Arsenic-induced enhancement of ultraviolet radiation carcinogenesis in mouse skin: a dose-response study

Seventy-five years of impactful environmental and occupational health research at the Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine at New York University

Founded in 1947 as the Institute of Industrial Medicine, the Nelson Institute and Department of Environmental Medicine at New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine (NYUGSOM) was supported by a National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS) Center Grant for over 56 years. Nelson Institute researchers generated 75 years of impactful research in environmental and occupational health, radiation effects, toxicology, and cancer. Environmental health research is continuing at NYUGSOM in its departments of medicine and population health. The objective of this historical commentary is to highlight the major achievements of the Nelson Institute and the department in the context of its history at facilities in Sterling Forest, Tuxedo, NY and Manhattan, NY. Aspects of our discussion include leadership, physical facilities, and research in many areas, including air pollution, health effects of environmental radiation exposures, inhalation toxicology methodology, carcinogenesis by chemicals, metals, and hormones, cancer chemoprevention, human microbiome, ecotoxicology, epidemiology, biostatistics, and community health concerns. The research of the institute and department benefited from unique facilities, strong leadership focused on team-based science, and outstanding investigators, students, and staff. A major lasting contribution has been the training of hundreds of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have been and are training the next generation of environmental and occupational health researchers at various institutions.

Functional metabolomics reveals arsenic-induced inhibition of linoleic acid metabolism in mice kidney in drinking water

Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal known for its detrimental effects on the kidneys, but the precise mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unclear. In this study, we employed an integrated approach combining traditional toxicology methods with functional metabolomics to explore the nephrotoxicity induced by As in mice. Our findings demonstrated that after 28 days of exposure to sodium arsenite, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine levels were significantly increased, and pathological examination of the kidneys revealed dilation of renal tubules and glomerular injury. Additionally, uric acid, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significant increased while triglyceride level was decreased, resulting in renal insufficiency and lipid disorders. Subsequently, the kidney metabolomics analysis revealed that As exposure disrupted 24 differential metabolites, including 14 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated differential metabolites. Ten metabolic pathways including linoleic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism were significantly enriched. Then, 80 metabolic targets and 168 predicted targets were identified using metabolite network pharmacology analysis. Of particular importance, potential toxicity targets, such as glycine amidinotransferase, mitochondrial (GATM), and nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial (NOS3), were prioritized through the "metabolite-target-pathway" network. Receiver operating characteristics curve and molecular docking analyses suggested that 1-palmitoyl-2-myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-PC, linoleic acid, and L-hydroxyarginine might be functional metabolites associated with GATM and NOS3. Moreover, targeted verification result showed that the level of linoleic acid in As group was 0.4951 μg/mL, which was significantly decreased compared with the control group. And in vivo and in vitro protein expression experiments confirmed that As exposure inhibited the expression of GATM and NOS3. In conclusion, these results suggest that As-induced renal injury may be associated with the inhibition of linoleic acid metabolism through the down-regulation of GATM and NOS3, resulting in decreased levels of linoleic acid, 1-palmitoyl-2-myristoyl-sn-glycero-3-PC, and L-hydroxyarginine metabolites.

Arsenic-induced prostate cancer: an enigma

Arsenic exhibits varying degrees of toxicity depending on its many chemical forms. The carcinogenic properties of arsenic have already been established. However, the precise processes underlying the development of diseases following acute or chronic exposure to arsenic remain poorly known. Most of the existing investigation has focused on studying the occurrence of cancer following significant exposure to elevated levels of arsenic. Nevertheless, multiple investigations have documented diverse health consequences from prolonged exposure to low levels of arsenic. Inorganic arsenic commonly causes lung, bladder, and skin cancer. Some investigations have shown an association between arsenic in drinking water and prostate cancer, but few investigations have focused on exploring this connection. There is currently a lack of relevant animal models demonstrating a clear link between inorganic arsenic exposure and the development of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, studies using cellular model systems have demonstrated that arsenic can potentially promote the malignant transformation of human prostate epithelial cells in vitro. The administration of elevated levels of arsenic has been demonstrated to elicit cell death in instances of acute experimental exposure. Conversely, in cases of chronic exposure, arsenic prompts cellular proliferation and sustains cellular viability, thereby circumventing the constraints imposed by telomere shortening and apoptosis. Furthermore, cells consistently exposed to the stimulus exhibit an augmented ability to invade surrounding tissues and an enhanced potential to form tumors. This review aims to portray mechanistic insights into arsenic-induced prostate cancer.

Arsenic and UVR co-exposure results in unique gene expression profile identifying key co-carcinogenic mechanisms

Changes in gene expression underlie many pathogenic endpoints including carcinogenesis. Metals, like arsenic, alter gene expression; however, the consequences of co-exposures of metals with other stressors are less understood. Although arsenic acts as a co-carcinogen by enhancing the development of UVR skin cancers, changes in gene expression in arsenic UVR co-carcinogenesis have not been investigated. We performed RNA-sequencing analysis to profile changes in gene expression distinct from arsenic or UVR exposures alone. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after arsenic exposure alone, while after UVR exposure alone fewer genes were changed. A distinct increase in the number of DEGs was identified after exposure to combined arsenic and UVR exposure that was synergistic rather than additive. In addition, a majority of these DEGs were unique from arsenic or UVR alone suggesting a distinct response to combined arsenic-UVR exposure. Globally, arsenic alone and arsenic plus UVR exposure caused a global downregulation of genes while fewer genes were upregulated. Gene Ontology analysis using the DEGs revealed cellular processes related to chromosome instability, cell cycle, cellular transformation, and signaling were targeted by combined arsenic and UVR exposure, distinct from UVR alone and arsenic alone, while others were related to epigenetic mechanisms such as the modification of histones. This result suggests the cellular functions we identified in this study may be key in understanding how arsenic enhances UVR carcinogenesis and that arsenic-enhanced gene expression changes may drive co-carcinogenesis of UVR exposure.

Arsenic is a potent co-mutagen of ultraviolet light

Arsenic enhances the carcinogenicity of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). However, the mechanisms of arsenic-driven oncogenesis are not well understood. Here, we utilize experimental systems to investigate the carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of co-exposure to arsenic and UVR. In vitro and in vivo exposures indicate that, by itself, arsenic is not mutagenic. However, in combination with UVR, arsenic exposure has a synergistic effect leading to an accelerated mouse skin carcinogenesis and to more than 2-fold enrichment of UVR mutational burden. Notably, mutational signature ID13, previously found only in UVR-associated human skin cancers, is observed exclusively in mouse skin tumors and cell lines jointly exposed to arsenic and UVR. This signature was not observed in any model system exposed purely to arsenic or purely to UVR, making ID13, to the best of our knowledge, the first co-exposure signature to be reported using controlled experimental conditions. Analysis of existing skin cancer genomics data reveals that only a subset of cancers harbor ID13 and these exhibit an elevated UVR mutagenesis. Our results report a unique mutational signature caused by a co-exposure to two environmental carcinogens and provide comprehensive evidence that arsenic is a potent co-mutagen and co-carcinogen of UVR.

