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Zhao YJ, Zhou C, Wei YY, Zhang SY, Mishra JS, Li HH, Lei W, Wang K, Kumar S, Zheng J. An Endogenous Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand Induces Preeclampsia-like Phenotypes: Transcriptome, Phosphoproteome, and Cell Functions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572271. [PMID: 38187714 PMCID: PMC10769228 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia (PE) is one hypertensive disorder and a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity during human pregnancy. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, which regulates vascular functions. Exogenous and endogenous AhR ligands can induce hypertension in animals. However, if dysregulation of endogenous AhR ligands contributes to the pathophysiology of PE remains elusive. Methods We measured AhR activities in human maternal and umbilical vein sera. We also applied physiological, cellular, and molecular approaches to dissect the role of endogenous AhR ligands in vascular functions during pregnancy using pregnant rats and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as models. Results PE elevated AhR activities in human umbilical vein sera. Exposure of pregnant rats to an endogenous AhR ligand, 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) increased blood pressure and proteinuria, while decreased uteroplacental blood flow and reduced fetal and placental weights, all of which are hallmarks of PE. ITE dampened vascular growth and fetal sex-specifically altered immune cell infiltration in rat placentas. ITE also decreased cell proliferation and cell monolayer integrity in HUVECs in vitro . RNA sequencing analysis revealed that ITE dysregulated transcriptome in rat placentas and HUVECs in a fetal sex-specific manner. Bottom-up phosphoproteomics showed that ITE disrupted phosphoproteome in HUVECs. These ITE-dysregulated genes and phosphoproteins were enriched in biological functions and pathways which are highly relevant to diseases of heart, liver, and kidney, vascular functions, inflammation responses, cell death, and kinase inhibition. Conclusions Dysregulation of endogenous AhR ligands during pregnancy may lead to the development of PE with underlying impaired vascular functions, fetal sex-specific immune cell infiltration and transcriptome, and phosphoproteome. Thus, this study has provided a novel mechanism for the development of PE and potentially other forms of hypertensive pregnancies. These AhR ligand-activated genes and phosphoproteins might represent promising therapeutic and fetal sex-specific targets for PE-impaired vascular functions.
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Lin X, Liu W, Chu Y, Zhang H, Zeng L, Lin Y, Kang K, Peng F, Lin J, Huang C, Chai D. Activation of AHR by ITE improves cardiac remodelling and function in rats after myocardial infarction. ESC Heart Fail 2023; 10:3622-3636. [PMID: 37798907 PMCID: PMC10682871 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14532] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Left ventricular remodelling subsequent to myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes a pivotal underlying cause of heart failure. Intervention with the nontoxic endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) in the acute phase of MI has been shown to ameliorate cardiac function, but its role in the chronic phase remains obscured. This study explores the beneficial role of ITE in delaying the progression of heart failure in the chronic phase of MI. METHODS AND RESULTS MI rats established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery were treated with the indicated concentration of the AHR agonist ITE or vehicle alone. Echocardiography was performed to determine cardiac structure and function; myocardial morphology and fibrosis were observed by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining; serum biochemical indices, BNP, and inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; F4/80+ iNOS+ M1 macrophages and F4/80+ CD206+ M2 macrophages were detected by immunofluorescence; the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay was used to detect the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes; ultrastructural changes in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy; and Cyp1a1, Akt, P-Akt, p70S6K, P-p70S6K, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels were determined via Western blotting. We found that therapy with the AHR agonist ITE rescued cardiac remodelling and dysfunction in rats with MI and attenuated myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage. Further studies confirmed that ITE dose-dependently improved myocardial cell apoptosis after MI, as demonstrated by reduced levels of the apoptosis-related proteins cleaved caspase-3 and Bax but increased expression levels of Bcl-2. These effects were attributed to ITE-induced activation of AHR receptors, leading to the down-regulation of Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS The AHR agonist ITE alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the Akt/p70S6K signalling pathway, thereby rescuing left ventricular adverse remodelling and cardiac dysfunction after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lin
- Department of Echocardiology, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Department of Echocardiology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Weiqiang Liu
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yong Chu
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Lishan Zeng
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yifei Lin
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Kai Kang
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Feng Peng
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Jinxiu Lin
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Chunkai Huang
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Dajun Chai
- Cardiovascular Department, Fujian Institute of Hypertension, The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Cardiovascular Department, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
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Gastiazoro MP, Rossetti MF, Schumacher R, Stoker C, Durando M, Zierau O, Ramos JG, Varayoud J. Epigenetic disruption of placental genes by chronic maternal cafeteria diet in rats. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 106:109015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Iqbal K, Pierce SH, Kozai K, Dhakal P, Scott RL, Roby KF, Vyhlidal CA, Soares MJ. Evaluation of Placentation and the Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Pathway in a Rat Model of Dioxin Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:117001. [PMID: 34747641 PMCID: PMC8574979 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our environment is replete with chemicals that can affect embryonic and extraembryonic development. Dioxins, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are compounds affecting development through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). OBJECTIVES The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of TCDD exposure on pregnancy and placentation and to evaluate roles for AHR and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) in TCDD action. METHODS Actions of TCDD were examined in wild-type and genome-edited rat models. Placenta phenotyping was assessed using morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. RESULTS TCDD exposures were shown to result in placental adaptations and at higher doses, pregnancy termination. Deep intrauterine endovascular trophoblast cell invasion was a prominent placentation site adaptation to TCDD. TCDD-mediated placental adaptations were dependent upon maternal AHR signaling but not upon placental or fetal AHR signaling nor the presence of a prominent AHR target, CYP1A1. At the placentation site, TCDD activated AHR signaling within endothelial cells but not trophoblast cells. Immune and trophoblast cell behaviors at the uterine-placental interface were guided by the actions of TCDD on endothelial cells. DISCUSSION We identified an AHR regulatory pathway in rats activated by dioxin affecting uterine and trophoblast cell dynamics and the formation of the hemochorial placenta. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9256.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Iqbal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Stephen H. Pierce
