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Sun Y, Kinsela AS, Cen X, Sun S, Collins RN, Cliff DI, Wu Y, Waite TD. Impact of reactive iron in coal mine dust on oxidant generation and epithelial lung cell viability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:152277. [PMID: 34902414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a preventable occupational lung disease caused by the chronic inhalation of coal mine dust. The inhalation of coal mine dusts can result in the development of a range of lung diseases termed coal mine dust lung diseases, which is not limited to CWP and includes silicosis, bronchitis, emphysema and cancer. For decades, the presence of elemental Fe, C and Si has been proposed to be the causal factors underlying CWP. The recent resurgence of CWP globally with examination of cases in the United States suggesting a potential but inconclusive role of Fe(II)-sulfide minerals. To obtain a better understanding of Australian coals, the existence and potential adverse impacts of iron minerals were examined using 24 representative Australian coal samples. The results of this work revealed that reduced iron minerals were widely distributed within samples obtained from Australian coal mines with pyrite and siderite being particularly abundant. Compared with carbon and crystalline silica, the presence of these specific iron minerals were negatively correlated to the viability of both alveolar macrophages (NR8383) and human lung epithelial cells (A549) (R2 = 0.689) under scenarios reflecting biologically-relevant inflammatory response conditions. Further analysis using Welch's unpaired t-test indicated that the presence of reduced iron minerals statistically enhanced acellular oxidant production (90% CI [0.74 to 2.55]) and inflammatory response (90% CI [0.15 to 36.96]). Compared with Fe(II)-hydroxide, Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-(phyllo)silicate and Fe(II)-sulfate mineralogies, pyrite and siderite bearing dusts are likely to have greater adverse impacts on epithelial lung cells under inflammatory response conditions in view of both their iron content and reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew S Kinsela
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Xiaotong Cen
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Siqi Sun
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard N Collins
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David I Cliff
- Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yuxuan Wu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Vigliaturo R, Jamnik M, Dražić G, Podobnik M, Žnidarič MT, Ventura GD, Redhammer GJ, Žnidaršič N, Caserman S, Gieré R. Nanoscale transformations of amphiboles within human alveolar epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1782. [PMID: 35110621 PMCID: PMC8810849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05802-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibole asbestos is related to lung fibrosis and several types of lung tumors. The disease-triggering mechanisms still challenge our diagnostic capabilities and are still far from being fully understood. The literature focuses primarily on the role and formation of asbestos bodies in lung tissues, but there is a distinct lack of studies on amphibole particles that have been internalized by alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). These internalized particles may directly interact with the cell nucleus and the organelles, exerting a synergistic action with asbestos bodies (AB) from a different location. Here we document the near-atomic- to nano-scale transformations induced by, and taking place within, AECs of three distinct amphiboles (anthophyllite, grunerite, "amosite") with different Fe-content and morphologic features. We show that: (i) an Fe-rich layer is formed on the internalized particles, (ii) particle grain boundaries are transformed abiotically by the internal chemical environment of AECs and/or by a biologically induced mineralization mechanism, (iii) the Fe-rich material produced on the particle surface does not contain large amounts of P, in stark contrast to extracellular ABs, and (iv) the iron in the Fe-rich layer is derived from the particle itself. Internalized particles and ABs follow two distinct formation mechanisms reaching different physicochemical end-states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruggero Vigliaturo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Maja Jamnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Dražić
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjetka Podobnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Magda Tušek Žnidarič
- Department of Biotechnology and System Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giancarlo Della Ventura
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
- INFN-Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare, Frascati (Rome), Rome, Italy
- INGV, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Günther J Redhammer
- Department of Materials Science and Physics, University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nada Žnidaršič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simon Caserman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Reto Gieré
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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He H, Wu X, Xian H, Zhu J, Yang Y, Lv Y, Li Y, Konhauser KO. An abiotic source of Archean hydrogen peroxide and oxygen that pre-dates oxygenic photosynthesis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6611. [PMID: 34785682 PMCID: PMC8595356 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26916-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis is a pivotal event in Earth's history because the O2 released fundamentally changed the planet's redox state and facilitated the emergence of multicellular life. An intriguing hypothesis proposes that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) once acted as the electron donor prior to the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, but its abundance during the Archean would have been limited. Here, we report a previously unrecognized abiotic pathway for Archean H2O2 production that involves the abrasion of quartz surfaces and the subsequent generation of surface-bound radicals that can efficiently oxidize H2O to H2O2 and O2. We propose that in turbulent subaqueous environments, such as rivers, estuaries and deltas, this process could have provided a sufficient H2O2 source that led to the generation of biogenic O2, creating an evolutionary impetus for the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, 510640, Guangzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyang Xian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, 510640, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxi Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yiping Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Materials, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, 510640, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yiliang Li
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kurt O Konhauser
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada.
