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Cruz JC, Cassulatti Dos Santos L, Devoz PP, Gallimberti M, Cerazette GN, de Assis Aguilar Duarte N, Eloísa de Lima L, Nunes EA, de Medeiros Soares J, Laise Dos Santos Pinto M, da Silva Soares G, Santos de Souza S, Paradell NG, Bueno M, Rocha BA, Barcelos GRM, Meneses HDNDM, Domingo JL, Zayas ZP, Barbosa F. Blood levels of 21 metals and metalloids in riverside villagers of the Brazilian Amazon: A human biomonitoring study with associations with sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 261:119767. [PMID: 39128663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119767] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring of toxic and essential trace elements is critically important for public health protection. Amazonian riverine communities exhibit distinctive dietary patterns, heavily reliant on locally sourced fish, fruits, and vegetables. These habits may result in unique exposure profiles compared to urban populations. However, comprehensive assessments of their exposure to toxic and essential metals are lacking, representing a critical gap in understanding the health risks faced by these communities. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of 21 metals and metalloids in human blood and explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices as potential sources of exposure to these elements. A cross-sectional biomonitoring investigation was conducted with 1,024 individuals from 13 communities in the Tapajós and Amazon Basins (Pará, Brazil). Most of the elements in study was determined for the first time in the region. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The levels of all elements were summarized by quantiles and compared with cutoff values from other Brazilian populations. Multiple linear regression was used to assess possible associations between element concentrations and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. High detection rates (64%-100%) were observed, indicating the widespread presence of these elements. Elevated blood concentrations were found for mercury (median 21.1 μg.L-1, interquartile range: 12-34 μg.L-1), selenium (median 166 μg.L-1, interquartile range: 137-208 μg.L-1), and lead (median 34 μg.L-1, interquartile range: 20.8-64 μg.L-1). Regression analysis revealed a positive association between mercury levels and fish consumption, while manioc flour intake showed no relationship to lead levels. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and public policy development for these vulnerable populations. Further studies should assess long-term trends and investigate the health implications of prolonged exposure to diverse chemicals in Amazonian riverside communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Carneiro Cruz
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Cassulatti Dos Santos
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Pícoli Devoz
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus Gallimberti
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Neves Cerazette
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lindiane Eloísa de Lima
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Emilene Arusievicz Nunes
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Suelen Santos de Souza
- Program in Health Sciences (PPGCSA), Federal University of Western Pará, Santarém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Nieves González Paradell
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Maite Bueno
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Bruno Alves Rocha
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jose L Domingo
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Zoyne Pedrero Zayas
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- University of Sao Paulo, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, Analytical and System Toxicology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Wei R, Wei P, Yuan H, Yi X, Aschner M, Jiang YM, Li SJ. Inflammation in Metal-Induced Neurological Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:4459-4481. [PMID: 38206494 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04041-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Essential metals play critical roles in maintaining human health as they participate in various physiological activities. Nonetheless, both excessive accumulation and deficiency of these metals may result in neurotoxicity secondary to neuroinflammation and the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Activation of these cells can promote the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is well known that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in metal-induced neurotoxicity as well as the development of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Initially seen as a defense mechanism, persistent inflammatory responses are now considered harmful. Astrocytes and microglia are key regulators of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system, and their excessive activation may induce sustained neuroinflammation. Therefore, in this review, we aim to emphasize the important role and molecular mechanisms underlying metal-induced neurotoxicity. Our objective is to raise the awareness on metal-induced neuroinflammation in neurological disorders. However, it is not only just neuroinflammation that different metals could induce; they can also cause harm to the nervous system through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy, to name a few. The primary pathophysiological mechanism by which these metals induce neurological disorders remains to be determined. In addition, given the various pathways through which individuals are exposed to metals, it is necessary to also consider the effects of co-exposure to multiple metals on neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruokun Wei
- Toxicology Department, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Health Research, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peiqi Wei
- Toxicology Department, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Health Research, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Haiyan Yuan
- Toxicology Department, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Health Research, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiang Yi
- Toxicology Department, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Health Research, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- The Department of Molecular Pharmacology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Yue-Ming Jiang
- Toxicology Department, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Health Research, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Shao-Jun Li
- Toxicology Department, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environment and Health Research, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuang-yong Rd., Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Kang B, Wang J, Guo S, Yang L. Mercury-induced toxicity: Mechanisms, molecular pathways, and gene regulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173577. [PMID: 38852866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173577] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known neurotoxicant for humans and wildlife. The epidemic of mercury poisoning in Japan has clearly demonstrated that chronic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) results in serious neurological damage to the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, leading to the dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in infants exposed to MeHg in utero. The occurrences of poisoning have caused a wide public concern regarding the health risk emanating from MeHg exposure; particularly those eating large amounts of fish may experience the low-level and long-term exposure. There is growing evidence that MeHg at environmentally relevant concentrations can affect the health of biota in the ecosystem. Although extensive in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the disruption of redox homeostasis and microtube assembly is mainly responsible for mercurial toxicity leading to adverse health outcomes, it is still unclear whether we could quantitively determine the occurrence of interaction between mercurial and thiols and/or selenols groups of proteins linked directly to outcomes, especially at very low levels of exposure. Furthermore, intracellular calcium homeostasis, cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter release, and DNA methylation may be the targets of mercury compounds; however, the primary targets associated with the adverse outcomes remain to be elucidated. Considering these knowledge gaps, in this article, we conducted a comprehensive review of mercurial toxicity, focusing mainly on the mechanism, and genes/proteins expression. We speculated that comprehensive analyses of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics could enhance interpretation of "omics" profiles, which may reveal specific biomarkers obviously correlated with specific pathways that mediate selective neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China.
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Drago G, Aloi N, Ruggieri S, Longo A, Contrino ML, Contarino FM, Cibella F, Colombo P, Longo V. Guardians under Siege: Exploring Pollution's Effects on Human Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7788. [PMID: 39063030 PMCID: PMC11277414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147788] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with detrimental effects on various physiological systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, and perinatal domains. While the impact of pollution on these systems has been extensively studied, the intricate relationship between chemical pollution and immunity remains a critical area of investigation. The focus of this study is to elucidate the relationship between chemical pollution and human immunity. To accomplish this task, this study presents a comprehensive review that encompasses in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, shedding light on the ways in which chemical pollution can modulate human immunity. Our aim is to unveil the complex mechanisms by which environmental contaminants compromise the delicate balance of the body's defense systems going beyond the well-established associations with defense systems and delving into the less-explored link between chemical exposure and various immune disorders, adding urgency to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspare Drago
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Noemi Aloi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Silvia Ruggieri
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Alessandra Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Maria Lia Contrino
- Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Siracusa, Corso Gelone 17, 96100 Siracusa, Italy; (M.L.C.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Fabio Massimo Contarino
- Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Siracusa, Corso Gelone 17, 96100 Siracusa, Italy; (M.L.C.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Fabio Cibella
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
| | - Valeria Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.); (N.A.); (S.R.); (A.L.); (F.C.); (V.L.)
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Lyu L, Tao Y, Abaakil K, Gu Y, Zhong G, Hu Y, Zhang Y. Novel insights into DEHP-induced zebrafish spleen damage: Cellular apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and innate immunity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169324. [PMID: 38145680 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169324] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is the most abundant phthalate component detected in environmental samples as it is widely used in the manufacturing of children's toys, medical devices and furniture. Due to its wide prevalence and propensity to accumulate in the food chain, significant concerns have risen about the safety profile of DEHP. Here, we used a zebrafish model to investigate the toxicity mechanisms of DEHP. Our results indicated that exposure to DEHP altered the ROS content in zebrafish spleen and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, detoxification enzyme GSH-Px and induced histopathological damage. In addition, elucidated the mechanism of DEHP significantly promoted apoptosis and caused damage in spleen cells through the bax/bcl-2 pathway. Further genetic testing demonstrated significant alterations in mitochondrial biogenesis, fission, and fusion-related genes and suggested potential mechanistic pathways, including GM10532/m6A/FIS1 axis, the STAT3/POA1 axis, and the NFR1/TFAM axis. Serological and genomic analysis indicated that DEHP exposure activated the C3 complement cascade immune pathway and interfered with innate immune function. IBRv2 analysis proposes that innate immunity may serve as a signal indicator of early toxic responses to DEHP pollutants. This study provided comprehensive cellular and genetic data for DEHP toxicity studies and emphasized the need for future management and remediation of DEHP contamination. It also provides data to specifically support the health risk assessments of DEHP, as well as contributing to broader health and environmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Lyu
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Street 600, Harbin 150030, PR China; Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK.
| | - Yue Tao
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Street 600, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Kaoutar Abaakil
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, UK.
| | - Yanyan Gu
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Street 600, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Guanyu Zhong
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Street 600, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yang Hu
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Street 600, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Street 600, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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Guo S, Kang B, Wang R, Yang L. Methylmercury induces ectopic expression of complement components and apoptotic cell death in the retina of the zebrafish embryo. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165215. [PMID: 37392880 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165215] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxin of humans and wildlife. Visual impairments, including blindness, are frequently present in human patients with MeHg poisoning and in affected animals. It is widely assumed that MeHg-induced damage to the visual cortex is the sole or primary cause of vision loss. MeHg has been shown to accumulate in the outer segments of photoreceptor cells, and to alter the thickness of the inner nuclear layer of the fish retina. However, it is unclear whether the bioaccumulated MeHg has direct deleterious effects on the retina. Herein we report that the genes encoding complement components 5 (c5), c7a, c7b, and c9 were ectopically expressed in the inner nuclear layer of the retinas of zebrafish embryos exposed to MeHg (6-50 μg/L). The numbers of apoptotic cell deaths scored in the retinas of MeHg-treated embryos significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner. In comparison with cadmium and arsenic, ectopic expression of c5, c7a, c7b, and c9, and the observed apoptotic cell death in the retina were specific to MeHg exposure. Our data provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that MeHg has deleterious impacts on the retinal cells, especially the inner nuclear layer. We propose that MeHg-induced retinal cell death may trigger the activation of the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Ruihong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China.
