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Drago G, Ruggieri S, Sprovieri M, Rizzo G, Colombo P, Giosuè C, Quinci E, Traina A, Gastaldelli A, Cibella F, Panunzi S. Exposure profiles in pregnant women from a birth cohort in a highly contaminated area of southern Italy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14815. [PMID: 37684286 PMCID: PMC10491776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protecting the health of pregnant women from environmental stressors is crucial for reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases. In industrially contaminated sites, this action is particularly challenging due to the heterogeneous pollutant mixtures in environmental matrices. The aim of this study was to evaluate distribution patterns of mercury, hexachlorobenzene and polychlorobiphenyls in the serum of 161 pregnant women recruited in the framework of the Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes (NEHO) cohort and living both inside and outside the National Priority Contaminated Site (NPCS) of Priolo. Food macro-categories were determined, and serum levels of contaminants were used to perform k-means cluster analysis and identify the role of food in pollutant transfer from the environment. Two groups of mothers with high and low measured pollutant levels were distinguished. Concentrations in mothers in the high-exposure cluster were at least twofold for all the evaluated pollutants (p < 0.0001) and included mothers living inside and outside NPCS, with a predominance of individuals from the NPCS (p = 0.045). Fish consumption was higher in the high-exposure cluster (p = 0.019). These findings suggest a link between contamination of environmental matrices such as sediment with maternal exposure, through the intake of local food. Such consideration appears poorly investigated in the context of contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspare Drago
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Ruggieri
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mario Sprovieri
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council of Italy, Arsenale-Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy
| | - Giulia Rizzo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Giosuè
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council of Italy, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | - Enza Quinci
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council of Italy, Via del Mare 3, Torretta Granitola, 91021, Trapani, Italy
| | - Anna Traina
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council of Italy, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | - Amalia Gastaldelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Panunzi
- Institute for System Analysis and Computer Science-BioMatLab, National Research Council of Italy, Via dei Taurini 19, 00168, Rome, Italy
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Palomar A, Quiñonero A, Medina-Laver Y, Gonzalez-Martin R, Pérez-Debén S, Alama P, Domínguez F. Antioxidant Supplementation Alleviates Mercury-Induced Cytotoxicity and Restores the Implantation-Related Functions of Primary Human Endometrial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108799. [PMID: 37240143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) cytotoxicity, which is largely mediated through oxidative stress (OS), can be relieved with antioxidants. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of Hg alone or in combination with 5 nM N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on the primary endometrial cells' viability and function. Primary human endometrial epithelial cells (hEnEC) and stromal cells (hEnSC) were isolated from 44 endometrial biopsies obtained from healthy donors. The viability of treated endometrial and JEG-3 trophoblast cells was evaluated via tetrazolium salt metabolism. Cell death and DNA integrity were quantified following annexin V and TUNEL staining, while the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified following DCFDA staining. Decidualization was assessed through secreted prolactin and the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in cultured media. JEG-3 spheroids were co-cultured with the hEnEC and decidual hEnSC to assess trophoblast adhesion and outgrowth on the decidual stroma, respectively. Hg compromised cell viability and amplified ROS production in trophoblast and endometrial cells and exacerbated cell death and DNA damage in trophoblast cells, impairing trophoblast adhesion and outgrowth. NAC supplementation significantly restored cell viability, trophoblast adhesion, and outgrowth. As these effects were accompanied by the significant decline in ROS production, our findings originally describe how implantation-related endometrial cell functions are restored in Hg-treated primary human endometrial co-cultures by antioxidant supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palomar
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IVI Foundation-IIS La Fe Health Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IVI Foundation-IIS La Fe Health Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Yassmin Medina-Laver
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IVI Foundation-IIS La Fe Health Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Roberto Gonzalez-Martin
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IVI Foundation-IIS La Fe Health Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Alama
- Department of Gynecology, IVIRMA-Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IVI Foundation-IIS La Fe Health Research Institute, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Doi T, Hamasaki S, Yamamoto H, Mori M, Kozaki D. Dynamic sequential extraction procedure using a four-channel circulating flow system for extracting Hg from soil samples. ANAL SCI 2023; 39:739-748. [PMID: 36943656 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-023-00313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is harmful to the human body. Its physical properties and toxicity differ greatly depending on its chemical form. The quantification of soluble Hg in soils or sediments is crucial for preventing further environmental contamination by Hg sources such as products, processes, and storage. In this study, the risk of leachable Hg that release from soil to the hydrosphere was evaluated by the sequential extraction procedure (SEP), a speciation method of a targeted element based on the solubility of its various compounds. The SEP, which consists of a four-channel circulating flow system (FCFS), was developed to reduce the time and amount of liquid required for SEP of leachable Hg in the Bloom method, which is a conventional SEP for Hg in a solid sample. The SEP with FCFS was optimized by considering the impact of extractant volume, circulation extraction time, and flushing of the extraction line. In the three-step (Fraction 1-3) sequential extraction of leachable Hg in soil samples, the optimized SEP with FCFS required 45 mL of extractant and 2.5 h, while the common batch SEP required 75 mL of extractant and 49 h. Furthermore, the combination of the SEP with FCFS for the leachable forms (Fraction 1-3) and the batch method for the insoluble forms (Fraction 4-5) was applied to the five-step SEP of Hg from CRM-JSAC0403. The sum of Hg concentrations that were classified into five fractions was in good agreement with that obtained from the batch method for all extraction, indicating that there are no significant differences in the concentrations extracted from the four channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomotaka Doi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, 2-5-1 Akebono-Cho, Kochi City, Kochi, 780-8520, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hamasaki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, 2-5-1 Akebono-Cho, Kochi City, Kochi, 780-8520, Japan
| | - Hinata Yamamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, 2-5-1 Akebono-Cho, Kochi City, Kochi, 780-8520, Japan
| | - Masanobu Mori
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, 2-5-1 Akebono-Cho, Kochi City, Kochi, 780-8520, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kozaki
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kochi University, 2-5-1 Akebono-Cho, Kochi City, Kochi, 780-8520, Japan.
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4
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Nawrot J, Gornowicz-Porowska J, Budzianowski J, Nowak G, Schroeder G, Kurczewska J. Medicinal Herbs in the Relief of Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection A Literature Review. Cells 2022; 11:1897. [PMID: 35741026 PMCID: PMC9220793 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection causes complications, even in people who have had a mild course of the disease. The most dangerous seem to be neurological ailments: anxiety, depression, mixed anxiety-depressive (MAD) syndromes, and irreversible dementia. These conditions can negatively affect the respiratory system, circulatory system, and heart functioning. We believe that phytotherapy can be helpful in all of these conditions. Clinical trials confirm this possibility. The work presents plant materials (Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Piper methysticum, Humulus lupulus, Ballota nigra, Hypericum perforatum, Rhodiola rosea, Lavandula officinalis, Paullinia cupana, Ginkgo biloba, Murraya koenigii, Crataegus monogyna and oxyacantha, Hedera helix, Polygala senega, Pelargonium sidoides, Lichen islandicus, Plantago lanceolata) and their dominant compounds (valeranon, valtrate, apigenin, citronellal, isovitexin, isoorientin, methysticin, humulone, farnesene, acteoside, hypericin, hyperforin, biapigenin, rosavidin, salidroside, linalool acetate, linalool, caffeine, ginkgolide, bilobalide, mihanimbine, epicatechin, hederacoside C,α-hederine, presegenin, umckalin, 6,7,8-trixydroxybenzopyranone disulfate, fumaroprotocetric acid, protolichesteric acid, aucubin, acteoside) responsible for their activity. It also shows the possibility of reducing post-COVID-19 neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications, which can affect the functioning of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nawrot
- Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.-P.); (J.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Justyna Gornowicz-Porowska
- Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.-P.); (J.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Jaromir Budzianowski
- Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.-P.); (J.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Gerard Nowak
- Department and Division of Practical Cosmetology and Skin Diseases Prophylaxis, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.-P.); (J.B.); (G.N.)
| | - Grzegorz Schroeder
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu 5, Poznanskiego 8, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (G.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Joanna Kurczewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu 5, Poznanskiego 8, 61-614 Poznan, Poland; (G.S.); (J.K.)
