Biological effects and epidemiological consequences of arsenic exposure, and reagents that can ameliorate arsenic damage in vivo

D-Limonene Alleviates Oxidative Stress Injury of the Testis Induced by Arsenic in Rat

Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to testicular damage and lower sperm quality in males, which is mediated by increased arsenic-induced oxidative stress and other damage mechanisms. D-Limonene, which is rich in oranges, lemons, oranges, grapes and other natural fruits, can relieve doxorubicin (DOX)-induced kidney injury and CCL4-induced cardiac toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of D-limonene motivate us to further explore whether it can reduce arsenic-induced testicular injury. To verify this scientific hypothesis, testicular pathology, testicular oxidative stress levels and sperm motility were determined after intervention with D-limonene in rats chronically exposed to arsenic. As expected, long-term arsenic exposure caused testicular tissue structure disturbances, increased levels of oxidative stress, and decreased sperm activation, all of which were significantly inhibited due to treatment with D-limonene. In conclusion, our data reveal a previously unproven beneficial effect of D-limonene, namely that D-limonene can inhibit arsenic-induced testicular injury, and also provide theoretical and experimental basis for the application of D-limonene in the treatment of arsenic-induced testicular injury.

Toxicological Aspects Associated with Consumption from Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS): Focus on Heavy Metals Exposure and Cancer Risk

Tobacco smoking remains one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDSs) are proposed as a tool for smoking cessation. In the last few years, a growing number of different types of ENDSs were launched onto the market. Despite the manufacturing differences, ENDSs can be classified as "liquid e-cigarettes" (e-cigs) equipped with an atomizer that vaporizes a liquid composed of vegetable glycerin (VG), polypropylene glycol (PG), and nicotine, with the possible addition of flavorings; otherwise, the "heated tobacco products" (HTPs) heat tobacco sticks through contact with an electronic heating metal element. The presence of some metals in the heating systems, as well as in solder joints, involves the possibility that heavy metal ions can move from these components to the liquid, or they can be adsorbed into the tobacco stick from the heating blade in the case of HTPs. Recent evidence has indicated the presence of heavy metals in the refill liquids and in the mainstream such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). The present review discusses the toxicological aspects associated with the exposition of heavy metals by consumption from ENDSs, focusing on metal carcinogenesis risk.

Improved Syntheses of an Arseno-Fatty Acid (As-FA 362) and an Arseno-Hydrocarbon (As-HC 444)

Robust and reliable synthetic methods have been developed for the preparation of an arseno-fatty acid (As-FA362) and an arseno-hydrocarbon (As-HC444). An improved route to access the starting materials necessary for the new synthetic routes is also disclosed. With these improvements, an increased accessibility to arsenic-containing compounds is anticipated, which may be deployed as standards required for the development of quantitative methods in biological matrices. For the first time, stability data for these compounds are reported. With these results in hand, data on the elimination profile, bioaccumulation potential and patho-behavioral and physiological consequences of these organoarsenicals are planned.

The effectiveness of an intervention to reduce exposure to trace metals during or prior to pregnancy: A prospective study in urban and rural locations

Background

Prenatal exposure to trace metals can have adverse effects on health and increase the risk of developing certain diseases. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of giving women advice to reduce their exposure to trace metals during pregnancy or prior to conception. The study also examined differences in exposure between rural and urban environments in southern France.

Methods

In this prospective study, pregnant women or those intending to conceive were recruited from two medical centers for gynecology/obstetrics (rural location: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence; urban location: Marseille). Hair samples were collected and analyzed to determine the levels of exposure to trace metals. Participants with 'risky' levels were given corresponding advice sheets on how to reduce their exposure or, for certain metals, they were encouraged to find out about potential sources of exposure. A second hair sample was collected and analyzed 3 months later.

Results

It was found that 109 women had 'risky' levels of exposure to trace metals, out of a total of 184 women (59.2 %). Cerium was the most frequently identified metal (N = 26), followed by nickel (N = 23), and titanium (N = 19). There were more women at the urban center with 'risky' levels (56/86; 65.1 %) than at the rural center (53/98; 54.1 %), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). Advice sheets were given to 64 of the 109 participants with 'risky' levels (58.7 %), but only 21 returned for the second hair analysis. Of these, 14 were found to have reduced their exposure, which corresponds to just 12.8 % (14/109) of the participants with 'risky' levels.

Conclusions

These results indicate that it would be helpful to develop new interventions to reduce trace metal exposure during or prior to pregnancy.

Zinc supplementation alters tissue distribution of arsenic in Mus musculus

Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment and humans can be exposed through food, drinking water and inhalation of air-borne particles. Arsenic exposure is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, immunologic, and developmental toxicities as well as carcinogenesis. Arsenic displays dose-depen toxicities in target organs or tissues with elevated levels of arsenic. Zinc is an essential micronutrient with proposed protective benefits due to its antioxidant properties, integration into zinc-containing proteins and zinc-related immune signaling. In this study, we tested levels of arsenic and zinc in plasma, kidney, liver, and spleen as model tissues after chronic (42-day) treatment with either arsenite, zinc, or in combination. Arsenite exposure had minimal impact on tissue zinc levels with the exception of the kidney. Conversely, zinc supplementation of arsenite-exposed mice reduced the amount of arsenic detected in all tissues tested. Expression of transporters associated with zinc or arsenic influx and efflux were evaluated under each treatment condition. Significant effects of arsenite exposure on zinc transporter expression displayed tissue selectivity for liver and kidney, and was restricted to Zip10 and Zip14, respectively. Arsenite also interacted with zinc co-exposure for Zip10 expression in liver tissue. Pairwise comparisons show neither arsenite nor zinc supplementation alone significantly altered expression of transporters utilized by arsenic. However, significant interactions between arsenite and zinc were evident for Aqp7 and Mrp1 in a tissue selective manner. These findings illustrate interactions between arsenite and zinc leading to changes in tissue metal level and suggest a potential mechanism by which zinc may offer protection from arsenic toxicities.

