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Hassan J, Elmetwalli A, Helal M, Al Munajer EA, Hussien TM, Azem Saad AA, El-Sikaily A. Cadmium exposure and its association with oxidative stress, MT1A methylation, and idiopathic male infertility in Egypt: A case-control study. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 192:114925. [PMID: 39142552 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic male infertility, a significant health concern, lacks a clear etiology. Cadmium (Cd), a widespread environmental pollutant known to impact male reproductive health negatively, can accumulate in mussels, a common food source in Egypt. This study investigated the link between ecological Cd exposure, oxidative stress, MT1A methylation, and idiopathic male infertility in two regions of Alexandria. Thirty-three infertile men and 33 fertile controls were included. Cd levels were measured in mussels from the study sites and in participants' blood and semen. Biomarkers reflecting Cd exposure and its effects were assessed. Mussel Cd levels exceeded regulatory limits. Infertile men revealed significantly higher blood and semen Cd levels, reduced semen quality, increased oxidative stress, and elevated MT1A methylation compared to controls. MT1A methylation was inversely correlated with sperm count and is the strongest predictor of idiopathic male infertility, demonstrating the lowest p-value and considerable effect size. This study suggests that environmental Cd exposure, potentially through mussel consumption, may contribute to idiopathic male infertility in Egypt by increasing oxidative stress, inducing epigenetic modifications, and impairing semen quality. These findings underscore the need for further research into the mechanisms underlying Cd-induced male infertility and the development of preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Hassan
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elmetwalli
- Department of Clinical Trial Research Unit and Drug Discovery, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt; Microbiology Division, Higher Technological Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Helal
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), 11865, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5230, Denmark
| | - Eyad Abdulrahim Al Munajer
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek Mahmoud Hussien
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aziza Abdel Azem Saad
- Department of Applied Medical Chemistry, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amany El-Sikaily
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), 11865, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Frings S, Schmidt-Schippers R, Lee WK. Epigenetic alterations in bioaccumulators of cadmium: Lessons from mammalian kidneys and plants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 191:109000. [PMID: 39278047 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Faced with unpredictable changes in global weather patterns, release and redistribution of metals through land erosion and water movements add to the increasing use of metals in industrial activities causing high levels of environmental pollution and concern to the health of all living organisms. Cadmium is released into the environment by smelting and mining, entering the food chain via contaminated soils, water, and phosphate fertilizers. Bioaccumulation of cadmium in plants represents the first major step into the human food chain and contributes to toxicity of several organs, especially the kidneys, where biomagnification of cadmium occurs over decades of exposure. Even in small amounts, cadmium brings about alterations at the molecular and cellular levels in eukaryotes through mutagenicity, molecular mimicry at metal binding sites and oxidative stress. The epigenome dictates expression of a gene's output through a number of regulatory steps involving chromatin remodeling, nucleosome unwinding, DNA accessibility, or nucleic acid modifications that ultimately impact the transcriptional and translational machinery. Several epigenetic enzymes exhibit zinc-dependence as zinc metalloenzymes and zinc finger proteins thus making them susceptible to deregulation through displacement by cadmium. In this review, we summarize the literature on cadmium-induced epigenetic mechanisms in mammalian kidneys and plants, compare similarities in the epigenetic defense between these bioaccumulators, and explore how future studies could advance our understanding of the cadmium-induced stress response and disruption to biological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Frings
- Center for Biotechnology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Romy Schmidt-Schippers
- Center for Biotechnology, University of Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wing-Kee Lee
- Physiology and Pathophysiology of Cells and Membranes, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Venkatesan D, Muthukumar S, Iyer M, Babu HWS, Gopalakrishnan AV, Yadav MK, Vellingiri B. Heavy metals toxicity on epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23741. [PMID: 38816991 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23741] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive decline in cognitive ability and behavior which eventually disrupts daily activities. AD has no cure and the progression rate varies unlikely. Among various causative factors, heavy metals are reported to be a significant hazard in AD pathogenesis. Metal-induced neurodegeneration has been focused globally with thorough research to unravel the mechanistic insights in AD. Recently, heavy metals suggested to play an important role in epigenetic alterations which might provide evidential results on AD pathology. Epigenetic modifications are known to play towards novel therapeutic approaches in treating AD. Though many studies focus on epigenetics and heavy metal implications in AD, there is a lack of research on heavy metal influence on epigenetic toxicity in neurological disorders. The current review aims to elucidate the plausible role of cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and lithium (Li) metals on epigenetic factors and the increase in amyloid beta and tau phosphorylation in AD. Also, the review discusses the common methods of heavy metal detection to implicate in AD pathogenesis. Hence, from this review, we can extend the need for future research on identifying the mechanistic behavior of heavy metals on epigenetic toxicity and to develop diagnostic and therapeutic markers in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Venkatesan
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, India
| | - Sindduja Muthukumar
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, India
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harysh Winster Suresh Babu
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Zhao L, Islam R, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu LZ. Epigenetic Regulation in Chromium-, Nickel- and Cadmium-Induced Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235768. [PMID: 36497250 PMCID: PMC9737485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals, such as hexavalent chromium, nickel, and cadmium, are major health concerns worldwide. Some heavy metals are well-documented human carcinogens. Multiple mechanisms, including DNA damage, dysregulated gene expression, and aberrant cancer-related signaling, have been shown to contribute to metal-induced carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms accounting for heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis and angiogenesis are still not fully understood. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that in addition to genotoxicity and genetic mutations, epigenetic mechanisms play critical roles in metal-induced cancers. Epigenetics refers to the reversible modification of genomes without changing DNA sequences; epigenetic modifications generally involve DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic regulation is essential for maintaining normal gene expression patterns; the disruption of epigenetic modifications may lead to altered cellular function and even malignant transformation. Therefore, aberrant epigenetic modifications are widely involved in metal-induced cancer formation, development, and angiogenesis. Notably, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis and angiogenesis remains largely unknown, and further studies are urgently required. In this review, we highlight the current advances in understanding the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and angiogenesis.
