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Du X, Liu J, Wang X, Chen X, Mao Z, Yu F, Wang P, Wu C, Guo H, Zhang H. Environmentally related microcystin-LR-induced ovarian dysfunction via the CCL2-CCR10 axis in mice ameliorated by dietary mulberry. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123929. [PMID: 38582190 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123929] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a reproductive toxin produced by cyanobacteria in the aquatic environment and can be ingested by humans through drinking water and the food chain, posing a threat to human reproductive health. However, the toxic mechanisms and prospective interventions for MC-LR-induced ovarian dysfunction at environmental doses are unknown. The mulberry fruit is a traditional natural product of plant origin, with various pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, mice were exposed to MC-LR (10, 100 μg/L) in drinking water for 90 days, during which mice were gavage 600 mg/kg/week of mulberry fruit extract (MFE). It was found that MC-LR can accumulate in mouse ovaries, causing sexual hormone disturbance, inflammatory infiltration, and ovarian pathological damage. Results from RNA-seq were shown that CCL2, a chemokine associated with inflammatory response, was significantly increased in mouse ovary after MC-LR exposure. Further investigation revealed that MC-LR exposure aggravates apoptosis of granulosa cells via the CCL2-CCR10 axis-mediated Jak/Stat pathway. Importantly, MFE can significantly ameliorate these ovarian dysfunction phenotypes by inhibiting the activation of the CCL2-CCR10 axis. This study broadened new insights into the ovarian toxicity of MC-LR and clarified the pharmacological effects of mulberry fruit on ovarian function protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Junjie Liu
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Zhenxing Mao
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Fangfang Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Cuiping Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Hongxiang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, China.
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Luo Y, Xu D, Ma Y, Yu W, Chen Y, Han X. Mediation of association between semen microcystin exposure and semen quality by sex hormones in Chinese men. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108529. [PMID: 38159577 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108529] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown microcystins (MCs) inducing male reproductive toxicity, but the underlying mechanisms in humans are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the mediating role of serum sex hormones in the association between MC exposure and semen quality. In this study, we measured the levels of semen MCs and serum sex hormones in Chinese men [sample 1 (n = 649); sample 2 (n = 924)]. The results showed that there was a non-significant dose-dependent relationship between semen MCs and semen volume reduction (p for trend = 0.079) in sample 1, and semen MCs were significantly negatively associated with total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, mean angular displacement and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05) in sample 2. We also found that semen MCs were significantly positively associated with serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (β = 0.151; 95% CI: 0.065, 0.236), but negatively associated with serum inhibin B (INHB) (β = -0.605; 95% CI: -0.944, -0.265), and these linear associations were confirmed in restricted cubic spline (RCS) models (all pnon-linearity > 0.1). Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that serum INHB mediated 19.86% of the adverse effect of MC exposure on acrosome integrity. In conclusion, this study reveals the mediating roles of serum sex hormones in the relationship between MC exposure and decreased semen quality in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dihui Xu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuhan Ma
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Wen Yu
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yabing Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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Liu H, Jin H, Pan C, Chen Y, Li D, Ding J, Han X. Co-exposure to polystyrene microplastics and microcystin-LR aggravated male reproductive toxicity in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 181:114104. [PMID: 37848122 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic pollutants with a diameter of less than 5 mm and microcystins (MCs) are natural toxins produced by cyanobacteria. In recent years, the pollution of MPs and MCs attracted widespread attention. However, our understanding about the toxic effects of co-exposure of MPs and MCs on male reproduction is limited. Mice were continuously exposed to 0.04mg/(kg*bw) microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) or 45 mg/(kg*bw) polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) or a mixed solution of 0.04mg/(kg*bw) MC-LR and 45 mg/(kg*bw) PS-MPs by gavage for 28 days in this study. The results showed that PS-MPs could absorb MC-LR in ddH2O and MC-LR content in testis was increased in the group with combined exposure when compared to the group only exposed to MC-LR. Exposure to PS-MPs or MC-LR individually could destroy testis structure, increase the level of tissue apoptosis and decrease the quality of sperm, while the co-exposure enhanced the toxic effects. Furthermore, PS-MPs could carry MC-LR into testis Leydig cells, reduce testosterone levels and mRNA expression levels of key molecules involved in testosterone synthesis (StAR, P450scc, P450c17,3β-HSD and 17β-HSD). Among them, the combined effect of PS-MPs-MC-LR was the most severe. In summary, this study provides new insights into the toxicity of MPs and MCs in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Liu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Haibo Jin