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Keisuke Kozai
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Pramod Dhakal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Regan L. Scott
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Katherine F. Roby
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Carrie A. Vyhlidal
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Michael J. Soares
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Center for Perinatal Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Kumar SN, Vaibhav K, Bastia B, Singh V, Ahluwalia M, Agrawal U, Borgohain D, Raisuddin S, Jain AK. Occupational exposure to pesticides in female tea garden workers and adverse birth outcomes. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2020; 35:e22677. [PMID: 33350548 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides are globally used to eliminate pests from crops and plants. The increased use of pesticides has posed a serious threat to human health. This study evaluates the effects of pesticide exposure on pregnancy outcomes in tea garden workers (TGW). The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured in the maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood of TGW and housewives (HWs). The placental structure and expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α were also analyzed in TGW and HW groups delivering low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) babies. A significantly decreased AChE activity was observed in maternal blood and cord blood in TGW as compared with HW in the LBW group. However, it did not change significantly in the NBW group (p < .05). The adjusted regression analysis of birth outcomes (birth weight, head circumference, infant's length, and ponderal index) revealed a significant and positive association with the levels of AChE activity in maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood in TGW (p < .05). The histological analysis showed significantly higher placental syncytial knots, chorangiosis, fibrinoid deposition, necrosis, and stromal fibrosis in the LBW group of TGW. Microinfarction, increased fibrinoid deposition, and atypical villi characteristics, such as mushroom-like structures, were observed during scanning electron microscopy along with increased HIF-1α expression in placental tissues of TGW exposed to pesticides. Results suggest that occupational pesticide exposure during pregnancy may decrease AChE activity and cause in utero pathological changes accompanied by an increased HIF-1α expression, which also contributes to placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Nandar Kumar
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Kumar Vaibhav
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Banajit Bastia
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishwajeet Singh
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India
| | - Meenakshi Ahluwalia
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Usha Agrawal
- Cancer Research, Imaging and Bio-Banking Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepa Borgohain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assam Medical College, Assam, India
| | - Sheikh Raisuddin
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Kumar Jain
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India
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Li Y, Zhou C, Lei W, Wang K, Zheng J. Roles of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in endothelial angiogenic responses†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:927-937. [PMID: 32716482 PMCID: PMC7731988 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor, which can be activated by a plethora of structure-diverse ligands. Historically, AhR is known for its involvements in regulation of metabolism of xenobiotics. However, normal physiological roles of AhR have been defined in other essential biological processes, including vascular growth and function, reproduction, and immunoresponses. In contrast, aberrant expression and activation of the AhR signaling pathway occur in a variety of human diseases, many of which (e.g., preeclampsia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension) could be associated with endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, emerging evidence has shown that either exogenous or endogenous AhR ligands can induce endothelial dysfunction in either an AhR-dependent or AhR-independent manner, possibly reliant on the blood vessel origin (artery and vein) of endothelial cells. Given that the AhR signaling pathway has broad impacts on endothelial and cardiovascular function, AhR ligands, AhR, and their downstream genes could be considered novel therapeutic targets for those endothelial-related diseases. This review will discuss the current knowledge of AhR's mediation on endothelial function and potential mechanisms underlying these actions with a focus on placental endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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7
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Ultrasensitivity dynamics of diverse aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators in a hepatoma cell line. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:635-647. [PMID: 30569404 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a nuclear receptor that facilitates a wide transcriptional response and causes a variety of adaptive and maladaptive physiological functions. Such functions are entirely dependent on the type of ligand activating it, and therefore, the nuances in the activation of this receptor at the single-cell level have become a research interest for different pharmacological and toxicological applications. Here, we investigate the activation of the AhR by diverse classes of compounds in a Hepa1c1c7-based murine hepatoma cell line. The exogenous compounds analyzed produced different levels of ultrasensitivity in AhR activation as measured by XRE-coupled EGFP production and analyzed by both flow cytometric and computational simulation techniques. Interestingly, simulation experiments reported herein were able to reproduce and quantitate the natural single-cell stochasticity inherent to mammalian cell lines as well as the ligand-specific differences in ultrasensitivity. Classical AhR modulators 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (10- 1-105 pM), PCB-126 (10- 1-107 pM), and benzo[a]pyrene (10- 1-107 pM) produced the greatest levels of single-cell ultrasensitivity and most maximal responses, while consumption-based ligands indole-3-carbinol (103-109 pM), 3,3'-diindolylmethane (103-108 pM), and cannabidiol (103-108 pM) caused low-level AhR activation in more purely graded single-cell fashions. All compounds were tested and analyzed over a 24 h period for consistency. The comparative quantitative results for each compound are presented within. This study aids in defining the disparity between different types of AhR modulators that produce distinctly different physiological outcomes. In addition, the simulation tool developed for this study can be used in future studies to predict the quantitative effects of diverse types of AhR ligands in the context of pharmacological therapies or toxicological concerns.