Vaping, Environmental Toxicants Exposure, and Lung Cancer Risk

Lung cancer (LC) is the second-most prevalent tumor worldwide. According to the most recent GLOBOCAN data, over 2.2 million LC cases were reported in 2020, with an estimated new death incident of 1,796,144 lung cancer cases. Genetic, lifestyle, and environmental exposure play an important role as risk factors for LC. E-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) use has been dramatically increasing world-wide. There is growing concern that EVPs consumption may increase the risk of LC because EVPs contain several proven carcinogenic compounds. However, the relationship between EVPs and LC is not well established. E-cigarette contains nicotine derivatives (e.g., nitrosnornicotine, nitrosamine ketone), heavy metals (including organometal compounds), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and flavorings (aldehydes and complex organics). Several environmental toxicants have been proven to contribute to LC. Proven and plausible environmental carcinogens could be physical (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation), chemicals (such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and dioxins), and heavy metals (such as cobalt, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel). Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) emitted from vehicles and industrial exhausts, is linked with LC. Although extensive environmental exposure prevention policies and smoking reduction strategies have been adopted globally, the dangers remain. Combined, both EVPs and toxic environmental exposures may demonstrate significant synergistic oncogenicity. This review aims to analyze the current publications on the importance of the relationship between EVPs consumption and environmental toxicants in the pathogenesis of LC.

Salix subserrata Bark Extract-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Attenuate Neurotoxicity Induced by Sodium Arsenate in Rats in Relation with HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS Profile

Pollution is a worldwide environmental risk. Arsenic (As) is an environmental pollutant with a major health concern due to its toxic effects on multiple body organs, including the brain. Humans are exposed to As through eating contaminated food and water or via skin contact. Salix species (willow) are plants with medicinal efficacy. Salix subserrata Willd bark extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SBE.CNPs) was formulated, characterized, and evaluated against As-induced neurotoxicity. The stem bark was selected for nanoparticle formulation based on HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS profiling and in vitro antioxidant assessment using free radical scavenging activity. SBE.CNPs demonstrated an average un-hydrated diameter of 193.4 ± 24.5 nm and zeta potential of + 39.6 ± 0.4 mV with an encapsulation efficiency of 83.7 ± 4.3%. Compared to As-intoxicated rats, SBE.CNP-treated rats exhibited anxiolytic activity and memory-boosting as evidenced in open field test, light-dark activity box, and Y-maze. Also, it increased the antioxidant biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase associated with reducing the malondialdehyde levels and apoptotic activity. Besides this, SBE.CNPs maintained the brain architecture and downregulated both nuclear factor-kappa B and heme oxygenase-1 expression. These results suggest that SBE.CNP administration showed promising potent neuroprotective and antioxidative efficiencies against arsenic-induced oxidative threats.

Effects of Ozone Therapy on Chronic Arsenic Poisoning in Rats

Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid that affects many organs through drinking water. This study aims to examine the efficacy of ozone therapy on chronic arsenic toxicity. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were housed in individual cages and grouped as control, As, O₃, and As + O_3. As was applied by adding 5 mg/kg/day in drinking water for 60 days. Ozone therapy was applied at 0.5 mg/kg/day (i.p.) O₃ in the last 5 days of the experimental period. Tissues were harvested and analyzed for histopathological injury and apoptotic markers. There was no significant difference between the As + O₃ and O₃ groups (p = 0.186 and p = 0.599) for light microscopic criteria: inflammatory cell infiltration and hydropic degeneration in liver tissue.In TUNEL assessments, similar outcomes were obtained in the control and As + O₃ groups. A statistically significant increase was observed in p53 and Caspase 3 (Casp-3) expression levels in the As group compared to the O₃ and As + O₃ groups. There was no significant difference between the As + O₃ and O₃ groups on peritubular hemorrhage and desquamation parameters in kidneys (p = 0.147 and p = 0.094). The KIM-1 expression level was significantly increased in the As group compared to the As + O₃ group (p = 0.01), and the Casp-3 expression level was not significantly changed in the O₃ group compared to the As + O₃ group (p = 0.59). In conclusion, it is determined that ozone therapy has ameliorative effects on the microscopic injury of liver and kidney tissues. In addition to microscopic improvement, KIM-1 gene expression levels were ameliorated in the kidneys. The apoptotic cell counts and the Casp-3 and p53 gene expression levels were decreased by O₃ administration. Thus, ozone therapy can be a treatment choice for As toxicity.

Recent advancements in toxicology, modern technology for detection, and remedial measures for arsenic exposure: review

Arsenic toxicity has become a major global health concern for humans and animals due to extensive environmental and occupational exposure to arsenic-contaminated water, air, soil, and plant and animal origin food. It has a wide range of detrimental effects on animals, humans, and the environment. As a result, various experimental and clinical studies were undertaken and are undergoing to understand its source of exposures, pathogenesis, identify key biomarkers, the medical and economic impact on affected populations and ecosystems, and their timely detection and control measures. Despite these extensive studies, no conclusive information for the prevention and control of arsenic toxicity is available, owing to complex epidemiology and pathogenesis, including an imprecise approach and repetitive work. As a result, there is a need for literature that focuses on recent studies on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, detection, and ameliorative measures of arsenic toxicity to assist researchers and policymakers in the practical future planning of research and community control programs. According to the preceding viewpoint, this review article provides an extensive analysis of the recent progress on arsenic exposure to humans through the environment, livestock, and fish, arsenic toxicopathology, nano-biotechnology-based detection, and current remedial measures for the benefit of researchers, academicians, and policymakers in controlling arsenic eco-toxicology and directing future research. Arsenic epidemiology should therefore place the greatest emphasis on the prevalence of different direct and indirect sources in the afflicted areas, followed by control strategies.

Unboxing the molecular modalities of mutagens in cancer

The etiology of the majority of human cancers is associated with a myriad of environmental causes, including physical, chemical, and biological factors. DNA damage induced by such mutagens is the initial step in the process of carcinogenesis resulting in the accumulation of mutations. Mutational events are considered the major triggers for introducing genetic and epigenetic insults such as DNA crosslinks, single- and double-strand DNA breaks, formation of DNA adducts, mismatched bases, modification in histones, DNA methylation, and microRNA alterations. However, DNA repair mechanisms are devoted to protect the DNA to ensure genetic stability, any aberrations in these calibrated mechanisms provoke cancer occurrence. Comprehensive knowledge of the type of mutagens and carcinogens and the influence of these agents in DNA damage and cancer induction is crucial to develop rational anticancer strategies. This review delineated the molecular mechanism of DNA damage and the repair pathways to provide a deep understanding of the molecular basis of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. A relationship between DNA adduct formation and cancer incidence has also been summarized. The mechanistic basis of inflammatory response and oxidative damage triggered by mutagens in tumorigenesis has also been highlighted. We elucidated the interesting interplay between DNA damage response and immune system mechanisms. We addressed the current understanding of DNA repair targeted therapies and DNA damaging chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment and discussed how antiviral agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunotherapeutic agents combined with traditional approaches lay the foundations for future cancer therapies.

