Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Is the General Reason for Apoptosis Induced by Different-Valence Heavy Metals in Cells and Mitochondria

This review analyzes the causes and consequences of apoptosis resulting from oxidative stress that occurs in mitochondria and cells exposed to the toxic effects of different-valence heavy metals (Ag+, Tl+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Al3+, Ga3+, In3+, As3+, Sb3+, Cr6+, and U6+). The problems of the relationship between the integration of these toxic metals into molecular mechanisms with the subsequent development of pathophysiological processes and the appearance of diseases caused by the accumulation of these metals in the body are also addressed in this review. Such apoptosis is characterized by a reduction in cell viability, the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Bcl-2), and the activation of protein kinases (ERK, JNK, p53, and p38) by mitogens. Moreover, the oxidative stress manifests as the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitochondrial swelling, an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H2O2, lipid peroxidation, cytochrome c release, a decline in the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmito), a decrease in ATP synthesis, and reduced glutathione and oxygen consumption as well as cytoplasm and matrix calcium overload due to Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The apoptosis and respiratory dysfunction induced by these metals are discussed regarding their interaction with cellular and mitochondrial thiol groups and Fe2+ metabolism disturbance. Similarities and differences in the toxic effects of Tl+ from those of other heavy metals under review are discussed. Similarities may be due to the increase in the cytoplasmic calcium concentration induced by Tl+ and these metals. One difference discussed is the failure to decrease Tl+ toxicity through metallothionein-dependent mechanisms. Another difference could be the decrease in reduced glutathione in the matrix due to the reversible oxidation of Tl+ to Tl3+ near the centers of ROS generation in the respiratory chain. The latter may explain why thallium toxicity to humans turned out to be higher than the toxicity of mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc.

Arsenic induced alteration in Mrp-1 like activity leads to zebrafish hepatocyte apoptosis: The cellular GSH connection

Multidrug-resistance protein-1 facilitates the efflux of arsenic conjugated with reduced glutathione nonetheless; the relation between Mrp-1 ATPase activity and cellular GSH levels is contentious. To study this, Mrp-1-ATPase activity was measured in 5 μM arsenic trioxide exposed zebrafish hepatocytes (ZFH) and correlated with intracellular GSH levels. Alongside, mrp-1 gene expression as well as Mrp-1 protein level was also monitored. Diverse mode of Mrp-1 inhibition was reflected from differential level of Km and Vmax of Mrp-1 at different time points. 3 h post-arsenic treatment demonstrated non-competitive inhibition. At 6 h, there was significant increase in Km and ZFH death, suggesting reduced binding affinity of Mrp-1 for ATP. Increased caspase-9-cytochromeC-ATP levels (putative apoptosome), reinforced ZFH apoptosis. The increase in Vmax coupled with reduced substrate affinity of Mrp-1 suggests malfunctioning in arsenic- tolerance mechanisms. We posit the triggering glutathione level regulate arsenic tolerance in ZFH. Irreversible impairment of ATP binding to Mrp-1 culminates in arsenic-induced ZFH apoptosis.

Identification of novel signature genes attesting arsenic-induced immune alterations in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Arsenic poisoning is a serious global issue. Apart from causing developmental and systemic toxicity, arsenic has recently been reported for its ability to hinder immune responses. The present study is designed to identify the global expression profile associated with arsenic-induced immune alterations at the organismic level. Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 20, 40 and 80ppb of arsenic trioxide for 30days, sacrificed and global gene expression profile studied. Microarray data suggested 65 immune related genes were commonly affected in the three treatment regimens. The expression profile of key immune related genes (tlr1, nitr1f, nitr1c, crfb8, socs7, socs3b, abcb3/1, mch1uja, ifnγ1-2, cxcl12b and crlf1a) was validated by qPCR. Pathway analysis suggested the major involvement of JAK-STAT circuit in the process. The expression of these marker genes was also studied in arsenic exposed and bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila) challenged zebrafish. Increase in bacterial colony forming units (CFU) coupled with gross histopathology of kidney in arsenic exposed-bacteria challenged fish suggested profound immuno-compromised condition. We propose that chronic arsenic exposure leads to hyperactivation of the immune system as a consequence when exposed to further stress (microbial) it induces immuno-suppression with pathological implications. The study provides a molecular snap shot for predicting arsenic immuno-toxicity.