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Sinzato YK, Bevilacqua EM, Volpato GT, Hernandez-Pando RE, Rudge MVC, Damasceno DC. Maternal Oxidative Stress, Placental Morphometry, and Fetal Growth in Diabetic Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1287-1293. [PMID: 30522402 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118815589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The diabetic syndrome affects pregnancy, contributing to placental functional and structural disruptions and impaired fetal development, with many reports indicating tobacco-associated morbidity and perinatal mortality. In our study, an experimental rat model of diabetes and cigarette smoke exposure in pregnant rats was used to determine the impact of the combination of diabetes and exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy on maternal oxidative stress biomarkers and placental and fetal development. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, and dams were exposed to cigarette smoke by mainstream smoke generated by a mechanical smoking device and delivered into a chamber. Four groups of dams were studied: nondiabetic (C, control) and diabetic (D) exposed to filtered air and nondiabetic (CS) and diabetic (DS) exposed to cigarette smoke prior to and during pregnancy. Maternal oxidative stress biomarkers, placental morphology, and fetal growth were determined close to term. The combination of diabetes and cigarette smoke resulted in elevated maternal blood glucose levels and increased number of small fetuses. Placentas from the DS group showed increased junctional zone and decreased labyrinthine area. The morphological alterations were characterized by extensive vascular congestion, thickness, and hyalinization of the vascular walls, numerous decidual cells with abundant glycogen, and macrophages with cytoplasmic inclusions of hemosiderin. Additionally, they showed increased glycogen accumulation and junctional zone structural derangement with ectopic giant cells. No alterations were observed in maternal oxidative stress status. Thus, our result suggests that diabetes makes pregnant rats more susceptible to the adverse effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on placental morphometry and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri K Sinzato
- 1 Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Estela M Bevilacqua
- 2 Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo T Volpato
- 1 Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.,3 Laboratory of System Physiology and Reproductive Toxicology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Rogelio E Hernandez-Pando
- 4 Experimental Pathology Section, Department of Pathology, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Marilza V C Rudge
- 1 Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Débora Cristina Damasceno
- 1 Laboratory of Experimental Research on Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ames J, Warner M, Mocarelli P, Brambilla P, Signorini S, Siracusa C, Huen K, Holland N, Eskenazi B. AHR gene-dioxin interactions and birthweight in the Seveso Second Generation Health Study. Int J Epidemiol 2018; 47:1992-2004. [PMID: 30124847 PMCID: PMC6280946 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is proposed to interfere with fetal growth via altered activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (protein: AHR; gene: AHR) pathway which regulates diverse biological and developmental processes including xenobiotic metabolism. Genetic variation in AHR is an important driver of susceptibility to low birthweight in children exposed to prenatal smoking, but less is known about these genetic interactions with TCDD, AHR's most potent xenobiotic ligand. Methods The Seveso Women's Health Study (SWHS), initiated in 1996, is a cohort of 981 Italian women exposed to TCDD from an industrial explosion in July 1976. We measured TCDD concentrations in maternal serum collected close to the time of the accident. In 2008 and 2014, we followed up the SWHS cohort and collected data on birth outcomes of SWHS women with post-accident pregnancies. We genotyped 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AHR among the 574 SWHS mothers. Results Among 901 singleton births, neither SNPs nor TCDD exposure alone were significantly associated with birthweight. However, we found six individual SNPs in AHR which adversely modified the association between maternal TCDD and birthweight, implicating gene-environment interaction. We saw an even stronger susceptibility to TCDD due to interaction when we examined the joint contribution of these SNPs in a risk allele score. These SNPs were all located in noncoding regions of AHR, particularly in proximity to the promoter. Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate that genetic variation across the maternal AHR gene may shape fetal susceptibilities to TCDD exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ames
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marcella Warner
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Paolo Mocarelli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, Hospital of Desio, Desio-Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, Hospital of Desio, Desio-Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Signorini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, Hospital of Desio, Desio-Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Siracusa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Milan-Bicocca, Hospital of Desio, Desio-Milano, Italy
| | - Karen Huen
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nina Holland
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Pang LP, Li Y, Zou QY, Zhou C, Lei W, Zheng J, Huang SA. ITE inhibits growth of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Exp Lung Res 2018; 43:283-292. [PMID: 29140133 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2017.1367868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a deadly disorder is associated with excessive growth of human pulmonary artery endothelial (HPAECs) and smooth muscle (HPASMCs) cells. Current therapies primarily aim at promoting vasodilation, which only ameliorates clinical symptoms without a cure. 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) is an endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, and mediates many cellular function including cell growth. However, the roles of ITE in human lung endothelial cells remain elusive. Herein, we tested a hypothesis that ITE inhibits growth of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells via AhR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize AhR expression in human lung tissues. The crystal violet method and MTT assay were used to determine ITE's effects on growth of HPAECs. The AhR activation in HPAECs was confirmed using Western blotting and RT-qPCR. The role of AhR in ITE-affected proliferation of HPAECs was assessed using siRNA knockdown method followed by the crystal violet method. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed that AhR was present in human lung tissues, primarily in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of pulmonary veins and arteries, as well as in bronchial and alveolar sac epithelia. We also found that ITE dose- and time-dependently inhibited proliferation of HPAECs with a maximum inhibition of 83% at 20 µM after 6 days of treatment. ITE rapidly decreased AhR protein levels, while it increased mRNA levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP), family 1, member A1 (CYP1A1) and B1 (CYP1B1), indicating activation of the AhR/CYP1A1 and AhR/CYP1B1 pathways in HPAECs. The AhR siRNA significantly suppressed AhR protein expression, whereas it did not significantly alter ITE-inhibited growth of HPAECs. CONCLUSIONS ITE suppresses growth of HPAECs independent of AhR, suggesting that ITE may play an important role in preventing excessive growth of lung endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Pin Pang