In Situ Measurements of Domestic Water Quality and Health Risks by Elevated Concentration of Heavy Metals and Metalloids Using Monte Carlo and MLGI Methods

The domestic water (DW) quality of an island province in the Philippines that experienced two major mining disasters in the 1990s was assessed and evaluated in 2021 utilizing the heavy metals pollution index (MPI), Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI), and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) index. The island province sources its DW supply from groundwater (GW), surface water (SW), tap water (TP), and water refilling stations (WRS). This DW supply is used for drinking and cooking by the population. In situ analyses were carried out using an Olympus Vanta X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) and Accusensing Metals Analysis System (MAS) G1 and the target heavy metals and metalloids (HMM) were arsenic (As), barium (Ba), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). The carcinogenic risk was evaluated using the Monte Carlo (MC) method while a machine learning geostatistical interpolation (MLGI) technique was employed to create spatial maps of the metal concentrations and health risk indices. The MPI values calculated at all sampling locations for all water samples indicated a high pollution. Additionally, the NPI values computed at all sampling locations for all DW samples were categorized as “highly polluted”. The results showed that the health quotient indices (HQI) for As and Pb were significantly greater than 1 in all water sources, indicating a probable significant health risk (HR) to the population of the island province. Additionally, As exhibited the highest carcinogenic risk (CR), which was observed in TW samples. This accounted for 89.7% of the total CR observed in TW. Furthermore, all sampling locations exceeded the recommended maximum threshold level of 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ by the USEPA. Spatial distribution maps of the contaminant concentrations and health risks provide valuable information to households and guide local government units as well as regional and national agencies in developing strategic interventions to improve DW quality in the island province.

Harmonization of transcriptomic and methylomic analysis in environmental epidemiology studies for potential application in chemical risk assessment

Recent efforts have posited the utility of transcriptomic-based approaches to understand chemical-related perturbations in the context of human health risk assessment. Epigenetic modification (e.g., DNA methylation) can influence gene expression changes and is known to occur as a molecular response to some chemical exposures. Characterization of these methylation events is critical to understand the molecular consequences of chemical exposures. In this context, a novel workflow was developed to interrogate publicly available epidemiological transcriptomic and methylomic data to identify relevant pathway level changes in response to chemical exposure, using inorganic arsenic as a case study. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to identify causal methylation events that result in concomitant downstream transcriptional deregulation. This analysis demonstrated an unequal distribution of differentially methylated regions across the human genome. After mapping these events to known genes, significant enrichment of a subset of these pathways suggested that arsenic-mediated methylation may be both specific and non-specific. Parallel GSEA performed on matched transcriptomic samples determined that a substantially reduced subset of these pathways are enriched and that not all chemically-induced methylation results in a downstream alteration in gene expression. The resulting pathways were found to be representative of well-established molecular events known to occur in response to arsenic exposure. The harmonization of enriched transcriptional patterns with those identified from the methylomic platform promoted the characterization of plausibly causal molecular signaling events. The workflow described here enables significant gene and methylation-specific pathways to be identified from whole blood samples of individuals exposed to environmentally relevant chemical levels. As future efforts solidify specific causal relationships between these molecular events and relevant apical endpoints, this novel workflow could aid risk assessments by identifying molecular targets serving as biomarkers of hazard, informing mechanistic understanding, and characterizing dose ranges that promote relevant molecular/epigenetic signaling events occuring in response to chemical exposures.

Genome-wide evaluation of transcriptomic responses of human tissues to smoke: A systems biology study

The harmful compounds in various sources of smoke threaten human health. So far, many studies have investigated the effects of compounds of smoke on transcriptome changes in different human tissues. However, no study has been conducted on the effects of these compounds on transcriptome changes in different human tissues simultaneously. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify smoke-related genes (SRGs) and their response mechanisms to smoke in various human cells and tissues using systems biology based methods. A total of 6,484 SRGs were identified in the studied tissues, among which 4,095 SRGs were up-regulated and 2,389 SRGs were down-regulated. Totally, 459 SRGs were smoke-related transcription factors (SRTFs). Gene regulatory network analysis showed that the studied cells and tissues have different gene regulation and responses to compounds of smoke. The comparison of different tissues revealed no common SRG among the all studied tissues. However, the CYP1B1 gene was common among seven cells and tissues, and had the same expression trend. Network analysis showed that the CYP1B1 is a hub gene among SRGs in various cells and tissues. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, our results showed that compounds of smoke induce and increase the expression of CYP1B1 key gene in all target and non-target tissues of human. Moreover, despite the specific characteristics of CYP1B1 gene and its identical expression trend in target and non-target tissues, it can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.

Arsenic and Human Health: Genotoxicity, Epigenomic Effects, and Cancer Signaling

Arsenic is a well-known element because of its toxicity. Humans as well as plants and animals are negatively affected by its exposure. Some countries suffer from high levels of arsenic in their tap water and soils, which is considered a primary arsenic-linked risk factor for living beings. Humans generally get exposed to arsenic by contaminated drinking waters, resulting in many health problems, ranging from cancer to skin diseases. On the other hand, the FDA-certified drug arsenic trioxide provides solutions for various diseases, including several types of cancers. This issue emphasizes the importance of speciation of the metalloid elements in terms of impacts on health. When species get exposed to arsenic, it affects the cells altering their involvement. It can lead to abnormalities in inflammatory mechanisms and the immune system which contribute to the negative impacts generated on the body. The poisoning originating from arsenic gives rise to various biological signs on the body which can be useful for the diagnosis. It is important to find true biomarkers for the detection of arsenic poisoning. In view of its application in medicine and biology, studies on understanding the biological activity of arsenic have increased. In this review, we aim at summarizing the current state of knowledge of arsenic and the mechanism behind its toxicity including genotoxicity, oxidative insults, epigenomic changes, and alterations in cellular signaling.