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5
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Palomar A, González-Martín R, Pérez-Debén S, Medina-Laver Y, Quiñonero A, Domínguez F. Mercury impairs human primary endometrial stromal cell function. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1022-1032. [PMID: 35084015 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal exposures could compromise endometrial cells and decidualization. Although studies assessed mercury toxicity in cell lines, limited data are available on the concentration of mercury that induces damage in hEnSC, which could alter endometrial function. This research aims to study effects of mercury exposure on cell viability and functional features of hEnSC. Primary hEnSC were isolated from 23 endometrial biopsies obtained from healthy egg donors. After in vitro mercury exposure or control treatment of hEnSC, cell viability was evaluated via tetrazolium salt metabolism and oxidative stress was assessed by 2',7'-DCFDA assay. hEnSC were decidualized in vitro in the presence of mercury (0, 25, 50, 75, 250 and 350 nM). Decidualization was evaluated based on prolactin and IGFBP1 secretion and cytoskeletal rearrangement (F-actin staining). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by Ki67 immunostaining and TUNEL assay. Mercury doses of 250 nM (p = 0.028) and 500 nM (p = 0.026) increased ROS production in hEnSC after 24 h. Cell viability significantly decreased after 48 h and 72 h (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016, respectively) of mercury exposure at 500 nM. After in vitro decidualization and mercury treatment, decidual hEnSC showed a dose-dependent decrease in prolactin and IGFBP1 secretion, particularly at 350 nM (p = 0.016). Cell proliferation was decreased in hEnSC treated with 350 nM mercury (p < 0.001); an increase in apoptosis followed a dose-dependent trend in non-decidual and decidual hEnSC. These findings support that mercury-induced damage could be due to an increase in ROS production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palomar
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe. Valencia, Spain.,Fundación IVI. Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Francisco Domínguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe. Valencia, Spain.,Fundación IVI. Valencia, Spain
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6
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Paternal Exposure to Non-essential Heavy Metal Affects Embryo Cleavage and Implantation in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Cycles: Evidence for a Paradoxical Effect. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2550-2561. [PMID: 33683670 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the adverse effects of non-essential heavy metals on semen quality have been demonstrated in experimental animal models and occupational human exposure studies, little is known about the reproductive efficiency of exposed sperm during the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our study aims to evaluate the effect of paternal exposure to non-essential heavy metals on embryo efficiency outcomes (embryo cleavage, fragmentation, implantation, and live birth) in ICSI cycle. Ninety-five heterosexual couples who underwent 95 ICSI cycles and 78 fresh embryo transfers between January 2003 and December 2009 were evaluated. Men whose female partner was undergoing ICSI were asked to provide semen and blood samples. Heavy metal levels (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Ba, and U) were analyzed using an ion-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; Agilent 7500 ce, Agilent Technologies, Germany) equipped with a cell dynamic range (CDR). Paternal exposure to trace heavy metals was found to influence intermediate reproductive endpoints in ICSI cycles. After adjusting for paternal and maternal confounders, paternal blood concentrations of Cd [-0.30(-0.11,-0.02)], As [-0.26(-0.16,-0.11)], and U [-0.22(-0.24,-0.02)] were inversely associated with embryo cell cleavage on day 3. Counterintuitively, paternal blood and semen Pb levels [0.26(0.01,0.22); 0.25(0.03,0.14)] as well as semen U levels [0.27(0.01,0.19)] were positively associated with the proportion of implanted embryos. There were no significant associations observed for clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with any paternal heavy metal concentrations in semen and blood. These findings highlight the importance of paternal health for embryo efficiency outcomes in ICSI treatment cycles and the need for more male partner inclusive counseling in fertility practice. They also underline a paradoxical positive association between some heavy metal pollutants at low exposure levels and reproductive outcomes.
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Azar J, Yousef MH, El-Fawal HAN, Abdelnaser A. Mercury and Alzheimer's disease: a look at the links and evidence. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:361-374. [PMID: 33411216 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00649-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This review paper investigates a specific environmental-disease interaction between mercury exposure and Alzheimer's disease hallmarks. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominantly the memory of the affected individual. It prevails mostly in the elderly, rendering many factors as possible causative agents, which potentially contribute to the disease pathogenicity cumulatively. Alzheimer's disease affects nearly 50 million people worldwide and is considered one the most devastating diseases not only for the patient, but also for their families and caregivers. Mercury is a common environmental toxin, found in the atmosphere mostly due to human activity, such as coal burning for heating and cooking. Natural release of mercury into the atmosphere occurs by volcanic eruptions, in the form of vapor, or weathering rocks. The most toxic form of mercury to humans is methylmercury, to which humans are exposed to by ingestion of fish. Methylmercury was found to exert its toxic effects on different parts of the human body, with predominance on the brain. There is no safe concentration for mercury in the atmosphere, even trace amounts can elicit harm to humans in the long term. Mercury's effect on Alzheimer's disease hallmarks formation, extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, has been widely studied. This review demonstrates the involvement of mercury, in its different forms, in the pathway of amyloid beta deposition and tau tangles formation. It aims to understand the link between mercury exposure and Alzheimer's disease so that, in the future, prevention strategies can be applied to halt the progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Azar
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box: 74, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Yousef
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan A N El-Fawal
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box: 74, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box: 74, New Cairo, Egypt.
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8
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Naffaa V, Laprévote O, Schang AL. Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on myelin development and diseases. Neurotoxicology 2020; 83:51-68. [PMID: 33352275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the central and peripheral nervous systems, myelin is essential for efficient conduction of action potentials. During development, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells differentiate and ensure axon myelination, and disruption of these processes can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. In adults, demyelination can lead to important disabilities, and recovery capacities by remyelination often decrease with disease progression. Among environmental chemical pollutants, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of major concern for human health and are notably suspected to participate in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have combined the current knowledge on EDCs impacts on myelin including several persistent organic pollutants, bisphenol A, triclosan, heavy metals, pesticides, and nicotine. Besides, we presented several other endocrine modulators, including pharmaceuticals and the phytoestrogen genistein, some of which are candidates for treating demyelinating conditions but could also be deleterious as contaminants. The direct impacts of EDCs on myelinating cells were considered as well as their indirect consequences on myelin, particularly on immune mechanisms associated with demyelinating conditions. More studies are needed to describe the effects of these compounds and to further understand the underlying mechanisms in relation to the potential for endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Naffaa
- Université de Paris, UMR 8038 (CiTCoM), CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France.
| | - Olivier Laprévote
- Université de Paris, UMR 8038 (CiTCoM), CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France; Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Service de Biochimie, 20 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Anne-Laure Schang
- Université de Paris, UMR 1153 (CRESS), Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France.
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Bradley AE, Bolon B, Butt MT, Cramer SD, Czasch S, Garman RH, George C, Gröters S, Kaufmann W, Kovi RC, Krinke G, Little PB, Narama I, Rao DB, Sharma AK, Shibutani M, Sills R. Proliferative and Nonproliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems: New and Revised INHAND Terms. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 48:827-844. [PMID: 32912053 DOI: 10.1177/0192623320951154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Harmonization of diagnostic terminology used during the histopathologic analysis of rodent tissue sections from nonclinical toxicity studies will improve the consistency of data sets produced by laboratories located around the world. The INHAND Project (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a cooperative enterprise of 4 major societies of toxicologic pathology to develop a globally accepted standard vocabulary for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions in rodents. A prior manuscript (Toxicol Pathol 2012;40[4 Suppl]:87S-157S) defined multiple diagnostic terms for toxicant-induced lesions, common spontaneous and age-related changes, and principal confounding artifacts in the rat and mouse central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The current article defines 9 new diagnostic terms and updates 2 previous terms for findings in the rodent CNS and PNS, the need for which has become evident in the years since the publication of the initial INHAND nomenclature for findings in rodent neural tissues. The nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the Internet at the goRENI website (http://www.goreni.org/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys E Bradley
- 57146Charles River Laboratories Edinburgh Ltd., Tranent, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark T Butt
- Tox Path Specialists, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Robert H Garman
- Consultants in Veterinary Pathology, Inc., Murrysville, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ramesh C Kovi
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories (EPL), Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.,National Toxicology Program (NTP), US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Peter B Little
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories (EPL), Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Isao Narama
- 92109BioSafety Research Center, Inc. (BSRC), Iwata, Japan
| | - Deepa B Rao
- Tox Path Specialists, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | - Makoto Shibutani
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Sills
- National Toxicology Program (NTP), US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Developing novel computational prediction models for assessing chemical-induced neurotoxicity using naïve Bayes classifier technique. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 143:111513. [PMID: 32621845 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Development of reliable and efficient alternative in vivo methods for evaluation of the chemicals with potential neurotoxicity is an urgent need in the early stages of drug design. In this investigation, the computational prediction models for drug-induced neurotoxicity were developed by using the classical naïve Bayes classifier. Eight molecular properties closely relevant to neurotoxicity were selected. Then, 110 classification models were developed with using the eight important molecular descriptors and 10 types of fingerprints with 11 different maximum diameters. Among these 110 prediction models, the prediction model (NB-03) based on eight molecular descriptors combined with ECFP_10 fingerprints showed the best prediction performance, which gave 90.5% overall prediction accuracy for the training set and 82.1% concordance for the external test set. In addition, compared to naïve Bayes classifier, the recursive partitioning classifier displayed worse predictive performance for neurotoxicity. Therefore, the established NB-03 prediction model can be used as a reliable virtual screening tool to predict neurotoxicity in the early stages of drug design. Moreover, some structure alerts for characterizing neurotoxicity were identified in this research, which could give an important guidance for the chemists in structural modification and optimization to reduce the chemicals with potential neurotoxicity.
