1
|
Yim G, Roberts A, Lyall K, Ascherio A, Weisskopf MG. Multigenerational association between smoking and autism spectrum disorder: findings from a nationwide prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:1115-1126. [PMID: 38583942 PMCID: PMC11299032 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy can induce neurobehavioral anomalies in multiple subsequent generations. However, little work has examined such effects in humans. We examined the risk of grandchild autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in association with grandmother's smoking during pregnancy, using data from 53 562 mothers and grandmothers and 120 267 grandchildren in Nurses' Health Study II. In 1999, Nurses' Health Study II participants with children reported on their mothers' smoking. Grandchildren's ASD diagnoses were reported by the mothers in 2005 and 2009. Among grandmothers, 13 383 (25.0%) smoked during pregnancy, and 509 (0.4%) grandchildren were diagnosed with ASD. The adjusted odds ratio for ASD for grandmother smoking during pregnancy was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.06-2.20). Results were similar with direct grandmother reporting in 2001 of her smoking during pregnancy from the Nurses' Mothers Cohort Study subgroup (n = 22 167 grandmothers, n = 49 917 grandchildren) and were stronger among grandmothers who smoked ≥15 cigarettes per day during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 1.93 [95% CI, 1.10-3.40]; n = 1895 grandmothers, n = 4212 grandchildren). Results were similar when we adjusted for mother's smoking during pregnancy. There was no association with grandfather's smoking as reported by the grandmother. Our results suggest a potential persistent impact of gestational exposure to environmental insults across 3 generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyeyoon Yim
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Andrea Roberts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharaf AAM, Todd I. Cigarette Smoke Constituents and Nicotine Differentially Affect Cytokine Production by Human Macrophages Stimulated by TLR Ligands In Vitro: Considerations for a Standardised Protocol. Altern Lab Anim 2024; 52:205-213. [PMID: 38870092 DOI: 10.1177/02611929241259105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung condition associated with cigarette (tobacco) smoking. Numerous in vivo animal studies have been conducted to investigate the links between cigarette smoke, nicotine and infection in lung pathology. As an alternative to animal experiments, we used an in vitro system to investigate the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or nicotine on TNF-α and IL-10 production by monocyte-derived human macrophages. The macrophages were simultaneously stimulated with either poly-IC (as a chemical surrogate for viral infection) or lipopolysaccharide (as a chemical surrogate for Gram-negative bacterial infection). CSE enhanced TNF-α production, whereas nicotine inhibited IL-10 production by the macrophages, particularly when co-stimulated with the microbial chemical surrogates. A system of this type may help to further our understanding of the immunological and inflammatory effects of smoking, without recourse to in vivo studies. Requirements for the optimisation and standardisation of such an in vitro system are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Abdullah M Sharaf
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Immunology Lab, Laboratory and Blood Bank Department, King Fahad General Hospital Jeddah, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ian Todd
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hatai D, Levenson MT, Rehan VK, Allard P. Inter- and trans-generational impacts of environmental exposures on the germline resolved at the single-cell level. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 38:100465. [PMID: 38586548 PMCID: PMC10993723 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2024.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Reproduction is a remarkably intricate process involving the interaction of multiple cell types and organ systems unfolding over long periods of time and that culminates with the production of gametes. The initiation of germ cell development takes place during embryogenesis but only completes decades later in humans. The complexity inherent to reproduction and its study has long hampered our ability to decipher how environmental agents disrupt this process. Single-cell approaches provide an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the action of toxicants on germline function and analyze how the response to their exposure is differentially distributed across tissues and cell types. In addition to single-cell RNA sequencing, other single-cell or nucleus level approaches such as ATAC-sequencing and multi-omics have expanded the strategies that can be implemented in reproductive toxicological studies to include epigenomic and the nuclear transcriptomic data. Here we will discuss the current state of single-cell technologies and how they can best be utilized to advance reproductive toxicological studies. We will then discuss case studies in two model organisms (Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse) studying different environmental exposures (alcohol and e-cigarettes respectively) to highlight the value of single-cell and single-nucleus approaches for reproductive biology and reproductive toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Hatai
- UCLA Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Max T. Levenson
- UCLA Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Virender K. Rehan
- UCLA Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Allard