Cell Cycle dysregulation on prenatal and postnatal Arsenic exposure in skin of Wistar rat neonates

This study explores the effects of prenatal and postnatal (until weaning period) arsenic exposure given via pregnant females on Wistar rat neonates. Pregnant female rats were divided in four groups - control, low dose, moderate dose and high dose groups of sodium arsenite exposure during gestation and weaning period. Half of the neonates were sacrificed at day 1 of birth and other half at day 21 of birth. Cell cycle analysis in epidermal keratinocytes using flowcytometer revealed that there was a consistent increase in number of cells in G2/M phase from 0.04% in control group to 0.88%, 1.59% and 2.77% in low, moderate and high dose groups respectively for neonates sacrificed at day-1. Whereas, the increase in number of cells with increasing doses in G2/M phase of neonates sacrificed at day-21 was from 3.44% to 5.1%, 6.82%, and 9.17%. At postnatal day 21, mRNA expression of Cyclin A and B1, p53, Caspases 3, 7 and 9, and Bax were found to be up-regulated. Whereas that of Cyclin E, CDK 1 and 2 and Bcl2 were down regulated consistently in skin tissues of arsenic exposed groups.

Arsenic is a potent co-mutagen of ultraviolet light

Environmental co-exposures are widespread and are major contributors to carcinogenic mechanisms. Two well-established environmental agents causing skin cancer are ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and arsenic. Arsenic is a known co-carcinogen that enhances UVR's carcinogenicity. However, the mechanisms of arsenic co-carcinogenesis are not well understood. In this study, we utilized primary human keratinocytes and a hairless mouse model to investigate the carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of co-exposure to arsenic and UVR. In vitro and in vivo exposures revealed that, on its own, arsenic is neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic. However, in combination with UVR, arsenic exposure has a synergistic effect leading to an accelerated mouse skin carcinogenesis as well as to more than 2-fold enrichment of UVR mutational burden. Notably, mutational signature ID13, previously found only in UVR-associated human skin cancers, was observed exclusively in mouse skin tumors and cell lines jointly exposed to arsenic and UVR. This signature was not observed in any model system exposed purely to arsenic or purely to UVR, making ID13 the first co-exposure signature to be reported using controlled experimental conditions. Analysis of existing genomics data from basal cell carcinomas and melanomas revealed that only a subset of human skin cancers harbor ID13 and, consistent with our experimental observations, these cancers exhibited an elevated UVR mutagenesis. Our results provide the first report of a unique mutational signature caused by a co-exposure to two environmental carcinogens and the first comprehensive evidence that arsenic is a potent co-mutagen and co-carcinogen of UVR. Importantly, our findings suggest that a large proportion of human skin cancers are not formed purely due to UVR exposure but rather due to a co-exposure of UVR and other co-mutagens such as arsenic.

Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCIC), A Swimming Pool Disinfectant: New Developments and Role in UV-Induced Skin Inflammation

This article is a highlight of the paper by Snell et al. in the current issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology (Snell et al. Photochem. Photobiol. 2022). The authors utilized an organotypic human skin model as well as transgenic SKH-1 mice to determine the oxidative stress response induced by topical treatment of trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCIC), a common disinfectant used in swimming pool. Additionally, they determined molecular mechanisms associated with topical TCIC pre-treatment followed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. This work provides the first example that cutaneous delivery of TCIC significantly increases UV-induced skin inflammation, suggesting a previously unidentified potential of TCIC. If translatable to human skin, these findings could be important for human skin health implications.

Hypochlorous Acid: From Innate Immune Factor and Environmental Toxicant to Chemopreventive Agent Targeting Solar UV-Induced Skin Cancer

A multitude of extrinsic environmental factors (referred to in their entirety as the 'skin exposome') impact structure and function of skin and its corresponding cellular components. The complex (i.e. additive, antagonistic, or synergistic) interactions between multiple extrinsic (exposome) and intrinsic (biological) factors are important determinants of skin health outcomes. Here, we review the role of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as an emerging component of the skin exposome serving molecular functions as an innate immune factor, environmental toxicant, and topical chemopreventive agent targeting solar UV-induced skin cancer. HOCl [and its corresponding anion (OCl-; hypochlorite)], a weak halogen-based acid and powerful oxidant, serves two seemingly unrelated molecular roles: (i) as an innate immune factor [acting as a myeloperoxidase (MPO)-derived microbicidal factor] and (ii) as a chemical disinfectant used in freshwater processing on a global scale, both in the context of drinking water safety and recreational freshwater use. Physicochemical properties (including redox potential and photon absorptivity) determine chemical reactivity of HOCl towards select biochemical targets [i.e. proteins (e.g. IKK, GRP78, HSA, Keap1/NRF2), lipids, and nucleic acids], essential to its role in innate immunity, antimicrobial disinfection, and therapeutic anti-inflammatory use. Recent studies have explored the interaction between solar UV and HOCl-related environmental co-exposures identifying a heretofore unrecognized photo-chemopreventive activity of topical HOCl and chlorination stress that blocks tumorigenic inflammatory progression in UV-induced high-risk SKH-1 mouse skin, a finding with potential implications for the prevention of human nonmelanoma skin photocarcinogenesis.

Contribution of NADPH oxidase to the retention of UVR-induced DNA damage by arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element present in food, soil and water and human exposure is associated with increased cancer risk. Arsenic inhibits DNA repair at low, non-cytotoxic concentrations and amplifies the mutagenic and carcinogenic impact of other DNA-damaging agents, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Arsenic exposure leads to oxidation of zinc coordinating cysteine residues, zinc loss and decreased activity of the DNA repair protein poly(ADP)ribose polymerase (PARP)-1. Because arsenic stimulates NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity leading to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the goal of this study was to investigate the role of NOX in arsenic-induced inhibition of PARP activity and retention of DNA damage. NOX involvement in the arsenic response was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Keratinocytes were treated with or without arsenite, solar-simulated UVR, NOX inhibitors and/or isoform specific NOX siRNA. Knockdown or inhibition of NOX decreased arsenite-induced ROS, PARP-1 oxidation and DNA damage retention, while restoring arsenite inhibition of PARP-1 activity. The NOX2 isoform was determined to be the major contributor to arsenite-induced ROS generation and DNA damage retention. In vivo DNA damage was measured by immunohistochemical staining and analysis of dorsal epidermis sections from C57BI/6 and p91phox knockout (NOX2-/-) mice. There was no significant difference in solar-simulated UVR DNA damage as detected by percent PH2AX positive cells within NOX2-/- mice versus control. In contrast, arsenite-dependent retention of UVR-induced DNA damage was markedly reduced. Altogether, the in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that NOX is involved in arsenic enhancement of UVR-induced DNA damage.

Delineating the Effects of Passaging and Exposure in a Longitudinal Study of Arsenic-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a HaCaT Cell Line Model

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a major deleterious health effect of chronic arsenic (iAs) exposure. The molecular mechanism of arsenic-induced cSCC remains poorly understood. We recently demonstrated that chronic iAs exposure leads to temporally regulated genome-wide changes in profiles of differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs at each stage of carcinogenesis (7, 19 and 28 weeks) employing a well-established passage-matched HaCaT cell line model of arsenic-induced cSCC. Here, we performed longitudinal differential expression analysis (miRNA and mRNA) between the different time points (7 vs. 19 weeks and 19 vs. 28 weeks) within unexposed and exposed groups, coupled to expression pairing and pathway analyses to differentiate the relative effects of long-term passaging and chronic iAs exposure. Data showed that 66-105 miRNA [p < 0.05; log2(Fold Change)>I1I] and 2826-4079 mRNA [p < 0.001; log2(Fold Change)>I1I] molecules were differentially expressed depending on the longitudinal comparison. Several mRNA molecules differentially expressed as a function of time, independent of iAs exposure were being targeted by miRNA molecules which were also differentially expressed in a time dependent manner. Distinct pathways were predicted to be modulated as a function of time or iAs exposure. Some pathways were also modulated both by time and exposure. Thus, the HaCaT model can distinguish between the effects of passaging and chronic iAs exposure individually and corroborate our previously published data on effects of iAs exposure compared to unexposed passage matched HaCaT cells. In addition, this work provides a template for cell line based longitudinal chronic exposure studies to follow for optimal efficacy.