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Hendrix DA, Port ST, Hurowitz JA, Schoonen MA. Measurement of OH* Generation by Pulverized Minerals Using Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy and Implications for the Reactivity of Planetary Regolith. GEOHEALTH 2019; 3:28-42. [PMID: 32159020 PMCID: PMC7007094 DOI: 10.1029/2018gh000175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mineral analogs to silicate phases common to planetary regolith, including olivine; the pyroxenes augite and diopside; the plagioclase feldspars labradorite, bytownite, and albite; the Johnson Space Center-1A lunar regolith simulant; as well as quartz (used as a reference), were subjected to mechanical pulverization by laboratory milling for times ranging from 5 to 45 min. Pulverized minerals were then incubated in an aqueous solution containing the free radical spin trapping compound 5,5-Dimethyl-1-Pyrroline-N-Oxide for times ranging from 5 to 30 min. These slurries were then analyzed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy to quantify the amount of hydroxyl radical (the neutral charge form of the hydroxide ion, denoted as OH*) formed in solution. We find that all tested materials generate an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectrum indicating the formation of OH* with concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 1.5 μM. We also find that, in general, mineral pulverization time is inversely correlated to OH* generation, while OH* generation is positively correlated to mineral fluid incubation time for phases that have iron in their nominal chemical formulae, suggesting the possible action of Fenton reaction as a cofactor in increasing the reactivity of these phases. Our results add to a body of literature that indicates that the finely comminuted minerals and rocks present in planetary regolith are capable of generating highly reactive and highly oxidizing radical species in solution. The results provide the foundation for further in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies to evaluate the possible health risks that future explorers visiting the surfaces of planetary bodies may face from these reactive regolith materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A. Hendrix
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Sara T. Port
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
- Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary SciencesUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleARUSA
| | - Joel A. Hurowitz
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Martin A. Schoonen
- Department of GeosciencesState University of New York at Stony BrookStony BrookNYUSA
- Environment, Biology, Nuclear Science & NonproliferationBrookhaven National LaboratoryUptonNYUSA
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Harrington AD, Schmidt MP, Szema AM, Galdanes K, Tsirka SE, Gordon T, Schoonen MAA. The Role of Iraqi Dust in Inducing Lung Injury in United States Soldiers-An Interdisciplinary Study. GEOHEALTH 2017; 1:237-246. [PMID: 29085918 PMCID: PMC5659319 DOI: 10.1002/2017gh000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
United States soldiers are returning from the Greater Middle East with respiratory illnesses ranging from new onset asthma to constrictive bronchiolitis. The etiology of the diseases is unknown. A study was conducted to determine the possible role of local mineral dust in the development of abnormal respiratory illnesses in soldiers during and after deployment in Iraq. A dust sample obtained in proximity to a burn pit in Camp Victory, Iraq, (CVD) was characterized both chemically and mineralogically. For comparison, a dust sample from Fort Irwin, California, (FID) was also collected. The ability of the dust samples to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified, as well as their ability to generate an inflammatory stress response (ISR) in human lung epithelial cells. Both samples are comprised of common silicate and carbonate minerals and contain heavy metals with concentration ranges expected for mineral dust. The ISR generated by each sample was within the range of inert material with the minimal stress generated associated with the carbonate phases. The findings based on this one sample suggest that the origin of the disease is not driven by the particles ability to generate ROS. However it is likely that particle overload, and associated complications, or endotoxin contribute extensively to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Harrington
- Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation OfficeNASA Johnson Space CenterHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of GeosciencesStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Institute of Environmental MedicineNew York University School of MedicineTuxedoNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Anthony M. Szema
- Veterans Affairs Medical CenterNorthportNew YorkUSA
- Departments of Medicine and SurgeryStony Brook University School of MedicineStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Karen Galdanes
- Institute of Environmental MedicineNew York University School of MedicineTuxedoNew YorkUSA
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Pharmacological SciencesStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Terry Gordon
- Institute of Environmental MedicineNew York University School of MedicineTuxedoNew YorkUSA
| | - Martin A. A. Schoonen