- UCLA Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yao X, Liu W, Xie Y, Xi M, Xiao L. Fertility loss: negative effects of environmental toxicants on oogenesis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1219045. [PMID: 37601637 PMCID: PMC10436557 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1219045] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a global decline in fertility rates, with ovulatory disorders emerging as the leading cause, contributing to a global lifetime infertility prevalence of 17.5%. Formation of the primordial follicle pool during early and further development of oocytes after puberty is crucial in determining female fertility and reproductive quality. However, the increasing exposure to environmental toxins (through occupational exposure and ubiquitous chemicals) in daily life is a growing concern; these toxins have been identified as significant risk factors for oogenesis in women. In light of this concern, this review aims to enhance our understanding of female reproductive system diseases and their implications. Specifically, we summarized and categorized the environmental toxins that can affect oogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of oogenesis, highlighting specific stages that may be susceptible to the influence of environmental toxins. Furthermore, we discuss the genetic and molecular mechanisms by which various environmental toxins, including metals, cigarette smoke, and agricultural and industrial toxins, affect female oogenesis. Raising awareness about the potential risks associated with toxin exposure is crucial. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the mechanisms underlying these effects, including the identification of biomarkers to assess exposure levels and predict reproductive outcomes. By providing a comprehensive overview, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of environmental toxins on female oogenesis and guide future research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weijing Liu
- Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yidong Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingrong Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Souza GS, Freitas IMM, Souza JC, Miraglia SM, Paccola CC. Transgenerational effects of maternal exposure to nicotine on structures of pituitary-gonadal axis of rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 468:116525. [PMID: 37076090 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116525] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Smoking can lead to several diseases and cause a reduction in fertility in men and women. Among the various components of cigarettes harmful during pregnancy, nicotine stands out. It can cause a reduction in placental blood flow, compromising the development of the baby with neurological, reproductive and endocrine consequences. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of nicotine on the pituitary-gonadal axis of rats exposed during pregnancy and breastfeeding (1st generation - F1), and whether the possible damage observed would reach the 2nd generation (F2). Pregnant Wistar rats received 2 mg/kg/day of nicotine throughout the entire gestation and lactation. Part of the offspring was evaluated on the first neonatal day (F1) for macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of brain and gonads. Another part of the offspring was kept until 90 days-old for mating and obtainment of progenies that had the same parameters evaluated at the end of pregnancy (F2). The occurrence of malformations was more frequent and diversified in nicotine-exposed F2. Brain alterations, including reduced size and changes in cell proliferation and death, were seen in both generations of nicotine-exposed rats. Male and female gonads of F1 exposed rats were also affected. The F2 rats showed reduced cellular proliferation and increased cell death on the pituitary and ovaries, besides increased anogenital distance in females. The number of mast cells was not enough altered to indicate an inflammatory process in brain and gonads. We conclude that prenatal exposure to nicotine causes transgenerational alterations in the structures of pituitary-gonadal axis in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G S Souza
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetic, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - I M M Freitas
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetic, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - J C Souza
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetic, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - S M Miraglia
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetic, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - C C Paccola
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetic, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen T, Wu M, Dong Y, Kong B, Cai Y, Hei C, Wu K, Zhao C, Chang Q. Effect of e-cigarette refill liquid on follicular development and
estrogen secretion in rats. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:36. [PMID: 35529323 PMCID: PMC8988604 DOI: 10.18332/tid/146958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tairen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Mengjing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuting Dong
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bin Kong
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yufang Cai
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Changchun Hei
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Kai Wu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chengjun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Toxic effects of smokeless tobacco on female reproductive health: A review. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100066. [PMID: 35310558 PMCID: PMC8927787 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Smokeless tobacco use can lead to impairments of ovarian function, morphology, oocyte quality and hormonal regulation. Use of smokeless tobacco during pregnancy has adverse health effects on both the mother and fetus. Exposure to smokeless tobacco in utero has long term health consequences on offspring.