Arsenic co-carcinogenesis: Inhibition of DNA repair and interaction with zinc finger proteins

Arsenic is widely present in the environment and is associated with various population health risks including cancers. Arsenic exposure at environmentally relevant levels enhances the mutagenic effect of other carcinogens such as ultraviolet radiation. Investigation on the molecular mechanisms could inform the prevention and intervention strategies of arsenic carcinogenesis and co-carcinogenesis. Arsenic inhibition of DNA repair has been demonstrated to be an important mechanism, and certain DNA repair proteins have been identified to be extremely sensitive to arsenic exposure. This review will summarize the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenesis and co-carcinogenesis, including DNA damage induction and ROS generation, particularly how arsenic inhibits DNA repair through an integrated molecular mechanism which includes its interactions with sensitive zinc finger DNA repair proteins.

Mechanisms of the synergistic lung tumorigenic effect of arsenic and benzo(a)pyrene combined- exposure

Humans are often exposed to mixtures of environmental pollutants especially environmental chemical carcinogens, representing a significant environmental health issue. However, our understanding on the carcinogenic effects and mechanisms of environmental carcinogen mixture exposures is limited and mostly relies on the findings from studying individual chemical carcinogens. Both arsenic and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) are among the most common environmental carcinogens causing lung cancer and other types of cancer in humans. Millions of people are exposed to arsenic via consuming arsenic-contaminated drinking water and even more people are exposed to BaP via cigarette smoking and consuming BaP-contaminated food. Thus arsenic and BaP combined-exposure in humans is common. Previous epidemiology studies indicated that arsenic-exposed people who were cigarette smokers had significantly higher lung cancer risk than those who were non-smokers. Since BaP is one of the major carcinogens in cigarette smoke, it has been speculated that arsenic and BaP combined-exposure may play important roles in the increased lung cancer risk observed in arsenic-exposed cigarette smokers. In this review, we summarize important findings and inconsistencies about the co-carcinogenic effects and underlying mechanisms of arsenic and BaP combined-exposure and propose new areas for future studies. A clear understanding on the mechanism of co-carcinogenic effects of arsenic and BaP combined exposure may identify novel targets to more efficiently treat and prevent lung cancer resulting from arsenic and BaP combined-exposure.

Time-dependent genomic response in primary human uroepithelial cells exposed to arsenite for up to 60 days

Evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies suggests that gene expression changes from long-term exposure to arsenite evolve markedly over time, including reversals in the direction of expression change in key regulatory genes. In this study, human uroepithelial cells from the ureter segments of 4 kidney-donors were continuously treated in culture with arsenite at concentrations of 0.1 or 1 μM for 60 days. Gene expression at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 days was determined using Affymetrix human genome microarrays and signal pathway analysis was performed using GeneGo Metacore. Arsenic treated cells continued to proliferate for the full 60-day period, whereas untreated cells ceased proliferating after approximately 30 days. A peak in the number of gene changes in the treated cells compared to untreated controls was observed between 30 and 40 days of exposure, with substantially fewer changes at 10 and 60 days, suggesting remodeling of the cells over time. Consistent with this possibility, the direction of expression change for a number of key genes was reversed between 20 and 30 days, including CFOS and MDM2. While the progression of gene changes was different for each subject, a common pattern was observed in arsenic treated cells over time, with early upregulation of oxidative stress responses (HMOX1, NQ01, TXN, TXNRD1) and down-regulation of immune/inflammatory responses (IKKα). At around 30 days, there was a transition to increased inflammatory and proliferative signaling (AKT, CFOS), evidence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and alterations in DNA damage responses (MDM2, ATM). A common element in the changing response of cells to arsenite over time appears to involve up-regulation of MDM2 by inflammatory signaling (through AP-1 and NF-κB), leading to inhibition of P53 function.

Autophagy of the m6A mRNA demethylase FTO is impaired by low-level arsenic exposure to promote tumorigenesis

Here we show that FTO as an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA demethylase is degraded by selective autophagy, which is impaired by low-level arsenic exposure to promote tumorigenesis. We found that in arsenic-associated human skin lesions, FTO is upregulated, while m6A RNA methylation is downregulated. In keratinocytes, chronic relevant low-level arsenic exposure upregulated FTO, downregulated m6A RNA methylation, and induced malignant transformation and tumorigenesis. FTO deletion inhibited arsenic-induced tumorigenesis. Moreover, in mice, epidermis-specific FTO deletion prevented skin tumorigenesis induced by arsenic and UVB irradiation. Targeting FTO genetically or pharmacologically inhibits the tumorigenicity of arsenic-transformed tumor cells. We identified NEDD4L as the m6A-modified gene target of FTO. Finally, arsenic stabilizes FTO protein through inhibiting p62-mediated selective autophagy. FTO upregulation can in turn inhibit autophagy, leading to a positive feedback loop to maintain FTO accumulation. Our study reveals FTO-mediated dysregulation of mRNA m6A methylation as an epitranscriptomic mechanism to promote arsenic tumorigenicity.

Biotransformation of arsenic and toxicological implication of arsenic metabolites

Arsenic is a well-known environmental carcinogen and chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water has been reported to cause skin, bladder and lung cancers, with arsenic metabolites being implicated in the pathogenesis. In contrast, arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) is an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia, in which the binding of arsenite (iAs^III) to promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is the proposed initial step. These findings on the two-edged sword characteristics of arsenic suggest that after entry into cells, arsenic reaches the nucleus and triggers various nuclear events. Arsenic is reduced, conjugated with glutathione, and methylated in the cytosol. These biotransformations, including the production of reactive metabolic intermediates, appear to determine the intracellular dynamics, target organs, and biological functions of arsenic.

Arsenic-Induced Carcinogenesis: The Impact of miRNA Dysregulation

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid widely present in the earth's crust, and is a proven human carcinogen. Chronic arsenic exposure mainly through drinking water causes skin, lung, and urinary bladder cancers, and is associated with liver, prostate, and kidney cancers, cardiovascular and neurological disorders, and diabetes. Several modes of action have been suggested in arsenic carcinogenesis. However, the molecular etiology of arsenic-induced cancer remains unclear. Recent evidence clearly indicates that gene expression modifications induced by arsenic may involve epigenetic alterations, including miRNA dysregulation. Many miRNAs have been implicated in different human cancers as a consequence of losses and or gains of miRNA function that contribute to cancer development. Progress in identifying miRNA dysregulation induced by arsenic has been made using different approaches and models. The present review discusses the recent data regarding dysregulated expression of miRNA in arsenic-induced malignant transformation in vitro, gaps in current understanding and deficiencies in current models for arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, and future directions of research that would improve our knowledge regarding the mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced carcinogenesis.

