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Misawa T, Kagawa T, Ohgami N, Tazaki A, Ohnuma S, Naito H, Chen D, Gu Y, Tamura T, Wakai K, Nishiwaki K, Kato M. Elevated level of urinary tellurium is a potential risk for increase of blood pressure in humans and mice. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108735. [PMID: 38761428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People worldwide are routinely exposed to tellurium mainly via dietary ingestion. There has been no study to clarify the contribution of tellurium to blood pressure in humans or animals. METHODS In this cross-sectional study conducted in a general population of 2592 residents in Japan, the associations of urinary tellurium levels with blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension were investigated. The potential sources of tellurium were also investigated. An interventional study in mice confirmed the effect of tellurium exposure on blood pressure. RESULTS Linear and logistic regression analyses with consideration of confounders including urinary sodium-potassium ratio showed significant positive associations of urinary tellurium level with prevalence of hypertension and blood pressure. Cereals/beans and vegetables/fruits were determined to be potential dietary sources of tellurium exposure. Intermediary analysis suggested that increased intake of cereals/beans, but not that of vegetables/fruits, is positively associated with the tellurium-mediated risk of hypertension. Correspondingly, the mouse study showed that exposure to a putative human-equivalent dose of tellurium via drinking water increased blood pressure with an elevated level of urinary tellurium. The temporally increased blood pressure was decreased to the normal level by a break of tellurium exposure with a reduced level of urinary tellurium. CONCLUSIONS The interdisciplinary approach provided the first evidence that tellurium exposure is a potential risk for increase of blood pressure. Since the human urinary tellurium level in this study is comparable with the levels in general populations in other Asian and European countries in previous studies, exposure to tellurium may be a latent universal risk for hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Misawa
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Anesthesiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takumi Kagawa
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Ohgami
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Hygiene, Fujita Heath University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Tazaki
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shoko Ohnuma
- Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hisao Naito
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Dijie Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yishuo Gu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takashi Tamura
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenji Wakai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Nishiwaki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masashi Kato
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; Department of Voluntary Body for International Health Care in Universities, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
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Haas R, Nikel PI. Challenges and opportunities in bringing nonbiological atoms to life with synthetic metabolism. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:27-45. [PMID: 35786519 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The relatively narrow spectrum of chemical elements within the microbial 'biochemical palate' limits the reach of biotechnology, because several added-value compounds can only be produced with traditional organic chemistry. Synthetic biology offers enabling tools to tackle this issue by facilitating 'biologization' of non-canonical chemical atoms. The interplay between xenobiology and synthetic metabolism multiplies routes for incorporating nonbiological atoms into engineered microbes. In this review, we survey natural assimilation routes for elements beyond the essential biology atoms [i.e., carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S)], discussing how these mechanisms could be repurposed for biotechnology. Furthermore, we propose a computational framework to identify chemical elements amenable to biologization, ranking reactions suitable to build synthetic metabolism. When combined and deployed in robust microbial hosts, these approaches will offer sustainable alternatives for smart chemical production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Haas
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pablo I Nikel
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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Ashraf MW, Haider SI, Solangi AR, Memon AF. Toxicity of tellurium and its compounds. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2021-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Tellurium (Te) is widely used in industry because of its unique physicochemical properties. In the general population, foodstuff like meat, dairy products, and cereals is the major source of tellurium exposure. In the occupational environment, inhalational exposure predominates. Due to its exceptional properties as a metalloid, Te is broadly used in the industry. For example, Te is used as an alloy for solar panels, phase change optical magnetic disks, and Peltier devices. Recently, alloys of Te with cadmium, zinc, and other metals are used for nanomaterials, such as quantum dots. Thus, it is suggested that there is an existence of risk of exposure to Te in everyday life. Commercial Te is mostly obtained from slimes of electrolytic copper refineries. Te concentration in the slimes can extend up to 10% or more. Slight levels of its organic compounds may also be absorbed via skin. Not much information is available to prove Te as carcinogenic but its toxicity is well established. The present paper will review the toxicity of Te and its compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqar Ashraf
- Mathematics & Natural Sciences , Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University , Azizeyah , Al-Khobar , 31952 , Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Amber Rehana Solangi
- Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry , University of Sindh , Jamshoro , Pakistan
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Tellurium: A Rare Element with Influence on Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Biological Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115924. [PMID: 34072929 PMCID: PMC8199023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metalloid tellurium is characterized as a chemical element belonging to the chalcogen group without known biological function. However, its compounds, especially the oxyanions, exert numerous negative effects on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Recent evidence suggests that increasing environmental pollution with tellurium has a causal link to autoimmune, neurodegenerative and oncological diseases. In this review, we provide an overview about the current knowledge on the mechanisms of tellurium compounds' toxicity in bacteria and humans and we summarise the various ways organisms cope and detoxify these compounds. Over the last decades, several gene clusters conferring resistance to tellurium compounds have been identified in a variety of bacterial species and strains. These genetic determinants exhibit great genetic and functional diversity. Besides the existence of specific resistance mechanisms, tellurium and its toxic compounds interact with molecular systems, mediating general detoxification and mitigation of oxidative stress. We also discuss the similarity of tellurium and selenium biochemistry and the impact of their compounds on humans.
