa NV. Methyl and Ethylmercury elicit oxidative stress and unbalance the antioxidant system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 315:108867. [PMID: 31672467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) and Ethylmercury (EtHg) are toxic to the central nervous system. Human exposure to MeHg and EtHg results mainly from the consumption of contaminated fish and thimerosal-containing vaccines, respectively. The mechanisms underlying the toxicity of MeHg and EtHg are still elusive. Here, we compared the toxic effects of MeHg and EtHg in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) emphasizing the involvement of oxidative stress and the identification of molecular targets from antioxidant pathways. Wild type and mutant strains with deleted genes for antioxidant defenses, namely: γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, mitochondrial peroxiredoxin, cytoplasmic thioredoxin, and redox transcription factor Yap1 were used to identify potential pathways and proteins from cell redox system targeted by MeHg and EtHg. MeHg and EtHg inhibited cell growth, decreased membrane integrity, and increased the granularity and production of reactive species (RS) in wild type yeast. The mutants were predominantly less tolerant of mercurial than wild type yeast. But, as the wild strain, mutants exhibited higher tolerance to MeHg than EtHg. Our results indicate the involvement of oxidative stress in the cytotoxicity of MeHg and EtHg and reinforce S. cerevisiae as a suitable model to explore the mechanisms of action of electrophilic toxicants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel T de Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Wildner
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Alessandro S Prestes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Masuda
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nilda V Barbosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Farina M, Aschner M. Glutathione antioxidant system and methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity: An intriguing interplay. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129285. [PMID: 30659883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic chemical compound naturally produced mainly in the aquatic environment through the methylation of inorganic mercury catalyzed by aquatic microorganisms. MeHg is biomagnified in the aquatic food chain and, consequently, piscivorous fish at the top of the food chain possess huge amounts of MeHg (at the ppm level). Some populations that have fish as main protein's source can be exposed to exceedingly high levels of MeHg and develop signs of toxicity. MeHg is toxic to several organs, but the central nervous system (CNS) represents a preferential target, especially during development (prenatal and early postnatal periods). Though the biochemical events involved in MeHg-(neuro)toxicity are not yet entirely comprehended, a vast literature indicates that its pro-oxidative properties explain, at least partially, several of its neurotoxic effects. As result of its electrophilicity, MeHg interacts with (and oxidize) nucleophilic groups, such as thiols and selenols, present in proteins or low-molecular weight molecules. It is noteworthy that such interactions modify the redox state of these groups and, therefore, lead to oxidative stress and impaired function of several molecules, culminating in neurotoxicity. Among these molecules, glutathione (GSH; a major thiol antioxidant) and thiol- or selenol-containing enzymes belonging to the GSH antioxidant system represent key molecular targets involved in MeHg-neurotoxicity. In this review, we firstly present a general overview concerning the neurotoxicity of MeHg. Then, we present fundamental aspects of the GSH-antioxidant system, as well as the effects of MeHg on this system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ghizoni H, Ventura M, Colle D, Gonçalves CL, de Souza V, Hartwig JM, Santos DB, Naime AA, Cristina de Oliveira Souza V, Lopes MW, Barbosa F, Brocardo PS, Farina M. Effects of perinatal exposure to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and methylmercury on cerebellar and behavioral parameters in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 120:603-615. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
23
|
Sumathi T, Jacob S, Gopalakrishnan R. Methylmercury exposure develops atherosclerotic risk factors in the aorta and programmed cell death in the cerebellum: ameliorative action of Celastrus paniculatus ethanolic extract in male Wistar rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:30212-30223. [PMID: 30155631 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bioaccumulative global environmental contaminant present in fishes and seafood. MeHg is the methylated form of mercury emitted from diverse anthropogenic and natural sources. MeHg is accumulated in the aquatic environment and eventually reaches human system via food chain by biomagnification. We have reported previously that the neurotoxic effect of MeHg in rat cerebellum is mitigated by the administration of an ayurvedic medicinal plant, Celastrus paniculatus ethanolic extract. The present study has focussed to further explore the mechanism of action of Celastrus paniculatus against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in the cerebellum. We have also inspected the effect of Celastrus paniculatus (CP) against MeHg-induced atherosclerotic risk factors like