Inhibition of creatine kinase activity by ethylene oxide

Association between urinary 2-hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid and dyslexia among school-aged children

Ethylene oxide is commonly used in industrial synthesis and medical disinfection. It is a known human carcinogen and has neurotoxicity. However, the association between ethylene oxide exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (HEMA; metabolite of ethylene oxide) and dyslexia among school-aged children. A total of 355 dyslexic children and 390 controls from three cities in China were enrolled in this case-control study from November 2017 to December 2020. Urinary HEMA was detected in 100% of the urine samples, suggesting widespread exposure to ethylene oxide in the children. Notably, the children with dyslexia had higher concentrations of urinary HEMA compared to the controls (geometric mean: 2.92 vs. 2.47 ng/mL) (P = 0.004). In the multivariable-adjusted model, urinary concentrations of HEMA were significantly associated with dyslexia risk. The individuals within the highest HEMA concentration demonstrated a 1.97-fold increased odds of dyslexia compared to those within the lowest quartile (95% confidence interval: 1.20-3.23). Thus, these findings suggested the possible link between HEMA levels and the risk of dyslexia. Further studies are warranted to validate this finding and illustrate the underlying mechanism.

Neuro-reproductive toxicities of 1-bromopropane and 2-bromopropane

2-Bromopropane was used as an alternative to chlorofluorocarbons in a Korean electronics factory and caused reproductive and hematopoietic disorders in male and female workers. This causality was revealed by animal studies, and target cells were identified in subsequent studies. After identification of 2-bromopropane toxicity, 1-bromopropane was introduced to the workplace as a new alternative to ozone-depleting solvents. 1-Bromopropane was considered less mutagenic than 2-bromopropane, but, in contrast, animal experiments revealed that 1-bromopropane is a potent neurotoxic compound compared with 2-bromopropane. It was also revealed that 1-bromopropane has reproductive toxicity, but the target cells are different from those of 2-bromopropane. Exposure to 1-bromopropane inhibits spermiation in male rats and disrupts the development of follicles in female rats, in contrast to 2-bromopropane, which targets spermatogonia and oocytes in primordial follicles. After the first animal study describing the neurotoxicity of 1-bromopropane, human cases were reported. Those cases showed decreased sensation of vibration and perception, paresthesia in the lower extremities, decreased sensation in the ventral aspects of the thighs and gluteal regions, stumbling and headache, as well as mucosal irritation, as the initial symptoms. The dose-response of bromopropanes in humans and mechanism(s) underlying the differences in the toxic effects of the two bromopropanes remain to be determined.

Creatine kinase activities in brain and blood:possible neurotoxic indicator of acrylamide intoxication

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether the activities of creatine kinase (CK) correlate with neurological disturbances caused by acrylamide.

METHODS

The activities of CK and other enzymes reported to be inhibited by acrylamide in the brain and plasma, and landing foot spread (LFS) were measured in mice and rats intoxicated with acrylamide.

RESULTS

Activity of CK was suppressed by acrylamide in the brain of mice in parallel with the neurological dysfunction measured by LFS. No clear alterations were found in glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, neuron-specific enolase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities over the experimental period (eight days for the exposure and 43 days for the recovery). In rats, among the plasma enzymes examined, suppression of CK activity was most notable, but thyroid activity was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the enzymes so far examined, the CK activities in the brain and blood seem to be the most sensitive indicators of acrylamide intoxication.

Effects of acrylamide and N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide on creatine kinase activity

In vitro, both acrylamide and N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide inhibited creatine kinase (CK) activity from brain or sciatic nerve with almost the same potency. In vivo, only acrylamide (50 mg/kg b. wt./day, 8 days) caused paralysis of hind limbs and suppressed CK activity in cerebrum, cerebellum, spinal cord and muscle in rats. Bis-acrylamide (50 mg or 100 mg/kg b. wt./day, 8 days) caused no paralysis nor inhibition of CK activity in any tissue examined. Definite inhibition of CK was not found in sciatic nerve from rats given either chemical. The inhibition of CK may play a role in the genesis of toxicity of acrylamide especially in the central nervous system.