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Yang L, Gao YL, Jiang S, Qian B, Che L, Wu JS, Du ZB, Wang MZ, Yang Y, Lin YC, Liu G, Lin ZN. Aflatoxin B 1-exposed hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles: Initiating hepatic stellate cell-mediated liver fibrosis through a p53-Parkin-dependent mitophagy pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116363. [PMID: 38663190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116363] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Environmental aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure has been proposed to contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting liver fibrosis, but the potential mechanisms remain to be further elucidated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were recognized as crucial traffickers for hepatic intercellular communication and play a vital role in the pathological process of liver fibrosis. The AFB1-exposed hepatocyte-derived EVs (AFB1-EVs) were extracted, and the functional effects of AFB1-EVs on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were explored to investigate the molecular mechanism of AFB1 exposure-induced liver fibrogenesis. Our results revealed that an environment-level AFB1 exposure induced liver fibrosis via HSCs activation in mice, while the AFB1-EVs mediated hepatotoxicity and liver fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. AFB1 exposure in vitro increased PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy in hepatocytes, where upregulated transcription of the PARK2 gene via p53 nuclear translocation and mitochondrial recruitment of Parkin, and promoted AFB1-EVs-mediated mitochondria-trafficking communication between hepatocytes and HSCs. The knockdown of Parkin in HepaRG cells reversed HSCs activation by blocking the mitophagy-related AFB1-EVs trafficking. This study further revealed that the hepatic fibrogenesis of AFB1 exposure was rescued by genetic intervention with siPARK2 or p53's Pifithrin-α (PFTα) inhibitors. Furthermore, AFB1-EVs-induced HSCs activation was relieved by GW4869 pharmaceutic inhibition of EVs secretion. These results revealed a novel mechanism that AFB1 exposure-induced p53-Parkin signal axis regulated mitophagy-dependent hepatocyte-derived EVs to mediate the mitochondria-trafficking intercellular communication between hepatocytes and HSCs in the local hepatotoxic microenvironment to promote the activated HSCs-associated liver fibrogenesis. Our study provided insight into p53-Parkin-dependent pathway regulation and promised an advanced strategy targeting intervention to EVs-mediated mitochondria trafficking for preventing xenobiotics-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yun-Lu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Bo Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lin Che
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Jia-Shen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ze-Bang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Zhong-Ning Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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Zhang J, Liu H, Shen Y, Cheng D, Tang H, Zhang Q, Li C, Liu M, Yao W, Ran R, Hou Q, Zhao X, Wang JS, Sun X, Zhang T, Zhou J. Macrophage AHR-TLR4 cross-talk drives p-STAT3 (Ser727)-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress and upregulates IDO/ICAM-1 in the steatohepatitis induced by aflatoxin B 1. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171377. [PMID: 38458463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171377] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major mycotoxin contaminant showing in the environment and foods. In this study, the molecular initiating events (MIEs) of AFB1-induced steatohepatitis were explored in mice and human cell model. We observed dose-dependent steatohepatitis in the AFB1-treated mice, including triglyceride accumulation, fibrotic collagen secretion, enrichment of CD11b + and F4/80+ macrophages/Kupffer cells, cell death, lymphocytes clusters and remarkable atrophy areas. The gut barrier and gut-microbiota were also severely damaged after the AFB1 treatment and pre-conditioned colitis in the experimental mice aggravated the steatohepatitis phenotypes. We found that macrophages cells can be pro-inflammatorily activated to M1-like phenotype by AFB1 through an AHR/TLR4/p-STAT3 (Ser727)-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress. The phenotypes can be rescued by AHR inhibitors in the mice model and human cell model. We further showed that this signaling axis is based on the cross-talk interaction between AHR and TLR4. Gene knock-up experiment found that the signaling is dependent on AFB1 ligand-binding with AHR, but not protein expressions of TLR4. The signaling elevated NLRP3 and two immune metabolic enzymes ICAM-1 and IDO that are associated with macrophage polarization. Results from intervention experiments with natural anti-oxidant and AHR inhibitor CH223191 suggest that the macrophage polarization may rely on AHR and ROS. Our study provides novel and critical references to the food safety and public health regulation of AFB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Division of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dong Cheng
- Division of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Hui Tang
- Division of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chao Li
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250062, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Wenhuan Yao
- Division of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Rongrong Ran