Development of a database on key characteristics of human carcinogens

A database on mechanistic characteristics of human carcinogenic agents was developed by collecting mechanistic information on agents identified as human carcinogens (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. A two-phase process is described for the construction of the database according to 24 toxicological endpoints, derived from appropriate test systems that were acquired from data obtained from the mechanisms sections of the IARC Monographs (Section 4) and a supplementary PubMed search. These endpoints were then aligned with 10 key characteristics of human carcinogens that reflect the broader attributes of these agents relating to the development of cancer in humans. The considerations involved in linking of toxicological endpoints to key characteristics are described and specific examples of the determination of key characteristics for six specific agents (tamoxifen, hepatitis B virus, arsenic, ultraviolet and solar radiation, tobacco smoking, and dioxin) are provided. Data for humans and animals were tabulated separately, as were results for in-vivo and for in-vitro sources of information. The database was constructed to support a separate analysis of the expression of these endpoints by 86 Group 1 carcinogens, in-vivo and in-vitro along with an analysis of the key characteristics of these agents.

Arsenic-Induced Neoplastic Transformation Involves Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Activation of the β-Catenin/c-Myc Pathway in Human Kidney Epithelial Cells

Arsenic contamination is a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide including the United States. Accumulating evidence suggests that kidney is one of the target organs for arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism of arsenic-induced renal carcinogenesis is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the carcinogenicity of chronic exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of arsenic on kidney epithelial cells and identify the molecular mechanism underlying this process. HK-2 kidney epithelial cells were treated with arsenic for acute, long-term, and chronic durations, and cellular responses to arsenic exposure at these time points were evaluated by the changes in growth, morphology, and expression of genes. The results revealed a significant growth increase after long-term and chronic exposure to arsenic in HK-2 cells. The morphological changes of EMT and stem cell sphere formation were also observed in long-term arsenic exposed cells. The anchorage-independent growth assay for colony formation and cell maintenance in cancer stem cell medium further confirmed neoplastic transformation and the induced cancer stem cell properties of arsenic-exposed cells. Additionally, the expression of marker genes confirmed the increased growth, EMT, and stemness during arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. Moreover, the increase expression of β-catenin and c-Myc further suggested the role of these signaling molecules during carcinogenesis in HK-2 cells. In summary, results of this study suggest that chronic exposure to arsenic even at a relatively lower concentration can induce neoplastic transformation through acquisitions of EMT, stemness, and MET phenotypes, which might be related to the β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway.

Review of arsenic toxicity, speciation and polyadenylation of canonical histones

Arsenic contamination impacts hundreds of millions of people in the world. Arsenic is a well-established human carcinogen and has been shown to cause skin, lung, bladder, liver, prostate and kidney cancers, in humans. Mechanisms that underlie arsenic-mediated carcinogenesis, including epigenetic alterations, remain largely unknown. Human exposure to Arsenic is reviewed, and the mechanisms of its acute and chronic toxicity and mechanisms of its carcinogenesis in humans are discussed. Arsenic is one of the few metals that is metabolized in vivo, and Arsenic methylation and how this results in a shorter half-life in vivo are discussed. A review of recent findings that Arsenic causes loss in the cellular levels of Stem Loop Binding Protein (SLBP) resulting in polyadenylation of canonical histones (H3.1) as a default, increasing levels of H3.1 protein outside of S-Phase. Malignant cell transformation is induced by knockdown of SLBP and by overexpression of polyadenylated H3.1. Arsenic induced polyadenylation of H3.1 causes enhanced levels of H3.1 protein displacing H3.3 protein from its cellular binding sites, since the two proteins differ by only 5 amino acids. Knockdown of H3.3 alone can induce carcinogenesis, and therefore displacement of functional H3.3 protein by increased H3.1 protein, is likely a mechanism of arsenic carcinogenesis.

Arsenite malignantly transforms human prostate epithelial cells in vitro by gene amplification of mutated KRAS

Inorganic arsenic is an environmental human carcinogen of several organs including the urinary tract. RWPE-1 cells are immortalized, non-tumorigenic, human prostate epithelia that become malignantly transformed into the CAsE-PE line after continuous in vitro exposure to 5μM arsenite over a period of months. For insight into in vitro arsenite transformation, we performed RNA-seq for differential gene expression and targeted sequencing of KRAS. We report >7,000 differentially expressed transcripts in CAsE-PE cells compared to RWPE-1 cells at >2-fold change, q<0.05 by RNA-seq. Notably, KRAS expression was highly elevated in CAsE-PE cells, with pathway analysis supporting increased cell proliferation, cell motility, survival and cancer pathways. Targeted DNA sequencing of KRAS revealed a mutant specific allelic imbalance, ‘MASI’, frequently found in primary clinical tumors. We found high expression of a mutated KRAS transcript carrying oncogenic mutations at codons 12 and 59 and many silent mutations, accompanied by lower expression of a wild-type allele. Parallel cultures of RWPE-1 cells retained a wild-type KRAS genotype. Copy number analysis and sequencing showed amplification of the mutant KRAS allele. KRAS is expressed as two splice variants, KRAS4a and KRAS4b, where variant 4b is more prevalent in normal cells compared to greater levels of variant 4a seen in tumor cells. 454 Roche sequencing measured KRAS variants in each cell type. We found KRAS4a as the predominant transcript variant in CAsE-PE cells compared to KRAS4b, the variant expressed primarily in RWPE-1 cells and in normal prostate, early passage, primary epithelial cells. Overall, gene expression data were consistent with KRAS-driven proliferation pathways found in spontaneous tumors and malignantly transformed cell lines. Arsenite is recognized as an important environmental carcinogen, but it is not a direct mutagen. Further investigations into this in vitro transformation model will focus on genomic events that cause arsenite-mediated mutation and overexpression of KRAS in CAsE-PE cells.

State of the science review of the health effects of inorganic arsenic: Perspectives for future research

Human exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a global health issue. Although there is strong evidence for iAs-induced toxicity at higher levels of exposure, many epidemiological studies evaluating its effects at low exposure levels have reported mixed results. We comprehensively reviewed the literature and evaluated the scientific knowledge on human exposure to arsenic, mechanisms of action, systemic and carcinogenic effects, risk characterization, and regulatory guidelines. We identified areas where additional research is needed. These priority areas include: (1) further development of animal models of iAs carcinogenicity to identify molecular events involved in iAs carcinogenicity; (2) characterization of underlying mechanisms of iAs toxicity; (3) assessment of gender-specific susceptibilities and other factors that modulate arsenic metabolism; (4) sufficiently powered epidemiological studies to ascertain relationship between iAs exposure and reproductive/developmental effects; (5) evaluation of genetic/epigenetic determinants of iAs effects in children; and (6) epidemiological studies of people chronically exposed to low iAs concentrations.