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de Souza Prestes A, Vargas JLS, Dos Santos MM, Druzian GT, da Rocha JT, Aschner M, Barbosa NV. EtHg is more toxic than MeHg to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: Involvement of apoptotic, mitochondrial, oxidative and proliferative parameters. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130446. [PMID: 37619690 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130446] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg) are potent toxicants affecting the environment and human healthy. In this way, the present study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of MeHg and EtHg exposure on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which are critical components of the mammalian immune system. METHODS PBMCs were exposed to 2.5 μM MeHg or 2.5 μM EtHg. The number of cells and incubation times varied according to each assay. After exposures, the PBMCs were subjected to different evaluations, including cell viability, morphological aspects, cell cycle phases, indices of apoptosis and necrosis, reactive species (RS) production, and mitochondrial functionality. RESULTS PBMCs exposed to EtHg were characterized by decreased viability and size, increased granularity, RS production, and apoptotic indexes accompanied by an intensification of Sub-G1 and reduction in G0-G1 cell cycle phases. Preceding these effects, we found mitochondrial dysfunctions, namely a reduction in the electron transport system related to mitochondrial complex I. In contrast, PBMCs exposed to MeHg showed only reduced viability. By ICP-MS, we found that PBMCs treated with EtHg accumulated Hg + levels ∼1.8-fold greater than MeHg-exposed cells. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, our findings provide important insights about mercury immunotoxicity, showing that EtHg is more immunotoxic to human PBMCs than MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro de Souza Prestes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | - João Luis Souza Vargas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Mülling Dos Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nilda Vargas Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Wen J, Giri M, Xu L, Guo S. Association between Exposure to Selected Heavy Metals and Blood Eosinophil Counts in Asthmatic Adults: Results from NHANES 2011-2018. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041543. [PMID: 36836077 PMCID: PMC9965605 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Heavy metals are widely used and dispersed in the environment and people's daily routines. Many studies have reported an association between heavy metal exposure and asthma. Blood eosinophils play a crucial role in the occurrence, progression, and treatment of asthma. However, there have thus far been few studies that aimed to explore the effects of heavy metal exposure on blood eosinophil counts in adults with asthma. Our study aims to discuss the association between metal exposure and blood eosinophil counts among asthmatic adults. (2) Methods: A total of 2026 asthmatic individuals were involved in our research from NHANES with metal exposure, blood eosinophils, and other covariates among the American population. A regression model, the XGBoost algorithm, and a generalized linear model (GAM) were used to explore the potential correlation. Furthermore, we conducted a stratified analysis to determine high-risk populations. (3) Results: The multivariate regression analysis indicated that concentrations of blood Pb (log per 1 mg/L; coefficient β, 25.39; p = 0.010) were positively associated with blood eosinophil counts. However, the associations between blood cadmium, mercury, selenium, manganese, and blood eosinophil counts were not statistically significant. We used stratified analysis to determine the high-risk group regarding Pb exposure. Pb was identified as the most vital variable influencing blood eosinophils through the XGBoost algorithm. We also used GAM to observe the linear relationship between the blood Pb concentrations and blood eosinophil counts. (4) Conclusions: The study demonstrated that blood Pb was positively correlated with blood eosinophil counts among asthmatic adults. We suggested that long-time Pb exposure as a risk factor might be correlated with the immune system disorder of asthmatic adults and affect the development, exacerbation, and treatment of asthma.
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Gut as the target tissue of mercury and the extraintestinal effects. Toxicology 2023; 484:153396. [PMID: 36521575 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is harmful to the environment and human health. The gut plays important roles as the biological, chemical, mechanical, and immune barriers in animals and human beings. It has been known that Hg can be absorbed and methylated/demethylated in the gut, on the other hand, the impacts of Hg to the gut (especially the gut microbiota) is less studied. This review paper summarizes the impacts of inorganic Hg (IHg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) on gut barriers and the extraintestinal effects (damage to other organs such as the liver and brain). Both IHg and MeHg were found to cause intestinal microbial disorders, abnormal metabolites production, tight junction damage, and immune responses in the gut. The damage to the gut also contributed to the extraintestinal effects like the hepatotoxicity by IHg and the neurotoxicity by MeHg. In all, it is proposed that the gut should be considered as an important target tissue of Hg exposure, and the regulation of gut microbiota may have the potential for the prevention and control of the toxicity of Hg.
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Epigenetics at the Intersection of COVID-19 Risk and Environmental Chemical Exposures. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:477-489. [PMID: 35648356 PMCID: PMC9157479 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Several environmental contaminants have been implicated as contributors to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Immunomodulation and epigenetic regulation have been hypothesized as mediators of this relationship, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-characterized. This review examines the evidence for epigenetic modification at the intersection of COVID-19 and environmental chemical exposures. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous environmental contaminants including air pollutants, toxic metal(loid)s, per- and polyfluorinated substances, and endocrine disrupting chemicals are hypothesized to increase susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk of severe COVID-19, but few studies currently exist. Drawing on evidence that many environmental chemicals alter the epigenetic regulation of key immunity genes and pathways, we discuss how exposures likely perturb host antiviral responses. Specific mechanisms vary by contaminant but include general immunomodulation as well as regulation of viral entry and recognition, inflammation, and immunologic memory pathways, among others. Associations between environmental contaminants and COVID-19 are likely mediated, in part, by epigenetic regulation of key immune pathways involved in the host response to SARS-CoV-2.
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Spence T, Zavez A, Allsopp PJ, Conway MC, Yeates AJ, Mulhern MS, van Wijngaarden E, Strain JJ, Myers GJ, Watson GE, Davidson PW, Shamlaye CF, Thurston SW, McSorley EM. Serum cytokines are associated with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and not with methylmercury measured in infant cord blood in the Seychelles child development study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112003. [PMID: 34492279 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal fish consumption increases infant methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations. The n-3 PUFA are regulators of inflammation while MeHg may impact the cord cytokine profile and, subsequently, contribute to immune mediated outcomes. This study aimed to investigate associations between infant MeHg exposure and cord cytokine concentrations while adjusting for cord PUFA. METHODS We studied participants in the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Nutrition Cohort 2 (NC2), a large birth cohort in a high fish-eating population. Whole blood MeHg, serum PUFA and serum cytokine concentrations (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-6 and IL-8) were measured in cord blood collected at delivery (n = 878). Linear regression examined associations between infant MeHg exposure and cord cytokines concentrations, with and without adjustment for cord PUFA. An interaction model examined cord MeHg, cytokines and tertiles of the n-6:n-3 ratio (low/medium/high). RESULTS There was no overall association between cord MeHg (34.08 ± 19.98 μg/L) and cytokine concentrations, with or without adjustment for PUFA. Increased total n-3 PUFA (DHA, EPA and ALA) was significantly associated with lower IL-10 (β = -0.667; p = 0.007) and lower total Th2 (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) (β = -0.715; p = 0.036). In the interaction model, MeHg and IL-1β was positive and significantly different from zero in the lowest n-6:n-3 ratio tertile (β = 0.002, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Methylmercury exposure from fish consumption does not appear to impact markers of inflammation in cord blood. The association of cord n-3 PUFA with lower IL-10 and total Th2 cytokines suggests that they may have a beneficial influence on the regulation of the inflammatory milieu. These findings are important for public health advice and deserve to be investigated in follow up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Spence
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Alexis Zavez
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Philip J Allsopp
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Marie C Conway
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Gary J Myers
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Gene E Watson
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Philip W Davidson
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | | | - Sally W Thurston
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, UK.
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12
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The Role of Exposomes in the Pathophysiology of Autoimmune Diseases I: Toxic Chemicals and Food. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 28:513-543. [PMID: 35366249 PMCID: PMC8830458 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology28040034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases affect 5–9% of the world’s population. It is now known that genetics play a relatively small part in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders in general, and that environmental factors have a greater role. In this review, we examine the role of the exposome, an individual’s lifetime exposure to external and internal factors, in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. The most common of these environmental factors are toxic chemicals, food/diet, and infections. Toxic chemicals are in our food, drink, common products, the air, and even the land we walk on. Toxic chemicals can directly damage self-tissue and cause the release of autoantigens, or can bind to human tissue antigens and form neoantigens, which can provoke autoimmune response leading to autoimmunity. Other types of autoimmune responses can also be induced by toxic chemicals through various effects at the cellular and biochemical levels. The food we eat every day commonly has colorants, preservatives, or packaging-related chemical contamination. The food itself may be antigenic for susceptible individuals. The most common mechanism for food-related autoimmunity is molecular mimicry, in which the food’s molecular structure bears a similarity with the structure of one or more self-tissues. The solution is to detect the trigger, remove it from the environment or diet, then repair the damage to the individual’s body and health.