- a Cardiovascular Medicine Center , Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University , Zhanjiang , Guangdong , P.R. China.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Yan Li
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Qing-Yun Zou
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Chi Zhou
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Wei Lei
- a Cardiovascular Medicine Center , Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University , Zhanjiang , Guangdong , P.R. China
| | - Jing Zheng
- a Cardiovascular Medicine Center , Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University , Zhanjiang , Guangdong , P.R. China.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Shi-An Huang
- a Cardiovascular Medicine Center , Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University , Zhanjiang , Guangdong , P.R. China
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11
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Boule LA, Burke CG, Jin GB, Lawrence BP. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling modulates antiviral immune responses: ligand metabolism rather than chemical source is the stronger predictor of outcome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1826. [PMID: 29379138 PMCID: PMC5789012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) offers a compelling target to modulate the immune system. AHR agonists alter adaptive immune responses, but the consequences differ across studies. We report here the comparison of four agents representing different sources of AHR ligands in mice infected with influenza A virus (IAV): TCDD, prototype exogenous AHR agonist; PCB126, pollutant with documented human exposure; ITE, novel pharmaceutical; and FICZ, degradation product of tryptophan. All four compounds diminished virus-specific IgM levels and increased the proportion of regulatory T cells. TCDD, PCB126 and ITE, but not FICZ, reduced virus-specific IgG levels and CD8+ T cell responses. Similarly, ITE, PCB126, and TCDD reduced Th1 and Tfh cells, whereas FICZ increased their frequency. In Cyp1a1-deficient mice, all compounds, including FICZ, reduced the response to IAV. Conditional Ahr knockout mice revealed that all four compounds require AHR within hematopoietic cells. Thus, differences in the immune response to IAV likely reflect variances in quality, magnitude, and duration of AHR signaling. This indicates that binding affinity and metabolism may be stronger predictors of immune effects than a compound’s source of origin, and that harnessing AHR will require finding a balance between dampening immune-mediated pathologies and maintaining sufficient host defenses against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth A Boule
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,CBR International, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Catherine G Burke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Guang-Bi Jin
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Preventative Medicine, School of Medicine, Yaniban University, Yanji City, Jilin Provence, China
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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12
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Dolciami D, Gargaro M, Cerra B, Scalisi G, Bagnoli L, Servillo G, Fazia MAD, Puccetti P, Quintana FJ, Fallarino F, Macchiarulo A. Binding Mode and Structure-Activity Relationships of ITE as an Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Agonist. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:270-279. [PMID: 29266750 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Discovered as a modulator of the toxic response to environmental pollutants, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has recently gained attention for its involvement in various physiological and pathological pathways. AhR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor activated by a large array of chemical compounds, which include metabolites of l-tryptophan (l-Trp) catabolism as endogenous ligands of the receptor. Among these, 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) has attracted interest in the scientific community, being endowed with nontoxic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer AhR-mediated functions. So far, no information about the binding mode and interactions of ITE with AhR is available. In this study, we used docking and molecular dynamics to propose a putative binding mode of ITE into the ligand binding pocket of AhR. Mutagenesis studies were then instrumental in validating the proposed binding mode, identifying His 285 and Tyr 316 as important key residues for ligand-dependent receptor activation. Finally, a set of ITE analogues was synthesized and tested to further probe molecular interactions of ITE to AhR and characterize the relevance of specific functional groups in the chemical structure for receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dolciami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via Gambuli 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Bruno Cerra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Scalisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via Gambuli 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luana Bagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Servillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via Gambuli 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Agnese Della Fazia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via Gambuli 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via Gambuli 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, via Gambuli 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
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13