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qingzhen Hou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program and Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Xiulan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Foods, School of Food Science Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Tianliang Zhang
- Division of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Division of Toxicology, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250014, China; Department of Toxicology and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Weaver MA, Bowen C, Park LC, Bastidas A, Drewry SG, Mandel JR. Genetic Diversity of Aspergillus flavus on Maize in Guatemala. Foods 2023; 12:3864. [PMID: 37893757 PMCID: PMC10606850 DOI: 10.3390/foods12203864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of maize is a leading threat to health in Guatemala. This contamination is the result of infection from Aspergillus flavus and has been effectively reduced in other countries through application of nonaflatoxigenic, indigenous strains of A. flavus. We collected 82 maize samples from throughout Guatemala in two years and isolated 272 A. flavus from these samples, including 126 unique genotypes. We provide here a phenotypic and simple sequence repeat (SSR)-based genotypic description of these isolates, as well as an analysis of the diversity of this population. High levels of genetic diversity were observed with the nonaflatoxigenic isolates in this study, but this information contributes to the development of indigenous aflatoxin biocontrol products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Weaver
- USDA ARS National Biological Control Laboratory, 59 Lee Road, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA;
| | - Curt Bowen
- Semilla Nueva, 7 Avenida 14-44 Zona 9 Edificio La Galería, Oficina 35 Guatemala, Guatemala City 01009, Guatemala; (C.B.)
| | - Lilly C. Park
- USDA ARS National Biological Control Laboratory, 59 Lee Road, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA;
| | - Angela Bastidas
- Semilla Nueva, 7 Avenida 14-44 Zona 9 Edificio La Galería, Oficina 35 Guatemala, Guatemala City 01009, Guatemala; (C.B.)
| | - Samantha G. Drewry
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, 3774 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (S.G.D.); (J.R.M.)
| | - Jennifer R. Mandel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, 3774 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (S.G.D.); (J.R.M.)
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Mekuria A, Xia L, Ahmed TA, Bishaw S, Teklemariam Z, Nedi T, Abula T, Engidawork E, Gong YY. Contribution of Aflatoxin B 1 Exposure to Liver Cirrhosis in Eastern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:3543-3553. [PMID: 37605782 PMCID: PMC10440104 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s425992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cirrhosis is a global health problem due to a large number of disability-associated life years and mortality. However, evidence is scarce on its causes in Eastern-Ethiopia, a place where there is a high prevalence of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology. This study attempted to identify the risk factors related to liver cirrhosis in the area. Methods A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2020 to July 2021. Following diagnoses using an ultrasound-based cirrhosis scale, a total of 127 cases were identified and compared with 253 control patients. A structured questionnaire and data abstraction form were used to collect demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information. A blood sample was also taken from each participant for clinical chemistry, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus tests as well as for an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adduct (AF-alb) assay. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of liver cirrhosis. Results AF-alb levels were detected in 75% of the cases and 64% of the controls, with a median (IQR) level of 11 pg/mg (5.5-25) and 7.0 pg/mg (4.3-20.5), respectively (p<0.05). Moreover, the number of subjects with high AF-alb levels (≥8.6 pg/mg) was greater in cases (45%, p<0.05)) than controls (28%). Age ≥55 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8), being a farmer (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5, 6.0), family history of liver disease (AOR= 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.9), HBV seropositivity (AOR=4.0; 95% CI: 1.9, 8.8), and exposure to high levels of AF-alb (AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.7) were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion This study found a strong link between AFB1 exposure and liver cirrhosis. Mitigation of aflatoxin exposure and a better understanding of additional environmental risk factors like pesticides may be necessary to reduce the disease burden in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Mekuria
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lei Xia
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tekabe Abdosh Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Bishaw
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Teklemariam
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Nedi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Abula
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Engidawork
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yun Yun Gong