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Chun Pan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yabing Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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Guo X, Liu B, Liu H, Du X, Chen X, Wang W, Yuan S, Zhang B, Wang Y, Guo H, Zhang H. Research advances in identification procedures of endocrine disrupting chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:83113-83137. [PMID: 37347330 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27755-y] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly concerned substance endangering human health and environment. However, there is no unified standard for identifying chemicals as EDCs, which is also controversial internationally. In this review, the procedures for EDC identification in different organizations/countries were described. Importantly, three aspects to be considered in identifying chemical substances as EDCs were summarized, which were mechanistic data, animal experiments, and epidemiological information. The relationships between them were also discussed. To elaborate more clearly on these three aspects of evidence, scientific data on some chemicals including bisphenol A, 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2 dibromoethyl) cyclohexane and perchlorate were collected and evaluated. Altogether, the above three chemicals were assessed for interfering with hormones and elaborated their health hazards from macroscopic to microscopic. This review is helpful for standardizing the identification procedure of EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Guo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Wenjun Wang
- College of Nursing, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumeng Yuan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongshui Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxiang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Moore C. Invited Perspective: Decentralized CyanoHAB Monitoring Is Needed to Understand Public Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:61306. [PMID: 37342991 PMCID: PMC10284345 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Moore
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, California, USA
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6
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Guo X, Meng R, Liu J, Zhang S, Liu H, Du X, Zhang H, Li Y. Microcystin leucine arginine induces human sperm damage: Involvement of the Ca 2+/CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114845. [PMID: 37001189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
As a common pollutant in the water environment, microcystin leucine arginine (MC-LR) can enter semen and damage the sperm in animals. However, the mechanism by which MC-LR damages human sperm is unclear. Therefore, human sperm samples were obtained from the Henan Provincial Sperm Bank and exposed to different concentrations (0, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L) of MC-LR for 1, 2, 4, and 6 h, to invegest the effects and potential mechanism of MC-LR on sperm. The results showed that MC-LR mainly accumulated in the neck and flagellum of human sperm. Compared to the control group, the sperm capacitation rate and motility were significantly decreased in the 100 μg/L group. After exposure of 100 μg/L of MC-LR, the central microtubule and microtubule doublet of sperm flagellum were blurred, asymmetrical, or even lost. Furthermore, the expression levels of flagellin DNAH17, SPEF2, SPAG16, SPAG6, and CFAP44 in human sperm were reduced. Also, the phosphorylation levels of CaMKKβ and AMPK can be inhibited by MC-LR. These findings revealed that MC-LR can induce functional and structural damage in human sperm, and the Ca2+/CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway may be involved in this process. This study will provide a basis for prevention and treatment of male fertility declines caused by MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Guo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ruiyang Meng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Yushan Li
- Henan Human Sperm Bank, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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7
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Zhang Z, Du X, Zhang S, Liu H, Fu Y, Wang F, Zhang H. Adverse effects of microcystins on sperm: A systematic review. Toxicology 2023; 490:153507. [PMID: 37030550 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication of water bodies can lead to cyanobacterial blooms, with the resultant release of microcystins (MCs), posing a threat to the ecosystem and human health. MCs are environmental toxins with male reproductive toxicity. However, there is a dearth of reviews focusing on sperm or spermatogenesis. In this paper, studies on sperm toxicity caused by MCs in recent 20 years were collected and summarized, aiming at revealing the toxic effects and potential mechanisms of MCs on sperm. Based on the previous findings, MCs can decline sperm quality and count, and cause malformation in vertebrates and invertebrates. The reason might be that MCs cause indirect damage to sperm through impairing the structure and function of the testis. The mechanisms of MCs-induced sperm toxicity mainly result from alterations in genetic material, abnormalities in the structure and function of sperm. The epigenetic modifications such as miRNA and piRNA were also involved in MC-LR-induced sperm damage. In conclusion, MCs exposure is harmful to sperm, but its direct effects and mechanisms on sperm are still not known, which remains a significant research direction. Our review will provide a basis for the protection of male reproductive health damage caused by microcystins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongxin Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fufang Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Si W, Zhao M, Che H, Wu Z, Xiao Y, Xie X, Duan J, Shen T, Xu D, Zhao S. Microcystin-LR induced transgenerational effects of thyroid disruption in zebrafish offspring by endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated thyroglobulin accumulation and apoptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121117. [PMID: 36690294 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