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Fujisawa N, Yoshioka W, Yanagisawa H, Tohyama C. Roles of cytosolic phospholipase A 2α in reproductive and systemic toxicities in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-exposed mice. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:789-801. [PMID: 29043426 PMCID: PMC5818604 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces a variety of toxicities upon binding of TCDD to aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Although this binding upregulates the synthesis of prostaglandins and their related lipid mediators via cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α), toxicological significance of this signaling pathway remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the roles of cPLA2α in TCDD toxicities using cPLA2α-null mice. In a first set of experiments, pregnant mice were orally administered TCDD at a dose of 40 μg/kg on gestation day (GD) 12.5, and fetuses were collected on GD 18 for subsequent analyses. The number of live male fetuses of cPLA2α-null type was significantly less than that of wild-type in TCDD-exposed litters. TCDD-induced hydronephrosis was more severe in wild-type fetuses than in cPLA2α-null fetuses regardless of sex, and kidney expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were increased in a cPLA2α-dependent manner in TCDD-exposed fetuses. In a second set of experiments, following intraperitoneal administration of TCDD at 50 μg/kg, body weight of the male adult mice was decreased within 2 days in wild-type mice but was not changed in cPLA2α-null mice. In addition, TCDD-induced lipid accumulation in the livers of cPLA2α-null mice was at an intermediate level compared with TCDD-exposed wild-type and vehicle-control mice. In conclusion, the present results show that cPLA2α is involved in TCDD-induced body weight loss, lipid accumulation in the liver, fetal hydronephrosis, and cytokine gene expression, and that the molecular basis of TCDD toxicity differs considerably between target tissues and life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Fujisawa
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Wataru Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Yanagisawa
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Chiharu Tohyama
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. .,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan.
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14
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Li Y, Wang K, Zou QY, Jiang YZ, Zhou C, Zheng J. ITE Suppresses Angiogenic Responses in Human Artery and Vein Endothelial Cells: Differential Roles of AhR. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 74:181-188. [PMID: 28986273 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor is involved in regulation of many essential biological processes including vascular development and angiogenesis. 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) is an AhR ligand, which regulates immune responses and cancer cell growth. However, the roles of the ITE/AhR pathway in mediating placental angiogenesis remains elusive. Here, we determined if ITE affected placental angiogenic responses via AhR in human umbilical vein (HUVECs) and artery endothelial (HUAECs) cells in vitro. We observed that ITE dose- and time-dependently inhibited proliferation and viability of HUAECs and HUVECs, whereas it inhibited migration of HUAECs, but not HUVECs. While AhR siRNA significantly suppressed AhR protein expression in HUVECs and HUAECs, it attenuated the ITE-inhibited angiogenic responses of HUAECs, but not HUVECs. Collectively, ITE suppressed angiogenic responses of HUAECs and HUVECs, dependent and independent of AhR, respectively. These data suggest that ITE may regulate placental angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, United States
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, United States
| | - Qing-Yun Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, United States
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, United States
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, United States
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, United States; Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong, China.
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15
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Ehrlich AK, Kerkvliet NI. Is chronic AhR activation by rapidly metabolized ligands safe for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases? CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2017; 2:72-78. [PMID: 28944315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
There is a long standing perception that AhR ligands are automatically disqualified from pharmaceutical development due to their induction of Cyp1a1 as well as their potential for causing "dioxin-like" toxicities. However, recent discoveries of new AhR ligands with potential therapeutic applications have been reported, inviting reconsideration of this policy. One area of exploration is focused on the activation of AhR to promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which control the intensity and duration of immune responses. Rapidly metabolized AhR ligands (RMAhRLs), which do not bioaccumulate in the same manner as 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) have been discovered that induce Tregs and display impressive therapeutic efficacy in a broad range of preclinical models of immune-mediated diseases. Given the promise of these RMAhRLs, is the bias against AhR activators still valid? Can RMAhRLs be given chronically to maintain therapeutic levels of AhR activation without producing the same toxicity profile as dioxin-like compounds? Based on our review of the data, there is little evidence to support the indiscriminate exclusion of AhR activators/Cyp1a1 inducers from early drug developmental pipelines. We also found no evidence that short-term treatment with RMAhRLs produce "dioxin-like toxicity" and, in fact, were well tolerated. However, safety testing of individual RMAhRLs under therapeutic conditions, as performed with all promising new drugs, will be needed to reveal whether or not chronic activation of AhR leads to unacceptable adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
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16
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Eslami B, Malekafzali H, Rastkari N, Rashidi BH, Djazayeri A, Naddafi K. Association of serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and risk of pre-eclampsia: a case-control study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2016; 14:17. [PMID: 27904751 PMCID: PMC5121940 DOI: 10.1186/s40201-016-0256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may contribute to pre-eclampsia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) as POPs with pre-eclampsia. METHODS This case-control study was performed in the three general university hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Serum samples were collected from cases (n = 45) who had diagnosed with preeclampsia and from control samples (n = 70) with normal pregnancy and attended the same hospital for a routine prenatal visit at the third trimester of pregnancy. Pollutants levels were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). RESULTS Mean participant age was 27.3 ± 5.39 with median 27. As the main independent variable, total POPs manifested with adjusted OR equal to 1.54 (95 % CI: 1.26-1.87, p-value <0.0001), which was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia. The adjusted OR proved a statistically significant association between total PCBs 1.77 (95 % CI: 1.34-2.32) and total PBDEs (OR = 2.19; 95 % CI: 1.39-3.45, p-value = 0.001) with pre-eclampsia considering confounding variables (maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age, weight gain during pregnancy and total lipids in maternal serum). Finally, pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy had a positive association with pre-eclampsia and gestational age yielded a negative association with pre-eclampsia in all analysis. CONCLUSION Our data indicate the association between total POPs, total PBDEs, and total PCBs with pre-eclampsia, even after controlling for the effects of a number of potentially confounding factors. Further investigation about route of exposure and the trend of POPs especially in pregnant women is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Eslami