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Cheng Q, Glesener H, Montenegro G, Torres O, Miller AC, Krajmalnik-Brown R, Rohloff P, Voth-Gaeddert LE. Assessment of aflatoxin exposure, growth faltering and the gut microbiome among children in rural Guatemala: protocol for an observational prospective cohort and bioreactor simulations. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:e001960. [PMID: 37080609 PMCID: PMC10124301 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-001960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogen produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus which grow on maize. Given the high prevalence of child stunting (ie, impaired growth) and other nutritional disorders in low-income and middle-income countries, where maize is consumed, the role of aflatoxin exposure may be significant. Observational reports have demonstrated associations between aflatoxin exposure and impaired child growth; however, most have been cross-sectional and have not assessed seasonal variations in aflatoxin, food preparation and dynamic changes in growth. Biological mechanistic data on how aflatoxin may exert an impact on child growth is missing. This study incorporates a prospective cohort of children from rural Guatemala to assess (1) temporal associations between aflatoxin exposure and child growth and (2) possible mediation of the gut microbiome among aflatoxin exposure, inflammation and child growth. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will prospectively evaluate aflatoxin exposure and height-for-age difference trajectories for 18 months in a cohort of 185 children aged 6-9 months at enrolment. We will assess aflatoxin exposure levels and biomarkers of gut and systemic inflammation. We will examine the faecal microbiome of each child and identify key species and metabolic pathways for differing AFB1 exposure levels and child growth trajectories. In parallel, we will use bioreactors, inoculated with faeces, to investigate the response of the gut microbiome to varying levels of AFB1 exposure. We will monitor key microbial metabolites and AFB1 biotransformation products to study nutrient metabolism and the impact of the gut microbiome on aflatoxin detoxification/metabolism. Finally, we will use path analysis to summarise the effect of aflatoxin exposure and the gut microbiome on child growth. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained from Arizona State University Institutional Review Board (IRB; STUDY00016799) and Wuqu' Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance IRB (WK-2022-003). Findings will be disseminated in scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Cheng
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Hannah Glesener
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Gabriela Montenegro
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Tecpan, Guatemala
| | - Olga Torres
- Centro de Investigaciones en Nutricion y Salud (CIENSA), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ann C Miller
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Peter Rohloff
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Tecpan, Guatemala
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lee E Voth-Gaeddert
- Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Tecpan, Guatemala
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Smith JW, Ng DK, Alvarez CS, Egner PA, Burke SM, Chen JG, Kensler TW, Koshiol J, Rivera-Andrade A, Kroker-Lobos MF, Ramírez-Zea M, McGlynn KA, Groopman JD. Assessing the Validity of Normalizing Aflatoxin B1-Lysine Albumin Adduct Biomarker Measurements to Total Serum Albumin Concentration across Multiple Human Population Studies. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030162. [PMID: 35324659 PMCID: PMC8954427 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) of AFB1-lysine adducts in human serum albumin (HSA) has proven to be a highly productive strategy for the biomonitoring of AFB1 exposure. To compare samples across different individuals and settings, the conventional practice has involved the normalization of raw AFB1-lysine adduct concentrations (e.g., pg/mL serum or plasma) to the total circulating HSA concentration (e.g., pg/mg HSA). It is hypothesized that this practice corrects for technical error, between-person variance in HSA synthesis or AFB1 metabolism, and other factors. However, the validity of this hypothesis has been largely unexamined by empirical analysis. The objective of this work was to test the concept that HSA normalization of AFB1-lysine adduct concentrations effectively adjusts for biological and technical variance and improves AFB1 internal dose estimates. Using data from AFB1-lysine and HSA measurements in 763 subjects, in combination with regression and Monte Carlo simulation techniques, we found that HSA accounts for essentially none of the between-person variance in HSA-normalized (R2 = 0.04) or raw AFB1-lysine measurements (R2 = 0.0001), and that HSA normalization of AFB1-lysine levels with empirical HSA values does not reduce measurement error any better than does the use of simulated data (n = 20,000). These findings were robust across diverse populations (Guatemala, China, Chile), AFB1 exposures (105 range), HSA assays (dye-binding and immunoassay), and disease states (healthy, gallstones, and gallbladder cancer). HSA normalization results in arithmetic transformation with the addition of technical error from the measurement of HSA. Combined with the added analysis time, cost, and sample consumption, these results suggest that it may be prudent to abandon the practice of normalizing adducts to HSA concentration when measuring any HSA adducts—not only AFB1-lys adducts—when using LCMS in serum/plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W. Smith
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.W.S.); (P.A.E.); (S.M.B.); (T.W.K.)