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Ismail M, Khan M, Khan SB, Akhtar K, Khan MA, Asiri AM. Catalytic reduction of picric acid, nitrophenols and organic azo dyes via green synthesized plant supported Ag nanoparticles. J Mol Liq 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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12
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Sampaio GSA, Oliveira KRHM, Kauffmann N, do Nascimento JLM, Souza GS, Gomes BD, de Lima SMA, Silveira LCL, Rocha FAF, Herculano AM. Methylmercury alters the number and topography of NO-synthase positive neurons in embryonic retina: Protective effect of alpha-tocopherol. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 53:89-98. [PMID: 30075186 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.07.018] [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: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate retina has been shown to be an important target for mercury toxicity and very studies have shown the effect of mercury on the retinal ontogenesis. The nitrergic system plays an important role in the retinal development. The current work studied the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on the NO-synthase positive neurons (NADPH-diaphorase neurons or NADPH-d+) of the chick retinal ganglion cell layer at embryonic E15 and postnatal P1 days. Retinal flat mounts were stained for NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and mosaic properties of NADPH-d + were studied by plotting isodensity maps and employing density recovery profile technique. It was also evaluated the protective effect of alpha-tocopherol treatment on retinal tissues exposed to MeHg. MeHg exposure decreased the density of NADPH-d + neurons and altered cell mosaic properties at E15 but had very little or no effect at P1 retinas. Alpha-tocopherol has a protective effect against MeHg exposure at E15. MeHg alterations and alpha-tocopherol protective effect in embryonic retinas were demonstrated to be at work in experimental conditions. MeHg effect in the early phases of visual system development in natural conditions might use the nitrergic pathway and supplementary diet could have a protective effect. At later stages, this mechanism seems to be naturally protected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela S A Sampaio
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Nayara Kauffmann
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - José Luiz M do Nascimento
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Givago S Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Bruno D Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos L Silveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Universidade Ceuma, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson M Herculano
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Garza-Lombó C, Posadas Y, Quintanar L, Gonsebatt ME, Franco R. Neurotoxicity Linked to Dysfunctional Metal Ion Homeostasis and Xenobiotic Metal Exposure: Redox Signaling and Oxidative Stress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:1669-1703. [PMID: 29402131 PMCID: PMC5962337 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Essential metals such as copper, iron, manganese, and zinc play a role as cofactors in the activity of a wide range of processes involved in cellular homeostasis and survival, as well as during organ and tissue development. Throughout our life span, humans are also exposed to xenobiotic metals from natural and anthropogenic sources, including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. It is well recognized that alterations in the homeostasis of essential metals and an increased environmental/occupational exposure to xenobiotic metals are linked to several neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration and neurodevelopmental alterations. Recent Advances: The redox activity of essential metals is key for neuronal homeostasis and brain function. Alterations in redox homeostasis and signaling are central to the pathological consequences of dysfunctional metal ion homeostasis and increased exposure to xenobiotic metals. Both redox-active and redox-inactive metals trigger oxidative stress and damage in the central nervous system, and the exact mechanisms involved are starting to become delineated. CRITICAL ISSUES In this review, we aim to appraise the role of essential metals in determining the redox balance in the brain and the mechanisms by which alterations in the homeostasis of essential metals and exposure to xenobiotic metals disturb the cellular redox balance and signaling. We focus on recent literature regarding their transport, metabolism, and mechanisms of toxicity in neural systems. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Delineating the specific mechanisms by which metals alter redox homeostasis is key to understand the pathological processes that convey chronic neuronal dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1669-1703.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Garza-Lombó
- 1 Redox Biology Center and School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska.,2 Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Yanahi Posadas
- 3 Departamentos de Farmacología y de, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV) , Mexico City, México .,4 Departamentos de Química, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV) , Mexico City, México
| | - Liliana Quintanar
- 4 Departamentos de Química, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV) , Mexico City, México
| | - María E Gonsebatt
- 2 Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Rodrigo Franco
- 1 Redox Biology Center and School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
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Ryu J, Ha EH, Kim BN, Ha M, Kim Y, Park H, Hong YC, Kim KN. Associations of prenatal and early childhood mercury exposure with autistic behaviors at 5years of age: The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:251-257. [PMID: 28667852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mercury is an established neurotoxin, only few longitudinal studies have investigated the association between prenatal and early childhood mercury exposure and autistic behaviors. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal cohort study using an ongoing prospective birth cohort initiated in 2006, wherein blood mercury levels were measured at early and late pregnancy; in cord blood; and at 2 and 3years of age. We analyzed 458 mother-child pairs. Autistic behaviors were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at 5years of age. Both continuous SRS T-scores and T-scores dichotomized by a score of ≥60 or <60 were used as outcomes. RESULTS The geometric mean of mercury concentrations in cord blood was 5.52μg/L. In adjusted models, a doubling of blood mercury levels at late pregnancy (β=1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39, 3.29), in cord blood (β=2.24, 95% CI: 0.22, 4.27), and at 2years (β=2.12, 95% CI: 0.54, 3.70) and 3years (β=2.80, 95% CI: 0.89, 4.72) of age was positively associated with the SRS T-scores. When the SRS T-scores were dichotomized, we observed positive associations with mercury levels at late pregnancy (relative risk [RR]=1.31, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.60) and in cord blood (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.63). CONCLUSION We found that blood mercury levels at late pregnancy and early childhood were associated with more autistic behaviors in children at 5years of age. Further study on the long-term effects of mercury exposure is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ryu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boong-Nyun Kim
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Nam Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Public Health and Medical Service, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Hu X, Song C, Fang M, Li C. Simvastatin inhibits the apoptosis of hippocampal cells in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1795-1802. [PMID: 29434767 PMCID: PMC5776644 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is associated with cognitive impairments that affect memory and executive functions. Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering statin drug that is used to control levels of cholesterol in the blood, particularly in cases of hypercholesterolemia, and may be used in the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Previous results have indicated that the apoptosis of hippocampal cells may serve a critical role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, it was determined whether Simvastatin inhibited the apoptosis of hippocampal cells in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effects of Simvastatin were evaluated in 24-month-old triple-transgenic Alzheimer's disease (3×Tg-AD) mice, and the efficacy of Simvastatin in attenuating memory and cognitive impairment was investigated. Levels of apoptosis-related gene expression in the hippocampus and hippocampal cells of experimental mice were also detected. In addition, neuron excitability was assessed in the functionally relevant brain regions in the hippocampus. The data indicated that Simvastatin significantly suppressed the apoptosis of hippocampal cells in 3×Tg-AD model mice compared with controls (P<0.01). Furthermore, treatment with Simvastatin improved the dementia status of 3×Tg-AD mice, as determined by a learning task in which mice exhibited significantly reduced attention impairment, impulsivity and compulsivity (P<0.01). In addition, results demonstrated that Simvastatin significantly inhibited hippocampal damage and significantly improved neuronal loss in hippocampal structures classically associated with attentional performance when compared with untreated mice (P<0.01). Thus, Simvastatin prevented cognitive impairment by decreasing hippocampal cell apoptosis and improving learning-memory ability. Simvastatin treatment also increased the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and decreased the expression pro-apoptotic genes (P<0.01), which may have been associated with improved motor attention and cognitive competence in 3×Tg-AD mice. Collectively, these preclinical data indicated that Simvastatin was efficient in attenuating memory lapse and hippocampal cell apoptosis in a 3×Tg-AD mouse model. Thus, Simvastatin may be useful in improving the clinical outcome of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Hu