alterations in antioxidant levels, aortic lipid profile, and aortic histology by MeHg in the largest vasculature, aorta, which are the initiating factors of cardiovascular diseases. Male Wistar rats were divided as (i) control, (ii) MeHg (5 mg/kg b.w.), (iii) MeHg + CP (200 mg/kg b.w.), and (iv) CP alone (200 mg/kg b.w.). All were given orally for 21 days. In cerebellum Celastrus paniculatus, there were increased mitochondrial electron transport chain (p < 0.05) activity, reduced cytochrome c release (p < 0.05), and caspase 3 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In the aorta, MeHg-induced oxidative stress, lipid profile changes, and endothelial denudation were ameliorated by Celastrus paniculatus. Hence, we conclude that Celastrus paniculatus protects against MeHg toxicity by inhibiting mitochondrial cytochrome c/caspase 3 apoptotic pathway in the cerebellum and reducing the development of atherosclerotic risk factors in the aorta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thangarajan Sumathi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600113, India.
| | - Sherin Jacob
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600113, India
| | - Rahul Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600113, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Antidepressant Effects of Probucol on Early-Symptomatic YAC128 Transgenic Mice for Huntington's Disease. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:4056383. [PMID: 30186318 PMCID: PMC6112232 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4056383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide expansion in the HD gene, resulting in an extended polyglutamine tract in the protein huntingtin. HD is traditionally viewed as a movement disorder, but cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms also contribute to the clinical presentation. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disturbances in HD, present even before manifestation of motor symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of depression in HD-affected individuals are essential aspects of clinical management in this population, especially owing to the high risk of suicide. This study investigated whether chronic administration of the antioxidant probucol improved motor and affective symptoms as well as hippocampal neurogenic function in the YAC128 transgenic mouse model of HD during the early- to mild-symptomatic stages of disease progression. The motor performance and affective symptoms were monitored using well-validated behavioral tests in YAC128 mice and age-matched wild-type littermates at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, after 1, 3, or 5 months of treatment with probucol (30 mg/kg/day via water supplementation, starting on postnatal day 30). Endogenous markers were used to assess the effect of probucol on cell proliferation (Ki-67 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)) and neuronal differentiation (doublecortin (DCX)) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Chronic treatment with probucol reduced the occurrence of depressive-like behaviors in early- and mild-symptomatic YAC128 mice. Functional improvements were not accompanied by increased progenitor cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Our findings provide evidence that administration of probucol may be of clinical benefit in the management of early- to mild-symptomatic HD.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ferrer B, Peres TV, dos Santos AA, Bornhorst J, Morcillo P, Gonçalves CL, Aschner M. Methylmercury Affects the Expression of Hypothalamic Neuropeptides That Control Body Weight in C57BL/6J Mice. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:557-568. [PMID: 29850906 PMCID: PMC5974793 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that affects primarily the central nervous system (CNS), causing neurological alterations. An early symptom of MeHg poisoning is the loss of body weight and appetite. Moreover, the CNS has an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. It is known that in the hypothalamus nutrient and hormonal signals converge to orchestrate control of body weight and food intake. In this study, we investigated if MeHg is able to induce changes in the expression of key hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate energy homeostasis. Thus, hypothalamic neuronal mouse cell line GT 1-7 was treated with MeHg at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 µM). MeHg induced the expression of the anorexigenic neuropeptide pro-omiomelanocortin (Pomc) and the orexigenic peptide Agouti-related peptide (Agrp) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting deregulation of mechanisms that control body weight. To confirm these in vitro observations, 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice (males and females) were exposed to MeHg in drinking water, modeling the most prevalent exposure route to this metal. After 30-day exposure, no changes in body weight were detected. However, MeHg treated males showed a significant decrease in fat depots. Moreover, MeHg affected the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides that control food intake and body weight in a gender- and dose-dependent manner. Thus, MeHg increases Pomc mRNA only in males in a dose-dependent way, and it does not have effects on the expression of Agrp mRNA. The present study shows, for first time, that MeHg is able to induce changes in hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate energy homeostasis, favoring an anorexigenic/catabolic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ferrer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Tanara Vieira Peres