| | - Derek K. Ng
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Christian S. Alvarez
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (C.S.A.); (J.K.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Patricia A. Egner
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.W.S.); (P.A.E.); (S.M.B.); (T.W.K.)
| | - Sean M. Burke
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.W.S.); (P.A.E.); (S.M.B.); (T.W.K.)
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Qidong 226200, China;
| | - Thomas W. Kensler
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.W.S.); (P.A.E.); (S.M.B.); (T.W.K.)
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jill Koshiol
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (C.S.A.); (J.K.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Alvaro Rivera-Andrade
- Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City 1188, Guatemala; (A.R.-A.); (M.F.K.-L.); (M.R.-Z.)
| | - María F. Kroker-Lobos
- Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City 1188, Guatemala; (A.R.-A.); (M.F.K.-L.); (M.R.-Z.)
| | - Manuel Ramírez-Zea
- Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City 1188, Guatemala; (A.R.-A.); (M.F.K.-L.); (M.R.-Z.)
| | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (C.S.A.); (J.K.); (K.A.M.)
| | - John D. Groopman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.W.S.); (P.A.E.); (S.M.B.); (T.W.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Gomez-Quiroz LE, Roman S. Influence of genetic and environmental risk factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Mexico. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27 Suppl 1:100649. [PMID: 34902602 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The latest studies on the epidemiology of diverse types of cancers have located in the scene the relevance of liver tumors, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is a life-threatening malignancy triggered by chronic exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic lipid droplet accumulation, and aflatoxins that lead to persistent liver damage. The occurrence of such etiological risk factors deeply marks the variability in the incidence of HCC worldwide reflected by geography, ethnicity, age, and lifestyle factors influenced by cultural aspects. New perspectives on the primary risk factors and their potential gene-environment interactions (GxE) have been well-addressed in some cancers; however, it continues to be a partially characterized issue in liver malignancies. In this review, the epidemiology of the risk factors for HCC are described enhancing the GxE interactions identified in Mexico, which could mark the risk of this liver malignancy among the population and the measures needed to revert them. Updated healthcare policies focusing on preventive care should be tailored based on the genetic and environmental risk factors, which may influence the effect of the etiological agents of HCC. Robust regional investigations related to epidemiological, clinical, and basic studies are warranted to understand this health problem complying with the rules of ethnic, genetic, environmental, and social diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Gomez-Quiroz
- Área de Medicina Experimental y Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia Roman
- Department of Genomic Medicine in Hepatology, Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, "Fray Antonio Alcalde," Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Health Sciences Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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8
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Lei L, Liu S, Ye Y, Qiu X, Huang D, Pan D, Chen J, Qian Z, McMillin SE, Vaughn MG, Luo X, Wu K, Xiao S, Li J, Liu M, Yang Y, Lai M, Dong G, Zeng X. Associations between Serum Aflatoxin-B1 and Anemia in Pregnant Women: Evidence from Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort in China. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110806. [PMID: 34822590 PMCID: PMC8618761 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common toxic mycotoxin and is detectable in pregnant women. Animal studies have revealed that AFB1 caused the lysis of erythrocytes and a decrease in hemoglobin. We conducted a prospective cohort study in Guangxi, China, in order to evaluate the association between AFB1 exposure and anemia in pregnant women during the entire pregnancy. A total of 616 pregnant women from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort were included in the study. Serum AFB1-albumin (AFB1-ALB) adduct levels were measured. The effect of AFB1-ALB adducts on hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were analyzed by using multivariable linear regression. The risks of anemia from AFB1-ALB adduct exposure were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. We found that the AFB1-ALB adduct was significantly associated with a decrease in Hb (β = −4.99, 95% CI: −8.42, −1.30), MCV (β = −4.58, 95% CI: −7.23, −1.94), MCH (β = −1.86, 95% CI: −2.87, −0.85), and MCHC (β = −5.23, 95% CI: −8.28, −2.17) in the first trimester with the third tertile of AFB1-ALB adducts when compared with the first tertile. Furthermore, the third tertile of