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Pan S, Wang Q, Zhang Q, Zhou M, Li L, Zhou X. A novel circular RNA, circPUS7 promotes cadmium-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells by regulating Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog expression via sponging miR-770. Metallomics 2021; 13:6316787. [PMID: 34232319 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium is a human carcinogen, which induces cancers by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis resistance, genotoxic effects, and epigenetic modulations have been indicated to regulate cadmium-induced carcinogenesis. Circular RNAs are epigenetic regulators that have been recognized to play essential roles in carcinogenesis. Yet, the involvement of circular RNAs in cadmium carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, a novel circular RNA, circPUS7, was identified and described for the first time. CircPUS7 was significantly upregulated at week 12, 16, and 20 during the cadmium-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Knockdown of circPUS7 in cadmium-transformed BEAS-2B (T-BEAS-2B) cells significantly attenuated transformation markers including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. Moreover, circPUS7 promoted malignant phenotypes by competitively binding with miR-770. Overexpression of miR-770 significantly inhibited the transformation properties of T-BEAS-2B cells while inhibition of miR-770 potently reversed the inhibitory effects of circPUS7 knockdown in proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of the T-BEAS-2B cells. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), which was increased synchronically with circPUS7 during cadmium-induced cell transformation, was regulated by circPUS7 through sponging miR-770. In summary, our findings demonstrate that circPUS7 promotes cadmium-induced cell transformation through sponging miR-770 to regulate KRAS expression, providing a new perspective with the involvement of circular RNAs to further understand the mechanisms of cadmium carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Luyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
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6
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Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant with serious public health consequences due to its persistence within arable soils, and the ease with which it enters food chains and then, accumulates in human tissues to induce a broad range of adverse health effects. The present review focuses on the role of zinc (Zn), a nutritionally essential metal, to protect against the cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of Cd in urinary bladder epithelial cells. The stress responses and defense mechanisms involving the low-molecular-weight metal binding protein, metallothionein (MT), are highlighted. The efflux and influx transporters of the ZnT and Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) gene families are discussed with respect to their putative role in retaining cellular Zn homeostasis. Among fourteen ZIP family members, ZIP8 and ZIP14 mediate Cd uptake by cells, while ZnT1 is among ten ZnT family members solely responsible for efflux of Zn (Cd), representing cellular defense against toxicity from excessively high Zn (Cd) intake. In theory, upregulation of the efflux transporter ZnT1 concomitant with the downregulation of influx transporters such as ZIP8 and ZIP14 can prevent Cd accumulation by cells, thereby increasing tolerance to Cd toxicity. To link the perturbation of Zn homeostasis, reflected by the aberrant expression of ZnT1, ZIP1, ZIP6, and ZIP10, with malignancy, tolerance to Cd toxicity acquired during Cd-induced transformation of a cell model of human urothelium, UROtsa, is discussed as a particular example.
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7
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Ghosh A, Mukherjee S, Roy M, Datta A. Modulatory role of tea in arsenic induced epigenetic alterations in carcinogenesis. THE NUCLEUS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13237-020-00346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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8
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Bicho RC, Faustino AMR, Rêma A, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. Confirmatory assays for transient changes of omics in soil invertebrates - Copper materials in a multigenerational exposure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123500. [PMID: 32712356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental risk assessment (ERA) based on effects caused by chronic and longer term exposure is highly relevant. Further, if mechanistic based approaches (e.g. omics) can be included, beyond apical endpoints (e.g. reproduction), the prediction of effects increases. For Cu NMs (and CuCl2) this has been studied in detail, covering multi-omics and apical effects using the soil standard species Enchytraeus crypticus. The intermediate level effects like cell/tissue and organ alterations represent a missing link. In the present study we aimed to: 1) perform long term exposure to Cu materials (full life cycle and multigeneration, 46 and 224 days) to collect samples; 2) perform histology and immunohistochemistry on collected samples at 12 time points and 17 treatments; 3) integrate all levels of biological organization onto an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework. CuO NMs and CuCl2 caused both similar and different stress response, either at molecular initiating events (MIE) or key events (KEs) of higher level of biological organization. Cell/Tissue and organ level, post-transcriptional and transcriptional mechanisms, through histone modifications and microRNA related protein, were similarly affected. While both Cu forms affected the Notch signalling pathway, CuCl2 also caused oxidative stress. Different mechanisms of DNA methylation (epigenetics) were activated by CuO NMs and CuCl2 at the MIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Bicho
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A M R Faustino
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Rêma
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Institute of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Janeck J Scott-Fordsmand
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsovej 25, PO BOX 314, DK-8600, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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9
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Ijomone OM, Ijomone OK, Iroegbu JD, Ifenatuoha CW, Olung NF, Aschner M. Epigenetic influence of environmentally neurotoxic metals. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:51-65. [PMID: 32882300 PMCID: PMC7708394 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Continuous globalization and industrialization have ensured metals are an increasing aspect of daily life. Their usefulness in manufacturing has made them vital to national commerce, security and global economy. However, excess exposure to metals, particularly as a result of environmental contamination or occupational exposures, has been detrimental to overall health. Excess exposure to several metals is considered environmental risk in the aetiology of several neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Metal-induced neurotoxicity has been a major health concern globally with intensive research to unravel the mechanisms associated with it. Recently, greater focus has been directed at epigenetics to better characterize the underlying mechanisms of metal-induced neurotoxicity. Epigenetic changes are those modifications on the DNA that can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. This review discusses how epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, post translational histone modification and noncoding RNA-mediated gene silencing mediate the neurotoxic effects of several metals, focusing on manganese, arsenic, nickel, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omamuyovwi M Ijomone
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
| | - Olayemi K Ijomone
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Anatomy, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Joy D Iroegbu
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Chibuzor W Ifenatuoha
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Nzube F Olung
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Michael Aschner
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA.