Chronic arsenic trioxide exposure leads to enhanced aggressiveness via Met oncogene addiction in cancer cells

As an environmental poison, arsenic is responsible for many cancer deaths. Paradoxically, arsenic trioxide (ATO) presents also a powerful therapy used to treat refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and is intensively investigated for treatment of other cancer types. Noteworthy, cancer therapy is frequently hampered by drug resistance, which is also often associated with enhancement of tumor aggressiveness. In this study, we analyzed ATO-selected cancer cells (A2780ATO) for the mechanisms underlying their enhanced tumorigenicity and aggressiveness. These cells were characterized by enhanced proliferation and spheroid growth as well as increased tumorigenicity of xenografts in SCID mice. Noteworthy, subsequent studies revealed that overexpression of Met receptor was the underlying oncogenic driver of these effects, as A2780ATO cells were characterized by collateral sensitivity against Met inhibitors. This finding was also confirmed by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and whole genome gene expression arrays, which revealed that Met overexpression by chronic ATO exposure was based on the transcriptional regulation via activation of AP-1. Finally, it was shown that treatment with the Met inhibitor crizotinib was also effective against A2780ATO cell xenografts in vivo, indicating that targeting of Met presents a promising strategy for the treatment of Met-overexpressing tumors after either arsenic exposure or failure to ATO treatment.

Arsenic treatment increase Aurora-A overexpression through E2F1 activation in bladder cells

Background

Arsenic is a widely distributed metalloid compound that has biphasic effects on cultured cells. In large doses, arsenic can be toxic enough to trigger cell death. In smaller amounts, non-toxic doses may promote cell proliferation and induces carcinogenesis. Aberration of chromosome is frequently detected in epithelial cells and lymphocytes of individuals from arsenic contaminated areas. Overexpression of Aurora-A, a mitotic kinase, results in chromosomal instability and cell transformation. We have reported that low concentration (≦1 μM) of arsenic treatment increases Aurora-A expression in immortalized bladder urothelial E7 cells. However, how arsenic induces carcinogenesis through Aurora-A activation remaining unclear.

Methods

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining, MTT assay, and flow cytometry assay were conducted to determine cell proliferation. Messenger RNA and protein expression levels of Aurora-A were detected by reverse transcriptional-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

Centrosome of cells was observed by immunofluorescent staining. The transcription factor of Aurora-A was investigated by promoter activity, chromosome immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and small interfering RNA (shRNA) assays. Mouse model was utilized to confirm the relationship between arsenic and Aurora-A.

Results

We reveal that low dosage of arsenic treatment increased cell proliferation is associated with accumulated cell population at S phase. We also detected increased Aurora-A expression at mRNA and protein levels in immortalized bladder urothelial E7 cells exposed to low doses of arsenic. Arsenic-treated cells displayed increased multiple centrosome which is resulted from overexpressed Aurora-A. Furthermore, the transcription factor, E2F1, is responsible for Aurora-A overexpression after arsenic treatment. We further disclosed that Aurora-A expression and cell proliferation were increased in bladder and uterus tissues of the BALB/c mice after long-term arsenic (1 mg/L) exposure for 2 months.

Conclusion

We reveal that low dose of arsenic induced cell proliferation is through Aurora-A overexpression, which is transcriptionally regulated by E2F1 both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings disclose a new possibility that arsenic at low concentration activates Aurora-A to induce carcinogenesis.

Arsenic-induced sumoylation of Mus81 is involved in regulating genomic stability

Chronic environmental exposure to metal toxicants such as chromium and arsenic is closely related to the development of several types of common cancers. Genetic and epigenetic studies in the past decade reveal that post-translational modifications of histones play a role in metal carcinogenesis. However, exact molecular mechanisms of metal carcinogenesis remain to be elucidated. In this study we found that As₂O₃, an environmental metal toxicant, upregulated overall modifications of many cellular proteins by SUMO2/3. Sumoylated proteins from arsenic-treated cells constitutively expressing His₆-SUMO2 were pulled down by Ni-IDA resin under denaturing conditions. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed over 100 proteins that were potentially modified by sumoylation. Mus81, a DNA endonuclease involved in homologous recombination repair, was among the identified proteins whose sumoylation was increased after treatment with As₂O_3. We further showed that K10 and K524 were 2 lysine residues essential for Mus81 sumoylation. Moreover, we demonstrated that Mus81 sumoylation is important for normal mitotic chromosome congression and that cells expressing SUMO-resistant Mus81 mutants displayed compromised DNA damage responses after exposure to metal toxins such as Cr(VI) and arsenic.

Inorganic arsenic inhibits the nucleotide excision repair pathway and reduces the expression of XPC

Chronic exposure to arsenic, most often through contaminated drinking water, has been linked to several types of cancer in humans, including skin and lung cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying its role in causing cancer are not well understood. There is evidence that exposure to arsenic can enhance the carcinogenicity of UV light in inducing skin cancers and may enhance the carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke in inducing lung cancers. The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway removes different types of DNA damage including those produced by UV light and components of tobacco smoke. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of sodium arsenite on the NER pathway in human lung fibroblasts (IMR-90 cells) and primary mouse keratinocytes. To measure NER, we employed a slot-blot assay to quantify the introduction and removal of UV light-induced 6-4 photoproducts (6-4 PP) and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). We find a concentration-dependent inhibition of the removal of 6-4 PPs and CPDs in both cell types treated with arsenite. Treatment of both cell types with arsenite resulted in a significant reduction in the abundance of XPC, a protein that is critical for DNA damage recognition in NER. The abundance of RNA expressed from several key NER genes was also significantly reduced by treatment of IMR-90 cells with arsenite. Finally, treatment of IMR-90 cells with MG-132 abrogated the reduction in XPC protein, suggesting an involvement of the proteasome in the reduction of XPC protein produced by treatment of cells with arsenic. The inhibition of NER by arsenic may reflect one mechanism underlying the role of arsenic exposure in enhancing cigarette smoke-induced lung carcinogenesis and UV light-induced skin cancer, and it may provide some insights into the emergence of arsenic trioxide as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Chromated copper arsenate-treated wood: a potential source of arsenic exposure and toxicity in dermatology

Arsenic-contaminated drinking water presents a serious health hazard in certain geographic locations around the world. Chromated copper arsenate, a pesticide and preservative that was used to pressure treat residential lumber in the United States beginning in the 1940s and was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2003, poses a potential source of arsenic exposure and toxicity. In this study, we review the clinical manifestations of arsenic intoxication with the focus on dermatologic manifestations. Dermatologists should be aware that although chromated copper arsenate-treated wood for residential use was banned in 2003, the exposure risk remains. Long-term follow up is necessary to detect arsenic induced cutaneous and visceral malignancy in patients with history of arsenic exposure.

Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 and DNA repair by uranium

Uranium has radiological and non-radiological effects within biological systems and there is increasing evidence for genotoxic and carcinogenic properties attributable to uranium through its heavy metal properties. In this study, we report that low concentrations of uranium (as uranyl acetate; <10 μM) is not cytotoxic to human embryonic kidney cells or normal human keratinocytes; however, uranium exacerbates DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that uranium may inhibit DNA repair processes. Concentrations of uranyl acetate in the low micromolar range inhibited the zinc finger DNA repair protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 and caused zinc loss from PARP-1 protein. Uranyl acetate exposure also led to zinc loss from the zinc finger DNA repair proteins Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Complementation Group A (XPA) and aprataxin (APTX). In keeping with the observed inhibition of zinc finger function of DNA repair proteins, exposure to uranyl acetate enhanced retention of induced DNA damage. Co-incubation of uranyl acetate with zinc largely overcame the impact of uranium on PARP-1 activity and DNA damage. These findings present evidence that low concentrations of uranium can inhibit DNA repair through disruption of zinc finger domains of specific target DNA repair proteins. This may provide a mechanistic basis to account for the published observations that uranium exposure is associated with DNA repair deficiency in exposed human populations.