the AFB1-ALB adduct significantly increased the risk of anemia by 2.90 times than compared to the first tertile in the first trimester (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.67, 9.14). A significant positive does–response relationship existed between AFB1-ALB adduct levels and anemia risk (Ptrend = 0.001). When dividing anemia types, we only found that the third tertile of AFB1-ALB adduct increased the risk of microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA) in the first trimester (OR = 14.37, 95% CI: 3.08, 67.02) and second trimester (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.96, 11.51). These findings demonstrate the correlation between maternal AFB1 exposure during early pregnancy and risk of anemia, especially MHA, and during different trimesters in Southern China. More efforts should be made to diminish AFB1 exposure for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Ye Ye
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Liuzhou Iron & Steel Group Co., Ltd., Liuzhou 545002, China;
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Dongxiang Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Jiehua Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Zhengmin Qian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA;
| | - Stephen Edward McMillin
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA; (S.E.M.); (M.G.V.)
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA; (S.E.M.); (M.G.V.)
| | - Xingxi Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Kaili Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Suyang Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Jinxiu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Meiliang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Mingshuang Lai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (L.L.); (X.Q.); (D.P.); (J.C.); (X.L.); (K.W.); (S.X.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (Y.Y.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (X.Z.)
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9
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Ponce-García N, Palacios-Rojas N, Serna-Saldivar SO, García-Lara S. Aflatoxin contamination in maize: occurrence and health implications in Latin America. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, mycotoxicoses constitute the second most pressing food safety problem worldwide, with most cases occurring in developing countries. Maize (Zea mays L.), the main staple for many Latin Americans, is one of the best suitable substrates for mycotoxigenic Aspergillus fungi. Aflatoxins (AFs) produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus, are of significant concern, especially in developing countries. While AFs production occurs mainly in warmer, tropical, and subtropical environments, recent evidence suggests that global climate change favours their presence in regions with little or no awareness of this issue. AFs interfere with metabolic processes, causing cancer and other health disorders resulting in health hazards and even death. The setting of national acceptable regulatory levels of AFs is necessary for Latin American countries. Unfortunately, no estimates of the economic impact of AFs in this region are currently available nor the cost of regulatory programs designed to reduce health risks to animals and humans. This review explores relevant data about incidence of AFs in maize produced in the region and the adverse effects of the consumption of contaminated foods and the associated health consequences for Latin American consumers. Regulations aimed to mitigate AFs exposure to consumers are also reviewed and identified gaps for researchers and actors of the maize value chain are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Ponce-García
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Mexico State, UAEMéx, Campus Universitario ‘El Cerrillo’, El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, P.O. Box 50200, Toluca, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - N. Palacios-Rojas
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Carretera Mexico-Veracruz Km. 45, P.O. Box 56237, El Batán, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - S. O. Serna-Saldivar
- Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, C.P. 64849, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - S. García-Lara
- Centro de Biotecnología FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, C.P. 64849, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
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10
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Groopman JD, Smith JW, Rivera-Andrade A, Alvarez CS, Kroker-Lobos MF, Egner PA, Gharzouzi E, Dean M, McGlynn KA, Ramírez-Zea M. Aflatoxin and the Etiology of Liver Cancer and Its Implications for Guatemala. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021; 14:305-317. [PMID: 35096197 PMCID: PMC8797158 DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