- Department of GeosciencesStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Environmental Sciences DepartmentBrookhaven National LaboratoryUptonNew YorkUSA
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6
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Friedlander LR, Puri N, Schoonen MAA, Wali Karzai A. The effect of pyrite on Escherichia coli in water: proof-of-concept for the elimination of waterborne bacteria by reactive minerals. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2015; 13:42-53. [PMID: 25719464 PMCID: PMC5891221 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2014.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We present proof-of-concept results for the elimination of waterborne bacteria by reactive minerals. We exposed Escherichia coli MG1655 suspended in water to the reactive mineral pyrite (FeS₂) at room temperature and ambient light. This slurry eliminates 99.9% of bacteria in fewer than 4 hours. We also exposed Escherichia coli to pyrite leachate (supernatant liquid from slurry after 24 hours), which eliminates 99.99% of bacteria over the same time-scale. Unlike SOlar water DISinfection (SODIS), our results do not depend on the presence of ultraviolet (UV) light. We confirmed this by testing proposed SODIS additive and known photo-catalyst anatase (TiO₂) for antibacterial properties and found that, in contrast to pyrite, it does not eliminate E. coli under our experimental conditions. Previous investigations of naturally antibiotic minerals have focused on the medical applications of antibiotic clays, and thus have not been conducted under experimental conditions resembling those found in water purification. In our examination of the relevant literature, we have not found previously reported evidence for the use of reactive minerals in water sanitization. The results from this proof-of-concept experiment may have important implications for future directions in household water purification research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonia R Friedlander
- Department of Geosciences, 255 Earth and Space Sciences (ESS) Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100, USA E-mail:
| | - Neha Puri
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Center for Infectious Diseases, 5120 State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5120, USA
| | - Martin A A Schoonen
- Department of Geosciences, 255 Earth and Space Sciences (ESS) Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100, USA E-mail:
| | - A Wali Karzai
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Center for Infectious Diseases, 5120 State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5120, USA
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7
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Harrington AD, Smirnov A, Tsirka SE, Schoonen MAA. Metal-sulfide mineral ores, Fenton chemistry and disease--particle induced inflammatory stress response in lung cells. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 218:19-27. [PMID: 25107347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The inhalation of mineral particulates and other earth materials, such as coal, can initiate or enhance disease in humans. Workers in occupations with high particulate exposure, such as mining, are particularly at risk. The ability of a material to generate an inflammatory stress response (ISR), a measure of particle toxicity, is a useful tool in evaluating said exposure risk. ISR is defined as the upregulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) normalized to cell viability. This study compares the ISR of A549 human lung epithelial cells after exposure to well-characterized common metal-sulfide ore mineral separates. The evaluation of the deleterious nature of ore minerals is based on a range of particle loadings (serial dilutions of 0.002m(2)/mL stock) and exposure periods (beginning at 30min and measured systematically for up to 24h). There is a wide range in ISR values generated by the ore minerals. The ISR values produced by the sphalerite samples are within the range of inert materials. Arsenopyrite generated a small ISR that was largely driven by cell death. Galena showed a similar, but more pronounced response. Copper-bearing ore minerals generated the greatest ISR, both by upregulating cellular ROS and generating substantial and sustained cell death. Chalcopyrite and bornite, both containing ferrous iron, generated the greatest ISR overall. Particles containing Fenton metals as major constituents produce the highest ISR, while other heavy metals mainly generate cell death. This study highlights the importance of evaluating the chemistry, oxidation states and structure of a material when assessing risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D Harrington
- Department of Geosciences, Earth and Space Sciences Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11784-2100, USA; Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, USA.
| | - Alexander Smirnov
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, Dowling College, 150 Idle Hour Boulevard, Oakdale, NY 11769, USA.
| | - Stella E Tsirka
- Pharmacological Sciences - Stony Brook University Medical School, BST 8-192, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA.
| | - Martin A A Schoonen
- Department of Geosciences, Earth and Space Sciences Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11784-2100, USA; Environmental Sciences Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Building 815E, Upton, NY 11973, USA.
