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Calabrese F, Montero-Fernandez MA, Kern I, Pezzuto F, Lunardi F, Hofman P, Berezowska S, Attanoos R, Burke L, Mason P, Balestro E, Molina Molina M, Giraudo C, Prosch H, Brcic L, Galateau-Salle F. The role of pathologists in the diagnosis of occupational lung diseases: an expert opinion of the European Society of Pathology Pulmonary Pathology Working Group. Virchows Arch 2024; 485:173-195. [PMID: 39030439 PMCID: PMC11329671 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-024-03845-1] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Occupational lung/thoracic diseases are a major global public health issue. They comprise a diverse spectrum of health conditions with complex pathology, most of which arise following chronic heavy workplace exposures to various mineral dusts, metal fumes, or following inhaled organic particulate reactions. Many occupational lung diseases could become irreversible; thus accurate diagnosis is mandatory to minimize dust exposure and consequently reduce damage to the respiratory system. Lung biopsy is usually required when exposure history is inconsistent with imaging, in case of unusual or new exposures, in case of unexpected malignancy, and in cases in which there are claims for personal injury and legal compensation. In this paper, we provide an overview of the most frequent occupational lung diseases with a focus on pathological diagnosis. This is a paper that summarizes the expert opinion from a group of European pathologists, together with contributions from other specialists who are crucial for the diagnosis and management of these diseases. Indeed, tight collaboration of all specialists involved in the workup is mandatory as many occupational lung diseases are misdiagnosed or go unrecognized. This document provides a guide for pathologists in practice to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of occupational lung disease. The review article reports relevant topics discussed during an educational course held by expert pathologists, active members of the Pulmonary Pathology Working Group of the European Society of Pathology. The course was endorsed by the University of Padova as a "winter school" (selected project in the call for "Shaping a World-class University" 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Calabrese
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Izidor Kern
- Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| | - Federica Pezzuto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Lunardi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, IHU RespirERA, Nice Hospital, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Sabina Berezowska
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Richard Attanoos
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Louise Burke
- Department of Histopathology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paola Mason
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Maria Molina Molina
- Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge, IDIBELL, CIBERES, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Chiara Giraudo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Helmut Prosch
- Division of Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Centre for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Pfau JC, McLaurin B, Buck BJ, Miller FW. Amphibole asbestos as an environmental trigger for systemic autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103603. [PMID: 39154740 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103603] [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: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence supports an association between systemic autoimmune disease and exposure to amphibole asbestos, a form of asbestos typically with straight, stiff, needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. While the bulk of this evidence comes from the population exposed occupationally and environmentally to Libby Amphibole (LA) due to the mining of contaminated vermiculite in Montana, studies from Italy and Australia are broadening the evidence to other sites of amphibole exposures. What these investigations have done, that most historical studies have not, is to evaluate amphibole asbestos separately from chrysotile, the most common commercial asbestos in the United States. Here we review the current and historical evidence summarizing amphibole asbestos exposure as a risk factor for autoimmune disease. In both mice and humans, amphibole asbestos, but not chrysotile, drives production of both antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) associated with lupus-like pathologies and pathogenic autoantibodies against mesothelial cells that appear to contribute to a severe and progressive pleural fibrosis. A growing public health concern has emerged with revelations that a) unregulated asbestos minerals can be just as pathogenic as commercial (regulated) asbestos, and b) bedrock and soil occurrences of asbestos are far more widespread than previously thought. While occupational exposures may be decreasing, environmental exposures are on the rise for many reasons, including those due to the creation of windborne asbestos-containing dusts from urban development and climate change, making this topic an urgent challenge for public and heath provider education, health screening and environmental regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett McLaurin
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg, PA, USA
| | | | - Frederick W Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Yavuz CI. The Additional Burden of Earthquakes: Asbestos Risks Rising in Turkey. THORACIC RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 25:100-101. [PMID: 39128032 PMCID: PMC11181204 DOI: 10.5152/thoracrespract.2024.23072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cite this article as: Yavuz CI. The additional burden of earthquakes: Asbestos risks rising in Türkiye. Thorac Res Pract. 2024;25(3):100-101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cavit Işık Yavuz
- Department of Public Health, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
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Otelea MR, Oancea C, Reisz D, Vaida MA, Maftei A, Popescu FG. Club Cells-A Guardian against Occupational Hazards. Biomedicines 2023; 12:78. [PMID: 38255185 PMCID: PMC10813369 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Club cells have a distinct role in the epithelial repair and defense mechanisms of the lung. After exposure to environmental pollutants, during chronic exposure, the secretion of club cells secretory protein (CCSP) decreases. Exposure to occupational hazards certainly has a role in a large number of interstitial lung diseases. According to the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society, around 40% of the all interstitial lung disease is attributed to occupational hazards. Some of them are very well characterized (pneumoconiosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis), whereas others are consequences of acute exposure (e.g., paraquat) or persistent exposure (e.g., isocyanate). The category of vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) has been proven to produce subclinical modifications. The inflammation and altered repair process resulting from the exposure to occupational respiratory hazards create vicious loops of cooperation between epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, innate defense mechanisms, and immune cells. The secretions of club cells modulate the communication between macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts mitigating the inflammation and/or reducing the fibrotic process. In this review, we describe the mechanisms by which club cells contribute to the development of interstitial lung diseases and the potential role for club cells as biomarkers for occupational-related fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ruxandra Otelea