Arsenic-induced instrumental genes of apoptotic signal amplification in death-survival interplay

Arsenic is a global health concern at present and it is well reported for causing systemic toxicity. It is also well known for generation of free radical and inducing apoptosis in different cell types. Paradoxically arsenic is reported to be a susceptible carcinogen as well. There are several reports demonstrating diverse mechanism of apoptosis in different cell types. However, the universal scenario of instrumental genes and their interaction leading to amplification of apoptotic signal are yet to be completely uncovered, which is predicted here. Conventional studies on signaling pathway aided by time and concentration kinetics data are inadequate for prediction of anchored genes for apoptotic signal amplification. Therefore, expression profile-based approach is adopted. Core apoptosis related and glutathione metabolism genes in 1 and 10 μM of arsenic-treated HepG2 cells were analyzed after 12 h of incubation. An arsenic treatment of 1 μM exhibits no cell death at 12 h, whereas 10 μM arsenic treatment reveals around 50% cell death at 12 h. Results depict 28 and 44 affected genes in 1 and 10 μM arsenic-treated cells, respectively. Early initiation of apoptotic signaling is detected in no cell death regimens (at 1 μM), whereas amplified apoptotic signal is demonstrated at 50% cell death regimens (at 10 μM). Instrumental genes involved in progression of apoptosis in the concourse of cell death and survival is designated from the responsive genes common to both the condition. We predict the initiation process is fairly aided by the activation of intrinsic pathway, which is amplified via TNF signaling and extrinsic pathway. Furthermore, regulatory genes involved in interplay between apoptosis/anti-apoptosis and their interactions are demonstrated here.

Arsenic trioxide negatively affects Echinococcus granulosus

Spillage of cyst contents during surgery is the major cause of recurrences of hydatidosis, also called cystic echinococcosis (CE). Currently, many scolicidal agents are used for inactivation of the cyst contents. However, due to complications in the use of those agents, new and more-effective treatment options are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro efficacy of arsenic trioxide (ATO) against Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices. Protoscolices of E. granulosus were incubated in vitro with 2, 4, 6, and 8 μmol/liter ATO; viability of protoscolices was assessed daily by microscopic observation of movements and 0.1% eosin staining. A small sample from each culture was processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. ATO demonstrated a potent ability to kill protoscolices, suggesting that ATO may represent a new strategy in treating hydatid cyst echinococcosis. However, the in vivo efficacy and possible side effects of ATO need to be explored.

Low concentration of mercury induces autophagic cell death in rat hepatocytes

In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the induction of autophagy in rat hepatocytes by a low concentration of mercury. Hepatocytes treated with different doses of mercuric chloride (HgCl2; 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 µM) and at different time intervals (0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h) show autophagic cell death only at 5 µM HgCl2 within 30 min of incubation. At 1 and 2.5 µM HgCl2, no cell death is recorded, while apoptosis is found at 10 µM HgCl2, as evidenced by the activation of caspase 3. Autophagic cell death is confirmed by the presence of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) positive hepatocytes which is found to be highest at 1 h. Atg5-Atg12 covalent-conjugation triggers the autophagic pathway within 30 min of 5 µM HgCl2 treatment and continues till 4 h of incubation. In addition, damage-regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM) expression gradually increases from 30 min to 4 h of treatment with mercury and a corresponding linear decrease in p53 has been observed. It is concluded that a low concentration (5 µM HgCl2) of mercury induces autophagy or nonapoptotic programmed cell death following an Atg5-Atg12 covalent-conjugation pathway, which is modulated by DRAM in a p53-dependent manner.

Effects of repeated seafood consumption on urinary excretion of arsenic species by volunteers

Arsenic (As) is a known human carcinogen and widely distributed in the environment. The main route of As exposure in the general population is through food and drinking water. Seafood harvested in Korea contains high-level organoarsenics such as arsenobetaine, arsenocholine, and arsenosugars, which are much less harmful than inorganic arsenics. However, for those who eat large amounts of seafood it is important to understand whether seafood consumption affects urinary levels of inorganic As metabolites such as arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). In this study we investigated urinary As metabolites (inorganic As, MMA[V], DMA[V]) and some biological indexes such as AST, GSH, GPX, lipid peroxidation, and uric acid in volunteer study subjects (seven males and nine females). Total urinary As metabolites were analyzed by the hydride generation method, followed by arsenic speciation using HPLC with ICP-mass spectrometry. Study subjects refrained from eating seafood for 3 days prior to the first urine collection and then ingested seafood daily for 6 consecutive days. The first voided urine of the morning was collected from each subject the first day of the consecutive 6 days of seafood ingestion but prior to the first seafood meal. The first voided urine of the morning was also collected on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 14 after seafood ingestion. The daily mean intake of total As was 6.98 mg, comprised of 4.71 mg of seaweed (67%), 1.74 mg of flat fish (25%), and 0.53 mg of conch (8%). We observed a substantial increase in total urinary As metabolites for subjects consuming seafood from day 1, which recovered to control level at day 10. The increase in total urinary As metabolites was attributed to the increase in DMA, which is a more harmful metabolite than organoarsenics. However, no significant changes in response biological indexes were observed. These results suggest that it is necessary to evaluate As metabolism when assessing the exposure to inorganic As and potential chronic health effects of seafood consumption in Korea.