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Ghosh K, Chatterjee B, Behera P, Kanade SR. The carcinogen cadmium elevates CpG-demethylation and enrichment of NFYA and E2F1 in the promoter of oncogenic PRMT5 and EZH2 methyltransferases resulting in their elevated expression in vitro. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125186. [PMID: 31675590 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is considered as a carcinogenic chemical with potential to endanger normal cellular functioning. The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of Cd on the expression of two oncogenic epigenetic regulators, viz., protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) and the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) member enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Our results indicate that Cd at 1 μM concentration increases the viability of HepG2 and MCF7 cells and significantly upregulates the expression of PRMT5 and EZH2, leading to an increased global level of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), H4R3me2s, and H3K27me3. The luciferase reporter assay showed that the promoter activity of PRMT5 and EZH2 is significantly enhanced in both cell lines. Furthermore, Cd exposure induces global DNA hypomethylation due to a decrease in DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) expression. Methylation-specific and bisulfite sequencing PCR reveal that the proximal promoters of PRMT5 and EZH2, which harbour CpG islands, are almost demethylated when exposed to Cd. The Cd exposure also increases the protein level of transcription factors NFYA and E2F1; consistently, the two transcription factors are found to be enriched at the PRMT5 and EZH2 promoter in chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. The alterations induced by Cd in the two cancer cell lines were also observed in a non-cancerous cell line (HEK-293). In conclusion, we propose that Cd increases the expression of two oncogenic methyltransferases, possibly with a DNA methylation-dependent mechanism. Further studies focused on the epigenetic alterations induced by Cd would provide mechanistic insights on the carcinogenicity of this metal toxicant at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, 671316, Kerala, India; Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Central University P.O., Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Biji Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, 671316, Kerala, India
| | - Parameswar Behera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasargod, 671316, Kerala, India
| | - Santosh R Kanade
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Central University P.O., Hyderabad, 500046, Telangana, India.
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11
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Nakayama SMM, Nakata H, Ikenaka Y, Yabe J, Oroszlany B, Yohannes YB, Bortey-Sam N, Muzandu K, Choongo K, Kuritani T, Nakagawa M, Ishizuka M. One year exposure to Cd- and Pb-contaminated soil causes metal accumulation and alteration of global DNA methylation in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:1267-1276. [PMID: 31252124 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Metal pollution has been associated with anthropogenic activities, such as effluents and emissions from mines. Soil could be exposure route of wild rats to metals, especially in mining areas. The aim of this study was to verify whether soil exposure under environmentally relevant circumstances results in metal accumulation and epigenetic modifications. Wistar rats were divided to three groups: 1) control without soil exposure, 2) low-metal exposure group exposed to soil containing low metal levels (Pb: 75 mg/kg; Cd: 0.4), and 3) high-metal exposure group exposed to soil (Pb: 3750; Cd: 6). After 1 year of exposure, the metal levels, Pb isotopic values, and molecular indicators were measured. Rats in the high-group showed significantly greater concentrations of Pb and Cd in tissues. Higher accumulation factors (tissue/soil) of Cd than Pb were observed in the liver, kidney, brain, and lung, while the factor of Pb was higher in the tibia. The obtained results of metal accumulation ratios (lung/liver) and stable Pb isotope ratios in the tissues indicated that the respiratory exposure would account for an important share of metal absorption into the body. Genome-wide methylation status and DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt 3a/3b) mRNA expressions in testis were higher in the high-group, suggesting that exposure to soil caused metal accumulation and epigenetic alterations in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hokuto Nakata
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and development, North-West University, South Africa
| | - John Yabe
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Balazs Oroszlany
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yared B Yohannes
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nesta Bortey-Sam
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kennedy Choongo
- The University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
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12
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McNeill RV, Mason AS, Hodson ME, Catto JWF, Southgate J. Specificity of the Metallothionein-1 Response by Cadmium-Exposed Normal Human Urothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1344. [PMID: 30884885 PMCID: PMC6471910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational and environmental exposure to cadmium is associated with the development of urothelial cancer. The metallothionein (MT) family of genes encodes proteins that sequester metal ions and modulate physiological processes, including zinc homeostasis. Little is known about the selectivity of expression of the different MT isoforms. Here, we examined the effect of cadmium exposure on MT gene and isoform expression by normal human urothelial (NHU) cell cultures. Baseline and cadmium-induced MT gene expression was characterized by next-generation sequencing and RT-PCR; protein expression was assessed by Western blotting using isoform-specific antibodies. Expression of the zinc transporter-1 (SLC30A1) gene was also assessed. NHU cells displayed transcription of MT-2A, but neither MT-3 nor MT-4 genes. Most striking was a highly inducer-specific expression of MT-1 genes, with cadmium inducing transcription of MT-1A, MT-1G, MT-1H, and MT-1M. Whereas MT-1G was also induced by zinc and nickel ions and MT-1H by iron, both MT-1A and MT-1M were highly cadmium-specific, which was confirmed for protein using isoform-specific antibodies. Protein but not transcript endured post-exposure, probably reflecting sequestration. SLC30A1 transcription was also affected by cadmium ion exposure, potentially reflecting perturbation of intracellular zinc homeostasis. We conclude that human urothelium displays a highly inductive profile of MT-1 gene expression, with two isoforms identified as highly specific to cadmium, providing candidate transcript and long-lived protein biomarkers of cadmium exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon V McNeill
- Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis, Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Andrew S Mason
- Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis, Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Mark E Hodson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - James W F Catto
- Academic Urology Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Jennifer Southgate
- Jack Birch Unit for Molecular Carcinogenesis, Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
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Tsui KH, Hou CP, Chang KS, Lin YH, Feng TH, Chen CC, Shin YS, Juang HH. Metallothionein 3 Is a Hypoxia-Upregulated Oncogene Enhancing Cell Invasion and Tumorigenesis in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040980. [PMID: 30813460 PMCID: PMC6413184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins have been viewed as modulators in a number of biological regulations regarding cancerous development; however, the function of metallothionein 3 (MT3) in bladder cancer is unexplored. We determined the regulatory mechanisms and potential function of MT3 in bladder carcinoma cells. Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assays revealed that TSGH-8301 cells expressed more MT3 levels than RT-4, HT1376, and T24 cells. Immunoblot and RT-qPCR assays showed that arsenic (AS₂O₃) treatments enhanced the gene expression of MT3. Hypoxia induced HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and MT3 expression; furthermore, HIF-2α-knockdown attenuated hypoxic activation on MT3 expression. Ectopic overexpression of MT3 increased cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis significantly in T24 and HT1376 cells in vitro and in vivo; however, MT3-knockdown in TSGH-8301 cells had the reverse effect. Moreover, knockdown of MT3 enhanced arsenic-induced apoptosis determined by the Annexin V-FITC apoptosis assay. MT3-overexpression downregulated the gene expressions of N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), and the mammary serine protease inhibitor (MASPIN) in HT1376 and T24 cells, whereas MT3-knockdown in TSGH-8301 cells had the opposite effect. The experiments indicated that MT3 is an arsenic- and hypoxia-upregulated oncogene that promotes cell growth and invasion of bladder carcinoma cells via downregulation of NDRG1, NDRG2, and MASPIN expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Hung Tsui
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Chen-Pang Hou
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Kang-Shuo Chang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Hsiang Lin
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Tsui-Hsia Feng
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Chiu-Chun Chen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Syuan Shin
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Horng-Heng Juang
- Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 33302, Taiwan.