Is Arsenic Exposure a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome? A Review of the Potential Mechanisms

Exposure to arsenic in drinking water is a worldwide health problem. This pollutant is associated with increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including metabolic diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex pathology that results from the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. This condition increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The MS includes at least three of the following signs, central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and hypertension. Here, we summarize the existing evidence of the multiple mechanisms triggered by arsenic to developing the cardinal signs of MS, showing that this pollutant could contribute to the multifactorial origin of this pathology.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Moisturizing, and Antimelanogenesis Effects of Quercetin 3-O-β-D-Glucuronide in Human Keratinocytes and Melanoma Cells via Activation of NF-κB and AP-1 Pathways

Quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide (Q-3-G), the glucuronide conjugate of quercetin, has been reported as having anti-inflammatory properties in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, as well as anticancer and antioxidant properties. Unlike quercetin, which has been extensively described to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including skin protective effects, the pharmacological benefits and mechanisms Q-3-G in the skin remained to be elucidated. This study focused on characterizing the skin protective properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, of Q-3-G against UVB-induced or H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, the hydration effects, and antimelanogenesis activities using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and melanoma (B16F10) cells. Q-3-G down-regulated the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene and cytokine such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in H₂O₂ or UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. We also showed that Q-3-G exhibits an antioxidant effect using free radical scavenging assays, flow cytometry, and an increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2). Q-3-G reduced melanin production in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 cells. The hydration effects and mechanisms of Q-3-G were examined by evaluating the moisturizing factor-related genes, such as transglutaminase-1 (TGM-1), filaggrin (FLG), and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1. In addition, Q-3-G increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 4 (MKK4), and TAK1, involved in the MAPKs/AP-1 pathway, and the phosphorylation of IκBα, IκB kinase (IKK)-α, Akt, and Src, involved in the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, we have demonstrated that Q-3-G exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and antimelanogenesis properties in human keratinocytes and melanoma cells through NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.

Arsenic exposure and non-carcinogenic health effects

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure is a serious health problem that affects more than 140 million individuals worldwide, mainly, through contaminated drinking water. Acute iAs poisoning produces several symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea, whereas prolonged iAs exposure increased the risk of several malignant disorders such as lung, urinary tract, and skin tumors. Another sensitive endpoint less described of chronic iAs exposure are the non-malignant health effects in hepatic, endocrine, renal, neurological, hematological, immune, and cardiovascular systems. The present review outlines epidemiology evidence and possible molecular mechanisms associated with iAs-toxicity in several non-carcinogenic disorders.

Amelioration potential of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in mouse (Mus musculus)

Previous studies have suggested that arsenic crosses the placenta and affects the fetus development. The study under consideration aims to show comparative ameliorative effect of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced fetus toxicity of mice. Pregnant mice (N=44) were kept in lab and divided into eleven group from (A to K) and were orally administered the doses 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg for sodium arsenate, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) and 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg for Moringa oleifera flower extracts (MOFE) comparing with control. The investigation revealed evident reduction in the fetuses weight, hind limb, fore limb, tail and snout length, crown rump and head circumferences well as malformations in tail, feet, arms, legs, skin and eyes in the negative control group (only administered with sodium arsenate). Co-administration of sodium arsenate with MOLE and MOFE ameliorate the reversed effect of sodium arsenate on the shape, length, body weight and DNA damage of fetus significantly at 95% confidence interval. However, Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed more significant results in comparison to Moringa oleifera flower extract. Hence concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorated the embryo toxic effects of sodium arsenate and can be used against environmental teratogens.

The role of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint in arsenic lung tumorigenesis

Chronic exposure to environmental arsenic promotes lung cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that compromised host immunity, particularly T cell anti-tumor immunity, may play a critical role in cancer development. However, there is a knowledge gap in terms of the effects of arsenic exposure on T cell anti-tumor immunity and how that may contribute to arsenic lung carcinogenicity. Immunosuppression has been known as a risk factor for many types of cancer, including lung cancer. The development of cancer indicates the success of immunosuppression and escape of cancer cells from host anti-tumor immunity in which T cells are the major component. The anti-tumor immunity is mainly executed by CD8 cytotoxic T cells through their anti-tumor effector function, which can be regulated by immune checkpoint pathways. Some inhibitory receptors on the T cell membrane and their ligands form these pathways, among which programmed death-1 (PD-1), a T cell inhibitory receptor, and its ligand, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), are best characterized. A/J mice are naturally sensitive to pulmonary carcinogens, prone to develop spontaneous lung tumors later in life and have been frequently used as an animal model for lung tumorigenesis research. Chronic arsenic administration through drinking water has been shown to enhance tumor formation in the lungs of A/J mice. In the current study, using this mouse model we want to determine whether PD-1/PD-L1 plays a role in arsenic-enhanced lung tumorigenesis. The results showed that prolonged arsenic exposure up-regulated PD-1/PD-L1, increased regulatory T cells (Tregs), decreased CD8/Treg ratio, inhibited T cell antitumor function in the lungs and enhanced lung tumor formation, while inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 restored CD8/Treg ratio and T cell anti-tumor effector function, and mitigated arsenic-enhanced lung tumorigenesis. In addition, inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 could be a potential preventive strategy to mitigate the tumorigenic action of chronic arsenic exposure.

Arsenite impinges on endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria crosstalk to elicit mitochondrial ROS formation and downstream toxicity

Arsenite is an important carcinogen and toxic compound, causing various deleterious effects through multiple mechanisms. In this review, we focused on mitochondrial ROS (mitoROS) and discussed on the mechanisms mediating their formation. The metalloid promotes direct effects in mitochondria, resulting in superoxide formation only under conditions of increased mitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_m). In this perspective, the time of exposure and concentration requirements for arsenite were largely conditioned by other effects of the metalloid in specific sites of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Arsenite induced a slow and limited mobilization of Ca²⁺ from IP₃R via a saturable mechanism, failing to increase the [Ca²⁺]_m. This effect was however associated with the triggering of an intraluminal crosstalk between the IP₃R and the ryanodine receptor (RyR), causing a large and concentration dependent release of Ca²⁺ from RyR and a parallel increase in [Ca²⁺]_m. Thus, the Ca²⁺-dependent mitoO₂^-. formation appears to be conditioned by the spatial/functional organization of the ER/mitochondria network and RyR expression. We also speculate on the possibility that the ER stress response might regulate the above effects on the intraluminal crosstalk between the IP₃R and the RyR via oxidation of critical thiols mediated by the H₂O₂ locally released by oxidoreductin 1α.

Neuroprotective effects of protocatechuic acid on sodium arsenate induced toxicity in mice: Role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid abundantly found in nature and used in many industries. Consumption of contaminated water mainly results in human exposure to arsenic. Toxicity (arsenicosis) resulting from arsenic exposure causes cerebral neurodegeneration. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a phenol derived from edible plants, has antioxidant properties. The present study investigated the neuroprotective potential of PCA against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Male Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: (i) orally administered physiological saline, (ii) orally administered 100 mg/kg PCA, (iii) orally administered 5 mg/kg NaAsO₂, and (iv) orally administered 100 mg/kg PCA 120 min prior to oral administration of 5 mg/kg NaAsO₂. Each group received its respective treatment for 1 week, after which cortical tissues from each group were analyzed for various parameters of oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related proteins, and changes in histopathology. NaAsO₂-treatment resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOs), and NO levels, with a decrease in the levels of both enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione) antioxidant markers. Arsenic increased proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) levels, enhanced caspase-3 and Bax expression, and reduced Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, arsenic-exposure in mice decreased significantly acetylcholinesterase activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in the cerebral cortex. Histopathological examination revealed changes in nerve cell cyto-architecture and distribution in arsenic-exposed brain tissue sections. PCA treatment before arsenic administration resulted in a positive shift in the oxidative stress and cytokine levels with decreased levels of LPO, iNOS, and NO. PCA pre-treatment considerably attenuated arsenic-associated histopathological changes in murine brain tissue. This study suggested that the presence of PCA may be responsible for the prevention of arsenic-induced neurotoxicity.