During the 60 years since the first scientific reports about a relation between aflatoxin exposure and adverse health consequences, both in animals and humans, there has been a remarkable number of basic, clinical and population science studies characterizing the impact of this mycotoxin on diseases such as liver cancer. Many of these human investigations to date have focused on populations residing in Asia and Africa due to the high incidence of liver cancer and high exposures to aflatoxin. These studies formed the basis for the International Agency for Research on Cancer to classify the aflatoxins as Group 1 known human carcinogens. In addition, aflatoxin contamination levels have been used in international commodity trade to set the price of various staples such as maize and groundnuts. While there have been many case-control and prospective cohort studies of liver cancer risk over the years there have been remarkably few investigations focused on liver cancer in Latin America. Our interdisciplinary and multiple institutional collaborative has been developing a long-term strategy to characterize the role of aflatoxin and other mycotoxins as health risk factors in Guatemala and neighboring countries. This paper summarizes a number of the investigations to date and provides a roadmap of our strategies for the near term to discern the emergent etiology of liver cancer in this region. With these data in hand public health-based prevention strategies could be strategically implemented and conducted to lower the impact of these mycotoxins on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Groopman
- Departments of Environmental Health and Engineering and Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
| | - Joshua W. Smith
- Departments of Environmental Health and Engineering and Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
| | - Alvaro Rivera-Andrade
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Christian S. Alvarez
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - María F. Kroker-Lobos
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Patricia A. Egner
- Departments of Environmental Health and Engineering and Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
| | | | - Michael Dean
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Manuel Ramírez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
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11
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Smith JW, O'Meally RN, Ng DK, Chen JG, Kensler TW, Cole RN, Groopman JD. Biomonitoring of Ambient Outdoor Air Pollutant Exposure in Humans Using Targeted Serum Albumin Adductomics. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:1183-1196. [PMID: 33793228 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution, a spatially and temporally complex mixture, is a human carcinogen. However, ambient measurements may not reflect subject-level exposures, personal monitors do not assess internal dose, and spot assessments of urinary biomarkers may not recapitulate chronic exposures. Nucleophilic sites in serum albumin-particularly the free thiol at Cys34-form adducts with electrophiles. Due to the 4-week lifetime of albumin in circulation, accumulating adducts can serve as intermediate- to long-residence biomarkers of chronic exposure and implicate potential biological effects. Employing nanoflow liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (nLC-HRMS) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), we have developed and validated a novel targeted albumin adductomics platform capable of simultaneously monitoring dozens of Cys34 adducts per sample in only 2.5 μL of serum, with on-column limits of detection in the low-femtomolar range. Using this platform, we characterized the magnitude and impact of ambient outdoor air pollution exposures with three repeated measurements over 84 days in n = 26 nonsmoking women (n = 78 total samples) from Qidong, China, an area with a rising burden of lung cancer incidence. In concordance with seasonally rising ambient concentrations of NO2, SO2, and PM10 measured at stationary monitors, we observed elevations in concentrations of Cys34 adducts of benzoquinone (p < 0.05), benzene diol epoxide (BDE; p < 0.05), crotonaldehyde (p < 0.01), and oxidation (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed significant elevations in oxidation and BDE adduct concentrations of 300% to nearly 700% per doubling of ambient airborne pollutant levels (p < 0.05). Notably, the ratio of irreversibly oxidized to reduced Cys34 rose more than 3-fold during the 84-day period, revealing a dramatic perturbation of serum redox balance and potentially serving as a portent of increased pollution-related mortality risk. Our targeted albumin adductomics assay represents a novel and flexible approach for sensitive and multiplexed internal dosimetry of environmental exposures, providing a new strategy for personalized biomonitoring and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Smith
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Robert N O'Meally
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Derek K Ng
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Qidong, Jiangsu 226200, China
| | - Thomas W Kensler
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
| | - Robert N Cole
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - John D Groopman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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