- Department of Neurology, Remnin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Chengwei Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Yichang, The Gorges University College of Medicine, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Ming Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Yichang, The Gorges University College of Medicine, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Chengyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Remnin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Takahashi T, Fujimura M, Koyama M, Kanazawa M, Usuki F, Nishizawa M, Shimohata T. Methylmercury Causes Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in Rats via Upregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170623. [PMID: 28118383 PMCID: PMC5261729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical manifestations of methylmercury (MeHg) intoxication include cerebellar ataxia, concentric constriction of visual fields, and sensory and auditory disturbances. The symptoms depend on the site of MeHg damage, such as the cerebellum and occipital lobes. However, the underlying mechanism of MeHg-induced tissue vulnerability remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we used a rat model of subacute MeHg intoxication to investigate possible MeHg-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. The model was established by exposing the rats to 20-ppm MeHg for up to 4 weeks; the rats exhibited severe cerebellar pathological changes, although there were no significant differences in mercury content among the different brain regions. BBB damage in the cerebellum after MeHg exposure was confirmed based on extravasation of endogenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) and decreased expression of rat endothelial cell antigen-1. Furthermore, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic growth factor, increased markedly in the cerebellum and mildly in the occipital lobe following MeHg exposure. VEGF expression was detected mainly in astrocytes of the BBB. Intravenous administration of anti-VEGF neutralizing antibody mildly reduced the rate of hind-limb crossing signs observed in MeHg-exposed rats. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that MeHg induces BBB damage via upregulation of VEGF expression at the BBB in vivo. Further studies are required in order to determine whether treatment targeted at VEGF can ameliorate MeHg-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Misaki Koyama
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masato Kanazawa
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masatoyo Nishizawa
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Shimohata
- Department of Neurology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, Japan
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17
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Tamm C, Ceccatelli S. Mechanistic insight into neurotoxicity induced by developmental insults. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 482:408-418. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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In silico prediction of the mutagenicity of nitroaromatic compounds using a novel two-QSAR approach. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 40:102-114. [PMID: 28027902 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Certain drugs are nitroaromatic compounds, which are potentially toxic. As such, it is of practical importance to assess and predict their mutagenic potency in the process of drug discovery. A classical quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was developed using the linear partial least square (PLS) scheme to understand the underline mutagenic mechanism and a non-classical QSAR model was derived using the machine learning-based hierarchical support vector regression (HSVR) to predict the mutagenicity of nitroaromatic compounds based on a series of mutagenicity data (TA98-S9). It was observed that HSVR performed better than PLS as manifested by the predictions of the samples in the training set, test set, and outlier set as well as various statistical validations. A mock test designated to mimic real challenges also confirmed the better performance of HSVR. Furthermore, HSVR exhibited superiority in predictivity, generalization capabilities, consistent performance, and robustness when compared with various published predictive models. PLS, conversely, revealed some mechanistically interpretable relationships between descriptors and mutagenicity. Thus, this two-QSAR approach using the predictive HSVR and interpretable PLS models in a synergistic fashion can be adopted to facilitate drug discovery and development by designing safer drug candidates with nitroaromatic moiety.
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Sallon S, Dory Y, Barghouthy Y, Tamdin T, Sangmo R, Tashi J, Yangdon S, Yeshi T, Sadutshang T, Rotenberg M, Cohen E, Harlavan Y, Sharabi G, Bdolah-Abram T. Is mercury in Tibetan Medicine toxic? Clinical, neurocognitive and biochemical results of an initial cross-sectional study. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 242:316-332. [PMID: 27738246 DOI: 10.1177/1535370216672748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury an important therapeutic substance in Tibetan Medicine undergoes complex "detoxification" prior to inclusion in multi-ingredient formulas. In an initial cross-sectional study, patients taking Tibetan Medicine for various conditions were evaluated for mercury toxicity. Two groups were identified: Group 1, patients taking " Tsothel" the most important detoxified mercury preparation and Group 2, patients taking other mercury preparations or mercury free Tibetan Medicine. Atomic fluorescence spectrometry of Tibetan Medicine showed mercury consumption 130 µg/kg/day (Group 1) and 30 µg/kg/day (Group 2) ( P ≤ 0.001), levels above EPA (RfDs) suggested threshold (0.3 µg/kg /day) for oral chronic exposure. Mean duration of Tibetan Medicine treatment was 9 ± 17 months (range 3-116) (Group 1) and 5 ± 1.96 months (range 1-114) (Group 2) (NS) with cumulative days of mercury containing Tibetan Medicine, 764 days ± 1214 (range 135-7330) vs. 103 days ± 111 (range 0-426), respectively ( P ≤ 0.001). Comparison of treatment groups with healthy referents (Group 3) not taking Tibetan Medicine showed no significant differences in prevalence of 23 non-specific symptoms of mercury toxicity, abnormal neurological, cardiovascular and dental findings and no correlation with mercury exposure variables; consumption, cumulative treatment days, blood/ urine Hg. Liver and renal function tests in treatment groups were not significantly increased compared to referents, with mean urine Beta2 Microglobulin within the normal range and not significantly associated with Hg exposure variables after correcting for confounding variables. Neurocognitive testing showed no significant intergroup differences for Wechsler Memory Scale, Grooved Pegboard, Visual Retention, but Group1 scores were better for Mini-Mental, Brief Word Learning, Verbal Fluency after correcting for confounding variables. These results suggest mercury containing Tibetan Medicine does not have appreciable adverse effects and may exert a possible beneficial effect on neurocognitive function. Since evidence of mercury as a toxic heavy metal, however, is well known, further analysis of literature on mercury use in other Asian traditional systems is highly suggested prior to further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sallon
- 1 The Louis L Borick Natural Medicine Research Center, Hadassah Medical Organization, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yahav Dory
- 2 Hebrew University Hadassah, School of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yazeed Barghouthy
- 2 Hebrew University Hadassah, School of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Tsewang Tamdin
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Rigzin Sangmo
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Jamyang Tashi
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Sonam Yangdon
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | - Tenzin Yeshi
- 3 Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, HP 176215, India
| | | | - Michal Rotenberg
- 5 Institute of Toxicology, Tel Hashomer Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621 Israel
| | - Elinor Cohen
- 5 Institute of Toxicology, Tel Hashomer Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621 Israel
| | - Yehudit Harlavan
- 6 Division of Geochemistry & Environmental Geology, The Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem 9550, Israel
| | - Galit Sharabi
- 6 Division of Geochemistry & Environmental Geology, The Geological Survey of Israel, Jerusalem 9550, Israel
| | - Tali Bdolah-Abram
- 2 Hebrew University Hadassah, School of Medicine, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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20
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Abstract
Subacute and subchronic studies were conducted to assess the toxicity of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) and to provide information important for protecting the health of military and civilian personnel. In the subchronic study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with DNAN via oral gavage at 0, 1.25, 5, 20, and 80 mg/kg/d. Likely owing to its conversion to 2,4-dinitrophenol, an inhibitor of energy homeostasis, DNAN caused an apparent increase in metabolism, leading to reduced feed efficiency ratios and body mass gains in males. Anemia, splenic enlargement, hemosiderosis, and extramedullary hematopoiesis indicated blood as a target organ, with females more sensitive than males. The DNAN was a testicular toxicant, causing decreased mass of testes and epididymides, as well as degeneration and atrophy of testicular seminiferous tubules and epididymal aspermia. Stereotypical behavior in males, gait irregularities, and cerebellar lesions indicated that DNAN is neurotoxic. Splenic enlargement, anemia, testicular toxicity, and neurotoxicity occurred only at or near lethal doses in the subchronic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily May Lent
- Army Public Health Center, Toxicology Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Lee C B Crouse
- Army Public Health Center, Toxicology Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Shannon M Wallace
- Army Public Health Center, Toxicology Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
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21