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | | | - Julia Bornhorst
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Patricia Morcillo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Cinara Ludvig Gonçalves
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang Y, Xu C, Fu Z, Shu Y, Zhang J, Lu C, Mo X. Associations between total mercury and methyl mercury exposure and cardiovascular risk factors in US adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:6265-6272. [PMID: 29247408 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Low levels of chronic heavy metal exposure are associated with a range of adverse health effects. However, whether total blood mercury (Hg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) exposure affect risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adolescents remains unclear. The associations between CVD risk factors and total blood Hg and MeHg in adolescents were evaluated using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-2012. Data for 1129 adolescents (age 12-19 years) who participated in the US NHANES 2011-2012 were analyzed. A multivariate linear regression was performed to investigate the associations between CVD risk factors and blood Hg and MeHg concentrations. We identified a strong positive association between blood Hg and MeHg and total cholesterol in adolescents in adjusted model. No associations with other CVD risk factors were found in the overall population. In the gender-stratified generalized linear models, girls with the highest MeHg levels demonstrated a 4.22% (95% CI 0.80%, 7.76%) greater increase in serum total cholesterol (P for trend = 0.029) when compared with girls with the lowest MeHg levels. Our findings suggest that blood MeHg may be positively associated with total cholesterol in adolescent girls. More research is needed to verify this association and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi Fu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Yaqin Shu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changgui Lu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuming Mo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Valvi D, Oulhote Y, Weihe P, Dalgård C, Bjerve KS, Steuerwald U, Grandjean P. Gestational diabetes and offspring birth size at elevated environmental pollutant exposures. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 107:205-215. [PMID: 28753482 PMCID: PMC5584560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased availability of glucose and macronutrients in fetal circulation and macrosomia. Therefore, the role of GDM in the association between metabolism-disrupting chemicals and birth size deserves attention. OBJECTIVE We examined whether GDM may mediate or modify the associations between maternal environmental pollutant exposures and offspring birth size measures. METHODS We analyzed 604 Faroese pregnant women and their offsprings born in 1997-2000. Maternal pregnancy serum concentrations of organochlorine compounds (OCs: polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)), and five perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and hair and cord blood mercury concentrations were measured. We used regression (single-pollutants) and structural equation models (SEMs) (multiple-pollutant analyses using latent constructs of OCs, PFASs and mercury) to estimate the associations with GDM and birth size measures, accounting for mediation and/or effect modification by GDM. RESULTS Serum-DDE and hair-mercury concentrations were associated with GDM (adjusted OR per concentration doubling: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.77 for DDE, and 0.79; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.99 for mercury), but in multiple pollutant-adjusted SEMs only a positive association between OC exposure and GDM remained significant (change in GDM odds per OC doubling: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.86). PCB and overall OC exposure were positively associated with head circumference (SEM; mean change per OC doubling: 0.13cm; 95% CI, 0.01. 0.25). Overall PFAS exposure was inversely associated with birth weight (SEM; mean change per PFAS doubling: -169g; 95% CI: -359, 21), and for many single-PFASs we found a pattern of inverse associations with birth weight and head circumference in boys, and positive or null associations in girls. None of the environmental pollutants was associated with offspring length. GDM neither modified nor mediated the associations with birth size measures. CONCLUSIONS We found associations with GDM and offspring birth size to be specific to the environmental pollutant or pollutant group. Associations with birth size measures appear to be independent of GDM occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pal Weihe
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Christine Dalgård
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristian S Bjerve
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, St. Olays Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ulrike Steuerwald