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13
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Stratakis N, Golden-Mason L, Margetaki K, Zhao Y, Valvi D, Garcia E, Maitre L, Andrusaityte S, Basagana X, Borràs E, Bustamante M, Casas M, Fossati S, Grazuleviciene R, Haug LS, Heude B, McEachan RR, Meltzer HM, Papadopoulou E, Roumeliotaki T, Robinson O, Sabidó E, Urquiza J, Vafeiadi M, Varo N, Wright J, Vos MB, Hu H, Vrijheid M, Berhane KT, Conti DV, McConnell R, Rosen HR, Chatzi L. In Utero Exposure to Mercury Is Associated With Increased Susceptibility to Liver Injury and Inflammation in Childhood. Hepatology 2021; 74:1546-1559. [PMID: 33730435 PMCID: PMC8446089 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of liver disease in children. Mercury (Hg), a ubiquitous toxic metal, has been proposed as an environmental factor contributing to toxicant-associated fatty liver disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS We investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to Hg on childhood liver injury by combining epidemiological results from a multicenter mother-child cohort with complementary in vitro experiments on monocyte cells that are known to play a key role in liver immune homeostasis and NAFLD. We used data from 872 mothers and their children (median age, 8.1 years; interquartile range [IQR], 6.5-8.7) from the European Human Early-Life Exposome cohort. We measured Hg concentration in maternal blood during pregnancy (median, 2.0 μg/L; IQR, 1.1-3.6). We also assessed serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a common screening tool for pediatric NAFLD, and plasma concentrations of inflammation-related cytokines in children. We found that prenatal Hg exposure was associated with a phenotype in children that was characterized by elevated ALT (≥22.1 U/L for females and ≥25.8 U/L for males) and increased concentrations of circulating IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Consistently, inflammatory monocytes exposed in vitro to a physiologically relevant dose of Hg demonstrated significant up-regulation of genes encoding these four cytokines and increased concentrations of IL-8 and TNF-α in the supernatants. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that developmental exposure to Hg can contribute to inflammation and increased NAFLD risk in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Katerina Margetaki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yinqi Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Erika Garcia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Léa Maitre
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Andrusaityte
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Xavier Basagana
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Borràs
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Casas
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Fossati
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Barbara Heude
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Paris, France
| | - Rosemary R.C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | | | | | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Oliver Robinson
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Urquiza
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nerea Varo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Miriam B. Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Nutrition Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kiros T. Berhane
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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14
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Cañadas P, Lantigua Y, Enríquez-de-Salamanca A, Fernandez I, Pastor-Idoate S, Sobas EM, Dueñas-Laita A, Pérez-Castrillón JL, Pastor Jimeno JC, Calonge M. Ocular Surface Pathology in Patients Suffering from Mercury Intoxication. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081326. [PMID: 34441261 PMCID: PMC8391177 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To report the ocular surface pathology of patients suffering from acute/subacute mercury vapor intoxication. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Male workers intoxicated with inorganic mercury referred for ophthalmic involvement and healthy control subjects. Methods: The following tests were performed: dry eye (DE)-related symptoms indicated by the ocular surface disease (OSDI) index questionnaire; tear osmolarity; analysis of 23 tear cytokine concentrations and principal component and hierarchical agglomerative cluster analyses; tear break-up time (T-BUT); corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining; tear production by Schirmer and tear lysozyme tests; mechanical and thermal corneal sensitivity (non-contact esthesiometry); and corneal nerve analysis and dendritic cell density by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Results: Twenty-two out of 29 evaluated patients entered the study. Most had DE-related symptoms (OSDI values > 12), that were severe in 63.6% of them. Tear osmolarity was elevated (>308 mOsms/L) in 83.4% of patients (mean 336.23 (28.71) mOsm/L). Corneal and conjunctival staining were unremarkable. T-BUT was low (<7 s) in 22.7% of patients. Schirmer test and tear lysozyme concentration were low in 13.6% and 27.3% of cases, respectively. Corneal esthesiometry showed patient mechanical (mean 147.81 (53.36) mL/min) and thermal thresholds to heat (+2.35 (+1.10) °C) and cold (−2.57 (−1.24) °C) to be significantly higher than controls. Corneal IVCM revealed lower values for nerve density (6.4 (2.94) n/mm2), nerve branching density (2 (2.50) n/mm2), and dendritic cell density (9.1 (8.84) n/mm2) in patients. Tear levels of IL-12p70, IL-6, RANTES, and VEGF were increased, whereas EGF and IP-10/CXCL10 were decreased compared to controls. Based on cytokine levels, two clusters of patients were identified. Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 2 patients had significantly increased tear levels of 18 cytokines, decreased tear lysozyme, lower nerve branching density, fewer dendritic cells, and higher urine mercury levels. Conclusions: Patients suffering from systemic mercury intoxication showed symptoms and signs of ocular surface pathology, mainly by targeting the trigeminal nerve, as shown by alterations in corneal sensitivity and sub-basal nerve morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cañadas
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-(98)-3184763
| | - Yrbani Lantigua
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Amalia Enríquez-de-Salamanca
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Itziar Fernandez
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Pastor-Idoate
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Eva M. Sobas
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Antonio Dueñas-Laita
- Department of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain;
| | | | - Jose C. Pastor Jimeno
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
| | - Margarita Calonge
- IOBA (Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology), University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (Y.L.); (A.E.-d.-S.); (I.F.); (S.P.-I.); (E.M.S.); (J.C.P.J.); (M.C.)
- CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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15
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Kennedy SN, Keogh M, Levin M, Castellini JM, Lian M, Fadely BS, Rea LD, O'Hara TM. Regional variations and relationships among cytokine profiles, white blood cell counts, and blood mercury concentrations in Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:144894. [PMID: 33631572 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144894] [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: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Steller sea lion (SSL) population west of 144°W longitude experienced a significant population decline. While there appears to be a stable or increasing population trend in rookeries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Southeast Alaska (SEA), some rookeries within the Aleutian Islands (AI) have failed to recover. Previous studies found regional differences in whole blood total mercury concentrations ([THg]) showing more than 20% of AI pups had [THg] above critical thresholds for increased risk of immunological effects and other adverse outcomes. Measurements of immune cell-signaling proteins can be used to evaluate the immune status of marine mammals in relation to [THg]. We compared serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations in pups among regions (AI, eastern GOA, SEA), and examined associations among cytokines, chemokines, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and [THg]. Considering liver is an important target organ for mercury and immune protein synthesis we additionally examined the relationship of [THg] with liver-related enzymes serum aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). We observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine measurements and immune protein associations. There was a positive association between total WBC counts and [THg] in AI pups, whereas a negative association between lymphocytes and [THg] in SEA pups. These findings may indicate regional variation in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, differences in immune system development, and/or a difference in antigenic stimuli. No associations between [THg] and cytokines, chemokines, AST or ALT were found. Observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine milieu during gestational and early development in SSL pups could lead to an imbalance in cell differentiation that could impact immunological resiliency in juvenile and adult life stages. We report concentration ranges of a suite of cytokines and chemokines which may prove to be a useful metric for ecotoxicology and risk assessment studies in SSLs and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Harvard Medical School and Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mandy Keogh
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK, USA.
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Marianne Lian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Brian S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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16
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Branco V, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Neurotoxicity of mercury: an old issue with contemporary significance. ADVANCES IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY 2021; 5:239-262. [PMID: 34263092 PMCID: PMC8276940 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ant.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury exerts a variety of toxic effects, depending on the specific compound and route of exposure. However, neurotoxicity in virtue of its consequence to health causes the greatest concern for toxicologists. This is particularly true regarding fetal development, where neurotoxic effects are much more severe than in adults, and the toxicity threshold is lower. Here, we review the major concepts regarding the neurotoxicity of mercury compounds (mercury vapor; methylmercury and ethylmercury), from exposure routes to toxicokinetic particularities leading to brain deposition and the development of neurotoxic effects. Albeit research on the neurotoxicity of mercury compounds has significantly advanced from the second half of the twentieth century onwards, several grey areas regarding the mechanism of toxicity still exist. Thus, we emphasize research advances during the last two decades concerning the molecular interactions of mercury which cause neurotoxic effects. Highlights include the disruption of glutamate signaling and excitotoxicity resulting from exposure to mercury and the interaction with redox active residues such as cysteines and selenocysteines which are the premise accounting for the disruption of redox homeostasis caused by mercurials. We also address how immunotoxic effects at the CNS, namely microglia and astrocyte activation modulate developmental neurotoxicity, a major topic in contemporary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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17
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Pollard KM, Cauvi DM, Mayeux JM, Toomey CB, Peiss AK, Hultman P, Kono DH. Mechanisms of Environment-Induced Autoimmunity. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 61:135-157. [PMID: 32857688 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-031320-111453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although numerous environmental exposures have been suggested as triggers for preclinical autoimmunity, only a few have been confidently linked to autoimmune diseases. For disease-associated exposures, the lung is a common site where chronic exposure results in cellular toxicity, tissue damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. These features are exacerbated by exposures to particulate material, which hampers clearance and degradation, thus facilitating persistent inflammation. Coincident with exposure and resulting pathological processes is the posttranslational modification of self-antigens, which, in concert with the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures containing abundant B cells, is thought to promote the generation of autoantibodies that in some instances demonstrate major histocompatibility complex restriction. Under appropriate gene-environment interactions, these responses can have diagnostic specificity. Greater insight into the molecular and cellular requirements governing this process, especially those that distinguish preclinical autoimmunity from clinical autoimmunedisease, may facilitate determination of the significance of environmental exposures in human autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Michael Pollard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| | - David M Cauvi
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Jessica M Mayeux
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| | - Christopher B Toomey
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Amy K Peiss
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA;
| | - Per Hultman
- Departments of Clinical Pathology and Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Dwight H Kono
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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18