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Huang SSY, Noble S, Godoy R, Ekker M, Chan HM. Delayed effects of methylmercury on the mitochondria of dopaminergic neurons and developmental toxicity in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 175:73-80. [PMID: 26994370 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a known neurotoxicant affecting the central nervous system but effects on dopaminergic (DA) neurons are not well understood. Wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) and two transgenic lines: Tg(dat:eGFP) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in DA neuron clusters and Tg(dat:tom20 MLS-mCherry) expressing red fluorescence (mCherry) targeted to mitochondria of DA neurons were used to evaluate the effects of micromolar MeHg exposure on DA neuron and whole animal motor function during early development. Three-day-old larvae were exposed to micromolar concentrations of MeHg (0.03, 0.06, and 0.3μM) in system water. Exposure to 0.3μM MeHg caused mortality and significant morphological abnormalities including edema, curvature of the spine, and hemorrhages in zebrafish larvae after a 48h exposure period. At 0.06μM MeHg, the appearance of morphological abnormalities was delayed for 72h and far less severe, whereas 0.03μM MeHg did not cause any morphological defects or mortalities. A delayed but significant reduction in locomotor ability and mCherry fluorescence in specific brain regions in the 0.06μM MeHg exposed larvae suggests that DA neuron function rather than neuron numbers was compromised. Double immunolabeling with tyrosine hydroxylase and pan neural staining showed no effect of MeHg exposure. We have established Tg(dat:tom20 MLS-mCherry) zebrafish larvae as a model which can be used to assess MeHg neurotoxicity and that exposure to low dose MeHg (0.06μM) during development may predispose DA neurons to impairment caused by changes in mitochondrial dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie S Y Huang
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Sandra Noble
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Rafael Godoy
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Marc Ekker
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
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22
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Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Protect against Trimethyltin Chloride-Induced Apoptosis via Sonic Hedgehog and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways in Mouse Neuro-2a Cells. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:9826726. [PMID: 27143997 PMCID: PMC4838808 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9826726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is a classic neurotoxicant that can cause severe neurodegenerative diseases. Some signaling pathways involving cell death play pivotal roles in the central nervous system. In this study, the role of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and PI3K/Akt pathways in TMT-induced apoptosis and protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on mouse neuro-2a (N2a) cells were investigated. Results showed that TMT treatment significantly enhanced apoptosis, upregulated proapoptotic Bax, downregulated antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression, and increased caspase-3 activity in a dose-dependent manner in N2a cells. TMT induced oxidative stress in cells, performing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) excessive generation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity reduction. TMT significantly decreased phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and inhibited Shh and PI3K/Akt pathways. However, the addition of LBP upregulated GSK-3β phosphorylation, activated Shh and PI3K/Akt pathways, and eventually reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by TMT. The interaction between Shh and PI3K/Akt pathways was clarified by specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Shh inhibitor GDC-0449. Moreover, LY294002 and GDC-0449 pretreatment both induced phosphorylated GSK-3β downregulation and significantly promoted apoptosis induced by TMT. These results suggest that LBP could reduce TMT-induced N2a cells apoptosis by regulating GSK-3β phosphorylation, Shh, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
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23
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Bradford AB, Mancini JD, Atchison WD. Methylmercury-Dependent Increases in Fluo4 Fluorescence in Neonatal Rat Cerebellar Slices Depend on Granule Cell Migrational Stage and GABAA Receptor Modulation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 356:2-12. [PMID: 26514794 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.226761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) disrupts cerebellar function, especially during development. Cerebellar granule cells (CGC), which are particularly susceptible to MeHg by unknown mechanisms, migrate during this process. Transient changes in intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+) i) are crucial to proper migration, and MeHg is well known to disrupt CGC Ca(2+) i regulation. Acutely prepared slices of neonatal rat cerebellum in conjunction with confocal microscopy and fluo4 epifluorescence were used to track changes induced by MeHg in CGC Ca(2+) i regulation in the external (EGL) and internal granule cell layers (IGL) as well as the molecular layer (ML). MeHg caused no cytotoxicity but did cause a time-dependent increase in fluo4 fluorescence that depended on the stage of CGC development. CGCs in the EGL were most susceptible to MeHg-induced increases in fluo4 fluorescence. MeHg increased fluorescence in CGC processes but only diffusely; Purkinje cells rarely fluoresced in these slices. Neither muscimol nor bicuculline alone altered baseline fluo4 fluorescence in any CGC layer, but each delayed the onset and reduced the magnitude of effect of MeHg on fluo4 fluorescence in the EGL and ML. In the IGL, both muscimol and bicuculline delayed the onset of MeHg-induced increases in fluo4 fluorescence but did not affect fluorescence magnitude. Thus, acute exposure to MeHg causes developmental stage-dependent increases in Ca(2+) i in CGCs. Effects are most prominent in CGCs during development or early stages of migration. GABAA receptors participate in an as yet unclear manner to MeHg-induced Ca(2+) i dysregulation of CGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B Bradford
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (W.D.A.), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (A.A.B.), Institute for Integrative Toxicology (A.A.B., W.D.A.), and Neuroscience Program (J.D.M.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Jayme D Mancini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (W.D.A.), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (A.A.B.), Institute for Integrative Toxicology (A.A.B., W.D.A.), and Neuroscience Program (J.D.M.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - William D Atchison
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology (W.D.A.), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (A.A.B.), Institute for Integrative Toxicology (A.A.B., W.D.A.), and Neuroscience Program (J.D.M.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Obiorah M, McCandlish E, Buckley B, DiCicco-Bloom E. Hippocampal developmental vulnerability to methylmercury extends into prepubescence. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:150. [PMID: 26029035 PMCID: PMC4429234 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing brain is sensitive to environmental toxicants such as methylmercury (MeHg), to which humans are exposed via contaminated seafood. Prenatal exposure in children is associated with learning, memory and IQ deficits, which can result from hippocampal dysfunction. To explore underlying mechanisms, we have used the postnatal day (P7) rat to model the third trimester of human gestation. We previously showed that a single low exposure (0.6 μg/gbw) that approaches human exposure reduced hippocampal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) 24 h later, producing later proliferation and memory deficits in adolescence. Yet, the vulnerable stem cell population and period of developmental vulnerability remain undefined. In this study, we find that P7 exposure of stem cells has long-term consequences for adolescent neurogenesis. It reduced the number of mitotic S-phase cells (BrdU), especially those in the highly proliferative Tbr2+ population, and immature neurons (Doublecortin) in adolescence, suggesting partial depletion of the later stem cell pool. To define developmental vulnerability to MeHg in prepubescent (P14) and adolescent (P21) rats, we examined acute 24 h effects of MeHg exposure on mitosis and apoptosis. We found that low exposure did not adversely impact neurogenesis at either age, but that a higher exposure (5 μg/gbw) at P14 reduced the total number of neural stem cells (Sox2+) by 23% and BrdU+ cells by 26% in the DG hilus, suggesting that vulnerability diminishes with age. To determine whether these effects reflect changes in MeHg transfer across the blood brain barrier (BBB), we assessed Hg content in the hippocampus after peripheral injection and found that similar levels (~800 ng/gm) were obtained at 24 h at both P14 and P21, declining in parallel, suggesting that changes in vulnerability depend more on local tissue and cellular mechanisms. Together, we show that MeHg vulnerability declines with age, and that early exposure impairs later neurogenesis in older juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann Obiorah
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth McCandlish
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Obiorah M, McCandlish E, Buckley B, DiCicco-Bloom E. Hippocampal developmental vulnerability to methylmercury extends into prepubescence. Front Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26029035 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00150/abstract] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing brain is sensitive to environmental toxicants such as methylmercury (MeHg), to which humans are exposed via contaminated seafood. Prenatal exposure in children is associated with learning, memory and IQ deficits, which can result from hippocampal dysfunction. To explore underlying mechanisms, we have used the postnatal day (P7) rat to model the third trimester of human gestation. We previously showed that a single low exposure (0.6 μg/gbw) that approaches human exposure reduced hippocampal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) 24 h later, producing later proliferation and memory deficits in adolescence. Yet, the vulnerable stem cell population and period of developmental vulnerability remain undefined. In this study, we find that P7 exposure of stem cells has long-term consequences for adolescent neurogenesis. It reduced the number of mitotic S-phase cells (BrdU), especially those in the highly proliferative Tbr2+ population, and immature neurons (Doublecortin) in adolescence, suggesting partial depletion of the later stem cell pool. To define developmental vulnerability to MeHg in prepubescent (P14) and adolescent (P21) rats, we examined acute 24 h effects of MeHg exposure on mitosis and apoptosis. We found that low exposure did not adversely impact neurogenesis at either age, but that a higher exposure (5 μg/gbw) at P14 reduced the total number of neural stem cells (Sox2+) by 23% and BrdU+ cells by 26% in the DG hilus, suggesting that vulnerability diminishes with age. To determine whether these effects reflect changes in MeHg transfer across the blood brain barrier (BBB), we assessed Hg content in the hippocampus after peripheral injection and found that similar levels (~800 ng/gm) were obtained at 24 h at both P14 and P21, declining in parallel, suggesting that changes in vulnerability depend more on local tissue and cellular mechanisms. Together, we show that MeHg vulnerability declines with age, and that early exposure impairs later neurogenesis in older juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann Obiorah