- Clinical Department 5, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Corina Oancea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Reisz
- Department of Neurology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Monica Adriana Vaida
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Andreea Maftei
- Doctoral School, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Florina Georgeta Popescu
- Department of Occupational Health, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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Yu M, Yang D, Chen C, Xia H. Effects of SETD2 on telomere length and malignant transformation property of Met-5A after one-month crocidolite exposure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2023; 41:121-134. [PMID: 37899647 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2023.2271822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Crocidolite is a carcinogen contributing to the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. This study aimed to characterize the possible telomere-related events mediating the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells with and without SETD2 under crocidolite exposure. The crocidolite concentration resulting in 90% viable SETD2 knockout Met-5A (Met-5ASETD2-KO) and Met-5A were estimated to be 0.71 μg/cm2 and 1.8 μg/cm2, respectively, during 72 h of exposure, which was further employed in chronical crocidolite exposure during a 72 h exposure interval per time up to 1 month. Chronical crocidolite-exposed Met-5ASETD2-KO (chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO) had higher colony formation and increased telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein levels than chronical crocidolite-exposed Met-5A (chronical Cro-Met-5A) and Met-5ASETD2-KO. Chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO had longer telomere length (TL) than chronical Cro-Met-5A, although there were no changes in TL for either chronical Cro-Met-5A or chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO compared with their corresponding cells without crocidolite exposure. BIBR 1532, an inhibitor targeting TERT, partially reduced colony formation and TL for chronical Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO, while BIBR 1532 reduced TL but had no effect on colony formation for chronical Cro-Met-5A. Therefore, SETD2 deficient mesothelial cells are susceptible to malignant transformation during chronical crocidolite exposure, and TERT-dependent TL modification likely partially drives SETD2 loss-mediated early onset of mesothelial malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Department of Occupational Health & Radiation Hygiene, Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Yang
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chiyun Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cixi People Hospital Medical Health Group (Cixi People Hospital), Cixi, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hailing Xia
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Leinardi R, Petriglieri JR, Pochet A, Yakoub Y, Lelong M, Lescoat A, Turci F, Lecureur V, Huaux F. Distinct Pro-Inflammatory Mechanisms Elicited by Short and Long Amosite Asbestos Fibers in Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15145. [PMID: 37894824 PMCID: PMC10606797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015145] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While exposure to long amphibolic asbestos fibers (L > 10 µm) results in the development of severe diseases including inflammation, fibrosis, and mesothelioma, the pathogenic activity associated with short fibers (L < 5 µm) is less clear. By exposing murine macrophages to short (SFA) or long (LFA) fibers of amosite asbestos different in size and surface chemistry, we observed that SFA internalization resulted in pyroptotic-related immunogenic cell death (ICD) characterized by the release of the pro-inflammatory damage signal (DAMP) IL-1α after inflammasome activation and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-pore formation. In contrast, macrophage responses to non-internalizable LFA were associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release, caspase-3 and -7 activation, and apoptosis. SFA effects exclusively resulted from Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) recognized for its ability to sense particles, while the response to LFA was elicited by a multifactorial ignition system involving the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (SR-A6 or MARCO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) cascade, and TLR4. Our findings indicate that asbestos fiber size and surface features play major roles in modulating ICD and inflammatory pathways. They also suggest that SFA are biologically reactive in vitro and, therefore, their inflammatory and toxic effects in vivo should not be underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Leinardi
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institute de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (A.P.); (Y.Y.); (F.H.)
| | - Jasmine Rita Petriglieri
- “G. Scansetti” Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (J.R.P.); (F.T.)
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Amandine Pochet
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institute de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (A.P.); (Y.Y.); (F.H.)
| | - Yousof Yakoub
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institute de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (A.P.); (Y.Y.); (F.H.)
| | - Marie Lelong
- Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (M.L.); (A.L.); (V.L.)
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (M.L.); (A.L.); (V.L.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Francesco Turci
- “G. Scansetti” Interdepartmental Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (J.R.P.); (F.T.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Valérie Lecureur
- Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (M.L.); (A.L.); (V.L.)
| | - François Huaux
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institute de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (A.P.); (Y.Y.); (F.H.)