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14
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Krizkova S, Kepinska M, Emri G, Eckschlager T, Stiborova M, Pokorna P, Heger Z, Adam V. An insight into the complex roles of metallothioneins in malignant diseases with emphasis on (sub)isoforms/isoforms and epigenetics phenomena. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 183:90-117. [PMID: 28987322 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to a group of small cysteine-rich proteins that are ubiquitous throughout all kingdoms. The main function of MTs is scavenging of free radicals and detoxification and homeostating of heavy metals. In humans, 16 genes localized on chromosome 16 have been identified to encode four MT isoforms labelled by numbers (MT-1-MT-4). MT-2, MT-3 and MT-4 proteins are encoded by a single gene. MT-1 comprises many (sub)isoforms. The known active MT-1 genes are MT-1A, -1B, -1E, -1F, -1G, -1H, -1M and -1X. The rest of the MT-1 genes (MT-1C, -1D, -1I, -1J and -1L) are pseudogenes. The expression and localization of individual MT (sub)isoforms and pseudogenes vary at intra-cellular level and in individual tissues. Changes in MT expression are associated with the process of carcinogenesis of various types of human malignancies, or with a more aggressive phenotype and therapeutic resistance. Hence, MT (sub)isoform profiling status could be utilized for diagnostics and therapy of tumour diseases. This review aims on a comprehensive summary of methods for analysis of MTs at (sub)isoforms levels, their expression in single tumour diseases and strategies how this knowledge can be utilized in anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Krizkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kepinska
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Gabriella Emri
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tomas Eckschlager
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, CZ-150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Stiborova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pokorna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Department of Oncology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, CZ-150 06 Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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15
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Zhou S, Luoma SE, St. Armour GE, Thakkar E, Mackay TFC, Anholt RRH. A Drosophila model for toxicogenomics: Genetic variation in susceptibility to heavy metal exposure. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006907. [PMID: 28732062 PMCID: PMC5544243 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic factors that give rise to variation in susceptibility to environmental toxins remain largely unexplored. Studies on genetic variation in susceptibility to environmental toxins are challenging in human populations, due to the variety of clinical symptoms and difficulty in determining which symptoms causally result from toxic exposure; uncontrolled environments, often with exposure to multiple toxicants; and difficulty in relating phenotypic effect size to toxic dose, especially when symptoms become manifest with a substantial time lag. Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model that enables genome-wide studies for the identification of allelic variants that contribute to variation in susceptibility to environmental toxins, since the genetic background, environmental rearing conditions and toxic exposure can be precisely controlled. Here, we used extreme QTL mapping in an outbred population derived from the D. melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel to identify alleles associated with resistance to lead and/or cadmium, two ubiquitous environmental toxins that present serious health risks. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with variation in resistance to both heavy metals as well as SNPs associated with resistance specific to each of them. The effects of these SNPs were largely sex-specific. We applied mutational and RNAi analyses to 33 candidate genes and functionally validated 28 of them. We constructed networks of candidate genes as blueprints for orthologous networks of human genes. The latter not only provided functional contexts for known human targets of heavy metal toxicity, but also implicated novel candidate susceptibility genes. These studies validate Drosophila as a translational toxicogenomics gene discovery system. Although physiological effects of environmental toxins are well documented, we know little about the genetic factors that determine individual variation in susceptibility to toxins. Such information is difficult to obtain in human populations due to heterogeneity in genetic background and environmental exposure, and the diversity of symptoms and time lag with which they appear after toxic exposure. Here, we show that the fruit fly, Drosophila, can serve as a powerful genetic model system to elucidate the genetic underpinnings that contribute to individual variation in resistance to toxicity, using lead and cadmium exposure as an experimental paradigm. We identified genes that harbor genetic variants that contribute to individual variation in resistance to heavy metal exposure. Furthermore, we constructed genetic networks on which we could superimpose human counterparts of Drosophila genes. We were able to place human genes previously implicated in heavy metal toxicity in biological context and identify novel targets for heavy metal toxicity. Thus, we demonstrate that based on evolutionary conservation of fundamental biological processes, we can use Drosophila as a powerful translational model for toxicogenomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhou
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Luoma
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Genevieve E. St. Armour
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Esha Thakkar
- Enloe Magnet High School, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Trudy F. C. Mackay
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert R. H. Anholt