Arsenic Disruption of DNA Damage Responses-Potential Role in Carcinogenesis and Chemotherapy

Arsenic is a Class I human carcinogen and is widespread in the environment. Chronic arsenic exposure causes cancer in skin, lung and bladder, as well as in other organs. Paradoxically, arsenic also is a potent chemotherapeutic against acute promyelocytic leukemia and can potentiate the cytotoxic effects of DNA damaging chemotherapeutics, such as cisplatin, in vitro. Arsenic has long been implicated in DNA repair inhibition, cell cycle disruption, and ubiquitination dysregulation, all negatively impacting the DNA damage response and potentially contributing to both the carcinogenic and chemotherapeutic potential of arsenic. Recent studies have provided mechanistic insights into how arsenic interferes with these processes including disruption of zinc fingers and suppression of gene expression. This review discusses these effects of arsenic with a view toward understanding the impact on the DNA damage response.

The mechanistic basis of arsenicosis: pathogenesis of skin cancer

Significant amounts of arsenic have been found in the groundwater of many countries including Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, China, India, Mexico, and the United States with an estimated 200 million people at risk of toxic exposure. Although chronic arsenic poisoning damages many organ systems, it usually first presents in the skin with manifestations including hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratoses, Bowen's disease, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Arsenic promotes oxidative stress by upregulating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, uncoupling nitric oxide synthase, and by depleting natural antioxidants such as nitric oxide and glutathione in addition to targeting other proteins responsible for the maintenance of redox homeostasis. It causes immune dysfunction and tissue inflammatory responses, which may involve activation of the unfolded protein response signaling pathway. In addition, the dysregulation of other molecular targets such as nuclear factor kappa B, Hippo signaling protein Yap, and the mineral dust-induced proto-oncogene may orchestrate the pathogenesis of arsenic-mediated health effects. The metalloid decreases expression of tumor suppressor molecules and increases expression of pro-inflammatory mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways leading to a tumor-promoting tissue microenvironment. Cooperation of upregulated signal transduction molecules with DNA damage may abrogate apoptosis, promote proliferation, and enhance cell survival. Genomic instability via direct DNA damage and weakening of several cellular DNA repair mechanisms could also be important cancer development mechanisms in arsenic-exposed populations. Thus, arsenic mediates its toxicity by generating oxidative stress, causing immune dysfunction, promoting genotoxicity, hampering DNA repair, and disrupting signal transduction, which may explain the complex disease manifestations seen in arsenicosis.

Silver ions enhance UVB-induced phosphorylation of histone H2AX

Silver (Ag) is used in a wide range of industries including healthcare, food, cosmetics, and environmental industries due to its antibacterial properties. The rapidly expanding use of Ag has raised issues concerning its toxicity in humans. However, studies investigating the effects of Ag on humans are very limited, and the combined effects of Ag and other environmental factors have not yet been determined. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is the most prominent and ubiquitous physical stressor in our natural environment. In this study, we investigated the genotoxic potential of combined exposure to Ag(+) (AgNO3) and UVB in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, by measuring the generation of phosphorylated histone H2AX, which is currently attracting attention as a biomarker for the detection of genotoxic insults. We found that the generation of γ-H2AX was synergistically enhanced when cells were coexposed to Ag(+) and UVB. Furthermore, we showed that the enhanced generation of γ-H2AX could be attributed to the increased formation of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and (6-4) photoproducts. These lesions, if not repaired properly, are the major causal factor for skin carcinogenesis. Our results provide an important insight into influence of Ag on the genotoxic potency of sunlight.

Arsenite-induced ROS/RNS generation causes zinc loss and inhibits the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1

Arsenic enhances the genotoxicity of other carcinogenic agents such as ultraviolet radiation and benzo[a]pyrene. Recent reports suggest that inhibition of DNA repair is an important aspect of arsenic cocarcinogenesis, and DNA repair proteins such as poly(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 are direct molecular targets of arsenic. Although arsenic has been shown to generate reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), little is known about the role of arsenic-induced ROS/RNS in the mechanism underlying arsenic inhibition of DNA repair. We report herein that arsenite-generated ROS/RNS inhibits PARP-1 activity in cells. Cellular exposure to arsenite, as well as hydrogen peroxide and NONOate (nitric oxide donor), decreased PARP-1 zinc content, enzymatic activity, and PARP-1 DNA binding. Furthermore, the effects of arsenite on PARP-1 activity, DNA binding, and zinc content were partially reversed by the antioxidant ascorbic acid, catalase, and the NOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine. Most importantly, arsenite incubation with purified PARP-1 protein in vitro did not alter PARP-1 activity or DNA-binding ability, whereas hydrogen peroxide or NONOate retained PARP-1 inhibitory activity. These results strongly suggest that cellular generation of ROS/RNS plays an important role in arsenite inhibition of PARP-1 activity, leading to the loss of PARP-1 DNA-binding ability and enzymatic activity.

Geography of non-melanoma skin cancer and ecological associations with environmental risk factors in England

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the geography of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in England, and ecological associations with three widespread environmental hazards: radon, arsenic and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

METHODS

Age-/sex-standardised registration rates of NMSC were mapped for local authority (LA) areas (n=326), along with geographical data on bright sunshine, household radon and arsenic. Associations between NMSC and environmental variables, adjusted for socio-economic confounders, were investigated.

RESULTS

There was a substantial geographical variation in NMSC rates across English local authorities and between cancer registration regions. Forty percent of variance in rates was at registry region level and 60% at LA level. No association was observed between environmental arsenic and NMSC rates. Rates were associated with area-mean bright sunshine hours. An association with area-mean radon concentration was suggested, although the strength of statistical evidence was sensitive to model specification.

CONCLUSION

The significant geographical variation across England in NMSC registration rate is likely to be partly, but not wholly, explained by registry differences. Findings tentatively support suggestions that environmental radon may be a risk factor for NMSC. Although NMSC is rarely fatal, it has significant implications for individuals and health services, and further research into NMSC geographical and environmental risk factors is warranted.

Arsenite suppression of BMP signaling in human keratinocytes

Arsenic, a human skin carcinogen, suppresses differentiation of cultured keratinocytes. Exploring the mechanism of this suppression revealed that BMP-6 greatly increased levels of mRNA for keratins 1 and 10, two of the earliest differentiation markers expressed, a process prevented by co-treatment with arsenite. BMP also stimulated, and arsenite suppressed, mRNA for FOXN1, an important transcription factor driving early keratinocyte differentiation. Keratin mRNAs increased slowly after BMP-6 addition, suggesting they are indirect transcriptional targets. Inhibition of Notch1 activation blocked BMP induction of keratins 1 and 10, while FOXN1 induction was largely unaffected. Supporting a requirement for Notch1 signaling in keratin induction, BMP increased levels of activated Notch1, which was blocked by arsenite. BMP also greatly decreased active ERK, while co-treatment with arsenite maintained active ERK. Inhibition of ERK signaling mimicked BMP by inducing keratin and FOXN1 mRNAs and by increasing active Notch1, effects blocked by arsenite. Of 6 dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) targeting ERK, two were induced by BMP unless prevented by simultaneous exposure to arsenite and EGF. Knockdown of DUSP2 or DUSP14 using shRNAs greatly reduced FOXN1 and keratins 1 and 10 mRNA levels and their induction by BMP. Knockdown also decreased activated Notch1, keratin 1 and keratin 10 protein levels, both in the presence and absence of BMP. Thus, one of the earliest effects of BMP is induction of DUSPs, which increases FOXN1 transcription factor and activates Notch1, both required for keratin gene expression. Arsenite prevents this cascade by maintaining ERK signaling, at least in part by suppressing DUSP expression.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediates arsenite inhibition of UVB-induced cellular apoptosis in mouse epidermal Cl41 cells