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7
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Yang D, Chen C, Xia H, Chen J, Yu M. Characteristics of transcription profile, adhesion and migration of SETD2-loss Met-5A mesothelial cells exposed with crocidolite. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1511-1521. [PMID: 37147272 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4493] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral exhibiting biopersistence and carcinogenic properties and contributes to mesothelioma. Despite the concept of gene-environmental interaction in pathogenesis of mesothelioma, the possible pathophysiological changes of mesothelial cells simultaneously with SET domain containing 2 (SETD2) loss and asbestos exposure remains obscure. Herein, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SETD2 knockout Met-5A mesothelial cells (Met-5ASETD2-KO ) were established and exposed with crocidolite, an amphibole asbestos. Cell viability of Met-5ASETD2-KO appeared to dramatically decrease with ≥2.5 μg/cm2 crocidolite exposure as compared with Met-5A, although no cytotoxicity and apoptosis changes of Met-5ASETD2-KO and Met-5A was evident with 1.25 μg/cm2 crocidolite exposure for 48 h. RNA sequencing uncovered top 50 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 1.25 μg/cm2 crocidolite exposed Met-5ASETD2-KO (Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO ) and 1.25 μg/cm2 crocidolite exposed Met-5A (Cro-Met-5A), and ITGA4, THBS2, MYL7, RAC2, CADM1, and CLDN11 appeared to be the primary DEGs involved with adhesion in gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Cro-Met-5ASETD2-KO had strong migration but mild adhesion behavior as compared with Cro-Met-5A. Additionally, crocidolite tended to increase migration of Met-5ASETD2-KO but inhibited migration of Met-5A when compared with their corresponding cells without crocidolite exposure, although no further adhesion property changes was evident for both cells in response to crocidolite. Therefore, crocidolite may affect adhesion-related gene expression and modify adhesion and migration behavior for SETD2-depleted Met-5A, which could provide preliminary insight regarding the potential role of SETD2 in the cell behavior of asbestos-related malignant mesothelial cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chiyun Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cixi People's Hospital, Cixi, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hailing Xia
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junqiang Chen
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Yu
- School of Public Heath, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Occupational Health & Radiation Hygiene, Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
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8
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Viesi E, Sardina DS, Perricone U, Giugno R. APDB: a database on air pollutant characterization and similarity prediction. Database (Oxford) 2023; 2023:baad046. [PMID: 37450416 PMCID: PMC10348400 DOI: 10.1093/database/baad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Long-term and chronic exposure to high concentrations of air pollutants is associated with deleterious effects on vital organs, including increased inflammation in the lungs, oxidative stress in the heart and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. For this reason, in an effort to find an association between exposure to pollutants and the toxicological effects observable on human health, an online resource collecting and characterizing in detail pollutant molecules could be helpful to investigate their properties and mechanisms of action. We developed a database, APDB, collecting air-pollutant-related data from different online resources, in particular, molecules from the US Environmental Protection Agency, their associated targets and bioassays found in the PubChem chemical repository and their computed molecular descriptors and quantum mechanics properties. A web interface allows (i) to browse data by category, (ii) to navigate the database by querying molecules and targets and (iii) to visualize and download molecule and target structures as well as computed descriptors and similarities. The desired data can be freely exported in textual/tabular format and the whole database in SQL format. Database URL http://apdb.di.univr.it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Viesi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Davide Stefano Sardina
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Ri.MED Foundation, Via Filippo Marini 14, Palermo 90128, Italy
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Ri.MED Foundation, Via Filippo Marini 14, Palermo 90128, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Rosalba Giugno
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy
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Bloise A, Giorno E, Miriello D, Godbert N. Synthesis of Ni-Doped Tremolite Fibers to Help Clarify the Aetiology of the Cytotoxic Outcome of Asbestos. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1303. [PMID: 37110889 PMCID: PMC10142192 DOI: 10.3390/nano13081303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos fibers act as complex crystal-chemical reservoirs susceptible of releasing potentially toxic elements (such as ions impurities) into the lung cellular environment during permanency and dissolution. To comprehend the exact pathological mechanisms that are triggered upon inhalation of asbestos fibers, in vitro studies on possible interactions between the mineral and the biological system have been carried out mostly by using natural asbestos. However, this latter comprises intrinsic impurities such as Fe2+/Fe3+ and Ni2+ ions, and other eventual traces of metallic pathogens. Furthermore, often, natural asbestos is characterized by the co-presence of several mineral phases, fiber dimensions of which are randomly distributed in width and in length. For these reasons, it is albeit challenging to precisely identify toxicity factors and to define the accurate role of each factor in the overall pathogenesis of asbestos. In this regard, the availability of synthetic asbestos fibers with accurate chemical composition and specific dimensions for in vitro screening tests would represent the perfect tool to correlate asbestos toxicity to its chemico-physical features. Herein, to palliate such drawbacks of natural asbestos, well-defined Ni-doped tremolite fibers were chemically synthesized in order to offer biologists adequate samples for testing the specific role of Ni2+ in asbestos toxicity. The experimental conditions (temperature, pressure, reaction time and water amount) were optimized to produce batches of asbestos fibers of the tremolite phase, with uniformly distributed shape and dimensions and a controlled content of Ni2+ metal ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bloise