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth McCandlish
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Yu J, Ding D, Sun H, Salvi R, Roth JA. Neurotoxicity of trimethyltin in rat cochlear organotypic cultures. Neurotox Res 2015; 28:43-54. [PMID: 25957118 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trimethyltin (TMT), which has a variety of applications in industry and agricultural, is a neurotoxin that is known to affect the auditory system as well as central nervous system of humans and experimental animals. However, the mechanisms underlying TMT-induced auditory dysfunction are poorly understood. To gain insights into the neurotoxic effect of TMT on the peripheral auditory system, we treated cochlear organotypic cultures with concentrations of TMT ranging from 5 to 100 μM for 24 h. Interestingly, TMT preferentially damaged auditory nerve fibers and spiral ganglion neurons in a dose-dependent manner, but had no noticeable effects on the sensory hair cells at the doses employed. TMT-induced damage to auditory neurons was associated with significant soma shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and activation of caspase-3, biomarkers indicative of apoptotic cell death. Our findings show that TMT is exclusively neurotoxicity in rat cochlear organotypic culture and that TMT-induced auditory neuron death occurs through a caspase-mediated apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
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Dixon AR, Philbert MA. Morphometric assessment of toxicant induced neuronal degeneration in full and restricted contact co-cultures of embryonic cortical rat neurons and astrocytes: using m-Dinitrobezene as a model neurotoxicant. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:564-74. [PMID: 25553915 PMCID: PMC4418429 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
With m-Dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) as a selected model neurotoxicant, we demonstrate how to assess neurotoxicity, using morphology based measurement of neurite degeneration, in a conventional "full-contact" and a modern "restricted-contact" co-culture of rat cortical neurons and astrocytes. In the "full-contact" co-culture, neurons and astrocytes in complete physical contact are "globally" exposed to m-DNB. A newly emergent "restricted-contact" co-culture is attained with a microfluidic device that polarizes neuron somas and neurites into separate compartments, and the neurite compartment is "selectively" exposed to m-DNB. Morphometric analysis of the neuronal area revealed that m-DNB exposure produced no significant change in mean neuronal cell area in "full-contact" co-cultures, whereas a significant decrease was observed for neuron monocultures. Neurite elaboration into a neurite exclusive compartment in a compartmentalized microfluidic device, for both monocultures (no astrocytes) and "restricted" co-cultures (astrocytes touching neurites), decreased with exposure to increasing concentrations of m-DNB, but the average neurite area was higher in co-cultures. By using co-culture systems that more closely approach biological and architectural complexities, and the directionality of exposure found in the brain, this study provides a methodological foundation for unraveling the role of physical contact between astrocytes and neurons in mitigating the toxic effects of chemicals such as m-DNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Dixon
- Toxicology Program, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Martin A Philbert
- Toxicology Program, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Yau VM, Green PG, Alaimo CP, Yoshida CK, Lutsky M, Windham GC, Delorenze G, Kharrazi M, Grether JK, Croen LA. Prenatal and neonatal peripheral blood mercury levels and autism spectrum disorders. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:294-303. [PMID: 24981828 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal and early-life exposures to mercury have been hypothesized to be associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). OBJECTIVES This study investigated the association between ASDs and levels of total mercury measured in maternal serum from mid-pregnancy and infant blood shortly after birth. METHODS The study sample was drawn from the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) Study. Three groups of children who were born in Orange County, CA in 2000-2001 were identified: children with ASD (n=84), children with intellectual disability or developmental delay (DD) (n=49), and general population controls (GP) (n=159). Maternal serum specimens and newborn bloodspots were retrieved from the California Department of Public Health prenatal and newborn screening specimen archives. Blood mercury levels were measured in maternal serum samples using mass spectrometer and in infant bloodspots with a 213 nm laser. RESULTS Maternal serum and infant blood mercury levels were significantly correlated among all study groups (all correlations >0.38, p<0.01). Adjusted logistic regression models showed no significant associations between ASD and log transformed mercury levels in maternal serum samples (ASD vs. GP: OR [95% CI]=0.96 [0.49-1.90]; ASD vs. DD: OR [95% CI]=2.56 [0.89-7.39]). Results for mercury levels in newborn blood samples were similar (ASD vs. GP: OR [95% CI]=1.18 [0.71-1.95]; ASD vs. DD: OR [95% CI]=1.96 [0.75-5.14]). CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that levels of total mercury in serum collected from mothers during mid-pregnancy and from newborn bloodspots were not significantly associated with risk of ASD, though additional studies with greater sample size and covariate measurement are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Yau
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Peter G Green
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher P Alaimo
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Marta Lutsky
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Martin Kharrazi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Judith K Grether
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA.
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Trimethyltin can induce cell death in the entorhinal cortex of rat brain: a histological architecture and neuronal density evaluation of the neuroprotective role of lithium chloride. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-014-1953-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bisen-Hersh EB, Farina M, Barbosa F, Rocha JBT, Aschner M. Behavioral effects of developmental methylmercury drinking water exposure in rodents. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2014; 28:117-124. [PMID: 24210169 PMCID: PMC3979511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Early methylmercury (MeHg) exposure can have long-lasting consequences likely arising from impaired developmental processes, the outcome of which has been exposed in several longitudinal studies of affected populations. Given the large number of newborns at an increased risk of learning disabilities associated with in utero MeHg exposure, it is important to study neurobehavioral alterations using ecologically valid and physiologically relevant models. This review highlights the benefits of using the MeHg drinking water exposure paradigm and outlines behavioral outcomes arising from this procedure in rodents. Combination treatments that exacerbate or ameliorate MeHg-induced effects, and possible molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral impairment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Bisen-Hersh
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, and The Center for Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Abstract
The obesogen hypothesis postulates the role of environmental chemical pollutants that disrupt homeostatic controls and adaptive mechanisms to promote adipose-dependent weight gain leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome complications. One of the most direct molecular mechanisms for coupling environmental chemical exposures to perturbed physiology invokes pollutants mimicking endogenous endocrine hormones or bioactive dietary signaling metabolites that serve as nuclear receptor ligands. The organotin pollutant tributyltin can exert toxicity through multiple mechanisms but most recently has been shown to bind, activate, and mediate RXR-PPARγ transcriptional regulation central to lipid metabolism and adipocyte biology. Data in support of long-term obesogenic effects on whole body adipose tissue are also reported. Organotins represent an important model test system for evaluating the impact and epidemiological significance of chemical insults as contributing factors for obesity and human metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Grün
- The Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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Protective effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 against hippocampal apoptosis and spatial learning and memory deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:215798. [PMID: 24455679 PMCID: PMC3886604 DOI: 10.1155/2013/215798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease resulting from chronic hypoxia. In the present study, we examined the protective effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 against hippocampal apoptosis and spatial learning and memory deficits in a chronic hypoperfusion rat model of VaD established by permanent bilateral carotid occlusion (2-VO). Sixty rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, VaD model, and VaD plus SB202190 groups (n = 20/group). After sham/2-VO surgery, rats were administered 0.1% DMSO (sham-operated and VaD groups) or SB202190 by intracerebroventricular injection. One week after inhibitor/vehicle treatment, hippocampal p38 MAPK phosphorylation was higher in the model group than in the SB202190 group (P < 0.01). Compared to the model group, the SB202190 group exhibited significantly shorter escape latencies in the Morris water maze hidden platform trials (P < 0.01) and longer times in the original platform quadrant during probe trials (P < 0.01). The SB202190 group also showed significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus compared to VaD model rats (P < 0.01) as well as higher (antiapoptotic) Bcl-2 expression and lower (proapoptotic) caspase-3 expression (P < 0.01 for both). In conclusion, blockade of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway by SB202190 following permanent 2-OV reduced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons and rescued spatial learning and memory deficits.