Inorganic arsenic is an environmental human carcinogen, and has been shown to act as a co-carcinogen with solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation in mouse skin tumor induction even at low concentrations. However, the precise mechanism of its co-carcinogenic action is largely unknown. Apoptosis plays an essential role as a protective mechanism against neoplastic development in the organism by eliminating genetically damaged cells. Thus, suppression of apoptosis is thought to contribute to carcinogenesis. It is known that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) can promote carcinogenesis by inhibiting cell apoptosis under stress conditions; and our current studies investigated the potential contribution of COX-2 to the inhibitory effect of arsenite in UV-induced cell apoptosis in mouse epidermal Cl41 cells. We found that treatment of cells with low concentration (5 μM) arsenite attenuated cellular apoptosis upon UVB radiation accompanied with a coinductive effect on COX-2 expression and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) transactivation. Our results also showed that the COX-2 induction by arsenite and UVB depended on an NFκB pathway because COX-2 co-induction could be attenuated in either p65-deficient or p50-deficient cells. Moreover, UVB-induced cell apoptosis could be dramatically reduced by the introduction of exogenous COX-2 expression, whereas the inhibitory effect of arsenite on UVB-induced cell apoptosis could be impaired in COX-2 knockdown C141 cells. Our results indicated that COX-2 mediated the anti-apoptotic effect of arsenite in UVB radiation through an NFκB-dependent pathway. Given the importance of apoptosis evasion during carcinogenesis, we anticipated that COX-2 induction might be at least partially responsible for the co-carcinogenic effect of arsenite on UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibition by arsenite promotes the survival of cells with unrepaired DNA lesions induced by UV exposure

Human arsenic exposure is associated with increased risk of skin cancer, and arsenite greatly enhances ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin tumors in a mouse model of carcinogenesis. Inhibition of DNA repair is one proposed mechanism for the observed cocarcinogenicity. We have previously demonstrated that low concentrations of arsenite inhibit poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, thus interfering with DNA repair process triggered by UV radiation. Because overactivation of PARP-1 often leads to apoptotic cell death, and unrepaired DNA lesions promote genomic instability and carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that inhibition of PARP-1 by arsenic may promote the survival of potentially "initiated carcinogenic cells," i.e., cells with unrepaired DNA lesions. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis on UV-challenged HaCat cells. Cells were pretreated with 2μM arsenite for 24 h before UV exposure. Outcome parameters included apoptotic death rate, PARP-1 activation, apoptotic molecules, and retention of DNA lesions. UV exposure induced PARP-1 activation and associated poly(ADP-ribose) production, apoptosis-inducing factor release, cytochrome C release, and caspases activation, which led to apoptotic death in HaCat cells. Pretreatment with 2μM arsenite significantly inhibited UV-induced cell death as well as the associated molecular events. Notably, knockdown of PARP-1 with small interfering RNA completely abolished the antagonism of arsenite. Furthermore, arsenite pretreatment led to long-term retention of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. Together, these results suggest that low concentration of arsenite reduces UV-induced apoptosis via inhibiting PARP-1, thus promoting the survival of cells with unrepaired DNA lesions, which may be an important mechanism underlying arsenic cocarcinogenic action.

Induction of cyclin D1 by arsenite and UVB-irradiation in human keratinocytes

Arsenic is an environmental pollutant with carcinogenic properties that is found in many regions of the world but that poses a health risk primarily in economically disadvantaged areas. In these areas, arsenic ingestion affects various tissues, especially skin in which it acts as a comutagen with the ultraviolet component of solar radiation. Both epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that arsenic and ultraviolet radiation act on signaling pathways that effect the expression of cyclin D1. We have previously employed an in vitro model system of human epidermal keratinocytes to study the effects of submicromolar concentrations of sodium arsenite on cyclin D1 expression. Here, we employed this system to demonstrate concordant cyclin D1-related induction profiles of ultraviolet B radiation and arsenite using cDNA microarray analysis. We also show that both of these agents act epigenetically to bring about demethylation of the cyclin D1 promoter.

Arsenic exposure and toxicology: a historical perspective

The metalloid arsenic is a natural environmental contaminant to which humans are routinely exposed in food, water, air, and soil. Arsenic has a long history of use as a homicidal agent, but in the past 100 years arsenic, has been used as a pesticide, a chemotherapeutic agent and a constituent of consumer products. In some areas of the world, high levels of arsenic are naturally present in drinking water and are a toxicological concern. There are several structural forms and oxidation states of arsenic because it forms alloys with metals and covalent bonds with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and other elements. Environmentally relevant forms of arsenic are inorganic and organic existing in the trivalent or pentavalent state. Metabolism of arsenic, catalyzed by arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase, is a sequential process of reduction from pentavalency to trivalency followed by oxidative methylation back to pentavalency. Trivalent arsenic is generally more toxicologically potent than pentavalent arsenic. Acute effects of arsenic range from gastrointestinal distress to death. Depending on the dose, chronic arsenic exposure may affect several major organ systems. A major concern of ingested arsenic is cancer, primarily of skin, bladder, and lung. The mode of action of arsenic for its disease endpoints is currently under study. Two key areas are the interaction of trivalent arsenicals with sulfur in proteins and the ability of arsenic to generate oxidative stress. With advances in technology and the recent development of animal models for arsenic carcinogenicity, understanding of the toxicology of arsenic will continue to improve.

Arsenic transformation predisposes human skin keratinocytes to UV-induced DNA damage yet enhances their survival apparently by diminishing oxidant response

Inorganic arsenic and UV, both human skin carcinogens, may act together as skin co-carcinogens. We find human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) are malignantly transformed by low-level arsenite (100nM, 30weeks; termed As-TM cells) and with transformation concurrently undergo full adaptation to arsenic toxicity involving reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress response to high arsenite concentrations. Oxidative DNA damage (ODD) is a possible mechanism in arsenic carcinogenesis and a hallmark of UV-induced skin cancer. In the current work, inorganic arsenite exposure (100nM) did not induce ODD during the 30weeks required for malignant transformation. Although acute UV-treatment (UVA, 25J/cm(2)) increased ODD in passage-matched control cells, once transformed by arsenic to As-TM cells, acute UV actually further increased ODD (>50%). Despite enhanced ODD, As-TM cells were resistant to UV-induced apoptosis. The response of apoptotic factors and oxidative stress genes was strongly mitigated in As-TM cells after UV exposure including increased Bcl2/Bax ratio and reduced Caspase-3, Nrf2, and Keap1 expression. Several Nrf2-related genes (HO-1, GCLs, SOD) showed diminished responses in As-TM cells after UV exposure consistent with reduced oxidant stress response. UV-exposed As-TM cells showed increased expression of cyclin D1 (proliferation gene) and decreased p16 (tumor suppressor). UV exposure enhanced the malignant phenotype of As-TM cells. Thus, the co-carcinogenicity between UV and arsenic in skin cancer might involve adaptation to chronic arsenic exposure generally mitigating the oxidative stress response, allowing apoptotic by-pass after UV and enhanced cell survival even in the face of increased UV-induced oxidative stress and increased ODD.