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
- University Museum System—SiMU, Section of Mineralogy and Petrography, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Eugenia Giorno
- MAT-INLab Laboratory of Inorganic Molecular Materials, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Domenico Miriello
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Nicolas Godbert
- MAT-INLab Laboratory of Inorganic Molecular Materials, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende (CS), Italy
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Benefits and Challenges of Inhibiting EZH2 in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051537. [PMID: 36900330 PMCID: PMC10000483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive thoracic cancer that is mainly associated with prior exposure to asbestos fibers. Despite being a rare cancer, its global rate is increasing and the prognosis remains extremely poor. Over the last two decades, despite the constant research of new therapeutic options, the combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed has remained the only first-line therapy for MPM. The recent approval of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based immunotherapy has opened new promising avenues of research. However, MPM is still a fatal cancer with no effective treatments. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyl transferase that exerts pro-oncogenic and immunomodulatory activities in a variety of tumors. Accordingly, a growing number of studies indicate that EZH2 is also an oncogenic driver in MPM, but its effects on tumor microenvironments are still largely unexplored. This review describes the state-of-the-art of EZH2 in MPM biology and discusses its potential use both as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. We highlight current gaps of knowledge, the filling of which will likely favor the entry of EZH2 inhibitors within the treatment options for MPM patients.
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11
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Poma A, Aloisi M, Bonfigli A, Colafarina S, Zarivi O, Aimola P, Vecchiotti G, Arrizza L, Di Cola A, Cesare P. Particle Debris Generated from Passenger Tires Induces Morphological and Gene Expression Alterations in the Macrophages Cell Line RAW 264.7. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:756. [PMID: 36839124 PMCID: PMC9959278 DOI: 10.3390/nano13040756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution in the urban environment is a topical subject. Aero-suspended particles can cause respiratory diseases in humans, ranging from inflammation to asthma and cancer. One of the components that is most prevalent in particulate matter (PM) in urban areas is the set of tire microparticles (1-20 μm) and nanoparticles (<1 μm) that are formed due to the friction of wheels with asphalt and are increased in slow-moving areas that involve a lot of braking actions. In this work, we studied the effect that microparticles generated from passenger tires (PTWP, passenger tire wear particles) have in vitro on murine macrophages cells RAW 264.7 at two concentrations of 25 and 100 μg/mL, for 24 and 48 h. In addition to the chemical characterization of the material and morphological characterization of the treated cells by transmission electron microscopy, gene expression analysis with RT-PCR and active protein analysis with Western blotting were performed. Growth curves were obtained, and the genotoxic effect was evaluated with a comet assay. The results indicate that initially, an induction of the apoptotic process is observable, but this is subsequently reversed by Bcl2. No genotoxic damage is present, but mild cellular abnormalities were observed in the treated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Poma
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Massimo Aloisi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Bonfigli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Sabrina Colafarina
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Zarivi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Aimola
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Vecchiotti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Arrizza
- Center for Microscopy, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Cesare
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Porcel JM. Mesotelioma pleural. Med Clin (Barc) 2022; 159:240-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Danopoulos E, Twiddy M, West R, Rotchell JM. A rapid review and meta-regression analyses of the toxicological impacts of microplastic exposure in human cells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 427:127861. [PMID: 34863566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to microplastics (MPs) daily via ingestion and inhalation. It is not known whether this results in adverse health effects and, if so, at what levels of exposure. Without epidemiological studies, human cell in vitro MP toxicological studies provide an alternative approach to this question. This review systematically synthesised all evidence and estimated thresholds of dose-response relationships. MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2021 and study quality was rated using a novel risk of bias assessment tool. Seventeen studies were included in the rapid review and eight in the meta-regression. Four biological endpoints displayed MP-associated effects: cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and one did not (genotoxicity). Irregular shape was found to be the only MP characteristic predicting cell death, along with the duration of exposure and MP concentration (μg/mL). Cells showed varying cytotoxic sensitivity to MPs, with Caco-2 cells (human adenocarcinoma cell line) being the most susceptible. Minimum, environmentally-relevant, concentrations of 10 μg/mL (5-200 µm), had an adverse effect on cell viability, and 20 μg/mL (0.4 µm) on cytokine release. This work is the first to quantify thresholds of MPs effects on human cells in the context of risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Danopoulos
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Allam Medical Building, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
| | - Maureen Twiddy
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Allam Medical Building, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert West
- Institute of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette M Rotchell
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
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