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Malekafzali
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Rastkari
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 8th Floor, No. 1547, North Kargar Ave., Enghelab Square, Tehran, I.R. Iran
| | - Batool Hossein Rashidi
- Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Djazayeri
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Naddafi
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 8th Floor, No. 1547, North Kargar Ave., Enghelab Square, Tehran, I.R. Iran
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17
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Vrooman LA, Xin F, Bartolomei MS. Morphologic and molecular changes in the placenta: what we can learn from environmental exposures. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:930-40. [PMID: 27523298 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the extraembryonic tissues, which include the placenta, are crucial for embryonic development and growth. Because the placenta is no longer needed for postnatal life, however, it has been relatively understudied as a tissue of interest in biomedical research. Recently, increased efforts have been placed on understanding the placenta and how it may play a key role in human health and disease. In this review, we discuss two very different types of environmental exposures: assisted reproductive technologies and in utero exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We summarize the current literature on their effects on placental development in both rodent and human, and comment on the potential use of placental biomarkers as predictors of offspring health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Vrooman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Frances Xin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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18
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Wu Y, Chen X, Chang X, Huang YJ, Bao S, He Q, Li Y, Zheng J, Duan T, Wang K. Potential involvement of placental AhR in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 59:45-52. [PMID: 26593447 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a common complication of pregnancy. Recent studies have demonstrated that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) might play important roles in establishing and maintaining early pregnancy. In this study, we found that placental AhR protein levels were significantly lower and placental CYP1A1 mRNA levels were higher in unexplained RSA (URSA) patients than in control subjects. The results of immunohistochemical analyzes showed that placental AhR was expressed in syncytiotrophoblast cells and that the level of AhR was markedly lower in these cells in URSA subjects than in control subjects. β-Naphthoflavone (β-NF, an AhR ligand) at 5μM significantly inhibited proliferation and migration in HTR-8/SVneo cells and was associated with the activation of AhR. Moreover, overexpressing AhR in JAR cells significantly increased CYP1A1 mRNA levels and inhibited cell migration. These results indicate that AhR is highly activated in URSA placentas and that the activation of AhR in the placenta might impair trophoblast cell proliferation and migration, possibly leading to the occurrence of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China
| | - X Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China
| | - X Chang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China
| | - Y J Huang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China
| | - S Bao
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China
| | - Q He
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China
| | - Y Li
- Department of Ob./Gyn., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - J Zheng
- Department of Ob./Gyn., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - T Duan
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China; Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China.
| | - K Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040 PR China.
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19
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Thatcher TH, Williams MA, Pollock SJ, McCarthy CE, Lacy SH, Phipps RP, Sime PJ. Endogenous ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulate lung dendritic cell function. Immunology 2015; 147:41-54. [PMID: 26555456 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as a regulator of toxicant metabolism. However, recent evidence indicates that the AhR also plays an important role in immunity. We hypothesized that the AhR is a novel, immune regulator of T helper type 2 (Th2) -mediated allergic airway disease. Here, we report that AhR-deficient mice develop increased allergic responses to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA), which are driven in part by increased dendritic cell (DC) functional activation. AhR knockout (AhR(-/-) ) mice sensitized and challenged with OVA develop an increased inflammatory response in the lung compared with wild-type controls, with greater numbers of inflammatory eosinophils and neutrophils, greater T-cell proliferation, greater production of Th2 cytokines, and higher levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1. Lung DCs from AhR(-/-) mice stimulated antigen-specific proliferation and Th2 cytokine production by naive T cells in vitro. Additionally, AhR(-/-) DCs produced higher levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, which promote Th2 differentiation, and expressed higher cell surface levels of stimulatory MHC Class II and CD86 molecules. Overall, loss of the AhR was associated with enhanced T-cell activation by pulmonary DCs and heightened pro-inflammatory allergic responses. This suggests that endogenous AhR ligands are involved in the normal regulation of Th2-mediated immunity in the lung via a DC-dependent mechanism. Therefore, the AhR may represent an important target for therapeutic intervention in allergic airways inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Thatcher
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marc A Williams
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Stephen J Pollock
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Claire E McCarthy
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Shannon H Lacy
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard P Phipps
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Patricia J Sime
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Lung Biology and Disease Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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20