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Macedo-Júnior SJ, Luiz-Cerutti M, Nascimento DB, Farina M, Soares Santos AR, de Azevedo Maia AH. Methylmercury exposure for 14 days (short-term) produces behavioral and biochemical changes in mouse cerebellum, liver, and serum. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:1145-1155. [PMID: 28850017 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1357324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Various studies on methylmercury (MeHg)-induced toxicity focused on the central nervous system (CNS) as a primary target. However, MeHg-mediated toxicity is related to metallic interaction with electrophilic groups, which are not solely restricted to the CNS, but these reactive groups are present ubiquitously in several systems/organs. The aim of this study was thus to examine MeHg-induced systemic toxicity in mice using a standardized neurotoxicology testing exposure model to measure cerebellar neurotoxicity by determining biochemical and behavioral parameters in the cerebellum. After 2 weeks exposure to MeHg (40 µg/ml; diluted in drinking water; ad libitum), adult male Swiss mice showed a marked motor impairment characteristic of cerebellar toxicity as noted in the following tests: rotarod, beam walking, pole, and hind limb clasping. MeHg treatment resulted in Hg deposition in the cerebellum as well as reduction in cerebellar weight, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels. MeHg ingestion increased cerebellar glutathione reductase (GR) activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. In addition to cerebellar toxicity, MeHg treatment also elevated total and non-high density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels, as well as serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) enzymatic activities, systemic parameters. Increased liver weight and reduced serum urea levels were also noted in MeHg-exposed mice. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that a well-standardized exposure protocol to examine MeHg-induced neurotoxicity also produced systemic toxicity in mice, which was characterized by changes in markers of hepatic function as well as serum lipid homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio José Macedo-Júnior
- a Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Departamento de Farmacologia , Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil
| | - Murilo Luiz-Cerutti
- b Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil
| | - Denise B Nascimento
- c Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Marcelo Farina
- d Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil
| | - Adair Roberto Soares Santos
- b Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil
| | - Alcíbia Helena de Azevedo Maia
- e Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Branco V, Caito S, Farina M, Teixeira da Rocha J, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Biomarkers of mercury toxicity: Past, present, and future trends. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:119-154. [PMID: 28379072 PMCID: PMC6317349 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1289834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) toxicity continues to represent a global health concern. Given that human populations are mostly exposed to low chronic levels of mercurial compounds (methylmercury through fish, mercury vapor from dental amalgams, and ethylmercury from vaccines), the need for more sensitive and refined tools to assess the effects and/or susceptibility to adverse metal-mediated health risks remains. Traditional biomarkers, such as hair or blood Hg levels, are practical and provide a reliable measure of exposure, but given intra-population variability, it is difficult to establish accurate cause-effect relationships. It is therefore important to identify and validate biomarkers that are predictive of early adverse effects prior to adverse health outcomes becoming irreversible. This review describes the predominant biomarkers used by toxicologists and epidemiologists to evaluate exposure, effect and susceptibility to Hg compounds, weighing on their advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, and in light of recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated toxicity, potential novel biomarkers that might be predictive of toxic effect are presented, and the applicability of these parameters in risk assessment is examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Sam Caito
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Marcelo Farina
- c Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil
| | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- d Departamento Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Heindel JJ, Blumberg B, Cave M, Machtinger R, Mantovani A, Mendez MA, Nadal A, Palanza P, Panzica G, Sargis R, Vandenberg LN, Vom Saal F. Metabolism disrupting chemicals and metabolic disorders. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 68:3-33. [PMID: 27760374 PMCID: PMC5365353 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 639] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The recent epidemics of metabolic diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes(T2D), liver lipid disorders and metabolic syndrome have largely been attributed to genetic background and changes in diet, exercise and aging. However, there is now considerable evidence that other environmental factors may contribute to the rapid increase in the incidence of these metabolic diseases. This review will examine changes to the incidence of obesity, T2D and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the contribution of genetics to these disorders and describe the role of the endocrine system in these metabolic disorders. It will then specifically focus on the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the etiology of obesity, T2D and NAFLD while finally integrating the information on EDCs on multiple metabolic disorders that could lead to metabolic syndrome. We will specifically examine evidence linking EDC exposures during critical periods of development with metabolic diseases that manifest later in life and across generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold J Heindel