- Program in Genetics, W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Huang Y, He C, Shen C, Guo J, Mubeen S, Yuan J, Yang Z. Toxicity of cadmium and its health risks from leafy vegetable consumption. Food Funct 2017; 8:1373-1401. [PMID: 28232985 DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01580h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal and has spread widely in the environment in recent decades. This review summarizes current knowledge about Cd contamination of leafy vegetables, its toxicity, exposure, health risks, and approaches to reducing its toxicity in humans. Leafy vegetable consumption has been identified as a dominant exposure pathway of Cd in the human body. An overview of Cd pollution in leafy vegetables as well as the main sources of Cd is given. Notable estimated daily intakes and health risks of Cd exposure through vegetable consumption for humans are revealed in occupational exposure areas and even in some reference areas. Vegetable consumption is one of the most significant sources of exposure to Cd, particularly in occupational exposure regions. Therefore, numerous approaches have been developed to minimize the accumulation of Cd in leafy vegetables, among which the breeding of Cd pollution-safe cultivars is one of the most effective tools. Furthermore, dietary supplements from leafy vegetables perform positive roles in alleviating Cd toxicity in humans with regard to the effects of essential mineral elements, vitamins and phytochemicals taken into the human body via leafy vegetable consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xingang Xi Road 135, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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17
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Ruiter S, Sippel J, Bouwmeester MC, Lommelaars T, Beekhof P, Hodemaekers HM, Bakker F, van den Brandhof EJ, Pennings JLA, van der Ven LTM. Programmed Effects in Neurobehavior and Antioxidative Physiology in Zebrafish Embryonically Exposed to Cadmium: Observations and Hypothesized Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111830. [PMID: 27827847 PMCID: PMC5133831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of premature mortality. Recent studies show that predispositions for NCDs may arise from early-life exposure to low concentrations of environmental contaminants. This developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm suggests that programming of an embryo can be disrupted, changing the homeostatic set point of biological functions. Epigenetic alterations are a possible underlying mechanism. Here, we investigated the DOHaD paradigm by exposing zebrafish to subtoxic concentrations of the ubiquitous contaminant cadmium during embryogenesis, followed by growth under normal conditions. Prolonged behavioral responses to physical stress and altered antioxidative physiology were observed approximately ten weeks after termination of embryonal exposure, at concentrations that were 50–3200-fold below the direct embryotoxic concentration, and interpreted as altered developmental programming. Literature was explored for possible mechanistic pathways that link embryonic subtoxic cadmium to the observed apical phenotypes, more specifically, the probability of molecular mechanisms induced by cadmium exposure leading to altered DNA methylation and subsequently to the observed apical phenotypes. This was done using the adverse outcome pathway model framework, and assessing key event relationship plausibility by tailored Bradford-Hill analysis. Thus, cadmium interaction with thiols appeared to be the major contributor to late-life effects. Cadmium-thiol interactions may lead to depletion of the methyl donor S-adenosyl-methionine, resulting in methylome alterations, and may, additionally, result in oxidative stress, which may lead to DNA oxidation, and subsequently altered DNA methyltransferase activity. In this way, DNA methylation may be affected at a critical developmental stage, causing the observed apical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Ruiter
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Josefine Sippel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Manon C. Bouwmeester
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Tobias Lommelaars
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Piet Beekhof
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Hennie M. Hodemaekers
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Frank Bakker
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Evert-Jan van den Brandhof
- Centre for Environmental Quality, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands;
| | - Jeroen L. A. Pennings
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
| | - Leo T. M. van der Ven
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven 3720BA-1, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (H.M.H.); (F.B.); (J.L.A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-30-2742681
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18
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Qian Y, Chen DL, Ren HF, Wang SQ, Yu DD, Wang SY. Heavy metal pollutant cadmium enhances malignant biological behavior of human colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells via inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:4185-4192. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i30.4185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the influence of cadmium on the malignant biological behavior of HCT-116 cells and the mechanism involved.
METHODS After HCT-116 cells were treated with cadmium, the changes in cell malignant biological behavior were assessed by MTT assay, colony forming assay, cell adhesion assay, and transwell migration and invasion assays. Western blot was used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and other proteins in cadmium treated cells.
RESULTS Chronic exposure to cadmium enhanced the malignant biological behavior of HCT-116 cells, and the transformed cells formed mesenchymal-like intercellular junctions. The protein expression of vimentin, MMP3, and MMP9 was increased, while the expression of E-cadherin was decreased in a time-dependent manner. Overall, morphological and molecular changes suggested that HCT-116 cells underwent an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process after chronic cadmium exposure.
CONCLUSION Cadmium enhances the malignant biologic behavior of HCT-116 cells possibly by inducing EMT.