MC-LR can interfere with thyroid function in fish, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Current study focuses to study the intergenerational inheritance of MC-LR-induced thyroid toxicity in zebrafish and in rat thyroid cells. In vivo experiments, adult female zebrafish (F0) were exposed to MC-LR (0, 5, and 25 μg/L) for 90 days and mated with male zebrafish without MC-LR exposure to generate F1 generation. F1 embryos were allowed to develop normally to 7 days post-fertilization (dpf) in clear water. In the F0 generation, MC-LR induced disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, leading to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. Maternal MC-LR exposure also induced growth inhibition by altering thyroid hormones (THs) homeostasis and interfering with thyroid metabolism and development in F1 offspring. Mechanistically, MC-LR caused excessive accumulation of ROS and induced ER stress that further lead to activation of UPR in the F0 and F1 offspring of zebrafish. Interestingly, our findings suggested that MC-LR exposure hampered thyroglobulin turnover by triggering IRE1 and PERK pathway in zebrafish and FRTL-5 thyroid cells, thus disturbing the thyroid endocrine system and contributing to the thyroid toxicity from maternal to its F1 offspring of zebrafish. Particularly, inhibition of the IRE1 pathway by siRNA could alleviate thyroid development injury induced by MC-LR in FRTL-5 cells. In addition, MC-LR induced thyroid cell apoptosis by triggering ER stress. Taken together, our results demonstrated that maternal MC-LR exposure causes thyroid endocrine disruption by ER stress contributing to transgenerational effects in zebrafish offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weirong Si
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Mengjie Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huimin Che
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zaiwei Wu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuchun Xiao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xinxin Xie
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jiayao Duan
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tong Shen
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dexiang Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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9
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Du X, Fu Y, Tian Z, Liu H, Xin H, Fu X, Wang F, Zhang H, Zeng X. Microcystin-LR accelerates follicular atresia in mice via JNK-mediated adherent junction damage of ovarian granulosa cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 252:114592. [PMID: 36731181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), one of aquatic environmental contaminants with reproductive toxicity produced by cyanobacterial blooms, but its toxic effects and mechanisms on the ovary are not fully understood. Here, proteomic techniques and molecular biology experiments were performed to study the potential mechanism of MC-LR-caused ovarian toxicity. Results showed that protein expression profile of ovarian granulosa cells (KK-1) was changed by 17 μg/mL MC-LR exposure. Comparing with the control group, 118 upregulated proteins as well as 97 downregulated proteins were identified in MC-LR group. Function of differentially expressed proteins was found to be enriched in pathways related to adherent junction, such as cadherin binding, cell-cell junction, cell adhesion and focal adherens. Furthermore, in vitro experiments, MC-LR significantly downregulated the expression levels of proteins associated with adherent junction (β-catenin, N-cadherin, and α-catenin) as well as caused cytoskeletal disruption in KK-1 cells (P < 0.05), indicating that the adherent junction was damaged. Results of in vivo experiments have shown that after 14 days of acute MC-LR exposure (40 μg/kg), damaged adherent junction and an increased number of atretic follicles were observed in mouse ovaries. Moreover, MC-LR activated JNK, an upstream regulator of adherent junction proteins, in KK-1 cells and mouse ovarian tissues. In contrast, JNK inhibition alleviated MC-LR-induced adherent junction damage in vivo and in vitro, as well as the number of atretic follicles. Taken together, findings from the present study indicated that JNK is involved in MC-LR-induced granulosa cell adherent junction damage, which accelerated follicular atresia. Our study clarified a novel mechanism of MC-LR-caused ovarian toxicity, providing a theoretical foundation for protecting female reproductive health from environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhihui Tian
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongxia Xin
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xiaoli Fu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fufang Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xin Zeng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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10
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Chronic Microcystin-LR-Induced α-Synuclein Promotes Neuroinflammation Through Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Microglia. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:884-900. [PMID: 36385231 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) has been confirmed to cause blood-brain barrier disruption and enter the brain tissue, resulting in non-negligible toxic effects. However, the neurotoxicity of MC-LR is mainly unknown. This study revealed that MC-LR disrupted the function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in neurons, which inhibited the degradation of α-synuclein (α-syn), leading to its release from neurons for transport into microglia. α-Syn is the main component of Lewy bodies, which has been identified as one of the main pathological features of Parkinson's disease (PD). In vitro, we observed that α-syn mediated by MC-LR activated HMC3 cells and polarized them towards M1 type. In addition, we confirmed that α-syn was transported into HMC3 cells through TLR4 receptors and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, which in turn enhanced the maturation and release of IL-18 and IL-1β. In the mouse models of chronic MC-LR exposure, a large number of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were deposited in brain tissue, and activation of NLRP3 in microglia was also observed in the midbrain. Collectively, MC-LR exposure promoted the pathological spread of α-syn from cell to cell, activated NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, and generated neuroinflammation, in which the TLR4 receptor played a substantial effect.