The habitual consumption of tobacco in its various form is widespread and a serious public health issue globally. In particular, the use of smokeless tobacco has increased substantially due to its easy availability and misconception that it is relatively harmless compared to smoking. Tobacco use has been well established from numerous studies as a causative agent of devastating illnesses such as cancer, insulin resistance, hypertension, acute respiratory disease, osteoporosis, etc. Limited but growing evidence have also suggested its role in adversely affecting reproductive capabilities and outcomes in women of reproductive age and during pregnancy. This paper provides an updated review on available literature regarding the negative effects of smokeless tobacco use on female reproductive health, during pregnancy and its adverse consequences on the offspring. Existing data suggests the association between chronic smokeless tobacco use and impairment of ovarian morphology and function, oocyte quality, hormonal perturbations, fetal development and long-term health effects on the fetus. Improved understanding of these issues can contribute to better awareness of the dangers of smokeless tobacco products.
Collapse
|
8
|
Paccola CC, Souza GS, Freitas IMM, Souza JC, Martins LL, Vendramini V, Miraglia SM. Does maternal exposure to nicotine affect the oocyte quality and reproductive capacity in adult offspring? Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 426:115638. [PMID: 34242569 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal development begins in the intrauterine phase and females from most species are born with an established oocyte reserve. Exposure to drugs during gestation can compromise the offspring health, also affecting the gametes quality. Nicotine, the main component of cigarettes, is an oxidant agent capable of altering the fertility in men and women. As female gametes are susceptible to oxidative stress, this drug can damage the oolemma and affect oocyte maturation, induce errors during chromosomal segregation and DNA fragmentation. Oocyte mitochondria are particularly susceptible to injuries, contributing to the oocyte quality loss and embryonic development disruption. Thus, considering the high number of women who smoke during pregnancy, while significant events are occurring in the embryo for future fertility of offspring, we seek to verify the quality of the oocytes from adult rats exposed to nicotine during intrauterine phase and breastfeeding. Pregnant Wistar rats received nicotine by osmotic mini-pumps and the female progenies were evaluated in adulthood for oocyte quality (viability, lipid peroxidation, generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial integrity) and reproductive capacity. Embryos (3dpc) and fetuses (20dpc) generated by these rats were also evaluated. The results showed that the dose of 2 mg/kg/day of nicotine through placenta and breast milk does not affect the number of oocytes and the fertility capacity of adult rats. However, it causes some morphological alterations in oocytes, mitochondrial changes, embryonic fragmentation and disruption of fetal development. The malformations in fetuses generated from these gametes can also indicate the occurrence of epigenetic modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C C Paccola
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - G S Souza
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - I M M Freitas
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - J C Souza
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - L L Martins
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - V Vendramini
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - S M Miraglia
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bustami M, Matalka KZ, Elyyan Y, Hussein N, Hussein N, Abu Safieh N, Thekrallah F, Mallah E, Abu-Qatouseh L, Arafat T. Age of Natural Menopause Among Jordanian Women and Factors Related to Premature and Early Menopause. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:199-207. [PMID: 33500673 PMCID: PMC7826161 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s289851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess factors related to the onset of premature/early natural menopause among Jordanian women. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2016. Subjects were enrolled based on random drop-off technique to the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics at the Jordan University Hospital. Women 18 years of age and above were initially eligible to enroll, and women who had surgically induced menopause or specific disease were excluded from the analysis. Relevant data were collected using a questionnaire that included 30 questions. The following variables were collected: socio-demographic, body mass index, chronic conditions, diseases, reproductive characteristics, and health status. Hormone indicators of menopause were tested by measuring estrogen (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Age at natural menopause (ANM) was self-reported retrospectively and considered an independent variable against BMI, smoking, hormone therapy, and concomitant diseases. Association analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine the associated factors of ANM with adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. RESULTS A total of 409 women were included in the analysis, aged between 20-75 years. The mean ANM in our sample was 48.5±5.0, with 2.7% of the women experienced premature menopause (ANM <40) and 7.8% early menopause (ANM 40-44). Within the menopause women (n=242), the percentage of women who had premature menopause was 4.5%, 13.6% with early menopause, and 21.1% with late menopause (ANM >52). Smoking was the major risk factor for premature/early menopausal age among Jordanian women with an OR of 2.46 (95% CI: 1.08-5.59, p<0.05). On the other hand, women with occasional arthritis symptoms and diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and their combination were associated with average (45-52 years) or late menopause (>52 years). CONCLUSION Smoking is the main contributor of premature/early menopause in Jordanian women. Increased awareness and public health policy about the adverse effects of smoking on women's reproductive health are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Bustami