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Xue Y, Shui X, Su W, He Y, Lu X, Zhang Y, Yan G, Huang S, Lei W, Chen C. Baicalin inhibits inflammation and attenuates myocardial ischaemic injury by aryl hydrocarbon receptor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:1756-64. [PMID: 26407904 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent evidence indicates that suppressing inflammation by specific drug target and treatment measures contributes to attenuate ischaemic injury and the related heart diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of baicalin on myocardial ischaemic injury through inhibition of inflammation by inactivating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). METHODS The mouse model with myocardial ischaemic injury was prepared by the left anterior descending coronary artery-amputation and then treated using baicalin. After observing the expression of AhR by immunohistochemical staining, the AhR and inflammatory mediators in circulation and myocardial tissues, including high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, were detected based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot methods. KEY FINDINGS The results showed that (1) substantial expression of AhR was observed in myocardial tissues; (2) ischaemic injury caused myocardial necrosis and remodelling, and stimulated hsCRP, IL-1β and IL-6 by activation of AhR; and (3) baicalin alleviated the myocardial injury and inflammatory response by inhibiting the expression of AhR. CONCLUSION Our findings extend the list of AhR ligands beyond exogenous toxins and endogenous molecules to cardiac immunological factors, and moreover it could be considered potential drug targets due to its pathological modulatory properties, while baicalin demonstrated promise as a novel vehicle for ischaemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Xue
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaorong Shui
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Weiqing Su
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The People's Hospital of Lianjiang, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yuan He
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xinlin Lu
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Guosen Yan
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China.,Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Shian Huang
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Wei Lei
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China.,Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Can Chen
- Cardiovascular Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China.,Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
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21
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Li Y, Wang K, Zou QY, Magness RR, Zheng J. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin differentially suppresses angiogenic responses in human placental vein and artery endothelial cells. Toxicology 2015; 336:70-8. [PMID: 26275813 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Placental angiogenesis is dramatically increased during pregnancy in association with the elevated placental blood flows to support the rapidly growing fetus. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an environmental toxicant and a ligand of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Herein, we investigated the effects of TCDD on proliferation, migration, and viability of fetoplacental endothelial cells in response to a complete growth medium which contained serum and growth supplement using human umbilical cord vein (HUVECs) and artery (HUAECs) cells as models. We found that TCDD dose- and time-dependently inhibited (p < 0.05) proliferation of HUVECs and HUAECs. Treatment with TCDD at 10 nM for 6 days inhibited (p < 0.05) migration (by ∼ 30%) of HUAECs, but not HUVECs. TCDD at 10nM also decreased (p < 0.05) viability of HUVECs and HUAECs. Interestingly, specific AhR siRNA blocked (p < 0.05) the TCDD-inhibited cellular responses in HUAECs, but not HUVECs. Nonetheless, TCDD at 10nM neither affected the cell cycle progression, nor did it induce cell apoptosis in HUVECs and HUAECs. In addition, TCDD at 10 nM also did not alter activation of ERK1/2 and AKT1 in HUVECs and HUAECs. Collectively, TCDD suppresses proliferation and/or migration (two key steps of angiogenesis) of HUVECs and HUAECs independent and dependent of AhR, respectively. These data suggest that TCDD inhibited growth of HUVECs and HUAECs via decreasing cell viability. Thus, TCDD may inhibit fetoplacental angiogenesis, leading to negative pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Qing-Yun Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ronald R Magness
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Departments of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Laboratories, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong, PR China.
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22
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Huang S, Shui X, He Y, Xue Y, Li J, Li G, Lei W, Chen C. AhR expression and polymorphisms are associated with risk of coronary arterial disease in Chinese population. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8022. [PMID: 25620626 PMCID: PMC4306136 DOI: 10.1038/srep08022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediates the control of environmental toxicity, and modulates the development and pathogenesis of the cardiovascular system. However, little is known about the role of AhR in coronary arterial disease (CAD) susceptibility. We therefore conducted a case-control study in a Chinese population, and assessed the potential association between AhR variants and CAD susceptibility. Compared with the controls, circulating AhR expression was found to be significantly increased in patients with CAD and its subtypes including ST-segment and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and stable and unstable angina pectoris. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the effect of AhR on CAD progression showed it to be a potent biomarker for CAD. Genotype frequencies of AhR rs2066853 differed significantly between CAD and control subjects, while smoking and hyperlipidemia markedly promoted CAD risk relative to the AhR polymorphism. Moreover, a significant difference in AhR variant distribution was observed between the four CAD subtypes with different severities. The expression level and functional polymorphisms of circulating AhR may affect the susceptibility and progression of CAD in Chinese populations. This provides a novel view of the etiology and epidemiology of CAD, and will contribute to the diagnosis and therapy of this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shian Huang
- 1] Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China [2] Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Xiaorong Shui
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Yuan He
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Yiqiang Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Jianwen Li
- Laboratory of Vascular Surgery, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Guoming Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Wei Lei
- 1] Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China [2] Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Can Chen
- 1] Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China [2] Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524001, China