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McSorley EM, van Wijngaarden E, Yeates AJ, Spence T, Mulhern MS, Harrington D, Thurston SW, Love T, Jusko TA, Allsopp PJ, Conway MC, Davidson PW, Myers GJ, Watson GE, Shamlaye CF, Strain JJ. Methylmercury and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with immune dysregulation in young adults from the Seychelles child development study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109072. [PMID: 32007747 PMCID: PMC7213642 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.109072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to the environmental toxicant mercury (Hg) has been associated with immune dysregulation, including autoimmune disease, but few human studies have examined methylmercury (MeHg) exposure from fish consumption. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between MeHg exposure and biological markers of autoimmunity and inflammation while adjusting for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). METHOD At age 19 years, hair total Hg (Y19Hg), LCPUFA status, a panel of 13 antinuclear antibodies (ANA), total serum immunoglobulins (Ig) IgG, IgA, and IgM and serum markers of inflammation (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), IFN-γ, TNF-α) were measured in the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) Main Cohort (n = 497). Multivariable regression models investigated the association between Y19Hg and biomarkers, adjusting for prenatal total hair Hg (MatHg) and other relevant covariates, and with and without adjustment for LCPUFA. RESULTS With each 1 ppm increase in Y19Hg (mean 10.23 (SD 6.02) ppm) we observed a 4% increased odds in a positive Combined ANA following adjustment for the n6:n3 LCPUFA ratio (β = 0.036, 95%; CI: 0.001, 0.073). IgM was negatively associated with Y19Hg (β = -0.016, 95%CI: 0.016, -0.002) in models adjusted for n-3, n-6 LCPUFA and when separately adjusted for the n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio. No associations were observed with MatHg. Total n-3 LCPUFA status was associated with reduced odds of a positive anti-ribonuclear protein (RNP) A. The n-3 LCPUFA were negatively associated with IL-6, IL-10, CRP, IFN-γ, TNF-α and positively with TNF-α:IL-10. There were positive associations between the n-6:n-3 ratio and IL-6, IL-10, CRP, IFN-γ, TNF-α and a negative association with TNF-α:IL-10. DISCUSSION The Y19Hg exposure was associated with higher ANA and lower IgM albeit only following adjustment for the n-3 LCPUFA or the n-6:n-3 LCPUFA ratio. The clinical significance of these findings is unclear, but warrant follow up at an older age to determine any relationship to the onset of autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeir M McSorley
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Alison J Yeates
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Toni Spence
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Donald Harrington
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Sally W Thurston
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Tanzy Love
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Todd A Jusko
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Philip J Allsopp
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Marie C Conway
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Philip W Davidson
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gary J Myers
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gene E Watson
- The School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - J J Strain
- The Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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19
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Wang F, Luo Z, Guo S, Strähle U. Toxicity of mercury: Molecular evidence. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 245:125586. [PMID: 31881386 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Minamata disease in Japan and the large-scale poisoning by methylmercury (MeHg) in Iraq caused wide public concerns about the risk emanating from mercury for human health. Nowadays, it is widely known that all forms of mercury induce toxic effects in mammals, and increasing evidence supports the concern that environmentally relevant levels of MeHg could impact normal biological functions in wildlife. The information of mechanism involved in mercurial toxicity is growing but knowledge gaps still exist between the adverse effects and mechanisms of action, especially at the molecular level. A body of data obtained from experimental studies on mechanisms of mercurial toxicity in vivo and in vitro points to that disruption of the antioxidant system may play an important role in the mercurial toxic effects. Moreover, the accumulating evidence indicates that signaling transduction, protein or/and enzyme activity, and gene regulation are involving in mediating toxic and adaptive response to mercury exposure. We conducted here a comprehensive review of mercurial toxic effects on wildlife and human, in particular synthesized key findings of molecular pathways involved in mercurial toxicity from the cells to human. We discuss the molecular evidence related mercurial toxicity to the adverse effects, with particular emphasis on the gene regulation. The further studies relying on Omic analysis connected to adverse effects and modes of action of mercury will aid in the evaluation and validation of causative relationship between health outcomes and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Zidie Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012, Beijing, China
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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20
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Stratakis N, Conti DV, Borras E, Sabido E, Roumeliotaki T, Papadopoulou E, Agier L, Basagana X, Bustamante M, Casas M, Farzan SF, Fossati S, Gonzalez JR, Grazuleviciene R, Heude B, Maitre L, McEachan RRC, Theologidis I, Urquiza J, Vafeiadi M, West J, Wright J, McConnell R, Brantsaeter AL, Meltzer HM, Vrijheid M, Chatzi L. Association of Fish Consumption and Mercury Exposure During Pregnancy With Metabolic Health and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Children. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e201007. [PMID: 32176304 PMCID: PMC7076335 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance The balance of mercury risk and nutritional benefit from fish intake during pregnancy for the metabolic health of offspring to date is unknown. Objective To assess the associations of fish intake and mercury exposure during pregnancy with metabolic syndrome in children and alterations in biomarkers of inflammation in children. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based prospective birth cohort study used data from studies performed in 5 European countries (France, Greece, Norway, Spain, and the UK) between April 1, 2003, and February 26, 2016, as part of the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) project. Mothers and their singleton offspring were followed up until the children were aged 6 to 12 years. Data were analyzed between March 1 and August 2, 2019. Exposures Maternal fish intake during pregnancy (measured in times per week) was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires, and maternal mercury concentration (measured in micrograms per liter) was assessed using maternal whole blood and cord blood samples. Main Outcomes and Measures An aggregate metabolic syndrome score for children was calculated using the z scores of waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and levels of triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin. A higher metabolic syndrome score (score range, -4.9 to 7.5) indicated a poorer metabolic profile. Three protein panels were used to measure several cytokines and adipokines in the plasma of children. Results The study included 805 mothers and their singleton children. Among mothers, the mean (SD) age at cohort inclusion or delivery of their infant was 31.3 (4.6) years. A total of 400 women (49.7%) had a high educational level, and 432 women (53.7%) were multiparous. Among children, the mean (SD) age was 8.4 (1.5) years (age range, 6-12 years). A total of 453 children (56.3%) were boys, and 734 children (91.2%) were of white race/ethnicity. Fish intake consistent with health recommendations (1 to 3 times per week) during pregnancy was associated with a 1-U decrease in metabolic syndrome score in children (β = -0.96; 95% CI, -1.49 to -0.42) compared with low fish consumption (<1 time per week) after adjusting for maternal mercury levels and other covariates. No further benefit was observed with fish intake of more than 3 times per week. A higher maternal mercury concentration was independently associated with an increase in the metabolic syndrome score of their offspring (β per 2-fold increase in mercury concentration = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.01-0.34). Compared with low fish intake, moderate and high fish intake during pregnancy were associated with reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines in children. An integrated analysis identified a cluster of children with increased susceptibility to metabolic disease, which was characterized by low fish consumption during pregnancy, high maternal mercury levels, decreased levels of adiponectin in children, and increased levels of leptin, tumor necrosis factor α, and the cytokines interleukin 6 and interleukin 1β in children. Conclusions and Relevance Results of this study suggest that moderate fish intake consistent with current health recommendations during pregnancy was associated with improvements in the metabolic health of children, while high maternal mercury exposure was associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Department of Complex Genetics and Epidemiology, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Eva Borras
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulacio Genomica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Sabido
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulacio Genomica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eleni Papadopoulou
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lydiane Agier
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Inserm, CNRS, University Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, U1209 Joint Research Center, La Tronche, Grenoble, France
| | - Xavier Basagana
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Casas
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shohreh F. Farzan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Serena Fossati
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan R. Gonzalez
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Barbara Heude
- Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, Inserm, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Universite de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lea Maitre
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosemary R. C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Ioannis Theologidis
- Foundation for Research and Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Jose Urquiza
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Jane West
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Anne-Lise Brantsaeter
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Martine Vrijheid
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Publica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
- Department of Complex Genetics and Epidemiology, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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21
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Bjørklund G, Peana M, Dadar M, Chirumbolo S, Aaseth J, Martins N. Mercury-induced autoimmunity: Drifting from micro to macro concerns on autoimmune disorders. Clin Immunol 2020; 213:108352. [PMID: 32032765 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is widely recognized as a neurotoxic metal, besides it can also act as a proinflammatory agent and immunostimulant, depending on individual exposure and susceptibility. Mercury exposure may arise from internal body pathways, such as via dental amalgams, preservatives in drugs and vaccines, and seafood consumption, or even from external pathways, i.e., occupational exposure, environmental pollution, and handling of metallic items and cosmetics containing Hg. In susceptible individuals, chronic low Hg exposure may trigger local and systemic inflammation, even exacerbating the already existing autoimmune response in patients with autoimmunity. Mercury exposure can trigger dysfunction of the autoimmune responses and aggravate immunotoxic effects associated with elevated serum autoantibodies titers. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical overview of the many issues associated with Hg exposure and autoimmunity. In addition, the paper focuses on individual susceptibility and other health effects of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Natália Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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22
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Aung MT, Meeker JD, Boss J, Bakulski KM, Mukherjee B, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. Manganese is associated with increased plasma interleukin-1β during pregnancy, within a mixtures analysis framework of urinary trace metals. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 93:43-53. [PMID: 31881266 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to trace metals may impact reproductive health outcomes through perturbations in maternal immune signaling molecules. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 390 pregnant women from the LIFECODES birth cohort and investigated the associations between 17 urinary metals and five immune biomarkers measured in the 3rd trimester (median 26 weeks gestation). We used linear regression to estimate pair-wise associations and applied elastic net and Bayesian kernel machine regression to identify important contributing exposures analytes as well as non-linear effects. Maternal urinary manganese, nickel, and barium were positively associated with maternal plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Elastic net and Bayesian kernel machine regression identified manganese as the dominant trace metal in association with IL-1β. An interquartile range difference in manganese (0.6 μg/L) was associated with a 29 % increase in IL-1β (95 % CI: 12.4-48.2). In conclusion, trace metal exposures were associated with biomarkers of immune perturbations, and this warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max T Aung
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Boss
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
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23
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Irwin JL, McSorley EM, Yeates AJ, Mulhern MS, Strain JJ, Watson GE, Grzesik K, Thurston SW, Love TM, Smith TH, Broberg K, Shamlaye CF, Myers GJ, Davidson PW, van Wijngaarden E. Maternal immune markers during pregnancy and child neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 20 months in the Seychelles Child Development Study. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 335:577023. [PMID: 31445378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune dysregulation during pregnancy may influence behavior and neurodevelopment in offspring, but few human studies have tested this hypothesis. Using structural equation modeling, we examined associations between maternal inflammatory markers at 28 weeks gestation and child neurodevelopmental outcomes at 20 months of age in a sample of 1453 mother-child pairs. We observed several associations between maternal inflammatory markers measured in the late second or early third trimester and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. The direction of association for some markers was unexpected. Further research is warranted to confirm and elucidate the exact nature of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Irwin
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA Co. Londonderry, UK
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Katherine Grzesik
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Sally W Thurston
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Tanzy M Love
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Tristram H Smith
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 13, SE-17177, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States of America.