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11
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Zhang S, Liu H, Du X, Chen X, Petlulu P, Tian Z, Shi L, Zhang B, Yuan S, Guo X, Wang Y, Guo H, Zhang H. A new identity of microcystins: Environmental endocrine disruptors? An evidence-based review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158262. [PMID: 36029820 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are widely distributed cyanobacterial toxins in eutrophic waters. At present, the endocrine-disrupting effects of MCs have been extensively studied, but whether MCs can be classified as environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is still unclear. This review is aimed to evaluate the rationality for MCs as to be classified as EDCs based on the available evidence. It has been identified that MCs meet eight of ten key characteristics of chemicals that can be classified as EDCs. MCs interfere with the six processes, including synthesis, release, circulation, metabolism, binding and action of natural hormones in the body. Also, they are fit two other characteristics of EDC: altering the fate of producing/responding cells and epigenetic modification. Further evidence indicates that the endocrine-disrupting effect of MCs may be an important cause of adverse health outcomes such as metabolic disorders, reproductive disorders and effects on the growth and development of offspring. Generally, MCs have endocrine-disrupting properties, suggesting that it is reasonable for them to be considered EDCs. This is of great importance in understanding and evaluating the harm done by MCs on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China; Quality Control Department, Ninth Hospital of Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Zhihui Tian
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linjia Shi
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shumeng Yuan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xing Guo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yongshui Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongxiang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Feng S, Deng S, Tang Y, Liu Y, Yang Y, Xu S, Tang P, Lu Y, Duan Y, Wei J, Liang G, Pu Y, Chen X, Shen M, Yang F. Microcystin-LR Combined with Cadmium Exposures and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case-Control Study in Central China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15818-15827. [PMID: 36269891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that exposure to microcystin-LR (MC-LR) can cause kidney damage. However, the association between MC-LR exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk in humans has not been studied. Therefore, we conducted a population-based case-control study involving 135 CKD cases and 135 matched controls in central China and analyzed the effects of MC-LR alone as well as combined with the known risk factor cadmium (Cd). Compared to the lowest quartile of MC-LR exposure, the highest quartile had a 6.56-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46, 17.51) significantly increased risk for CKD, displaying a dose-response relationship (ptrend < 0.001). Our animal study also showed that MC-LR exposure induced kidney injury via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Comparing the highest Cd quartile to the lowest, the adjusted odds ratio for CKD was 3.88 (95% CI: 1.47, 10.28), exhibiting a dose-response relationship (ptrend < 0.006). Furthermore, a positive additive interaction was observed between MC-LR and Cd (relative excess risk due to interaction = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.42, 3.20; attributable proportion of interaction = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.05). Our study firstly revealed that MC-LR exposure is an independent risk factor for CKD and has a synergistic relationship with Cd. MC-LR and Cd exposures are associated with CKD risk in a dose-response manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuidong Feng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Shuxiang Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Shuaishuai Xu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Yanying Duan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210000, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210000, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Minxue Shen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha410000, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing210000, China
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13
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Xu G, Luo Y, Xu D, Ma Y, Chen Y, Han X. Male reproductive toxicity induced by Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR). Toxicon 2022; 210:78-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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