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Li Y, Wang K, Jiang YZ, Chang XW, Dai CF, Zheng J. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) inhibits human ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2014; 37:429-37. [PMID: 25404385 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-014-0206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, mediates a broad spectrum of biological processes, including ovarian growth and ovulation. Recently, we found that an endogenous AhR ligand (ITE) can inhibit ovarian cancer proliferation and migration via the AhR. Here, we tested whether 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, an exogenous AhR ligand) may exert similar anti-ovarian cancer activities using human ovarian cancer and non-cancerous human ovarian surface epithelial cells. METHODS Two human ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3) and one human ovarian surface epithelial cell line (IOSE-385) were used. Cell proliferation and migration activities were determined using crystal violet and FluoroBlok insert system assays, respectively. AhR protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Expression of cytochrome P450, family 1, member A1 (CYP1A1) and member B1 (CYP1B1) mRNA was assessed by qPCR. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to knock down AhR expression. RESULTS We found that TCDD dose-dependently suppressed OVCAR-3 cell proliferation, with a maximum effect (~70% reduction) at 100 nM. However, TCDD did not affect SKOV-3 and IOSE-385 cell proliferation and migration. The estimated IC50 of TCDD for inhibiting OVCAR-3 cell proliferation was 4.6 nM. At 10 nM, TCDD time-dependently decreased AhR protein levels, while it significantly increased CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA levels in SKOV-3, OVCAR-3 and IOSE-385 cells, indicating activation of AhR signaling. siRNA-mediated AhR knockdown readily blocked TCDD-mediated suppression of OVCAR-3 cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that TCDD can suppress human ovarian cancer cell proliferation via the AhR signaling pathway and that TCDD exhibits an anti-proliferative activity in at least a subset of human ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, 202 S. Park St., Madison, WI, 53715, USA
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24
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Liao TL, Chen SC, Tzeng CR, Kao SH. TCDD induces the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α regulatory pathway in human trophoblastic JAR cells. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:17733-50. [PMID: 25272228 PMCID: PMC4227186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151017733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure to dioxin can compromise pregnancy outcomes and increase the risk of preterm births. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been demonstrated to induce placental hypoxia at the end of pregnancy in a rat model, and hypoxia has been suggested to be the cause of abnormal trophoblast differentiation and placental insufficiency syndromes. In this study, we demonstrate that the non-hypoxic stimulation of human trophoblastic cells by TCDD strongly increased hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) stabilization. TCDD exposure induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide. TCDD-induced HIF-1α stabilization and Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by pretreatment with wortmannin (a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor) or N-acetylcysteine (a ROS scavenger). The augmented HIF-1α stabilization by TCDD occurred via the ROS-dependent activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, a significant increase in invasion and metallomatrix protease-9 activity was found in TCDD-treated cells. The gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor was induced upon TCDD stimulation, whereas the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), PPARγ coactivator-1α, mitochondrial transcription factor, and uncoupling protein 2 were decreased. Our results indicate that an activated HIF-1α pathway, elicited oxidative stress, and induced metabolic stress contribute to TCDD-induced trophoblastic toxicity. These findings may provide molecular insight into the TCDD-induced impairment of trophoblast function and placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Ling Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Su-Chee Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Chii-Reuy Tzeng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Huei Kao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
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25
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Rieke S, Koehn S, Hirsch-Ernst K, Pfeil R, Kneuer C, Marx-Stoelting P. Combination effects of (tri)azole fungicides on hormone production and xenobiotic metabolism in a human placental cell line. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:9660-79. [PMID: 25233012 PMCID: PMC4199042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110909660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Consumers are exposed to multiple residues of different pesticides via the diet. Therefore, EU legislation for pesticides requires the evaluation of single active substances as well as the consideration of combination effects. Hence the analysis of combined effects of substances in a broad dose range represents a key challenge to current experimental and regulatory toxicology. Here we report evidence for additive effects for (tri)azole fungicides, a widely used group of antifungal agents, in the human placental cell line Jeg-3. In addition to the triazoles cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, flusilazole and tebuconazole and the azole fungicide prochloraz also pesticides from other chemical classes assumed to act via different modes of action (i.e., the organophosphate chlorpyrifos and the triazinylsulfonylurea herbicide triflusulfuron-methyl) were investigated. Endpoints analysed include synthesis of steroid hormone production (progesterone and estradiol) and gene expression of steroidogenic and non-steroidogenic cytochrome-P-450 (CYP) enzymes. For the triazoles and prochloraz, a dose dependent inhibition of progesterone production was observed and additive effects could be confirmed for several combinations of these substances in vitro. The non-triazoles chlorpyrifos and triflusulfuron-methyl did not affect this endpoint and, in line with this finding, no additivity was observed when these substances were applied in mixtures with prochloraz. While prochloraz slightly increased aromatase expression and estradiol production and triflusulfuron-methyl decreased estradiol production, none of the other substances had effects on the expression levels of steroidogenic CYP-enzymes in Jeg-3 cells. For some triazoles, prochloraz and chlorpyrifos a significant induction of CYP1A1 mRNA expression and potential combination effects for this endpoint were observed. Inhibition of CYP1A1 mRNA induction by the AhR inhibitor CH223191 indicated AhR receptor dependence this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Rieke
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sophie Koehn
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Karen Hirsch-Ernst
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Rudolf Pfeil
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Carsten Kneuer
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
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