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24
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Pamphlett R, Kum Jew S. Mercury Is Taken Up Selectively by Cells Involved in Joint, Bone, and Connective Tissue Disorders. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:168. [PMID: 31380381 PMCID: PMC6659129 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The causes of most arthropathies, osteoarthritis, and connective tissue disorders remain unknown, but exposure to toxic metals could play a part in their pathogenesis. Human exposure to mercury is common, so to determine whether mercury could be affecting joints, bones, and connective tissues we used a histochemical method to determine the cellular uptake of mercury in mice. Whole neonatal mice were examined since this allowed histological assessment of mercury in joint, bone, and connective tissue cells. Materials and Methods: Pregnant mice were exposed to a non-toxic dose of 0.5 mg/m3 of mercury vapor for 4 h a day on gestational days 14-18. Neonates were sacrificed at postnatal day 1, fixed in formalin, and transverse blocks of the body were processed for paraffin embedding. Seven micrometer sections were stained for inorganic mercury using silver nitrate autometallography, either alone or combined with CD44 immunostaining to detect progenitor cells. Control neonates were not exposed to mercury during gestation. Results: Uptake of mercury was marked in synovial cells, articular chondrocytes, and periosteal and tracheal cartilage cells. Mercury was seen in fibroblasts in the dermis, aorta, esophagus and striated muscle, some of which were CD44-positive progenitor cells, and in the endothelial cells of small blood vessels. Mercury was also present in renal tubules and liver periportal cells. Conclusions: Mercury is taken up selectively by cells that are predominantly affected in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In addition, fibroblasts in several organs often involved in multisystem connective tissue disorders take up mercury. Mercury provokes the autoimmune, inflammatory, genetic, and epigenetic changes that have been described in a range of arthropathies and bone and connective tissue disorders. These findings support the hypothesis that mercury exposure could trigger some of these disorders, particularly in people with a genetic susceptibility to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Kum Jew
- Discipline of Pathology, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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25
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Afrifa J, Opoku YK, Gyamerah EO, Ashiagbor G, Sorkpor RD. The Clinical Importance of the Mercury Problem in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining. Front Public Health 2019; 7:131. [PMID: 31192183 PMCID: PMC6549531 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Artisanal small-scale mining is widely operated in various countries serving as a livelihood to many rural communities. However, it is a significant source of environmental mercury contamination which affects human health. Amalgamation and amalgam smelting, two significant steps in the artisanal small-scale mining operations generate lots of mercury vapors, leading to chronic exposure among miners. Thus, this article seeks to provide a topical review of recent findings on organ damage and metabolic disorders among mercury-exposed artisanal small-scale miners with emphasis on the contributing factors such as personal protective equipment usage and artisanal small-scale gold mining-specific occupational activities. Also, insights into the effect of mercury intoxication and mechanisms of action on organ and metabolic systems among exposed individuals are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justice Afrifa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Scientific Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yeboah Kwaku Opoku
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.,Biopharmaceutical Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Eric Ofori Gyamerah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - George Ashiagbor
- Department of Wildlife and Range Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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26
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Emeny RT, Korrick SA, Li Z, Nadeau K, Madan J, Jackson B, Baker E, Karagas MR. Prenatal exposure to mercury in relation to infant infections and respiratory symptoms in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:523-529. [PMID: 30743244 PMCID: PMC6561090 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanistic studies support the potential for mercury (Hg) to alter immunity, including via in utero exposure. As yet, there are few prospective studies of in utero Hg exposure and subsequent immune-related outcomes, especially in infancy. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association of biomarkers of prenatal Hg exposure and maternal silver-mercury dental amalgams with the occurrence of infant allergy, respiratory infection, and respiratory symptoms in the first year of life. METHODS The New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS) ascertained information on infant allergies, infections and symptoms through telephone interviews at 4, 8 and 12 months postpartum and measured total Hg in maternal toenails collected at ~28-30 weeks gestation. Information on maternal fish consumption and presence of dental amalgams was obtained from a questionnaire administered at study enrollment at 24-28 weeks. A total of 1321 NHBCS mother-infant pairs had at least one Hg exposure measure (toenail Hg or information on dental amalgams) and information on dietary fish intake. Generalized linear models and generalized estimating equation models with Poisson regression adjusted for potential confounders (maternal age, level of education, parity, smoking, alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010, infant sex, gestational age, feeding mode, and day care attendance) were used to assess the association between infant outcomes and prenatal toenail Hg levels. We subsetted this analysis on mothers who consumed fish (n = 706) as a measure of in utero methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Associations between infant outcomes and dental amalgams as a measure of in utero inorganic Hg exposure were assessed among mothers who did not consume fish (n = 218). RESULTS Among women who ate fish during pregnancy, higher maternal toenail Hg concentrations were associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory infections and respiratory symptoms requiring a doctor visit among infants age 9-12 months (relative risk (RR) 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) and 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.4) respectively), whereas a reduced risk of lower respiratory infections was observed among infants 0-4 months of age (RR = 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5, 1.0). We found little to no evidence of associations of toenail Hg with upper respiratory infections, allergy or eczema at any age to one year. Among infants of mothers who did not consume fish, we found an elevated risk of upper respiratory infections requiring a doctor visit in relation to having dental amalgams during pregnancy (RR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1, 2.1)). Overall, weaker associations were observed with lower respiratory infections, respiratory symptoms, and medically confirmed allergies, and there was no association with eczema. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses of a US birth cohort, along with prior mechanistic work, raise the possibility that gestational Hg exposure through fish/seafood consumption and dental amalgams may alter respiratory infections and respiratory symptoms in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca T Emeny
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Susan A Korrick
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhigang Li
- Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Stanford Medical School and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Juliette Madan
- Division of Neonatology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Brian Jackson
- Trace Element Analysis Lab, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Emily Baker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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Tan SW, Chen PJ, Sun YS, Chou SE, Lin FY, Lo KY. Establishing a quick screening method by using a microfluidic chip to evaluate cytotoxicity of metal contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1058-1066. [PMID: 30266051 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, the environment is exposed to many chemicals from natural or anthropogenic sources. The contaminants impact eco-system and human health via food chain. Animals, including humans, are likely to accumulate contaminants in their bodies from direct exposure or feeding behavior, resulting in toxicity. Therefore, evaluation of the toxicity of contaminants is an important issue. Metals are highly toxic but the toxicity depends on many factors, including the valance and the complex form of metals, the organic matter level in the environment, the reducing/oxidizing condition of the environment, and etc. Since the level of metal amount does not directly correlate to bioavailability, cell culture is usually used for toxicity evaluation. In this study, a microfluidic chip was developed to evaluate the cell toxicity from exposure to metals, copper and thallium. Compared to traditional cytotoxicity assay using static state culture with tetrazolium reagent, this microfluidic chip can generate various shear stresses by changing geometry of culture areas or flow rate. Enhancement of shear stresses could increase cell sensitivity toward metal exposure. Therefore, this platform provides a more sensitive platform for quantitative analysis of cell toxicity and could be applied to evaluate toxicity from environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Wei Tan
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jen Chen
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Shin Sun
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Shih-En Chou
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Fong-Yi Lin
- Department of Physics, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Yin Lo
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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Pollard KM, Cauvi DM, Toomey CB, Hultman P, Kono DH. Mercury-induced inflammation and autoimmunity. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129299. [PMID: 30742953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to mercury leads to a variety of pathologies involving numerous organ systems including the immune system. A paucity of epidemiological studies and suitable diagnostic criteria, however, has hampered collection of sufficient data to support a causative role for mercury in autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, there is evidence that mercury exposure in humans is linked to markers of inflammation and autoimmunity. This is supported by experimental animal model studies, which convincingly demonstrate the biological plausibility of mercury as a factor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW In this review, we focus on ability of mercury to elicit inflammatory and autoimmune responses in both humans and experimental animal models. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Although subtle differences exist, the inflammatory and autoimmune responses elicited by mercury exposure in humans and experimental animal models show many similarities. Proinflammatory cytokine expression, lymphoproliferation, autoantibody production, and nephropathy are common outcomes. Animal studies have revealed significant strain dependent differences in inflammation and autoimmunity suggesting genetic regulation. This has been confirmed by the requirement for individual genes as well as genome wide association studies. Importantly, many of the genes required for mercury-induced inflammation and autoimmunity are also required for idiopathic systemic autoimmunity. A notable difference is that mercury-induced autoimmunity does not require type I IFN. This observation suggests that mercury-induced autoimmunity may arise by both common and specific pathways, thereby raising the possibility of devising criteria for environmentally associated autoimmunity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Mercury exposure likely contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Michael Pollard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States of America.
| | - David M Cauvi
- Department of Surgery and Center for Investigations of Health and Education Disparities, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0739, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
| | - Christopher B Toomey
- Shiley Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0946, La Jolla, CA 92093.
| | - Per Hultman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Dwight H Kono
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States of America.
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Cauvi DM, Cauvi G, Toomey CB, Jacquinet E, Pollard KM. From the Cover: Interplay Between IFN-γ and IL-6 Impacts the Inflammatory Response and Expression of Interferon-Regulated Genes in Environmental-Induced Autoimmunity. Toxicol Sci 2018; 158:227-239. [PMID: 28453771 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IFN-γ has been found to be robustly important to disease pathogenesis in both idiopathic and induced models of murine lupus. In transgenic mice, over production of IFN-γ in the skin results in an inflammatory response and autoimmunity. This suggests that localized exposure to environmental factors that induce autoimmunity may be associated with expression of an IFN-γ-dependent inflammatory response. Using murine mercury-induced autoimmunity (mHgIA), the severity of inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine expression, including the cellular source of IFN-γ, were assessed at the site of subcutaneous exposure and in secondary lymphoid organs. Exposure induced a localized chronic inflammation comprising both innate and adaptive immune cells but only CD8+ T and NK cells were reduced in the absence of IFN-γ. IFN-γ+ cells began to appear as early as day 1 and comprised both resident (γδ T) and infiltrating cells (CD8+ T, NKT, CD11c+). The requirements for inflammation were examined in mice deficient in genes required (Ifng, Il6) or not required (Casp1) for mHgIA. None of these genes were essential for induction of inflammation, however IFN-γ and IL-6 were required for exacerbation of other proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, lack of IFN-γ or IL-6 impacted expression of genes regulated by either IFN-γ or type I IFN. Significantly, both IFN-γ and IL-6 were required for increased expression of IRF-1 which regulates IFN stimulated genes and is required for mHgIA. Thus IRF-1 may be at the nexus of the interplay between IFN-γ and IL-6 in exacerbating a xenobiotic-induced inflammatory response, regulation of interferon responsive genes and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Cauvi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Gabrielle Cauvi
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, San Diego, California 92037
| | - Christopher B Toomey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037
| | | | - Kenneth Michael Pollard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
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Li Q, Yang Z, Zhang P, Zhao Y, Yu X, Xue P, Shao Y, Li Q, Jia X, Zhang Q, Cheng L, He M, Zhou Z, Zhang Y. Mercury impact on hematopoietic stem cells is regulated by IFNγ-dependent bone marrow-resident macrophages in mice. Toxicol Lett 2018; 295:54-63. [PMID: 29859861 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
, but not MeHg, affects HSC through regulating IFNγ-dependent BM-resident macrophages in mice. These findings reveal a previously unknown toxicity of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengli Yang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinchun Yu
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Xue
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Putuo District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Xiaodong Jia
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Longzhen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Miao He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Inflammatory response following in vitro exposure to methylmercury with and without n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients compared to healthy controls. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 52:272-278. [PMID: 29778720 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a proposed environmental stimulus in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Humans are primarily exposed to MeHg through fish consumption. Fish are also important sources of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA). This in vitro study investigated the inflammatory response of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), when exposed to either MeHg alone or with added n-3 LCPUFA, from SLE patients (N = 12) compared to healthy sex matched controls (N = 12). The PBMCs were isolated and exposed to 200 nM of MeHg for 24 h with or without pre-exposure to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at a concentration of 100 μM each. Supernatants were analyzed for the inflammatory markers. Following exposure to MeHg, mean TNF-α concentrations were significantly higher in SLE patients (2226.01 ± 348.98pg/ml) compared to controls (701.40 ± 680.65 pg/ml) (P = .008). Pre-exposure of cells with MeHg and EPA resulted in a significantly higher concentration of IL-8 in supernatants from SLE patients (2137.83 ± 1559.01 pg/ml) compared to that of the controls (879.26 ± 979.49 pg/ml) (P = .030). EPA and DHA attenuated the pro-inflammatory inducing effects of MeHg in SLE and control cells. In summary, exposure to MeHg stimulated a higher TNF-α response in SLE patients compared with healthy controls; nevertheless the presence of n-3 LCPUFA reduced the overall inflammatory response, albeit to a lesser degree in SLE patients.