Evaluation of ameliorative effect of two selected plant drugs on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep

Chronic arsenic poisoning is one of the serious health hazards in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. It occurs due to contaminated subsoil water. The aim of this study is conducted to find out the ameliorative effect of turmeric and P. foetida powder on experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in sheep. Twelve sheep were divided into four groups; groups I, II and III were orally administered with sodium arsenite at 6.6 mg/kg body weight for 133 days; groups I and II animals were treated by turmeric and P. foetida powders respectively at 500 mg/kg dose for the last 49 days; the fourth group was control. Arsenic content was estimated in faeces, urine and wool in every 15 days. Biochemical, haematological, antioxidant parameters and DNA fragmentation were also assessed. Turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased arsenic elimination through faeces, urine and wool. Haemoglobin content and TEC were decreased in groups I, II and III; however, these were improved significantly (P < 0.05) by turmeric and P. foetida powder treatment. Increased activity of AST, ALT, blood urea nitrogen and plasma creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in groups I and II. The reduced SOD and catalase activity were significantly (P < 0.05) restored at the end of the experiment in turmeric and P. foetida-treated groups. The test drugs are found significantly effective not only to eliminate arsenic from the body but also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure in sheep.

Protective effect of Mucuna pruriens against arsenic-induced liver and kidney dysfunction and neurobehavioral alterations in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Intoxication of arsenic in rats is known to result in neurological effects as well as liver and kidney dysfunction. Mucuna pruriens has been identified for its medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens on sodium arsenite-induced memory impairment, liver, and kidney functions in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experiment was divided into short-term treatment (45 days) and long-term treatment (90 days), with each group divided into nine sub-groups consisting of six animals each. Sub-groups 1 and 2 served as normal, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) controls, respectively. Sub-groups 3-9 received sodium arsenite in drinking water (50 mg/L). In addition, sub-group 4 received NAC (210 mg/kg b.wt) orally once daily, sub-groups 5-7 received aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens (350 mg/kg b.wt, 530 mg/kg b.wt, and 700 mg/kg b.wt) orally once daily and sub-groups 8 and 9 received a combination of NAC and aqueous seed extract of M. pruriens (350 mg/kg b.wt and 530 mg/kg b.wt) orally once daily. Following the treatment, the blood was drawn retro-orbitally to assess the liver (serum alanine transaminase [ALT], serum aspartate transaminase, and serum alkaline phosphatase) and kidney (serum urea and serum creatinine) functions. Learning and memory were assessed by passive avoidance test. Animals were sacrificed by an overdose of ketamine, and their Nissl stained hippocampal sections were analyzed for alterations in neural cell numbers in CA1 and CA3 regions.

RESULTS

In the short-term treatment, groups administered with M. pruriens 530 mg/kg b.wt alone and combination of NAC + M. pruriens 350 mg/kg b.wt exhibited a significant improvement in memory retention, less severe neurodegeneration, and decrease in serum ALT levels. In long-term treatment, groups administered with M. pruriens 700 mg/kg b.wt alone and combination of NAC+M. pruriens 350 mg/kg b.wt, respectively, showed better memory retention, decreased neural deficits, and reduced levels of kidney and liver enzymes.

CONCLUSION

The seed extract of M. pruriens showed significant enhancement in memory and learning. The number of surviving neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions also increased on treatment with M. pruriens. Serum ALT, serum urea, and serum creatinine levels showed significant improvement on long-term treatment with M. pruriens.

Topical delivery of nordihydroguaretic acid for attenuating cutaneous damage caused by arsenicals

This study evaluated the topical delivery of nordihydroguaretic acid (NDGA), a molecule that can potentially alleviate cutaneous damage caused by exposure to arsenic warfare chemicals. N-acetylcysteine (NAC 0.2% w/v) was added as an antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of NDGA to toxic quinones. A 24 h study was performed to arrive at a minimum concentration of NDGA needed to deliver maximum drug. A solution of 3% w/v delivered the maximum amount of drug at the end of 24 h (37.45 ± 4.32 μg). Short duration studies were carried out to determine the time needed to saturate skin with NDGA. There was no significant difference in the skin concentrations for 24 h and 8 h (14.89 ± 2.36 μg), due to skin saturation. However, there was significant difference in the amount of drug delivered to the epidermis (12.29 ± 1.87 μg) and dermis (2.54 ± 0.56 μg) at the end of 8 h. Solution of NDGA was applied on UV treated skin to assess changes in drug delivery. In vivo studies revealed that 3% NDGA was non-toxic for topical administration.

Toxic-Metal-Induced Alteration in miRNA Expression Profile as a Proposed Mechanism for Disease Development

Toxic metals are extensively found in the environment, households, and workplaces and contaminate food and drinking water. The crosstalk between environmental exposure to toxic metals and human diseases has been frequently described. The toxic mechanism of action was classically viewed as the ability to dysregulate the redox status, production of inflammatory mediators and alteration of mitochondrial function. Recently, growing evidence showed that heavy metals might exert their toxicity through microRNAs (miRNA)—short, single-stranded, noncoding molecules that function as positive/negative regulators of gene expression. Aberrant alteration of the endogenous miRNA has been directly implicated in various pathophysiological conditions and signaling pathways, consequently leading to different types of cancer and human diseases. Additionally, the gene-regulatory capacity of miRNAs is particularly valuable in the brain—a complex organ with neurons demonstrating a significant ability to adapt following environmental stimuli. Accordingly, dysregulated miRNAs identified in patients suffering from neurological diseases might serve as biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. This review will greatly emphasize the effect of the toxic metals on human miRNA activities and how this contributes to progression of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs).