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19
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Ostrakhovitch EA, Song YP, Cherian MG. Basal and copper-induced expression of metallothionein isoform 1,2 and 3 genes in epithelial cancer cells: The role of tumor suppressor p53. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 35:18-29. [PMID: 27049123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are a ubiquitous low-molecular weight, cysteine rich proteins with a high affinity for metal ions. The expression and induction of MTs have been associated with protection against DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Our past research had shown that p53 is an important factor in metal regulation of MTs. The present study was undertaken to explore further the interrelationship between p53 and MTs. We investigated whether silencing of p53 could affect expression pattern of basal and copper induced metallothioneins. The silencing of wild-type p53 (wt-p53) in epithelial breast cancer MCF7 cells affected the basal level of MT-2A RNA, whereas the levels of MT-1A and MT-1X RNA remained largely unchanged. The expression of MT-3 was undetectable in MCF7 with either functional or silenced p53. MCF7 cells with silenced wt-p53 failed to upregulate MT-2A in response to copper and showed a reduced sensitivity toward copper induced cell apoptotic death. Similarly in MCF7-E6 and MDA-MB-231 cells, the presence of inactive/mutated p53 halted MT-1A and MT-2A gene expression in response to copper. Constitutive expression of MT-3 RNA was detectable in the presence of mutated p53 (mtp53). Transient transfection of MDA-MB-231 cells with wt-p53 enabled copper induced upregulation of both MT-1A and MT-2A but not basal level of MT-2A, MT-1E, MT-1X and MT-3. Inactivation of p53 in HepG2 cells amplified the basal expression of studied MT isoforms, including MT-3, as well as copper-induced mRNA expression of MTs except MT-1H and MT-3. Presented data demonstrate a direct relation between p53 and MT-1A and MT-2A and they also indicate that wt-p53 might be a negative regulator of MT-3 in epithelial cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Ostrakhovitch
- Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
| | - Y P Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
| | - M G Cherian
- Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, Canada
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20
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Wang L, Wise JTF, Zhang Z, Shi X. Progress and prospects of reactive oxygen species in metal carcinogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2:178-186. [PMID: 27617186 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-016-0061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Carcinogenesis induced by environmental metal exposure is a major public health concern. The exact mechanisms underlying metal carcinogenesis remain elusive. In the past few decades, the relationship between metal induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mechanism of metal carcinogenesis has been established. The carcinogenic process is a very complex one. In the early stage of metal carcinogenesis or cell transformation high levels of ROS are oncogenic by causing DNA damage, genetic instability, epigenetic alteration, and metabolic reprogramming, leading to malignant transformation. In the second stage of metal carcinogenesis or the cancer development of metal-transformed cells, low levels of ROS are carcinogenic by promoting apoptosis resistance. The metal-transformed cells have the property of autophagy deficiency, resulting in accumulation of p62 and constitutive activation of Nrf2, and leading to higher levels of antioxidants, decreased levels of ROS, apoptosis resistance, inflammation, and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the most recent development in the field of metal carcinogenesis with emphasis on the difference in cellular events between early (cell transformation) and late (after cell transformation) stages of metal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Center for Research on Environmental Disease, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - James T F Wise
- Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Xianglin Shi
- Center for Research on Environmental Disease, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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21
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Sandbichler AM, Höckner M. Cadmium Protection Strategies--A Hidden Trade-Off? Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17010139. [PMID: 26805823 PMCID: PMC4730378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential transition metal which is introduced into the biosphere by various anthropogenic activities. Environmental pollution with Cd poses a major health risk and Cd toxicity has been extensively researched over the past decades. This review aims at changing the perspective by discussing protection mechanisms available to counteract a Cd insult. Antioxidants, induction of antioxidant enzymes, and complexation of Cd to glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT) are the most potent protective measures to cope with Cd-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, protection mechanisms include prevention of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitophagy and metabolic stress, as well as expression of chaperones. Pre-exposure to Cd itself, or co-exposure to other metals or trace elements can improve viability under Cd exposure and cells have means to reduce Cd uptake and improve Cd removal. Finally, environmental factors have negative or positive effects on Cd toxicity. Most protection mechanisms aim at preventing cellular damage. However, this might not be possible without trade-offs like an increased risk of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Höckner
- University of Innsbruck, Institute of Zoology, Technikerstraße 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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22
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Cadmium affects mitotically inherited histone modification pathways in mouse embryonic stem cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 30:583-92. [PMID: 26562325 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The fetal basis of adult disease (FeBAD) theorizes that embryonic challenges initiate pathologies in adult life through epigenetic modification of gene expression. In addition, inheritance of H3K27 methylation marks, especially in vitro, is still controversial. Metals, such as Cd, are known to affect differentiation, DNA repair and epigenetic status in mES cells. We tested the premise that Cd exerts differential toxicity in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells by targeting total histone protein (THP) production early in stem cell development, while affecting H3K27-mono-methylation (H3K27me(1)) in latter stages of differentiation. The inability of mES cells to recover from Cd insult at concentrations greater than IC50 indicates that maximum cytotoxicity occurs during initial hours of exposure. Moreover, as a measure of chromatin stability, low dose acute Cd exposure lowers THP production. The heritable effects of Cd exposure on cell proliferation, chromatin stability and transcription observed through several cell population doublings were detected only during alternate passages on days 3, 7, and 11, presumably due to slower maturation of histone methylation marks. These findings demonstrate a selective disruption of chromatin structure following acute Cd exposure, an effect not seen in developmentally mature cells. Hence, we present that acute Cd toxicity is cumulative and disrupts DNA repair, while concurrently affecting cell cycle progression, chromatin stability and transcriptional state in mES cells.