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Eagles-Smith CA, Silbergeld EK, Basu N, Bustamante P, Diaz-Barriga F, Hopkins WA, Kidd KA, Nyland JF. Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change. AMBIO 2018; 47:170-197. [PMID: 29388128 PMCID: PMC5794686 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-1011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination is an urgent global health threat. The complexity of Hg in the environment can hinder accurate determination of ecological and human health risks, particularly within the context of the rapid global changes that are altering many ecological processes, socioeconomic patterns, and other factors like infectious disease incidence, which can affect Hg exposures and health outcomes. However, the success of global Hg-reduction efforts depends on accurate assessments of their effectiveness in reducing health risks. In this paper, we examine the role that key extrinsic and intrinsic drivers play on several aspects of Hg risk to humans and organisms in the environment. We do so within three key domains of ecological and human health risk. First, we examine how extrinsic global change drivers influence pathways of Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification through food webs. Next, we describe how extrinsic socioeconomic drivers at a global scale, and intrinsic individual-level drivers, influence human Hg exposure. Finally, we address how the adverse health effects of Hg in humans and wildlife are modulated by a range of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers within the context of rapid global change. Incorporating components of these three domains into research and monitoring will facilitate a more holistic understanding of how ecological and societal drivers interact to influence Hg health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen K. Silbergeld
- Johns Hopkin Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E6644, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204-CINE Building, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Paco Bustamante
- University of La Rochelle, laboratory of Littoral Environment and Societies, Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), LIENSs UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- Center for Applied Research in Environment and Health at, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Avenida Venustiano Carranza No. 2405, Col Lomas los Filtros Código Postal, 78214 San Luis Potosí, SLP Mexico
| | - William A. Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 310 West Campus Drive Virginia Tech, Cheatham Hall, Room 106 (MC 0321), Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Karen A. Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jennifer F. Nyland
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801 USA
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Ryu J, Ha EH, Kim BN, Ha M, Kim Y, Park H, Hong YC, Kim KN. Associations of prenatal and early childhood mercury exposure with autistic behaviors at 5years of age: The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:251-257. [PMID: 28667852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mercury is an established neurotoxin, only few longitudinal studies have investigated the association between prenatal and early childhood mercury exposure and autistic behaviors. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal cohort study using an ongoing prospective birth cohort initiated in 2006, wherein blood mercury levels were measured at early and late pregnancy; in cord blood; and at 2 and 3years of age. We analyzed 458 mother-child pairs. Autistic behaviors were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at 5years of age. Both continuous SRS T-scores and T-scores dichotomized by a score of ≥60 or <60 were used as outcomes. RESULTS The geometric mean of mercury concentrations in cord blood was 5.52μg/L. In adjusted models, a doubling of blood mercury levels at late pregnancy (β=1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39, 3.29), in cord blood (β=2.24, 95% CI: 0.22, 4.27), and at 2years (β=2.12, 95% CI: 0.54, 3.70) and 3years (β=2.80, 95% CI: 0.89, 4.72) of age was positively associated with the SRS T-scores. When the SRS T-scores were dichotomized, we observed positive associations with mercury levels at late pregnancy (relative risk [RR]=1.31, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.60) and in cord blood (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.63). CONCLUSION We found that blood mercury levels at late pregnancy and early childhood were associated with more autistic behaviors in children at 5years of age. Further study on the long-term effects of mercury exposure is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ryu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boong-Nyun Kim
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Nam Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Public Health and Medical Service, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Carruthers NJ, Rosenspire AJ, Caruso JA, Stemmer PM. Low level Hg 2+ exposure modulates the B-cell cytoskeletal phosphoproteome. J Proteomics 2017; 173:107-114. [PMID: 29199152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of Wehi-231 B-cells to Hg2+ for 5min resulted in concentration dependent changes in protein phosphorylations. Phosphorylation was quantified using mass spectrometry to analyze TiO2 and anti-pTyr antibody selected phosphopeptides from Wehi-231 digests. The most frequent and largest amplitude responses to Hg2+ exposure were increased phosphorylation although a decrease was observed for 1% of phosphoproteins detected in the untreated cells. A subset of proteins responded with an increase in phosphorylation to Hg2+ exposure at low micromolar concentrations. The majority of proteins required Hg2+ over 20μM in order to increase phosphorylation. Ser/Thr phosphorylations are prominent in the cytoskeletal organization and the GTPase signaling systems and these systems are notable as the primary ones responding to the lowest concentrations of Hg2+. Systems that required higher concentrations of Hg2+ to increase phosphorylation included immune receptor signaling. The proteins for which an increase in phosphorylation occurred at Hg2+ above 20μM have a higher proportion of pTyr sites. Anti Ig stimulation of Wehi-231 cells confirmed that cytoskeletal protein phosphorylation and GTPase signaling are modulated in physiologically relevant B-cell receptor activation. Candidate kinases that respond to Hg2+ exposure at the low μM concentrations include MAP Kinase 1, CaM Kinase II delta and PAK2. SIGNIFICANCE Mercury (Hg) is a wide spread environmental toxicant. Epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest that exposure to environmental Hg at current levels, which have been perceived to be non-toxic, may contribute to immune system dysfunction and autoimmune disease in humans and animals respectively. While we have previously shown that exposure of B lymphocytes to low levels of mercury interferes with B-cell receptor signaling mediated by post transcriptional phosphorylation events, overall the mechanism that is responsible for increased autoimmunity in mercury exposed human or animal populations is not well understood. The current study evaluated the dose dependent actions of mercury to change phosphorylation in the Wehi-231 cell line, an immature B-cell model in which actions of mercury on development of cell function can be evaluated. The study identified the cytoskeletal proteins as the most sensitive to modulation by mercury with changes in Ser/Thr phosphorylation being observed at the lowest concentrations of mercury. These findings indicate that the actions of mercury on B-cell immune function and development are at least in part likely mediated through changes in cytoskeletal protein phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Carruthers
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Allen J Rosenspire
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Joseph A Caruso
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paul M Stemmer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Lehnert K, Weirup L, Harding KC, Härkönen T, Karlsson O, Teilmann J. Antarctic seals: Molecular biomarkers as indicators for pollutant exposure, health effects and diet. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:1693-1704. [PMID: 28535598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii), Ross (Ommatophoca rossii) and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) are phocid seals with a circumpolar distribution around Antarctica. As long-lived and large top predators, they bioaccumulate contaminants and are considered as sentinels of ecosystem health. Antarctic seals are increasingly exposed to climate change, pollution, shipping and fisheries. To reveal and understand possible anthropogenic impacts on their immune and health status, this study investigates sensitive biomarkers of the xenobiotic metabolism and immune system in relation to mercury (Hg) burden. Gene-transcription studies using minimally-invasive blood samples are useful to monitor physiological processes in wildlife that can be related to different stressors. Blood samples of 72 wild-caught seals (Weddell n=33; Ross n=12; crabeater n=27) in the Amundsen and Ross Seas in 2008-2011 were investigated. Copy numbers per μl mRNA transcription of xenobiotic biomarkers (aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα) and immune relevant cell mediators (cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and heat-shock-protein 70 (HSP70)) were measured using reference genes Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide (YWHAZ) and ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4) by real time RT-qPCR. Hg concentration was analysed in fur. Hg concentration increased with body weight and standard length in all species. Crabeater seals showed a lower Hg concentration than Ross and Weddell seals. Species-specific differences in gene-transcription were found between all species with highest levels of AHR, ARNT and PPARα in crabeater seals. Ross seals showed highest IL-10 and HSP70 transcription, while HSP70 was exceptionally low in crabeater seals. Between Hg and HSP70 a clear negative relationship was found in all species. The species-specific, age and sex-dependent gene-transcription probably reflect dietary habits, pollutant exposure and immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - L Weirup
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - K C Harding
- University of Gothenburg, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Box 463, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - T Härkönen
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, P.O. Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - O Karlsson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, P.O. Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Teilmann
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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The Putative Role of Environmental Mercury in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Subtypes. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4834-4856. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Monastero RN, Karimi R, Nyland JF, Harrington J, Levine K, Meliker JR. Mercury exposure, serum antinuclear antibodies, and serum cytokine levels in the Long Island Study of Seafood Consumption: A cross-sectional study in NY, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:334-340. [PMID: 28390301 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known neurotoxin, and has been more recently studied specifically as an immunotoxin. In experimental and a few epidemiologic studies, Hg has been associated with distinct cytokine profiles and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity, though patterns at lower levels of exposure, typical of seafood consumers with a western diet, are not well characterized. Seafood consumers (n=287) recruited on Long Island, NY completed food frequency and health questionnaires and provided blood for analysis of Hg, poly-unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), selenium (Se), ANA, and several cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-1ra). Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between serum Hg and cytokines and ANA. Adjusted models accounted for gender, age, ethnicity, income, education, smoking, BMI, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, omega-6/omega-3 ratio, and fish intake. Sex-stratified models were also generated with the expectation that immune profiles would differ between women and men. Median blood Hg was 4.58µg/L with 90th %ile =19.8µg/L. Nine individuals displayed ANA positivity at serum titers above 1:80; many of the cytokines were below detection limits, and the ability to detect was used in the logistic regression analyses. In linear and logistic regression analyses, Hg was not significantly associated with any of the seven investigated cytokines or with ANA-positivity. Therefore, Hg was not associated with altered immune profiles in this population of seafood consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N Monastero
- Undergraduate Studies, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, United States of America; Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, United States of America.
| | - Roxanne Karimi
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, United States of America; School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, United States of America; Consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Environmental Research, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, United States of America.
| | - Jennifer F Nyland
- Salisbury University Department of Biological Sciences, Henson Science Hall, 232, Salisbury, MD 21801, United States of America.
| | - James Harrington
- RTI International, Trace Inorganics Laboratory, RTP, NC 27709, United States of America.
| | - Keith Levine
- RTI International, Trace Inorganics Laboratory, RTP, NC 27709, United States of America.
| | - Jaymie R Meliker
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, United States of America; Consortium for Inter-Disciplinary Environmental Research, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, United States of America; Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, United States of America; Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, United States of America.