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Liu E, Du X, Ge R, Liang T, Niu Q, Li Q. Comparative toxicity and apoptosis induced by diorganotins in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 60:302-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.07.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Møller AK, Barkay T, Hansen MA, Norman A, Hansen LH, Sørensen SJ, Boyd ES, Kroer N. Mercuric reductase genes (merA) and mercury resistance plasmids in High Arctic snow, freshwater and sea-ice brine. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 87:52-63. [DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Annette K. Møller
- Department of Environmental Science; Aarhus University; Roskilde Denmark
| | - Tamar Barkay
- Department of Environmental Science; Aarhus University; Roskilde Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology; Rutgers; The State University of New Jersey; New Brunswick NJ USA
| | - Martin A. Hansen
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Anders Norman
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Lars H. Hansen
- Department of Biology; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | | | - Eric S. Boyd
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Montana State University; Bozeman MT USA
| | - Niels Kroer
- Department of Environmental Science; Aarhus University; Roskilde Denmark
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Steiner SR, Milton E, Philbert MA. A comparative study of protein carbonylation and mitochondrial dysfunction using the neurotoxicants 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 3-nitropropionic acid, and 3-chloropropanediol. Neurotoxicology 2013; 37:74-84. [PMID: 23623743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This comparative evaluation of neurotoxicants previously identified as models of chemical-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and energy deprivation demonstrated that subtoxic concentrations of 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB), 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), and 3-chloropropanediol (3-CPD) each led to concentration-dependent loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) associated with similar patterns of protein carbonylation. Subtoxic concentrations of each neurotoxicant were determined by measuring DI TNC1 cell viability using the MTS cell proliferation assay. Although exposure 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of each toxicant did not result in loss of cell viability after 48 h, exposure to each toxicant at these concentrations led to concentration-dependent loss of tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) fluorescence over the same exposure period. Preincubation with the antioxidant, deferoxamine, was effective in preventing loss of TMRM flurorescence. Through the combined use of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) and Oxyblot analysis, this study demonstrated that exposure to each toxicant resulted in the formation of distinctly similar patterns of protein carbonylation comprised of specific proteins identified with tandem MS/MS. Our results provide insight as to how exposure to different neurotoxicants that enhance oxidative stress may, in fact, lead to mitochondrial injury and subsequent toxicity through selective, yet shared, pathways of protein modification by oxidative carbonylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Steiner
- Toxicology Program, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
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36
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Wang HS, Xu WF, Chen ZJ, Cheng Z, Ge LC, Man YB, Giesy JP, Du J, Wong CKC, Wong MH. In vitro estimation of exposure of Hong Kong residents to mercury and methylmercury via consumption of market fishes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 248-249:387-393. [PMID: 23416482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2012.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In order to evaluate effects of exposure to mercury (tHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) of Hong Kong residents via consumption of fish, total and bioaccessible concentrations of tHg and MeHg were measured in 10 freshwater and 10 marine fishes collected from markets in Hong Kong. Concentrations of tHg and MeHg in fishes ranged from 27.2 to 311ngg(-1) (median 88.9ngg(-1)) and ND to 116ngg(-1) (median 45.0ngg(-1)), respectively. Concentrations of MeHg in marine fishes (64.4±28.5ngg(-1)) were significantly greater than those in freshwater fishes (40.3±26.0ngg(-1)). Bioaccessibility tHg and MeHg was predicted for edible flesh of twenty fishes by use of an in vitro gastrointestinal assay. Bioaccessibilities of tHg and MeHg ranged from 21.4 to 51.7% (mean 37.4%) and 19.5 to 59.2% (mean 43.7%), respectively. Based on total concentrations, diets of 36% of adults and 51% of children exceeded the reference dose (RfD, 100ngkg(-1)bodymass(bm)d(-1)) for MeHg, but when bioaccessibility was considered, consumption of local market fish would not result in an EDIbio exceeded the RfD of MeHg for Hong Kong adults. These contradictory results suggested that risk assessments based on total concentrations would overestimate exposure because not all of contaminants consumed are bioaccessible. Furthermore, 9% of children had EDIbio for MeHg that exceeded the RfD, which suggests that more attention should be paid to consumption of local fish on health and development of children in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Pagliarani A, Nesci S, Ventrella V. Toxicity of organotin compounds: Shared and unshared biochemical targets and mechanisms in animal cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2013; 27:978-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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38
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Bloom MS, Fujimoto VY, Steuerwald AJ, Cheng G, Browne RW, Parsons PJ. Background exposure to toxic metals in women adversely influences pregnancy during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Reprod Toxicol 2012; 34:471-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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39
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Syversen T, Kaur P. The toxicology of mercury and its compounds. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2012; 26:215-26. [PMID: 22658719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A concentrated review on the toxicology of inorganic mercury together with an extensive review on the neurotoxicology of methylmercury is presented. The challenges of using inorganic mercury in dental amalgam are reviewed both regarding the occupational exposure and the possible health problems for the dental patients. The two remaining "mysteries" of methylmercury neurotoxicology are also being reviewed; the cellular selectivity and the delayed onset of symptoms. The relevant literature on these aspects has been discussed and some suggestions towards explaining these observations have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Syversen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Neuroscience, Trondheim, Norway.
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40
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Kaufmann W, Bolon B, Bradley A, Butt M, Czasch S, Garman RH, George C, Gröters S, Krinke G, Little P, McKay J, Narama I, Rao D, Shibutani M, Sills R. Proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the rat and mouse central and peripheral nervous systems. Toxicol Pathol 2012; 40:87S-157S. [PMID: 22637737 DOI: 10.1177/0192623312439125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Harmonization of diagnostic nomenclature used in the pathology analysis of tissues from rodent toxicity studies will enhance the comparability and consistency of data sets from different laboratories worldwide. The INHAND Project (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a joint initiative of four major societies of toxicologic pathology to develop a globally recognized nomenclature for proliferative and nonproliferative lesions in rodents. This article recommends standardized terms for classifying changes observed in tissues of the mouse and rat central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems. Sources of material include academic, government, and industrial histopathology databases from around the world. Covered lesions include frequent, spontaneous, and aging-related changes as well as principal toxicant-induced findings. Common artifacts that might be confused with genuine lesions are also illustrated. The neural nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the Internet at the goRENI website (http://www.goreni.org/).
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Fretham SJ, Caito S, Martinez-Finley EJ, Aschner M. Mechanisms and Modifiers of Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2012; 1:32-38. [PMID: 27795823 DOI: 10.1039/c2tx20010d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxic consequences of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have long been known, however a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying this toxicity is elusive. Recent epidemiological and experimental studies have provided many mechanistic insights, particularly into the contribution of genetic and environmental factors that interact with MeHg to modify toxicity. This review will outline cellular processes directly and indirectly affected by MeHg, including oxidative stress, cellular signaling and gene expression, and discuss genetic, environmental and nutritional factors capable of modifying MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jb Fretham
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel Caito
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ebany J Martinez-Finley
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pharmacology, and the Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Lee H, Lim S, Yun S, Yoon A, Park G, Yang H. Tributyltin increases the expression of apoptosis- and adipogenesis-related genes in rat ovaries. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2012; 39:15-21. [PMID: 22563546 PMCID: PMC3341447 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2012.39.1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, has been reported to decrease ovarian function by causing apoptosis in the ovary, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, we examined whether TBT increases the expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary and the increased expression of these genes is associated with apoptosis induction. Methods Three-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered TBT (1 or 10 mg/kg body weight) or sesame oil as a control for 7 days. The ovaries were obtained and weighed on day 8, and then they were fixed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or frozen for RNA extraction. Using the total RNA of the ovaries, adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The ovarian weight was significantly decreased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT compared to that in control rats. As determined by the TUNEL assay, the number of apoptotic follicles in ovary was significantly increased in rats administered 10 mg/kg TBT. The real-time PCR results showed that the expression of adipogenesis-related genes such as PPARγ, aP2, CD36, and PEPCK was increased after TBT administration. In addition, apoptosis-related genes such as TNFα and TNFR1 were expressed more in the TBT-administered rats compared with the control rats. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that TBT induces the expression of adipogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the ovary leading to apoptosis in the ovarian follicles. These results suggest that the increased expression of adipogenesis-related genes in the ovary by TBT exposure might induce apoptosis resulting in a loss of ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Lee
- Department of Bioenvironmental Technology, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul Women's University, Seoul, Korea
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Lent EM, Crouse LCB, Quinn MJ, Wallace SM. Comparison of the Repeated Dose Toxicity of Isomers of Dinitrotoluene. Int J Toxicol 2012; 31:143-57. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581811434645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dinitrotoluene (DNT) is a nitroaromatic explosive used in propellant mixtures and in the production of plastics. Isomers of DNT were administered daily via oral gavage to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days to determine the subacute toxicity of individual isomers of DNT. The 3,5-DNT isomer was the most toxic isomer, inducing weight loss and mortality within 3 days. Cyanosis and anemia were observed for all isomers. Exposure to 2,4-, 2,6-, and 3,5-DNT resulted in decreased testes mass and degenerative histopathological changes. Increased splenic mass was observed for 2,4-, 2,6-, and 2,5-DNT. Extramedullary hematopoiesis of the spleen was noted for all isomers, while lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen was noted for all isomers except 2,5-DNT. Increased liver mass was observed for 2,3-DNT and 3,4-DNT. Hepatocellular lesions were observed for 2,6-DNT and 2,4-DNT. Neurotoxic effects were noted for 3,4-DNT, 2,4-DNT, and 3,5-DNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily May Lent
- US Army Public Health Command, Toxicology Portfolio, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Lee C. B. Crouse
- US Army Public Health Command, Toxicology Portfolio, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Michael J. Quinn
- US Army Public Health Command, Toxicology Portfolio, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Shannon M. Wallace
- US Army Public Health Command, Toxicology Portfolio, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
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Role of autophagy inhibitors and inducers in modulating the toxicity of trimethyltin in neuronal cell cultures. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:1295-305. [PMID: 22415064 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-012-0785-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trimethyltin (TMT) is a triorganotin compound which determines neurodegeneration of specific brain areas particularly damaging the limbic system. Earlier ultrastructural studies indicated the formation of autophagic vacuoles in neurons after TMT intoxication. However, no evaluation has been attempted to determine the role of the autophagic pathway in TMT neurotoxicity. To assess the contribution of autophagy to TMT-induced neuronal cell death, we checked the vulnerability of neuronal cultures to TMT after activation or inhibition of autophagy. Our results show that autophagy inhibitors (3-methyladenine and L-asparagine) greatly enhanced TMT neurotoxicity. Conversely, known activators of autophagy, such as lithium and rapamycin, displayed neuroprotection against this toxic compound. Due to its diverse targets, the action of lithium was complex. When lithium was administered according to a chronic treatment protocol (6 days pretreatment) it was able to rescue both hippocampal and cortical neurons from TMT (or from glutamate toxicity used as reference). This effect was accompanied by an increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 which is a known target for lithium neuroprotection. If the pre-incubation time was reduced to 2 h (acute treatment protocol), lithium was still able to counteract TMT toxicity in hippocampal but not in cortical neurons. The neuroprotective effect of lithium acutely administered against TMT in hippocampal neurons can be completely reverted by an excess of inositol and is possibly related to the inactivation of inositol monophosphatase, a key regulator of autophagy. These data indicate that TMT neurotoxicity can be dramatically modified, at least in vitro, by lithium addition which seems to act through different mechanisms if acutely or chronically administered.