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman11196, Jordan
| | | | - Yousef Elyyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Nour Hussein
- School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Fida Thekrallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eyad Mallah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman11196, Jordan
| | - Luay Abu-Qatouseh
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman11196, Jordan
| | - Tawfiq Arafat
- Jordan Center for Pharmaceutical Research, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mantawy EM, Said RS, Kassem DH, Abdel-Aziz AK, Badr AM. Novel molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine against ϒ-radiation-induced premature ovarian failure in rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111190. [PMID: 32871518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy represents a critical component in cancer treatment. However, premature ovarian failure (POF) is a major hurdle of deleterious off-target effects in young females, which, therefore, call for an effective radioprotective agent. The present study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) against γ-radiation-provoked POF. Immature female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally-administered NAC (50 mg/kg) and were exposed to a single whole-body dose of 3.2 Gy ϒ-radiation. NAC administration remarkably reversed abnormal serum estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels by 73% and 40%, respectively while ameliorating the histopathological and ultrastructural alterations-triggered by γ-radiation. Mechanistically, NAC alleviated radiation-induced oxidative damage through significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity by 102% alongside with decreasing NADPH oxidase subunits (p22 and NOX4) gene expressions by 48% and 38%, respectively compared to the irradiated untreated group. Moreover, NAC administration achieved its therapeutic effect by inhibiting ovarian apoptosis-induced by radiation through downregulating p53 and Bax levels by 33% and 16%, respectively while increasing the Bcl-2 mRNA expression by 135%. Hence, the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and cytochrome c expression were subsequently reduced leading to decreased caspase 3 activity by 43%. Importantly, the anti-apoptotic property of NAC could be attributed to inactivation of MAPK signaling molecules; p38 and JNK, and enhancement of the ovarian vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Taken together, our results suggest that NAC can inhibit radiotherapy-induced POF while preserving ovarian function and structure through upregulating VEGF expression and suppressing NOX4/MAPK/p53 apoptotic signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Mantawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Riham S Said
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Dina H Kassem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Mohamed Badr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Impact of nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine exposure on germline integrity and epigenome. Neuropharmacology 2020; 173:108127. [PMID: 32413368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence suggests that parental exposure to drugs of abuse can affect offspring phenotypes. The impacts of drug abuse on germ cell quality may mediate multigenerational and transgenerational inheritance, although biological pathways underlying this mode of inheritance are not yet characterized. Germline epigenetic marks are modified by drug exposure and have emerged as promising mechanistic candidates in recent work. Drug exposure also impacts overall germline integrity and reproductive functioning, although the role of these consequences in multi/transgenerational inheritance is unclear. This review synthesizes literature on effects of exposure to alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine on the germline with a focus on epigenetic modifications following drug exposure and broader impacts on germline integrity and reproductive functioning. We discuss potential interactions between reproductive functioning, germline integrity, and germline epigenome/transcriptome in pathways underlying multi/transgenerational inheritance. We find that existing data may support independent or interactive contributions of these germline impacts on offspring phenotypes in a manner that may mediate multi/transgenerational inheritance.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tobacco smoke and nicotine suppress expression of activating signaling molecules in human dendritic cells. Toxicol Lett 2018; 299:40-46. [PMID: 30227238 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke has significant toxic effects on the immune system, and increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases; one immunosuppressive effect of cigarette smoke is that it inhibits the T cell-stimulating, immunogenic properties of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). As the functions of DCs are regulated by intra-cellular signaling pathways, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and nicotine on multiple signaling molecules and other regulatory proteins in human DCs to elucidate the molecular basis of the inhibition of DC maturation and function by CSE and nicotine. Maturation of monocyte-derived DCs was induced with the TLR3-agonist poly I:C or with the TLR4-agonist lipopolysaccharide, in the absence or presence of CSE or nicotine. Reverse-phase protein microarray was used to quantify multiple signaling molecules and other proteins in cell lysates. Particularly in poly I:C-matured DCs, cigarette smoke constituents and nicotine suppressed the expression of signaling molecules associated with DC maturation and T cell stimulation, cell survival and cell migration. In conclusion, constituents of tobacco smoke suppress the immunogenic potential of DCs at the signaling pathway level.
Collapse
|