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Tellurium epigenetic transgenerational effects on behavioral expression of coping behavior in rats. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 245:247-261. [PMID: 30961869 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
An increasing interest has been developed in the past 15 years in the relationship between trace elements and cell functioning. In the present work the possibility of transgenerational effects of Te was investigated in rats. F1 generation exposed to K2TeO3 (1.55nM) from day 1 of pregnancy until litters were 30 day old, these animals with no other treatment than tap water and food were let to reach 60-70 day old. At this age, female rats were mated with normal untreated male rats. The F2 generation also without any Te treatment was allowed to grow until 30 days of age. At this age, behavioral tests measuring exploration induced by novelty, lateralized exploration, social interaction and survival behavior were applied. Results showed that head-dipping, rearing, lateralized exploration, social interaction, and survival behaviors, affected by Te treatment in F1 generation, also were modified in the same manner in F2 generation. These data show that Te effects on coping behavior in rats are preserved epigenetically in the next generation.
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Yang C, Hao R, Lan YF, Chen YJ, Wang C, Bu N, Wang QQ, Hussain L, Ma LY, Maimaitiyiming Y, Lu XY, Naranmandura H. Integrity of zinc finger motifs in PML protein is necessary for inducing its degradation by antimony. Metallomics 2019; 11:1419-1429. [DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00102f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of zinc ions in a zinc finger motif of a PML protein is a fundamental requirement for the protein's degradation by antimony.
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Dobrzyński D, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Sugimori K. Hydrogeochemical and biomedical insights into germanium potential of curative waters: a case study of health resorts in the Sudetes Mountains (Poland). ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1355-1375. [PMID: 29299858 PMCID: PMC6061135 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Germanium is considered to be a non-essential element; however, little is still known about its significance for living organisms. It exerts prophylactic and therapeutic effects in the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer, HIV infection, and others. Germanium does not exhibit acute toxicity, but, as it tends to accumulate in various organs and tissues, undesirable and even dangerous side effects have been reported after prolonged and/or high dosage application. In general, inorganic compounds of germanium are more toxic than its organic compounds. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the exact molecular mechanism of germanium action, to determine the safe and effective dose of germanium via curative/mineral waters, and to understand the applications and benefits of using germanium-enriched waters in balneotherapy. The geochemistry of curative (cold CO2-rich, thermal) waters from spas in the Sudetes (Poland) was clarified in terms of components and mineral phases which might govern germanium. Germanium and silicon in thermal (above 20 °C) waters presumably result from the solubility of silicates in crystalline (granites, gneisses) aquifer rocks and might be controlled by neo-formed quartz. The cold CO2-rich waters revealed a significant diversity of aqueous chemistry and relationships of germanium with iron, silicon, or arsenic. Locally, both in sedimentary (sandstones) and metamorphic (gneisses) aquifer rocks, primary (silicates) and/or secondary (oxides) iron-containing minerals likely release germanium into solution. In the CO2-rich waters of the western part of the Kłodzko Region, germanium distinctly correlates with arsenic. It is hypothesized that both elements are co-sourced from crystalline basement and/or migration of substances of post-magmatic origin along deep-seated dislocations related to the seismically active Poříčí-Hronov fault zone. This area was proposed as the most prospective one for finding waters rich in germanium in the Sudetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Dobrzyński
- Department of Hydrogeochemistry and Groundwater Dynamics, Faculty of Geology, University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 93, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Department of Medical Chemistry, I Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kenji Sugimori
- Department of Biology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, 5-21-16, Oomori-nishi, Oota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
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Ogra Y, Awaya Y, Anan Y. Comparison of accumulation of four metalloids in Allium sativum. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 94:604-608. [PMID: 25733447 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-015-1508-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the accumulation and metabolism of four metalloids: arsenic (As), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), and tellurium (Te) in garlic to determine whether garlic can be used for the phytoremediation of those metalloids. Garlic was able to efficiently accumulate As and Se, the two-fourth-period metalloids. However, it was not able to accumulate Sb and Te, the two-fifth-period metalloids, because their bioaccumulation factors were below one. Speciation analyses revealed that four metalloids could be metabolized in garlic, although their metabolites could not be identified yet. Results also suggested that garlic was able to distinguish the metalloids in groups 15 and 16 and the fourth and fifth periods, i.e., As, Se, Sb, and Te. Therefore, garlic is one of the potential plants for the phytoremediation of the fourth-period metalloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumitsu Ogra
- Laboratory of Chemical Toxicology and Environmental Health, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Machida, Tokyo, 194-8543, Japan,
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Tokumoto M, Kutsukake N, Yamanishi E, Katsuta D, Anan Y, Ogra Y. Arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase is a specific but replaceable factor against arsenic toxicity. Toxicol Rep 2014; 1:589-595. [PMID: 28962272 PMCID: PMC5598430 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AS3MT catalyzed the methylation of arsenic. Selenium and tellurium were not methylated in the presence of AS3MT. AS3MT knockdown had no effect on the cytotoxicity of arsenic.