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- University of California, Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Irvine CA, USA
| | - Mathew Cave
- University of Louisville, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Louisville KY, USA
| | | | | | - Michelle A Mendez
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, Chapel Hill NC, USA
| | - Angel Nadal
- Institute of Bioengineering and CIBERDEM, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Paola Palanza
- University of Parma, Department of Neurosciences, Parma, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- University of Turin, Department of Neuroscience and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Turin, Italy
| | - Robert Sargis
- University of Chicago, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Frederick Vom Saal
- University of Missouri, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ghizoni H, de Souza V, Straliotto MR, de Bem AF, Farina M, Hort MA. Superoxide anion generation and oxidative stress in methylmercury-induced endothelial toxicity in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 38:19-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
32
|
Duan J, Hu H, Li Q, Jiang L, Zou Y, Wang Y, Sun Z. Combined toxicity of silica nanoparticles and methylmercury on cardiovascular system in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 44:120-7. [PMID: 27163730 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was to investigate the combined toxicity of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and methylmercury (MeHg) on cardiovascular system in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Ultraviolet absorption analysis showed that the co-exposure system had high absorption and stability. The dosages used in this study were based on the NOAEL level. Zebrafish embryos exposed to the co-exposure of SiNPs and MeHg did not show any cardiovascular malformation or atrioventricular block, but had an inhibition effect on bradycardia. Using o-Dianisidine for erythrocyte staining, the cardiac output of zebrafish embryos was decreased gradually in SiNPs, MeHg, co-exposure groups, respectively. Co-exposure of SiNPs and MeHg enhanced the vascular endothelial damage in Tg(fli-1:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish line. Moreover, the co-exposure significantly activated the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in neutrophils-specific Tg(mpo:GFP) transgenic zebrafish line. This study suggested that the combined toxic effects of SiNPs and MeHg on cardiovascular system had more severe toxicity than the single exposure alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - 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
| | - Qiuling Li
- 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
| | - Lizhen Jiang
- 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
| | - Yang Zou
- 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
| | - Yapei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
The Tibetan medicine Zuotai differs from HgCl2 and MeHg in producing liver injury in mice. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 78:1-7. [PMID: 27032305 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Zuotai is composed mainly of β-HgS, while cinnabar mainly contains α-HgS. Both forms of HgS are used in traditional medicines and their safety is of concern. This study aimed to compare the hepatotoxicity potential of Zuotai and α-HgS with mercury chloride (HgCl2) and methylmercury (MeHg) in mice. Mice were orally administrated with Zuotai (30 mg/kg), α-HgS (HgS, 30 mg/kg), HgCl2 (33.6 mg/kg), or CH3HgCl (3.1 mg/kg) for 7 days, and liver injury and gene expressions related to toxicity, inflammation and Nrf2 were examined. Animal body weights were decreased by HgCl2 and to a less extent by MeHg. HgCl2 and MeHg produced spotted hepatocyte swelling and inflammation, while such lesions are mild in Zuotai and HgS-treated mice. Liver Hg contents reached 45-70 ng/mg in HgCl2 and MeHg groups; but only 1-2 ng/mg in Zuotai and HgS groups. HgCl2 and MeHg increased the expression of liver injury biomarker genes metallothionein-1 (MT-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); the inflammation biomarkers early growth response gene (Egr1), glutathione S-transferase (Gst-mu), chemokine (mKC) and microphage inflammatory protein (MIP-2), while these changes were insignificant in Zuotai and HgS groups. However, all mercury compounds were able to increase the Nrf2 pathway genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) and Glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit (Gclc). In conclusion, the Tibetan medicine Zuotai and HgS are less hepatotoxic than HgCl2 and MeHg, and differ from HgCl2 and MeHg in hepatic Hg accumulation and toxicological responses.