Exposure to multiple metals from groundwater-a global crisis: geology, climate change, health effects, testing, and mitigation

This paper presents an overview of the global extent of naturally occurring toxic metals in groundwater. Adverse health effects attributed to the toxic metals most commonly found in groundwater are reviewed, as well as chemical, biochemical, and physiological interactions between these metals. Synergistic and antagonistic effects that have been reported between the toxic metals found in groundwater and the dietary trace elements are highlighted, and common behavioural, cultural, and dietary practices that are likely to significantly modify health risks due to use of metal-contaminated groundwater are reviewed. Methods for analytical testing of samples containing multiple metals are discussed, with special attention to analytical interferences between metals and reagents. An overview is presented of approaches to providing safe water when groundwater contains multiple metallic toxins.

Up-regulation of cyclin D1 by JNK1/c-Jun is involved in tumorigenesis of human embryo lung fibroblast cells induced by a low concentration of arsenite

Inorganic arsenic, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, is associated with an increased risk of cancer. There are several hypotheses regarding arsenic-induced carcinogenesis. The mechanism of action remains obscure, although hyper-proliferation of cells is involved. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underlying the proliferation and malignant transformation of human embryo lung fibroblast (HELF) cells induced by a low concentration of arsenite were investigated. The results reveal that a low concentration of arsenite induces cell proliferation and promotes cell cycle transition from the G(1) to the S phase. Moreover, arsenite activates the JNK1/c-Jun signal pathway, but not JNK2, which up-regulates the expression of cyclin D1/CDK4 and phosphorylates the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. Blocking of the JNK1/c-Jun signal pathway suppresses the increases of cyclin D1 expression and Rb phosphorylation, which attenuates cell proliferation, reduces the transition from the G1 to the S phase, and thereby inhibits the neoplastic transformation of HELF cells induced by a low concentration of arsenite. Thus, activation of the JNK1/c-Jun pathway up-regulates the expression of cyclin D1, which is involved in the tumorigenesis caused by a low concentration of arsenite.

Arsenic geochemistry and human health in South East Asia

Arsenic occurs naturally in many environmental components and enters the human body through several exposure pathways. Natural enrichment of arsenic may result in considerable contamination of soil, water, and air. Arsenic in groundwater can exceed values hundreds of time higher than the concentration recommended for drinking water. Such exposure levels indicate a serious potential health risk to individuals consuming raw groundwater. Human activities that have an impact on the environment may increase the distribution of inorganic arsenic. Abandoned mines are of great concern due to the extremely high arsenic concentrations detected in mine drainage and tailings. Diet, drinking water, air, soil, and occupational exposures are all sources of inorganic arsenic for humans. Interdisciplinary efforts to better characterize the transport of arsenic and reactants that facilitate their release to the environment are important for human health studies. Multi-disciplinary efforts are needed to study diet, infectious disease, genetics, and cultural practices unique to each region to better understand human health risk and to design public health interventions.

Cancer in experimental animals exposed to arsenic and arsenic compounds

Inorganic arsenic is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that has long been considered a human carcinogen. Recent studies raise further concern about the metalloid as a major, naturally occurring carcinogen in the environment. However, during this same period it has proven difficult to provide experimental evidence of the carcinogenicity of inorganic arsenic in laboratory animals and, until recently, there was considered to be a lack of clear evidence for carcinogenicity of any arsenical in animals. More recent work with arsenical methylation metabolites and early life exposures to inorganic arsenic has now provided evidence of carcinogenicity in rodents. Given that tens of millions of people worldwide are exposed to potentially unhealthy levels of environmental arsenic, in vivo rodent models of arsenic carcinogenesis are a clear necessity for resolving critical issues, such as mechanisms of action, target tissue specificity, and sensitive subpopulations, and in developing strategies to reduce cancers in exposed human populations. This work reviews the available rodent studies considered relevant to carcinogenic assessment of arsenicals, taking advantage of the most recent review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that has not yet appeared as a full monograph but has been summarized (IARC, 2009 , IARC Special Report: Policy, Vol. 10. Lyon: IARC Press, 453–454). Many valid studies show that arsenic can interact with other carcinogens/agents to enhance oncogenesis, and help elucidate mechanisms, and these too are summarized in this review. Finally, this body of rodent work is discussed in light of its impact on mechanisms and in the context of the persistent argument that arsenic is not carcinogenic in animals.

Arsenite induced poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of tumor suppressor P53 in human skin keratinocytes as a possible mechanism for carcinogenesis associated with arsenic exposure

Arsenite is an environmental pollutant. Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water is associated with elevated cancer risk, especially in skin. Arsenite alone does not cause skin cancer in animals, but arsenite can enhance the carcinogenicity of solar UV. Arsenite is not a significant mutagen at non-toxic concentrations, but it enhances the mutagenicity of other carcinogens. The tumor suppressor protein P53 and nuclear enzyme PARP-1 are both key players in DNA damage response. This laboratory demonstrated earlier that in cells treated with arsenite, the P53-dependent increase in p21(WAF1/CIP1) expression, normally a block to cell cycle progression after DNA damage, is deficient. Here we show that although long-term exposure of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) to a nontoxic concentration (0.1 microM) of arsenite decreases the level of global protein poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, it increases poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of P53 protein and PARP-1 protein abundance. We also demonstrate that exposure to 0.1 microM arsenite depresses the constitutive expression of p21 mRNA and P21 protein in HaCaT cells. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of P53 is reported to block its activation, DNA binding and its functioning as a transcription factor. Our results suggest that arsenite's interference with activation of P53 via poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation may play a role in the comutagenic and cocarcinogenic effects of arsenite.

Analysis of genomic dose-response information on arsenic to inform key events in a mode of action for carcinogenicity

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify information on gene expression changes following exposures to inorganic arsenic compounds. This information was organized by compound, exposure, dose/concentration, species, tissue, and cell type. A concentration-related hierarchy of responses was observed, beginning with changes in gene/protein expression associated with adaptive responses (e.g., preinflammatory responses, delay of apoptosis). Between 0.1 and 10 microM, additional gene/protein expression changes related to oxidative stress, proteotoxicity, inflammation, and proliferative signaling occur along with those related to DNA repair, cell cycle G2/M checkpoint control, and induction of apoptosis. At higher concentrations (10-100 microM), changes in apoptotic genes dominate. Comparisons of primary cell results with those obtained from immortalized or tumor-derived cell lines were also evaluated to determine the extent to which similar responses are observed across cell lines. Although immortalized cells appear to respond similarly to primary cells, caution must be exercised in using gene expression data from tumor-derived cell lines, where inactivation or overexpression of key genes (e.g., p53, Bcl-2) may lead to altered genomic responses. Data from acute in vivo exposures are of limited value for evaluating the dose-response for gene expression, because of the transient, variable, and uncertain nature of tissue exposure in these studies. The available in vitro gene expression data, together with information on the metabolism and protein binding of arsenic compounds, provide evidence of a mode of action for inorganic arsenic carcinogenicity involving interactions with critical proteins, such as those involved in DNA repair, overlaid against a background of chemical stress, including proteotoxicity and depletion of nonprotein sulfhydryls. The inhibition of DNA repair under conditions of toxicity and proliferative pressure may compromise the ability of cells to maintain the integrity of their DNA.