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23
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Chen DJ, Xu YM, Zheng W, Huang DY, Wong WY, Tai WCS, Cho YY, Lau ATY. Proteomic analysis of secreted proteins by human bronchial epithelial cells in response to cadmium toxicity. Proteomics 2015; 15:3075-86. [PMID: 25950996 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
For years, many studies have been conducted to investigate the intracellular response of cells challenged with toxic metal(s), yet, the corresponding secretome responses, especially in human lung cells, are largely unexplored. Here, we provide a secretome analysis of human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2 ), with the aim of identifying secreted proteins in response to Cd toxicity. Proteins from control and spent media were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and visualized by silver staining. Differentially-secreted proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis and database searching. We characterized, for the first time, the extracellular proteome changes of BEAS-2B dosed with Cd. Our results unveiled that Cd treatment led to the marked upregulation of molecular chaperones, antioxidant enzymes, enzymes associated with glutathione metabolic process, proteins involved in cellular energy metabolism, as well as tumor-suppressors. Pretreatment of cells with the thiol antioxidant glutathione before Cd treatment effectively abrogated the secretion of these proteins and prevented cell death. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Cd causes oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity; and the differentially-secreted protein signatures could be considered as targets for potential use as extracellular biomarkers upon Cd exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Ju Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Yang Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Wing-Yan Wong
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - William Chi-Shing Tai
- Centre for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine & Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Andy T Y Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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Xiao C, Liu Y, Xie C, Tu W, Xia Y, Costa M, Zhou X. Cadmium induces histone H3 lysine methylation by inhibiting histone demethylase activity. Toxicol Sci 2015; 145:80-9. [PMID: 25673502 PMCID: PMC4833035 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is an established human lung carcinogen with weak mutagenicity. However, the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced carcinogenesis remain obscure. It has been suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in cadmium-induced carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of cadmium on histone methylation and histone demethylases, and the role of histone methylation in transformation of immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Exposure to 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 μM of cadmium for 6, 24, and 48 h increased global trimethylated histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and dimethylated histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me2) in BEAS-2B cells compared with untreated cells, and most of these changes remained after the removal of cadmium (P < .05 or P < .01 for most modifications). Meanwhile, cadmium inhibited the activities of histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4) and histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9) demethylases which were detected by histone demethylation assay. However, there was no significant change in the protein levels of the H3K4 demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) and the H3K9 demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 3A (KDM3A). Interestingly, during transformation of BEAS-2B cells by 20 weeks of exposure to 2.0 μM cadmium as assessed by anchorage-independent growth in soft agar, global H3K4me3, and H3K9me2 were significantly increased at 4 weeks (P < .05 or P < .01), whereas no significant change was observed at 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks compared with control. Our study suggests that cadmium increases global H3K4me3 and H3K9me2 by inhibiting the activities of histone demethylases, and aberrant histone methylation that occurs early (48 h) and at 4 weeks is associated with cadmium-induced transformation of BEAS-2B cells at the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlian Xiao
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yin Liu
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Chengfeng Xie
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Wei Tu
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yujie Xia
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Max Costa
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Xue Zhou
- *Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
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25
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Ryu HW, Lee DH, Won HR, Kim KH, Seong YJ, Kwon SH. Influence of toxicologically relevant metals on human epigenetic regulation. Toxicol Res 2015; 31:1-9. [PMID: 25874027 PMCID: PMC4395649 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2015.31.1.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental toxicants such as toxic metals can alter epigenetic regulatory features such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression. Heavy metals influence gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms and by directly binding to various metal response elements in the target gene promoters. Given the role of epigenetic alterations in regulating genes, there is potential for the integration of toxic metal-induced epigenetic alterations as informative factors in the risk assessment process. Here, we focus on recent advances in understanding epigenetic changes, gene expression, and biological effects induced by toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Wook Ryu
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hye-Rim Won
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwan Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Seong
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
| | - So Hee Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Korea
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26
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Venza M, Visalli M, Biondo C, Oteri R, Agliano F, Morabito S, Caruso G, Caffo M, Teti D, Venza I. Epigenetic effects of cadmium in cancer: focus on melanoma. Curr Genomics 2015; 15:420-35. [PMID: 25646071 PMCID: PMC4311387 DOI: 10.2174/138920291506150106145932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal, which has a destroying impact on organs. Exposure to cadmium causes severe health problems to human beings due to its ubiquitous environmental presence and features of the pathologies associated with pro-longed exposure. Cadmium is a well-established carcinogen, although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully under-stood yet. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the impact of this environmental pollutant on the epigenome. Be-cause of the role of epigenetic alterations in regulating gene expression, there is a potential for the integration of cadmium-induced epigenetic alterations as critical elements in the cancer risk assessment process. Here, after a brief review of the ma-jor diseases related to cadmium exposure, we focus our interest on the carcinogenic potential of this heavy metal. Among the several proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, particular attention is given to epigenetic alterations, including changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA expression. We review evidence for a link between cadmium-induced epigenetic changes and cell transformation, with special emphasis on melanoma. DNA methylation, with reduced expression of key genes that regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis, has emerged as a possible cadmium-induced epigenetic mechanism in melanoma. A wider comprehension of mechanisms related to this common environmental contaminant would allow a better cancer risk evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialistic Medical, Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Visalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Biondo
- Department of Pediatric, Gynecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Agliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Morabito
- Department of Experimental Specialistic Medical, Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gerardo Caruso
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Caffo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Diana Teti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Isabella Venza
- Department of Experimental Specialistic Medical, Surgical and Odontostomatology Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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27
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Slusser A, Zheng Y, Zhou XD, Somji S, Sens DA, Sens MA, Garrett SH. Metallothionein isoform 3 expression in human skin, related cancers and human skin derived cell cultures. Toxicol Lett 2014; 232:141-8. [PMID: 25290577 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human skin is a well known target site of inorganic arsenic with effects ranging from hyperkeratosis to dermal malignancies. The current study characterizes the expression of a protein known to bind inorganic, As(3+), metallothionein 3 (MT-3). Expression of this protein was assessed immunohistochemically with a specific MT-3 antibody on human formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens in normal skin, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma. Assessment in normal skin using nine normal specimens showed moderate to intense MT-3 staining in epidermal karatinocytes with staining extending into the basal cells and moderate to intense staining in melanocytes of nevi. MT-3 immunoexpression was shown to be moderate to intense in 12 of 13 of SCC, low to moderate in 8 of 10 BCC, and moderate to intense in 12 melanoma samples. MT-3 expression in cell culture models (normal human epidermal keratinocytes, normal human melanocytes, and HaCaT cells) showed only trace expression of MT-3, while exposures to the histone deacytalase inhibitor, MS-275, partially restored expression levels. These results indicate that the epidermis of human skin and resulting malignancies express high level of MT-3 and potentially impact on the known association of arsenic exposure and the development of skin disorders and related cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Slusser
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Yun Zheng
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Xu Dong Zhou
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Seema Somji
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Donald A Sens
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Mary Ann Sens
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
| | - Scott H Garrett
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 N. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202, United States.