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Branco V, Caito S, Farina M, Teixeira da Rocha J, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Biomarkers of mercury toxicity: Past, present, and future trends. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:119-154. [PMID: 28379072 PMCID: PMC6317349 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1289834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) toxicity continues to represent a global health concern. Given that human populations are mostly exposed to low chronic levels of mercurial compounds (methylmercury through fish, mercury vapor from dental amalgams, and ethylmercury from vaccines), the need for more sensitive and refined tools to assess the effects and/or susceptibility to adverse metal-mediated health risks remains. Traditional biomarkers, such as hair or blood Hg levels, are practical and provide a reliable measure of exposure, but given intra-population variability, it is difficult to establish accurate cause-effect relationships. It is therefore important to identify and validate biomarkers that are predictive of early adverse effects prior to adverse health outcomes becoming irreversible. This review describes the predominant biomarkers used by toxicologists and epidemiologists to evaluate exposure, effect and susceptibility to Hg compounds, weighing on their advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, and in light of recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated toxicity, potential novel biomarkers that might be predictive of toxic effect are presented, and the applicability of these parameters in risk assessment is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Sam Caito
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Marcelo Farina
- c Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil
| | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- d Departamento Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
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Obeid PJ, Fares SA, Farhat GN, El-Khoury B, Nassif RM, El-Nakat J, Dhaini HR. Mercury health risk assessment among a young adult Lebanese population. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:9370-9378. [PMID: 28233208 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure represents a significant public health concern at a global level. This study aims at assessing Hg exposure and risk among Lebanese young adults based on Hg biomonitoring and seafood intake. A group of 166 young adults were administered a questionnaire to assess Hg exposure and were asked to provide a hair sample. Risk assessment was performed: (1) using the US Environmental Protection Agency Hazard Quotient (HQ) model based on fish intake and previously studied local fish Hg concentrations, and (2) by determining the total hair Hg concentration (THHg) using continuous flow-chemical vapor generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Differences in THHg across demographic and exposure subgroups were tested using t test or ANOVA. Correlations between THHg concentrations, fish consumption, and HQ were determined by computing Pearson's r. Higher THHg correlated with higher consumption of Mediterranean rabbitfish/spinefoots (r = 0.27; p = 0.001) and geographical location (p < 0.001) in the bivariate analysis, and remained significant in the adjusted multivariable linear regression model (geographical location: ß = 0.255, 95%CI 0.121-0.388; rabbitfish/spinefoots consumption: ß = 0.016, 95%CI 0.004-0.027). No significant correlations were found between HQ and THHg. In conclusion, this is the first study examining hair Hg levels and fish consumption in a young adult Lebanese population. Our findings constitute valuable baseline data for a local fish advisory and Hg monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre J Obeid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Balamand, Al Kurah, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Souha A Fares
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghada N Farhat
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bilal El-Khoury
- Department of Chemistry, University of Balamand, Al Kurah, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Rana M Nassif
- Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - John El-Nakat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Balamand, Al Kurah, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Hassan R Dhaini
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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Maqbool F, Niaz K, Hassan FI, Khan F, Abdollahi M. Immunotoxicity of mercury: Pathological and toxicological effects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2017; 35:29-46. [PMID: 28055311 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2016.1278299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is toxic and hazardous metal that causes natural disasters in the earth's crust. Exposure to Hg occurs via various routes; like oral (fish), inhalation, dental amalgams, and skin from cosmetics. In this review, we have discussed the sources of Hg and its potential for causing toxicity in humans. In addition, we also review its bio-chemical cycling in the environment; its systemic, immunotoxic, genotoxic/carcinogenic, and teratogenic health effects; and the dietary influences; as well as the important considerations in risk assessment and management of Hg poisoning have been discussed in detail. Many harmful outcomes have been reported, which will provide more awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Maqbool
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Kamal Niaz
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fatima Ismail Hassan
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fazlullah Khan
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- a International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- b Toxicology and Diseases Group , Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- c Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology , Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
- d Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center , Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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Crowe W, Allsopp PJ, Watson GE, Magee PJ, Strain JJ, Armstrong DJ, Ball E, McSorley EM. Mercury as an environmental stimulus in the development of autoimmunity - A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 16:72-80. [PMID: 27666813 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases result from an interplay of genetic predisposition and factors which stimulate the onset of disease. Mercury (Hg), a well-established toxicant, is an environmental factor reported to be linked with autoimmunity. Hg exists in several chemical forms and is encountered by humans in dental amalgams, certain vaccines, occupational exposure, atmospheric pollution and seafood. Several studies have investigated the effect of the various forms of Hg, including elemental (Hg0), inorganic (iHg) and organic mercury (oHg) and their association with autoimmunity. In vitro studies using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy participants have shown that methylmercury (MeHg) causes cell death at lower concentrations than iHg albeit exposure to iHg results in a more enhanced pro-inflammatory profile in comparison to MeHg. In vivo research utilising murine models susceptible to the development of metal-induced autoimmunity report that exposure to iHg results in a lupus-like syndrome, whilst mice exposed to MeHg develop autoimmunity without the formation of immune complexes. Furthermore, lower concentrations of IgE are detected in MeHg-treated animals in comparison with those treated with iHg. It appears that, oHg has a negative impact on animal models with existing autoimmunity. The research conducted on humans in this area is diverse in study design and the results are conflicting. There is currently no evidence to implicate a role for Hg0 exposure from dental amalgams in the development or perpetuation of autoimmune disease, apart from some suggestion of individual sensitivity. Several studies have consistently shown a positive correlation between iHg exposure and serum autoantibody concentrations in gold miners, although the clinical impact of iHg remains unknown. Furthermore, a limited number of studies have reported individuals with autoimmune disease have higher concentrations of blood Hg compared to healthy controls. In summary, it appears that iHg perpetuates markers of autoimmunity to a greater extent than oHg, albeit the impact on clinical outcomes in humans is yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Crowe
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Philip J Allsopp
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Gene E Watson
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health and Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
| | - Pamela J Magee
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - J J Strain
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
| | - David J Armstrong
- Department of Rheumatology, Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Glenshane Road, Londonderry BT47 6SB, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Elizabeth Ball
- Department of Rheumatology, Musgrave Park Hospital, Stockman's Lane, Belfast, BT9 7JB, Northern, Ireland.
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, BT52 1SA, Northern, Ireland.
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Gill R, Jen KL, McCabe MJJ, Rosenspire A. Dietary n-3 PUFAs augment caspase 8 activation in Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin B stimulated T-cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 309:141-8. [PMID: 27614254 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have linked consumption of n-3 PUFAs with a variety of beneficial health benefits, particularly with respect to putative anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, many of these results remain somewhat controversial because in most instances there has not been a linkage to specific molecular mechanisms. For instance, dietary exposure to low levels of mercury has been shown to be damaging to neural development, but concomitant ingestion of n-3 PUFAs as occurs during consumption of fish, has been shown to counteract the detrimental effects. As the mechanisms mediating the neurotoxicity of environmental mercury are not fully delineated, it is difficult to conceptualize a testable molecular mechanism explaining how n-3 PUFAs negate its neurotoxic effects. However, environmental exposure to mercury also has been linked to increased autoimmunity. By way of a molecular understanding of this immuno-toxic association, disruption of CD95 signaling is well established as a triggering factor for autoimmunity, and we have previously shown that environmentally relevant in vitro and dietary exposures to mercury interfere with CD95 signaling. In particular we have shown that activation of caspase 8, as well as downstream activation of caspase 3, in response to CD95 agonist stimulation is depressed by mercury. More recently we have shown in vitro that the n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid counteracts the negative effect of mercury on CD95 signaling by restoring caspase activity. We hypothesized that concomitant ingestion of n-3 PUFAs with mercury might be protective from the immuno-toxic effects of mercury, as it is with mercury's neuro-toxic effects, and in the case of immuno-toxicity this would be related to restoration of CD95 signal strength. We now show that dietary ingestion of n-3 PUFAs generally promotes CD95 signaling by upregulating caspase 8 activation. Apart from accounting for the ability of n-3 PUFAs to specifically counteract autoimmune sequelae of mercury exposure, this novel finding for the first time suggests a testable molecular mechanism explaining the overall anti-inflammatory properties of n-3 PUFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - K L Jen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - M J J McCabe
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - A Rosenspire
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.