Cancer Mortality and Deprivation in the Proximity of Polluting Industrial Facilities in an Industrial Region of Spain

Residential proximity to industrial facilities that release pollutants is a source of exposure to a high number of toxics, many of them known or suspected carcinogens. The objective of the study was to analyze the association between lung, larynx, bladder, and kidney cancer mortality and deprivation in areas proximate to polluting industrial facilities in Cadiz, a highly industrialized province in Spain. An ecological study at census tract level was carried out to estimate the mortality rates associated with deprivation and proximity to polluting industrial facilities (1–5 km) using the Besag–York–Mollié model. The results show a negative social gradient for lung and larynx cancers in males and greater risk of lung cancer was observed in the least deprived areas in females. These associations were found regardless the distance to industrial facilities. Increasing excess risk (relative risk; 95% credibility interval) of lung cancer for males (1.09; 1.02–1.16 at 5 km vs 1.24; 1.08–1.41 at 1 km) and bladder cancer for males (1.11; 1.01–1.22 at 5 km vs 1.32; 1.08–1.60 at 1 km) and females (1.32; 1.04–1.69 at 4 km vs 1.91; 1.28–2.86 at 1 km) was found as proximity to polluting industrial facilities increased. For kidney cancer, high risks were observed near such facilities for both sexes. Knowing the possible influence of industrial pollution and social inequalities over cancer risk allows the definition of policies aimed at reducing the risk.

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Arsenic Toxicity

Arsenic poisoning is a global health problem. Chronic exposure to arsenic has been associated with the development of a wide range of diseases and health problems in humans. Arsenic exposure induces the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mediate multiple changes to cell behavior by altering signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications, or cause direct oxidative damage to molecules. Antioxidants with the potential to reduce ROS levels have been shown to ameliorate arsenic-induced lesions. However, emerging evidence suggests that constructive activation of antioxidative pathways and decreased ROS levels contribute to chronic arsenic toxicity in some cases. This review details the pathways involved in arsenic-induced redox imbalance, as well as current studies on prophylaxis and treatment strategies using antioxidants.

Loss of RAD9B impairs early neural development and contributes to the risk for human spina bifida

DNA damage response (DDR) genes orchestrating the network of DNA repair, cell cycle control, are essential for the rapid proliferation of neural progenitor cells. To date, the potential association between specific DDR genes and the risk of human neural tube defects (NTDs) has not been investigated. Using whole-genome sequencing and targeted sequencing, we identified significant enrichment of rare deleterious RAD9B variants in spina bifida cases compared to controls (8/409 vs. 0/298; p = .0241). Among the eight identified variants, the two frameshift mutants and p.Gln146Glu affected RAD9B nuclear localization. The two frameshift mutants also decreased the protein level of RAD9B. p.Ser354Gly, as well as the two frameshifts, affected the cell proliferation rate. Finally, p.Ser354Gly, p.Ser10Gly, p.Ile112Met, p.Gln146Glu, and the two frameshift variants showed a decreased ability for activating JNK phosphorylation. RAD9B knockdowns in human embryonic stem cells profoundly affected early differentiation through impairing PAX6 and OCT4 expression. RAD9B deficiency impeded in vitro formation of neural organoids, a 3D cell culture model for human neural development. Furthermore, the RNA-seq data revealed that loss of RAD9B dysregulates cell adhesion genes during organoid formation. These results represent the first demonstration of a DDR gene as an NTD risk factor in humans.

Arsenic mitigation in rice grain loading via alternative irrigation by proposed water management practices

Over the past three decades, the occurrence of high concentrations of arsenic (As) in drinking-water and its subsequent poisoning in rice has been recognized as a major public-health concern globally, especially in Ganga Delta Plain with more than 80 million peoples in serious As exposure far beyond than its allowable limit. An extensive field study was conducted for consecutive four years viz. 2013 to 2016, introducing a process of intermittent irrigation pattern comparing to the conventional practice of rice cultivation in India. The practice provides a combination of aerobic and anaerobic irrigation resulting better rice productivity with lesser arsenic mobility and accumulation in rice grains. This present research finding clearly points out to the marked reduction of arsenic load from average 1.6 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg in rice grain, much closer to FAO/WHO prescribed safe limit and in the continuous practice of proposed agricultural strategy resulting in a gradual decrease of 15% bioavailable arsenic in each year. Total productivity (in kg/hectare) also increased by 540 kg/year in boro and 340 kg/year in amon subsequently achieving the prescribed safe limit of As in grain.

A review of arsenic exposure and lung cancer

As a well-established human carcinogen, arsenic has increased the risk of lung cancer over the past decades. Wide exposure to arsenic in the environment has attracted the attention of scientists. Its carcinogenicity at early life stages has been observed in certain animal studies already, yet current evidence is insufficient to extrapolate this to humans. Although the mechanisms of lung cancer induced by arsenic remain unclear, most of them are related to the biotransformation of arsenic, which would further provide target sites for precaution and therapy. This review comprehensively summarizes current studies associated to arsenic exposure and lung cancer and the mechanism of its carcinogenesis in lung cancer in three sections, namely, epidemiological studies, experimental studies, and mechanistic studies. In addition, prevention and treatment strategies as well as directions for future studies are discussed.

Anti-Wrinkling and Anti-Melanogenic Effect of Pradosia mutisii Methanol Extract

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure causes skin photoaging leading to skin wrinkling and sagging via production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). For this reason, protection from photoaging is an important feature in cosmeceutical and dermatological products. Natural product-derived biomaterials are highly desired as future possible ingredients, because these biomaterials are often safe and effective. In this study, we aimed to characterize the skin protective activity of Pradosia mutisii, traditionally used to treat sunburn and erythema. We determined the free radical scavenging, anti-melanogenic, and moisturizing effects of a methanol extract of Pradosia mutisii (Pm-ME) in keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), melanocytes (B16F10 cells), and fibroblasts (human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs)) at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Pradosia mutisii methanol extract contains coumaric acid as a major component, and the extract exhibited protective activity against UVB- and H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. This extract also suppressed the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in HaCaT cells. A reduction of Sirt-1 expression under UVB- and H₂O₂-treated conditions was recovered in HaCaT cells by Pm-ME. This extract displayed significant free radical scavenging activity according to the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assay. The Pm-ME also upregulated the expression levels of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) and transglutaminase-1 (TGM-1) in HaCaT cells, indicating a putative moisturizing activity. Interestingly, the expression of collagen type 1 (Col1A1) gene and its promoter activity, as assessed by a reporter gene assay, were found to be increased in HDF and HEK293 cells. Similarly, Pm-ME helped recover collagen levels after UVB and H₂O₂ treatment in HDFs as well as decreased the synthesis and secretion of melanin from B16F10 melanoma cells, which may indicate a beneficial whitening cosmetic value. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed MMP-9 and COX-2 expression in H₂O₂-treated HaCaT cells. Similarly, the ERK inhibitor U0126 inhibited HAS-2 in Pm-ME/H₂O₂-treated HaCaT cells. These findings suggested that inhibition of JNK and p38 and activation of ERK could be targeted by Pm-ME. Therefore, Pm-ME may exert anti-photoaging and anti-melanogenic properties via the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, which could be beneficial in the cosmeceutical industry.