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8
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Harrington AD, Tsirka SE, Schoonen MA. Inflammatory stress response in A549 cells as a result of exposure to coal: evidence for the role of pyrite in coal workers' pneumoconiosis pathogenesis. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 93:1216-21. [PMID: 23895739 PMCID: PMC3957027 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.06.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED On the basis of a recent epidemiological study it is hypothesized that pyrite content in coal is an important factor in coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) pathogenesis. While the role of pyrite in pathogenesis remains to be resolved, the ability of the mineral to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through various mechanisms is likely a contributing factor. The aim of this study was to elucidate the importance of the pyrite content of coal in generating an inflammatory stress response (ISR), which is defined as the upregulation of ROS normalized by cell viability. The ISR of A549 human lung epithelial cells in the presence of natural coal samples with variable pyrite contents was measured. Normalized to surface area, five particle loadings for each coal reference standard were analyzed systematically for a total of 24 h. The ISR generated by coals containing 0.00, 0.01, and 0.49 wt.% pyritic sulfur is comparable to,though less than, the ISR generated by inert glass beads (299% of the control). The coals containing 0.52 and 1.15 wt.% pyritic sulfur generated the greatest ISR (798% and 1426% of the control, respectively). CONCLUSIONS While ISR does not increase proportionally to pyrite content in coal, the two coals with the highest pyritic sulfur and available iron contents generate the greatest ISR. Therefore, the present study indicates that coals with elevated pyrite contents are likely to induce a significant health burden by stimulating inflammation within the lungs, and may contribute to the development of CWP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Harrington
- Department of Geosciences, Earth and Space Sciences Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11784-2100, USA
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, USA
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, USA. Tel: +1 (508)517 0611; fax: +1 (845)351 4510
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Pharmacological Sciences – Stony Brook University Medical School, Stony Brook University, BST 8-140, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA
| | - Martin A.A. Schoonen
- Department of Geosciences, Earth and Space Sciences Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11784-2100, USA
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Könczöl M, Goldenberg E, Ebeling S, Schäfer B, Garcia-Käufer M, Gminski R, Grobéty B, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Merfort I, Gieré R, Mersch-Sundermann V. Cellular uptake and toxic effects of fine and ultrafine metal-sulfate particles in human A549 lung epithelial cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2012; 25:2687-703. [PMID: 23116259 DOI: 10.1021/tx300333z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ambient airborne particulate matter is known to cause various adverse health effects in humans. In a recent study on the environmental impacts of coal and tire combustion in a thermal power station, fine crystals of PbSO(4) (anglesite), ZnSO(4)·H(2)O (gunningite), and CaSO(4) (anhydrite) were identified in the stack emissions. Here, we have studied the toxic potential of these sulfate phases as particulates and their uptake in human alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Both PbSO(4) and CaSO(4) yielded no loss of cell viability, as determined by the WST-1 and NR assays. In contrast, a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity was observed for Zn sulfate. For all analyzed sulfates, an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed by the DCFH-DA assay and EPR, was observed, although to a varying extent. Again, Zn sulfate was the most active compound. Genotoxicity assays revealed concentration-dependent DNA damage and induction of micronuclei for Zn sulfate and, to a lower extent, for CaSO(4), whereas only slight effects could be found for PbSO(4). Moreover, changes of the cell cycle were observed for Zn sulfate and PbSO(4). It could be shown further that Zn sulfate increased the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) DNA binding activity and activated JNK. During our TEM investigations, no effect on the appearance of the A549 cells exposed to CaSO(4) compared to the nonexposed cells was observed, and in our experiments, only one CaSO(4) particle was detected in the cytoplasm. In the case of exposure to Zn sulfate, no particles were found in the cytoplasm of A549 cells, but we observed a concentration-dependent increase in the number and size of dark vesicles (presumably zincosomes). After exposure to PbSO(4), the A549 cells contained isolated particles as well as agglomerates both in vesicles and in the cytoplasm. Since these metal-sulfate particles are emitted into the atmosphere via the flue gas of coal-fired power stations, they may be globally abundant. Therefore, our study is of direct relevance to populations living near such power plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Könczöl
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University Medical Center Freiburg , Freiburg, Germany.
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