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Kizil C, Kaslin J, Kroehne V, Brand M. Adult neurogenesis and brain regeneration in zebrafish. Dev Neurobiol 2012; 72:429-61. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) neurobehavioral toxicity in embryonic zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2011; 33:721-6. [PMID: 21964161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is a neurotoxicant that is widely present in the aquatic environment, primarily from the manufacture of PVC plastic, but few studies have evaluated aquatic neurotoxicity. We have examined TMT dose-dependent malformation and neurobehavioral toxicity in the embryonic zebrafish model. Exposure of embryos to TMT (0-10 μM) from 48 to 72 hours post fertilization (hpf) elicited a concentration-related increase (0-100%) in malformation incidence with an EC(25) of 5.55 μM. TMT also significantly modulated the frequency of tail flexion, the earliest motor behavior observed in developing zebrafish, and the ability to respond to a mechanical tail touch. Exposure to 5 μM TMT from 48 to 72 hpf modulated the photomotor response at 4 and 5 days post fertilization and significantly promoted apoptosis in the tail. Our study demonstrates the morphological and behavioral sensitivity of the developing zebrafish to TMT and establishes a platform for future identification of the affected pathways and chemical modulators of TMT toxicity.
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Defranchi E, Novellino A, Whelan M, Vogel S, Ramirez T, van Ravenzwaay B, Landsiedel R. Feasibility Assessment of Micro-Electrode Chip Assay as a Method of Detecting Neurotoxicity in vitro. FRONTIERS IN NEUROENGINEERING 2011; 4:6. [PMID: 21577249 PMCID: PMC3088865 DOI: 10.3389/fneng.2011.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Detection and characterization of chemically induced toxic effects in the nervous system represent a challenge for the hazard assessment of chemicals. In vivo, neurotoxicological assessments exploit the fact that the activity of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system has functional consequences. And so far, no in vitro method for evaluating the neurotoxic hazard has yet been validated and accepted for regulatory purpose. The micro-electrode array (MEA) assay consists of a culture chamber into which an integrated array of micro-electrodes is capable of measuring extracellular electrophysiology (spikes and bursts) from electro-active tissues. A wide variety of electrically excitable biological tissues may be placed onto the chips including primary cultures of nervous system tissue. Recordings from this type of in vitro cultured system are non-invasive, give label free evaluations and provide a higher throughput than conventional electrophysiological techniques. In this paper, 20 substances were tested in a blinded study for their toxicity and dose-response curves were obtained from fetal rat cortical neuronal networks coupled to MEAs. The experimental procedure consisted of evaluating the firing activity (spiking rate) and modification/reduction in response to chemical administration. Native/reference activity, 30 min of activity recording per dilution, plus the recovery points (after 24 h) were recorded. The preliminary data, using a set of chemicals with different mode-of-actions (13 known to be neurotoxic, 2 non-neuroactive and not toxic, and 5 non-neuroactive but toxic) show good predictivity (sensitivity: 0.77; specificity: 0.86; accuracy: 0.85). Thus, the MEA with a neuronal network has the potency to become an effective tool to evaluate the neurotoxicity of substances in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maurice Whelan
- Systems Toxicology Unit, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Joint Research CentreIspra, Varese, Italy
| | - Sandra Vogel
- Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik Societas EuropaeaLudwigshafen, Germany
| | - Tzutzuy Ramirez
- Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik Societas EuropaeaLudwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Robert Landsiedel
- Badische Anilin- und Soda-Fabrik Societas EuropaeaLudwigshafen, Germany
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Proteomic identification of carbonylated proteins in 1,3-dinitrobenzene neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2011; 32:362-73. [PMID: 21402099 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrated that 1,3-dinitrobenzene-induced (1,3-DNB) oxidative stress led to the oxidative carbonlyation of specific protein targets in DI TNC1 cells. 1,3-DNB-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as indicated by loss of tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) fluorescence, was initially observed at 5h and coincided with peak reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS production was inhibited in cells pre-treated with the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) inhibitor, bonkrekic acid (BkA). Pre-incubation with the antioxidant deferoxamine inhibited loss of TMRM fluorescence until 24h after initial exposure to 1,3-DNB. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE) and subsequent Oxyblot analysis were used to determine if 1,3-DNB exposure led to the formation of protein carbonyls. Exposing DI TNC1 cells to 1,3-DNB led to marked protein carbonylation 45 min following initial exposure. Pre-treatment with deferoxamine or Trolox reduced the intensity of protein carbonylation in DI TNC1 cells exposed to 1mM 1,3-DNB. Tandem MS/MS performed on protein samples isolated from 1,3-DNB-treated cells revealed that specific proteins within the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and cytosol are targets of protein carbonylation. The results presented in this study are the first to suggest that the molecular mechanism of 1,3-DNB neurotoxicity may occur through selective carbonylation of protein targets found within specific intracellular compartments of susceptible cells.
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Hassan SA, Moussa EA, Abbott LC. The effect of methylmercury exposure on early central nervous system development in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo. J Appl Toxicol 2011; 32:707-13. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.1675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. A. Hassan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Suez Canal University; Egypt
| | - E. A. Moussa
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Suez Canal University; Egypt
| | - L. C. Abbott
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station; TX; 77843-4458; USA
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Developing central nervous system and vulnerability to platinum compounds. CHEMOTHERAPY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2011; 2011:315418. [PMID: 22312552 PMCID: PMC3265252 DOI: 10.1155/2011/315418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Comparative studies on the effects of the platinum complexes in use or in clinical trials are carried out in order to discover differences in the neurotoxic potential and the reversibility of neurotoxicity. In this paper, we summarized the current literature on neurotoxicity and chemoresistance of cisplatin (cisPt) and discussed our recent efforts on the interference of cisPt and a new platinum compound [Pt(O,O′-acac)(γ-acac)(DMS)] (PtAcacDMS), with high specific reactivity with sulphur ligands instead of nucleobases as cisPt, on some crucial events of rat postnatal cerebellum development. The acute effects of drug treatments on cell proliferation and death in the external granular layer and granule cell migration and the late effects on the dendrite growth of Purkinje cells were evaluated. Together with the demonstrated antineoplastic effectiveness in vitro, compared with cisPt, data suggest a lower neurotoxicity of PtAcacDMS, in spite of its presence in the brain that involves considerations on the blood brain barrier permeability.
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