Working with an environmental justice community: Nurse observation, assessment, and intervention

Environmental justice (EJ) is the concept that all people and communities, regardless of their race and socioeconomic status, are entitled to enjoy an equally clean environment and resources. Communities where residents face environmental injustice and a higher risk of being exposed to environmental hazards due to their race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are called EJ communities. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an example of nurses' involvement in observation, assessment, and intervention of an EJ community using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) model. Utilizing a multistage CBPR approach along with a mixed methods design, the project was carried out in three stages. Within the three stages, we conducted a thorough observation of the community, identified possible environmental issues, and collected health data and drinking water samples. Citizens' complaints included coal ash, failed sewer system, health issues, including kidney disorders and neuropathy. Drinking water samples (n = 59) showed lead levels higher than the health limits in 10.4% of samples. We intervened based on our short-term goal, reducing citizens' exposure to lead by education, and our long-term goal, reducing disparities, and exposures. We recommend that nurses increase their knowledge about EJ communities and environmental exposures and their health effects and be advocates for EJ communities.

Arsenic contamination in groundwater in Bangladesh: implications and challenges for healthcare policy

Arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh has been recognized as a major public problem. The arsenic contamination was first identified in the tubewell water in 1993 in a northern district of Bangladesh. Tubewells are the main source of drinking water in rural areas, and except hilly and terrace upland throughout the Bangladesh, the arsenic-contaminated tube-wells are distributed. Fifty million people of Bangladesh were estimated to be at risk of exposure to arsenic through consumption of water from contaminated tubewells. Chronic exposure to arsenic causes arsenicosis and may include multi-organ pathologies. Many of the health effects of chronic toxicity are evident in Bangladesh. Besides dermatological manifestations, noncommunicable diseases including cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and decreased intelligence quotient among the children are reported to be increasing. Cancer due to long-term low-dose arsenic exposure through consumption of contaminated water is now an important concern of Bangladesh as it is being increasingly reported from arsenic-exposed individuals. Stoppage of consumption of the arsenic-contaminated water is the mainstay of arsenicosis prevention and case management. At present, a higher proportion of the people are still consuming arsenic-contaminated water because of the lack of sustainable arsenic-safe water supply. In providing sustainable arsenic-safe water options, any option advocated should be cheap, easy to use, locally maintainable, and owned by the community. In addressing arsenic-related health issues, arsenic-exposed population needs to be brought under the coverage of the regular surveillance program for detection and subsequent management of noncommunicable diseases and cancers.

Critical role of mitosis in spontaneous late-onset Alzheimer's disease; from a Shugoshin 1 cohesinopathy mouse model

From early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) studies, the amyloid-beta hypothesis emerged as the foremost theory of the pathological causes of AD. However, how amyloid-beta accumulation is triggered and progresses toward senile plaques in spontaneous late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in humans remains unanswered. Various LOAD facilitators have been proposed, and LOAD is currently considered a complex disease with multiple causes. Mice do not normally develop LOAD. Possibly due to the multiple causes, proposed LOAD facilitators have not been able to replicate spontaneous LOAD in mice, representing a disease modeling issue. Recently, we reported spontaneous late-onset development of amyloid-beta accumulation in brains of Shugoshin 1 (Sgo1) haploinsufficient mice, a cohesinopathy-mediated chromosome instability model. The result for the first time expands disease relevance of mitosis studies to a major disease other than cancers. Reverse-engineering of the model would shed light on the process of late-onset amyloid-beta accumulation in the brain and spontaneous LOAD development, and contribute to development of interventions for LOAD. This review will discuss the Sgo1 model, our current "three-hit hypothesis" regarding LOAD development with an emphasis on critical role of prolonged mitosis in amyloid-beta accumulation, and implications for human LOAD intervention and treatment. Abbreviations: Alzheimer's disease (AD); Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD); Early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD); Shugoshin-1 (Sgo1); Chromosome Instability (CIN); apolipoprotein (Apoe); Central nervous system (CNS); Amyloid precursor protein (APP); N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA); Hazard ratio (HR); Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK); Chronic Atrial Intestinal Dysrhythmia (CAID); beta-secretase 1 (BACE); phosphor-Histone H3 (p-H3); Research and development (R&D); Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); Brain blood barrier (BBB).

A review on arsenic carcinogenesis: Epidemiology, metabolism, genotoxicity and epigenetic changes

Long-term exposure to arsenic (inorganic arsenic) is a world-wide environmental health concern. Arsenic is classified as the Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Epidemiological studies have established a strong association between inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure in drinking water and an increased incidence of cancer including bladder, liver, lung, prostate, and skin cancer. iAs also increases the risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. The molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis of iAs remain poorly defined, several mechanisms have been proposed, including genotoxicity, altered cell proliferation, oxidative stress, changes to the epigenome, disturbances of signal transduction pathways, cytotoxicity and regenerative proliferation. In this article, we will summarize current knowledge on the mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenesis and focus on integrating all these issues to garner a broader perspective.

Prevention of bladder cancer incidence and recurrence: nutrition and lifestyle

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review the influence of nutrition and lifestyle on bladder cancer incidence and recurrence and summarize food items, diets and lifestyle practices that physicians may wish to prioritize for discussion with their patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent study results suggest an association between bladder cancer incidence and several food items including meat, fruit, vegetables, milk products and oil. Micronutrient deficiency is associated with bladder cancer risk; however, it remains unclear if micronutrient supplementation can modify bladder cancer incidence. Furthermore, total fluid intake, alcohol, coffee and tea seem to have no influence on bladder cancer incidence. There is weak evidence that stress, anxiety and lack of sleep may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, whereas exercise may reduce the risk of dying from it.

SUMMARY

Several dietary items and life styles are associated with bladder cancer incidence and recurrence. However, besides smoking cessation, there is no evidence that a certain diet or lifestyle can decrease bladder cancer incidence.

Effects of Olive Oil supplementation on Sodium Arsenate-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Background:

Sodium arsenate (As), a toxic substance with induced oxidative stress, lead to hepatotoxicity. Olive oil (OO) with antioxidant property has protective effect on toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate protective effect of OO on sodium As-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Subjects and Methods:

In this experimental study, 32 adult male BALB/c mice were divided randomly into four groups: control group (received only normal saline, the same volume as other groups), OO (0.4 mL/day, gavage), sodium As (15 mg/kg, gavage), and OO + sodium As (received OO 1 h before sodium As). Drugs were given for 30 consecutive days. After the last receipt of the drugs, oxidative stress parameters [malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH)] in tissue, liver function parameters [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] in serum, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in plasma, and histopathological assays were performed.