Inorganic metalloids, such as arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te), are methylated in biota. In particular, As, Se, and Te are methylated and excreted in urine. The biomethylation is thought to be a means to detoxify the metalloids. The methylation of As is catalyzed by arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT). However, it is still unclear whether AS3MT catalyzes the methylation of the other metalloids. It is also unclear whether other factors catalyze the As methylation instead of AS3MT. Recombinant human AS3MT (rhAS3MT) was prepared and used in the in vitro methylation of As, Se, and Te. As, but not Se and Te, was specifically methylated in the presence of rhAS3MT. Then, siRNA targeting AS3MT was introduced into human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Although AS3MT protein expression was completely silenced by the gene knockdown, no increase in As toxicity was found in the HepG2 cells transfected with AS3MT-targeting siRNA. We conclude that AS3MT catalyzes the methylation of As and not other biomethylatable metalloids, such as Se and Te. We speculate that other methylation enzyme(s) also catalyze the methylation of As in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yasumitsu Ogra
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +81 42 721 1563; fax: +81 42 721 1563
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumitsu OGRA
- Laboratory of Chemical Toxicology and Environmental Health, Showa Pharmaceutical University
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Ba LA, Döring M, Jamier V, Jacob C. Tellurium: an element with great biological potency and potential. Org Biomol Chem 2010; 8:4203-16. [PMID: 20714663 DOI: 10.1039/c0ob00086h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tellurium has long appeared as a nearly 'forgotten' element in Biology, with most studies focusing on tellurite, tellurate and a handful of organic tellurides. During the last decade, several discoveries have fuelled a renewed interest in this element. Bioincorporation of telluromethionine provides a new approach to add heavy atoms to selected sites in proteins. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanoparticles are fluorescent and may be used as quantum dots in imaging and diagnosis. The antibiotic properties of tellurite, long known yet almost forgotten, have attracted renewed interest, especially since the biochemical mechanisms of tellurium cytotoxicity are beginning to emerge. The close chemical relationship between tellurium and sulfur also transcends into in vitro and in vivo situations and provides new impetus for the development of enzyme inhibitors and redox modulators, some of which may be of interest in the field of antibiotics and anticancer drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalla Aicha Ba
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, PO Box 151150, D-66123, Saarbruecken, Germany
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Simultaneously discrete biomineralization of magnetite and tellurium nanocrystals in magnetotactic bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:5526-32. [PMID: 20581185 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00589-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize intracellular magnetosomes comprising membrane-enveloped magnetite crystals within the cell which can be manipulated by a magnetic field. Here, we report the first example of tellurium uptake and crystallization within a magnetotactic bacterial strain, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1. These bacteria independently crystallize tellurium and magnetite within the cell. This is also highly significant as tellurite (TeO(3)(2-)), an oxyanion of tellurium, is harmful to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Additionally, due to its increasing use in high-technology products, tellurium is very precious and commercially desirable. The use of microorganisms to recover such molecules from polluted water has been considered as a promising bioremediation technique. However, cell recovery is a bottleneck in the development of this approach. Recently, using the magnetic property of magnetotactic bacteria and a cell surface modification technology, the magnetic recovery of Cd(2+) adsorbed onto the cell surface was reported. Crystallization within the cell enables approximately 70 times more bioaccumulation of the pollutant per cell than cell surface adsorption, while utilizing successful recovery with a magnetic field. This fascinating dual crystallization of magnetite and tellurium by magnetotactic bacteria presents an ideal system for both bioremediation and magnetic recovery of tellurite.
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OGRA Y. Toxicometallomics for Research on the Toxicology of Exotic Metalloids Based on Speciation Studies. ANAL SCI 2009; 25:1189-95. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.25.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasumitsu OGRA
- Laboratory of Chemical Toxicology and Environmental Health, Showa Pharmaceutical University
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