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28
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Ray PD, Yosim A, Fry RC. Incorporating epigenetic data into the risk assessment process for the toxic metals arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury: strategies and challenges. Front Genet 2014; 5:201. [PMID: 25076963 PMCID: PMC4100550 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to toxic metals poses a serious human health hazard based on ubiquitous environmental presence, the extent of exposure, and the toxicity and disease states associated with exposure. This global health issue warrants accurate and reliable models derived from the risk assessment process to predict disease risk in populations. There has been considerable interest recently in the impact of environmental toxicants such as toxic metals on the epigenome. Epigenetic modifications are alterations to an individual's genome without a change in the DNA sequence, and include, but are not limited to, three commonly studied alterations: DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression. Given the role of epigenetic alterations in regulating gene and thus protein expression, there is the potential for the integration of toxic metal-induced epigenetic alterations as informative factors in the risk assessment process. In the present review, epigenetic alterations induced by five high priority toxic metals/metalloids are prioritized for analysis and their possible inclusion into the risk assessment process is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. Ray
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Yosim
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC, USA
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29
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Waldmann T, Schneider R. Targeting histone modifications—epigenetics in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2013; 25:184-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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31
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Babula P, Masarik M, Adam V, Eckschlager T, Stiborova M, Trnkova L, Skutkova H, Provaznik I, Hubalek J, Kizek R. Mammalian metallothioneins: properties and functions. Metallomics 2012; 4:739-50. [PMID: 22791193 DOI: 10.1039/c2mt20081c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MT) are a family of ubiquitous proteins, whose role is still discussed in numerous papers, but their affinity to some metal ions is undisputable. These cysteine-rich proteins are connected with antioxidant activity and protective effects on biomolecules against free radicals, especially reactive oxygen species. In this review, the connection between zinc(II) ions, reactive oxygen species, heavy metal ions and metallothioneins is demonstrated with respect to effect of these proteins on cell proliferation and a possible negative role in resistance to heavy metal-based and non-heavy metal-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Babula
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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32
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Soh M, Dunlevy JR, Garrett SH, Allen C, Sens DA, Zhou XD, Sens MA, Somji S. Increased neuron specific enolase expression by urothelial cells exposed to or malignantly transformed by exposure to Cd²⁺ or As³⁺. Toxicol Lett 2012; 212:66-74. [PMID: 22613180 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuron specific enolase (ENO2, γ-enolase) is a biomarker used to help identify neuroendocrine differentiation in tumors. This laboratory has shown that ENO2 might be a biomarker for exposure to cadmium and arsenite. In this study these observations are extended to the urothelial cell, where environmental exposures are strongly linked to urothelial cancer. The UROtsa urothelial cell line and its Cd²⁺- and As³⁺-transformed counterparts were used as the model. Acute exposure of the UROtsa cells to both As³⁺- and Cd²⁺-caused significant increases in ENO2 expression. Treatment with the histone deacetlyase inhibitor was also shown to significantly increase the expression of ENO2 mRNA. The expression of ENO2 was significantly elevated in the Cd²⁺- and As³⁺-transformed UROtsa cells and tumor transplants. In contrast, ENO1, was unaffected by exposure to As³⁺ or Cd²⁺. Immunofluorescence showed ENO2 associated with both the nucleus and cytoplasm and cytoplasmic ENO2 co-localized with ENO1. The findings extend the evidence suggesting a link between As³⁺ and Cd²⁺ exposure and neuroendocrine differentiation in tumors. The results suggest that ENO2 might be a biomarker of human exposure to Cd²⁺ and As³⁺ that operates through histone modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Soh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA.
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33
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Filipič M. Mechanisms of cadmium induced genomic instability. Mutat Res 2012; 733:69-77. [PMID: 21945723 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is an ubiquitous environmental contaminant that represents hazard to humans and wildlife. It is found in the air, soil and water and, due to its extremely long half-life, accumulates in plants and animals. The main source of cadmium exposure for non-smoking human population is food. Cadmium is primarily toxic to the kidney, but has been also classified as carcinogenic to humans by several regulatory agencies. Current evidence suggests that exposure to cadmium induces genomic instability through complex and multifactorial mechanisms. Cadmium dose not induce direct DNA damage, however it induces increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which in turn induce DNA damage and can also interfere with cell signalling. More important seems to be cadmium interaction with DNA repair mechanisms, cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis as well as with epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression control. Cadmium mediated inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms and apoptosis leads to accumulation of cells with unrepaired DNA damage, which in turn increases the mutation rate and thus genomic instability. This increases the probability of developing not only cancer but also other diseases associated with genomic instability. In the in vitro experiments cadmium induced effects leading to genomic instability have been observed at low concentrations that were comparable to those observed in target organs and tissues of humans that were non-occupationally exposed to cadmium. Therefore, further studies aiming to clarify the relevance of these observations for human health risks due to cadmium exposure are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metka Filipič
- National Institute of Biology, Department for Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Cheng TF, Choudhuri S, Muldoon-Jacobs K. Epigenetic targets of some toxicologically relevant metals: a review of the literature. J Appl Toxicol 2012; 32:643-53. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsu-Fan Cheng
- US Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Division of Food Contact Notification; College Park; MD; USA
| | - Supratim Choudhuri
- US Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Division of Biotechnology and GRAS Notice Review; College Park; MD; USA
| | - Kristi Muldoon-Jacobs
- US Food and Drug Administration; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Division of Food Contact Notification; College Park; MD; USA
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35
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Abstract
Although it is widely accepted that chronic exposure to arsenite, nickel, chromium and cadmium increases cancer incidence in individuals, the molecular mechanisms underlying their ability to transform cells remain largely unknown. Carcinogenic metals are typically weak mutagens, suggesting that genetic-based mechanisms may not be primarily responsible for metal-induced carcinogenesis. Growing evidence shows that environmental metal exposure involves changes in epigenetic marks, which may lead to a possible link between heritable changes in gene expression and disease susceptibility and development. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of metal exposure affecting epigenetic marks and discuss establishment of heritable gene expression in metal-induced carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Martinez-Zamudio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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