Results:

Sodium As induced hepatic injury as indicated by significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH in serum and pathologic evidences. It also induces hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers as indicated by significant increase in levels of MDA and significant decrease in FRAP and GSH concentration. OO administration significantly improved oxidative stress parameters, histopathological changes, and enzymatic markers of liver injury.

Conclusions:

It was concluded that antioxidant activity of OO has hepatoprotective effect on As-induced hepatic injury.

Arsenic promotes the COX2/PGE2-SOX2 axis to increase the malignant stemness properties of urothelial cells

Chronic arsenic exposure is associated with the development of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). To elucidate the contribution of arsenic exposure to urothelial cancer stem cell (CSC) generation, we established an in vitro stepwise malignant model transformed by chronically exposing human urothelial cells to arsenic. Using this model, we found that chronic arsenic exposure endows urothelial cells with malignant stemness properties including increased expression of stemness-related factors such as SOX2, sphere formation, self-renewal, invasion and chemoresistance. SOX2 was gradually and irreversibly overexpressed in line with acquired sphere-forming and self-renewal abilities. Following gene set enrichment analyses of arsenic-exposed and arsenic-unexposed cells, we found COX2 as an enriched gene for oncogenic signature. Mechanistically, arsenic-induced COX2/PGE2 increases SOX2 expression that eventually promotes malignant stem cell generation and repopulation. In urine samples from 90 subjects exposed to arsenic and 91 control subjects, we found a significant linear correlation between SOX2 and COX2 expression and the potential of SOX2 and COX2 expression as urinary markers to detect subjects exposed to arsenic. Furthermore, the combination marker yielded a high sensitivity for UCB detection in a separate cohort. Finally, our in vitro model exhibits basal-type molecular features and dual inhibition of EGFR and COX2 attenuated stem cell enrichment more efficiently than an EGFR inhibitor alone. In conclusion, the COX2/PGE2-SOX2 axis promotes arsenic-induced malignant stem cell transformation. In addition, our findings indicate the possible use of SOX2 and COX2 expression as urinary markers for the risk stratification and detection of UCB.

Role of Dietary Cancer-Preventive Phytochemicals in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells

Purpose of review

This article provides a brief overview of cancer-preventive phytochemicals specifically targeting pancreatic cancer (PC) stem cells for prevention and treatment.

Recent findings

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small proportion of the total cells of a given tumor, and contribute to tumor growth, recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Many intertwined pathways, including hedgehog, Wnt Signaling, and NOTCH, have been shown to play a role in the formation of CSCs. Recently, numerous chemopreventive agents, such as genistein, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), sulforaphane, curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin, have been shown to target CSCs mediated through the inhibition of multiple signalling pathways, to avoid toxicity and the side effects of chemical compounds.

Summary

A growing body of research suggests that CSCs are the drivers in treatment resistance, cancer recurrence, and metastasis, in addition to tumor initiation and heterogeneity. Patient survival depends on these CSCs, which are one cause of tumor recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy. Therefore, target selection; an improved understanding of CSC biology, the genetic and molecular profiles of CSCs, and their key signaling pathways, and; appropriate clinical trials endpoints that are designed to target CSCs will help in the development of drugs that will specifically target this small population of stem cells.

Epigenetic alteration of mismatch repair genes in the population chronically exposed to arsenic in West Bengal, India

INTRODUCTION

Arsenic exposure and its adverse health outcome, including the association with cancer risk are well established from several studies across the globe. The present study aims to analyze the epigenetic regulation of key mismatch repair (MMR) genes in the arsenic-exposed population.

METHOD

A case-control study was conducted involving two hundred twenty four (N=224) arsenic exposed [with skin lesion (WSL=110) and without skin lesion (WOSL=114)] and one hundred and two (N=102) unexposed individuals. The methylation status of key MMR genes i.e. MLH1, MSH2, and PMS2 were analyzed using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The gene expression was studied by qRTPCR. The expression of H3K36me3, which was earlier reported to be an important regulator of MMR pathway, was assessed using ELISA.

RESULTS

Arsenic-exposed individuals showed significant promoter hypermethylation (p < 0.0001) of MLH1 and MSH2 compared to those unexposed with consequent down-regulation in their gene expression [MLH1 (p=0.001) and MSH2 (p<0.05)]. However, no significant association was found in expression and methylation of PMS2 with arsenic exposure. We found significant down-regulation of H3K36me3 in the arsenic-exposed group, most significantly in the WSL group (p<0.0001). The expression of SETD2, the methyltransferase of an H3K36me3 moiety was found to be unaltered in arsenic exposure, suggesting the involvement of other regulatory factors yet to be identified.

DISCUSSION

In summary, the epigenetic repression of DNA damage repair genes due to promoter hypermethylation of MLH1 and MSH2 and inefficient recruitment of MMR complex at the site of DNA damage owing to the reduced level of H3K36me3 impairs the mismatch repair pathway that might render the arsenic-exposed individuals more susceptible towards DNA damage and associated cancer risk.

Gendermetrics of cancer research: results from a global analysis on lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer research is critically dependent on a continuous recruitment of junior research staff that devotes its academic life not only to clinical duties but also to basic and translational research. The present study aims to elucidate the success concerning gender equality in cancer research in the last decade (from 2008 to 2016) with lung cancer as the target parameter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On the basis of the Gendermetrics Platform, a total of 19,724 articles related to lung cancer research were analyzed. The key method was the combined analysis of the proportion of female authorships and the female-to-male odds ratio for first, co- and last authorships. The distribution of prestigious authorships was measured by the Prestige Index.

RESULTS

31.3% of all authorships and 35.2% of the first, 32.2% of the co- and 22.1% of the last authorships were held by women. The corresponding female-to-male odds ratio is 1.22 (CI: 1.18-1.27) for first, 1.19 (CI: 1.16-1.23) for co- and 0.59 (CI: 0.57-0.61) for last authorships. Women are underrepresented at prestigious authorships compared to men (Prestige Index = -0.22). The female underrepresentation accentuates in articles with many authors that attract the highest citation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

While the current system promotes early career promotion of women, men still outnumber women in leadership positions. However, this male-female career dichotomy has been narrowed in the last decade and will likely be further reduced in the next decade.