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Oulhote Y, Shamim Z, Kielsen K, Weihe P, Grandjean P, Ryder LP, Heilmann C. Children's white blood cell counts in relation to developmental exposures to methylmercury and persistent organic pollutants. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 68:207-214. [PMID: 27497749 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore possible markers of developmental immunotoxicity, we prospectively examined 56 children to determine associations between exposures to methylmercury and persistent organic pollutants since birth and the comprehensive differential counts of white blood cells (WBC) at age 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Extended differential count included: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes (includingT cells, NK cells, and B cells), and monocytes. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides, five perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and total mercury (Hg) were measured in maternal (n=56) and children's blood at 18 months (n=42) and 5 years (n=54). We constructed latent functions for exposures at three different ages using factor analyses and applied structural equation models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS Prenatal mercury exposure was associated with depleted total WBC, especially for lymphocytes, where a one standard deviation (SD) increase in the exposure was associated with a decrease by 23% SD (95% CI: -43, -4) in the cell count. Prenatal exposure to OCs was marginally associated with decreases in neutrophil counts. In contrast, the 5-year PFASs concentrations were associated with higher basophil counts (B=46% SD, 95% CI: 13, 79). Significantly reduced subpopulations of lymphocytes such as B cells, CD4-positive T helper cells and CD4 positive recent thymic emigrants may suggest cellular immunity effects and dysregulation of T-cell mediated immunity. CONCLUSION Developmental exposure to environmental immunotoxicants appears to have different impacts on WBC counts in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Oulhote
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Z Shamim
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K Kielsen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - P Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - L P Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Heilmann
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
CONTEXT Environmental mercury in the Amazon mostly originates from geochemical sources with some from artisanal gold mining (AGM). Geochemical-originated methylmercury (MeHg) reaches the aquatic food chain, ending up in fish. Inorganic Hg used in AGM is responsible for localised environmental contamination and occupational exposure of adults. In addition to this, iatrogenic ethylmercury (EtHg) derived from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) exposes immunised infants. OBJECTIVE To understand Hg exposure in the Amazon in relation to environmental fish-MeHg exposure, occupational AGM activities and low-doses of TCV-EtHg. METHODS Medline and Thomson-Reuter Web of Science were searched to retrieve and select papers addressing Hg exposure and human health. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Environmental-Hg studies addressed health effects associated with birth weight, infant linear growth and neurodevelopment, while, in adults, environmental and occupational studies addressed immune and neurological issues. No widespread clinical toxicity was reported due to fish-MeHg. However, mixed results associated with Hg exposure can be found. Reducing children's exposure to EtHg is possible using Thimerosal-free vaccines, but it is difficult to interfere with fish consumption without consequences to riverine subsistence populations. Policies to diminish Hg exposure should focus on controlling and/or curbing widespread use of Hg (in gold amalgamation) and promotion of Thimerosal-free vaccines for pregnant women and young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- a Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Rejane C Marques
- b Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , RJ, Brasil
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Cortés S, Lagos LDCM, Burgos S, Adaros H, Ferreccio C. Urinary Metal Levels in a Chilean Community 31 Years After the Dumping of Mine Tailings. J Health Pollut 2016; 6:19-27. [PMID: 30524782 PMCID: PMC6236548 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-6-10.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 1938 and 1975, the city of Chañaral, located in the north of Chile, received 200 megatons of unregulated mining waste, which created an artificial beach 10 kilometers long and covering an area larger than 4 km2. In 1983, this deposit was classified as a serious case of marine pollution in the Pacific Ocean, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In 1989, dumping ceased due to a judicial order. Until now, the effects of this pollution on the population living around these mine tailings has been unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of exposure to metals by dust from mine tailings in Chañaral, a city located in the northern mining area of Chile. METHODS The level of urinary metals in a representative sample of adults from Chanaral was determined. RESULTS Urinary levels of total arsenic (44.6 μg/L), inorganic arsenic (17.0 μg/L) and nickel (2.8 μg/L) were higher than in other areas of Chile. Levels of copper (17.9 μg/L), mercury (1.6 μg/L) and lead (0.9 μg/L) exceeded international values. Of the total subjects, 67.5%, 30.4%, 29.4%, 16.9%, 13.2 and 9.3% presented with high levels of copper, nickel, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic, mercury and lead, respectively. CONCLUSION Thirty-one years after suspension of the discharge of mining waste, the local population in this area remains exposed to metals from the mine tailings. Surveillance and remedial actions addressing the Chañaral mine tailings are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cortés
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Advanced Chronic Diseases (ACCDIS), Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
| | | | - Soledad Burgos
- School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Catterina Ferreccio
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Advanced Chronic Diseases (ACCDIS), Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury (Hg) has been reported to have adverse effects on the immune system. However, the association between Hg exposure and asthma remains unclear. We hypothesized that blood Hg concentrations are associated with asthma and immune system blood profile changes in school-age children. METHODS Between 2005 and 2010, we evaluated 4,350 Korean children at 7-8 years of age with no previous asthma diagnosis. Follow-up surveys were conducted twice, each 2 years apart, until 11-12 years of age. For every survey, we evaluated asthma through a questionnaire and blood profile. We analyzed the association of Hg concentration with asthma by logistic and Cox regression models and the association with blood profile by generalized additive and linear mixed models. RESULTS Blood Hg concentrations at 7-8 years of age were associated with an increased risk of asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0, 1.6) at ages up to 11-12 years (n = 191). Hg concentration was also associated with wheezing (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.3), asthma medication use (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 0.97, 2.0), and airway hyperresponsiveness (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.3). Further adjustment for fish consumption did not change the results appreciably. CONCLUSIONS Low-level Hg exposure was associated with asthma and blood profile changes in school-age children.
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Wu X, Cobbina SJ, Mao G, Xu H, Zhang Z, Yang L. A review of toxicity and mechanisms of individual and mixtures of heavy metals in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:8244-59. [PMID: 26965280 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 518] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The rational for the study was to review the literature on the toxicity and corresponding mechanisms associated with lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), individually and as mixtures, in the environment. Heavy metals are ubiquitous and generally persist in the environment, enabling them to biomagnify in the food chain. Living systems most often interact with a cocktail of heavy metals in the environment. Heavy metal exposure to biological systems may lead to oxidation stress which may induce DNA damage, protein modification, lipid peroxidation, and others. In this review, the major mechanism associated with toxicities of individual metals was the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, toxicities were expressed through depletion of glutathione and bonding to sulfhydryl groups of proteins. Interestingly, a metal like Pb becomes toxic to organisms through the depletion of antioxidants while Cd indirectly generates ROS by its ability to replace iron and copper. ROS generated through exposure to arsenic were associated with many modes of action, and heavy metal mixtures were found to have varied effects on organisms. Many models based on concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) have been introduced to help predict toxicities and mechanisms associated with metal mixtures. An integrated model which combines CA and IA was further proposed for evaluating toxicities of non-interactive mixtures. In cases where there are molecular interactions, the toxicogenomic approach was used to predict toxicities. The high-throughput toxicogenomics combines studies in genetics, genome-scale expression, cell and tissue expression, metabolite profiling, and bioinformatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Wu
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Samuel J Cobbina
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai Xu
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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Dinse GE, Jusko TA, Whitt IZ, Co CA, Parks CG, Satoh M, Chan EK, Rose KM, Walker NJ, Birnbaum LS, Zeldin DC, Weinberg CR, Miller FW. Associations Between Selected Xenobiotics and Antinuclear Antibodies in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:426-36. [PMID: 26252071 PMCID: PMC4829978 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potential associations between background environmental chemical exposures and autoimmunity are understudied. OBJECTIVES Our exploratory study investigated exposure to individual environmental chemicals and selected mixtures in relation to the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a widely used biomarker of autoimmunity, in a representative sample of the U.S. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis used data on 4,340 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004), of whom 14% were ANA positive, to explore associations between ANA and concentrations of dioxins, dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorines, organophosphates, phenols, metals, and other environmental exposures and metabolites measured in participants' serum, whole blood, or urine. For dioxin-like compounds with toxic equivalency factors, we developed and applied a new statistical approach to study selected mixtures. Lognormal models and censored-data methods produced estimates of chemical associations with ANA in males, nulliparous females, and parous females; these estimates were adjusted for confounders and accommodated concentrations below detectable levels. RESULTS Several associations between chemical concentration and ANA positivity were observed, but only the association in males exposed to triclosan remained statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons (mean concentration ratio = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.8, 4.5; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that background levels of most xenobiotic exposures typical in the U.S. population are not strongly associated with ANA. Future studies should ideally reduce exposure misclassification by including prospective measurement of the chemicals of concern and should track changes in ANA and other autoantibodies over time. CITATION Dinse GE, Jusko TA, Whitt IZ, Co CA, Parks CG, Satoh M, Chan EKL, Rose KM, Walker NJ, Birnbaum LS, Zeldin DC, Weinberg CR, Miller FW. 2016. Associations between selected xenobiotics and antinuclear antibodies in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004. Environ Health Perspect 124:426-436; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409345.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg E. Dinse
- Biostatistics Center, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Todd A. Jusko
- Departments of Public Health Sciences and Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Irene Z. Whitt
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Caroll A. Co
- Biostatistics Center, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christine G. Parks
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Minoru Satoh
- Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Edward K.L. Chan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Rose
- Biostatistics Center, Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nigel J. Walker
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Clarice R. Weinberg
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Karimi R, Vacchi-Suzzi C, Meliker JR. Mercury exposure and a shift toward oxidative stress in avid seafood consumers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 146:100-107. [PMID: 26745733 PMCID: PMC6191849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms of mercury (Hg) toxicity at low doses from seafood consumption, the most common exposure route, are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that seafood Hg exposure is related to a shift in redox status, indicated by a decrease in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) in blood, or increase in redox potential (Eh). We also examined whether key seafood nutrients (selenium (Se), omega-3 fatty acids) confound or modify this shift. We measured blood concentrations of total Hg, Se, GSH, GSSG, and the Omega-3 Index (% omega-3s of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes) in seafood consumers in Long Island, NY. We examined relationships between Hg, GSH:GSSG ratio and Eh. Elevated blood Hg (>5.8µgL(-1)) was associated with lower GSH:GSSG (β=-116.73, p=0.01), with no evidence of confounding by Se or Omega-3 Index. However, in models stratified by Omega-3 Index levels, Hg-GSH:GSSG associations were weakened among those with high Omega-3 Index levels (>6% of fatty acids, β=-63.46, p=0.28), and heightened among those with low Omega-3 Index (β=-182.53, p<0.01). We observed comparable patterns for Eh in relation to Hg. These results support the hypothesis that Hg exposure from seafood is linked to a shift in redox status toward oxidative stress, modified by omega-3 fatty acids in this population. Further work should examine the role of different seafood nutrients and Hg-induced shifts in redox status in the diverse health effects associated with elevated Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Karimi
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA.
| | | | - Jaymie R Meliker
- Stony Brook University, Department of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Stony Brook University, Program in Public Health, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Sunderland EM, Driscoll CT, Hammitt JK, Grandjean P, Evans JS, Blum JD, Chen CY, Evers DC, Jaffe DA, Mason RP, Goho S, Jacobs W. Benefits of Regulating Hazardous Air Pollutants from Coal and Oil-Fired Utilities in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:2117-20. [PMID: 26848613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University , Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - James K Hammitt
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - John S Evans
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Joel D Blum
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College , Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute , Portland, Maine 04103, United States
| | - Daniel A Jaffe
- Science and Technology Program, University of Washington-Bothell , Bothell, Washington 98011, United States
| | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut , Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Shaun Goho
- Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic, Harvard Law School, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Wendy Jacobs
- Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic, Harvard Law School, Harvard University , Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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