Collapse
|
34
|
Methylmercury affects cerebrovascular reactivity to angiotensin II and acetylcholine via Rho-kinase and nitric oxide pathways in mice. Life Sci 2016; 147:30-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
35
|
Hudson SL, Doke DA, Gohlke JM. The effect of a low iron diet and early life methylmercury exposure in Daphnia pulex. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 89:112-9. [PMID: 26806633 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Iron (Fe) deficiency increases risk for adverse health outcomes in humans; however little is known about the potential interaction with methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Studies testing multiple stressor hypotheses are expensive and time consuming in mammalian model systems; therefore, determining relevance of alternative models is important. Daphnia pulex were fed standard or low-Fe diets of freshwater algae, Ankistrodesmus falcatus. MeHgCl (1600 ng/L) or vehicle was added to culture media for 24 h during early life, and the combinatorial effects of a low-Fe diet and MeHg exposure on lifespan, maturation time, and reproduction were evaluated. Lipid storage effects were measured using image analysis of Oil Red O staining and triacylglyceride quantification. Our results show a dose-dependent reduction in lifespan in D. pulex fed low Fe diets. Lipid analysis suggests an interactive effect of diet and MeHg exposure, with MeHg exposure increasing lipid storage in D. pulex fed a low-Fe diet. These findings suggest the effects of dietary iron intake and early life MeHg exposure in D. pulex may be mediated by changes in energetics that result in differential lipid storage. Therefore, lipid storage in D. pulex may be a useful screen for detecting long-term effects of multiple stressors early in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sherri L Hudson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Dzigbodi A Doke
- Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University for Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Julia M Gohlke
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Omanwar S, Fahim M. Mercury Exposure and Endothelial Dysfunction: An Interplay Between Nitric Oxide and Oxidative Stress. Int J Toxicol 2015; 34:300-7. [PMID: 26060268 DOI: 10.1177/1091581815589766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelium plays a vital role in the organization and function of the blood vessel and maintains homeostasis of the circulatory system and normal arterial function. Functional disruption of the endothelium is recognized as the beginning event that triggers the development of consequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. There is a growing data associating mercury exposure with endothelial dysfunction and higher risk of CVD. This review explores and evaluates the impact of mercury exposure on CVD and endothelial function, highlighting the interplay of nitric oxide and oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Omanwar
- School of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
| | - M Fahim
- Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research, Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tinkov AA, Ajsuvakova OP, Skalnaya MG, Popova EV, Sinitskii AI, Nemereshina ON, Gatiatulina ER, Nikonorov AA, Skalny AV. Mercury and metabolic syndrome: a review of experimental and clinical observations. Biometals 2015; 28:231-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-015-9823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
38
|
Santos D, Colle D, Moreira E, Peres K, Ribeiro R, dos Santos A, de Oliveira J, Hort M, de Bem A, Farina M. Probucol mitigates streptozotocin-induced cognitive and biochemical changes in mice. Neuroscience 2015; 284:590-600. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
39
|
Moreira ELG, Farina M. An unsolved puzzle: the complex interplay between methylmercury and fish oil-derived fatty acids within the cardiovascular system. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tx00011k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
40
|
Moreira ELG, de Oliveira J, Engel DF, Walz R, de Bem AF, Farina M, Prediger RDS. Hypercholesterolemia induces short-term spatial memory impairments in mice: up-regulation of acetylcholinesterase activity as an early and causal event? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2013; 121:415-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-013-1107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|