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Marinaro C, Marino A, Bianchi AR, Berman B, Trifuoggi M, Marano A, Palumbo G, Chianese T, Scudiero R, Rosati L, De Maio A, Lettieri G, Piscopo M. Molecular and toxicological mechanisms behind the effects of chromium (VI) on the male reproductive system of Mytilus galloprovincialis: First evidence for poly-ADP-ribosylation of protamine-like II. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 401:111186. [PMID: 39116916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111186] [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] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the molecular mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity in invertebrate reproduction are limited. Given that PARP-catalysed ADP-ribosylation is also involved in counteracting heavy metal toxicity and maintaining genomic integrity, and that PARylation is implicated in chromatin remodelling but its role in sperm chromatin remains to be elucidated, we investigated the effects of chromium(VI) at 1, 10 and 100 nM on the reproductive health of Mytilus galloprovincialis. The damage to the gonads was assessed by morphological analyses and the damage indices PARP and ɣH2A.X were measured. Changes in the binding of protamine-like (PL) to DNA and the possibility of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of PL proteins were also investigated. Gonadal chromium accumulation and morphological damage were found, especially when the mussels were exposed to the highest dose of chromium(VI). In addition, the maximum expression of gonadal ɣH2A.X and PARP were obtained at 100 and 10 nM Cr(VI), respectively. Interestingly, for the first time in all exposed conditions, poly(ADP)-ribosylation was detected on PL-II, which, together with PL-III and PL-IV, are the major nuclear basic proteins of Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm chromatin. Since PL-II is involved in the final high level of sperm chromatin compaction, this post-translational modification altered the binding of the PL protein to DNA, favouring the action of micrococcal nuclease on sperm chromatin. This study provides new insights into the effects of chromium(VI) on Mytilus galloprovincialis reproductive system and proposes a molecular mechanism hypothesis describing the toxic effects of this metal on PL-DNA binding, sperm chromatin and gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Marino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Berman
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 21,80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 21,80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Palumbo
- Commodity Science Laboratory, Department of Economics, Management and Institutions, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy; CIRAM, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca "Ambiente", University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna De Maio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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Kang B, Wang J, Guo S, Yang L. Mercury-induced toxicity: Mechanisms, molecular pathways, and gene regulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173577. [PMID: 38852866 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known neurotoxicant for humans and wildlife. The epidemic of mercury poisoning in Japan has clearly demonstrated that chronic exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) results in serious neurological damage to the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, leading to the dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS), especially in infants exposed to MeHg in utero. The occurrences of poisoning have caused a wide public concern regarding the health risk emanating from MeHg exposure; particularly those eating large amounts of fish may experience the low-level and long-term exposure. There is growing evidence that MeHg at environmentally relevant concentrations can affect the health of biota in the ecosystem. Although extensive in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the disruption of redox homeostasis and microtube assembly is mainly responsible for mercurial toxicity leading to adverse health outcomes, it is still unclear whether we could quantitively determine the occurrence of interaction between mercurial and thiols and/or selenols groups of proteins linked directly to outcomes, especially at very low levels of exposure. Furthermore, intracellular calcium homeostasis, cytoskeleton, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter release, and DNA methylation may be the targets of mercury compounds; however, the primary targets associated with the adverse outcomes remain to be elucidated. Considering these knowledge gaps, in this article, we conducted a comprehensive review of mercurial toxicity, focusing mainly on the mechanism, and genes/proteins expression. We speculated that comprehensive analyses of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics could enhance interpretation of "omics" profiles, which may reveal specific biomarkers obviously correlated with specific pathways that mediate selective neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Jinghan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Shaojuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, 100012 Beijing, China.
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Piscopo M, Marinaro C, Lettieri G. The Multifaceted Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Health and Ecosystems. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1021. [PMID: 39199408 PMCID: PMC11352651 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollutants have pervasive and far-reaching effects on both ecosystems and human health [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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Marinaro C, Lettieri G, Chianese T, Bianchi AR, Zarrelli A, Palatucci D, Scudiero R, Rosati L, De Maio A, Piscopo M. Exploring the molecular and toxicological mechanism associated with interactions between heavy metals and the reproductive system of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109778. [PMID: 37866452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A large number of heavy metals resulted toxic to the reproductive system, but invertebrate infertility has been poorly explored, and above all, there are limited molecular, cellular and toxicological studies. In the present work, we exposed Mytilus galloprovincialis to three individual metal chlorides (CuCl2 15 μM, CdCl2 1.5 μM, NiCl2 15 μM) and their mixture for 24 h, to evaluate the effects on the protamine-like proteins (PLs), sperm DNA and on their interaction in the formation of sperm chromatin. Under all exposure conditions, but particularly after exposure to the metals mix, relevant changes in the electrophoretic pattern, by AU-PAGE and SDS-PAGE, and in fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of PLs were shown. In addition, alterations in DNA binding of these proteins were observed by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and through their release from sperm nuclei. Moreover, there was evidence of increased accessibility of micrococcal nuclease to sperm chromatin, which was also confirmed by toluidine blue staining. Furthermore, morphological analyses indicated severe gonadal impairments which was also corroborated by increased PARP expression, by Western blotting, and sperm DNA fragmentation, by comet assay. Finally, we investigated the expression of stress genes, gst, hsp70 and mt10, in gonadal tissue. The latter investigations also showed that exposure to this metals mix was more harmful than exposure to the individual metals tested. The present results suggest that these metals and in particular their mixture could have a negative impact on the reproductive fitness of M. galloprovincialis. Based on these evidences, we propose a molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Palatucci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Maio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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Lettieri G, Marinaro C, Brogna C, Montano L, Lombardi M, Trotta A, Troisi J, Piscopo M. A Metabolomic Analysis to Assess the Responses of the Male Gonads of Mytilus galloprovincialis after Heavy Metal Exposure. Metabolites 2023; 13:1168. [PMID: 38132850 PMCID: PMC10744773 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13121168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, metabolomics has become a valuable new resource in environmental monitoring programs based on the use of bio-indicators such as Mytilus galloprovincialis. The reproductive system is extremely susceptible to the effects of environmental pollutants, and in a previous paper, we showed metabolomic alterations in mussel spermatozoa exposed to metal chlorides of copper, nickel, and cadmium, and the mixture with these metals. In order to obtain a better overview, in the present work, we evaluated the metabolic changes in the male gonad under the same experimental conditions used in the previous work, using a metabolomic approach based on GC-MS analysis. A total of 248 endogenous metabolites were identified in the male gonads of mussels. Statistical analyses of the data, including partial least squares discriminant analysis, enabled the identification of key metabolites through the use of variable importance in projection scores. Furthermore, a metabolite enrichment analysis revealed complex and significant interactions within different metabolic pathways and between different metabolites. Particularly significant were the results on pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, which highlighted the complex and interconnected nature of these biochemical processes in mussel gonads. Overall, these results add new information to the understanding of how certain pollutants may affect specific physiological functions of mussel gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Brogna
- Department of Research, Craniomed Group Facility S.r.l., 20091 Bresso, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of LifeStyle Medicine in Uro-Andrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Martina Lombardi
- Theoreo S.r.l.—Spin-off Company, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessio Trotta
- Theoreo S.r.l.—Spin-off Company, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Theoreo S.r.l.—Spin-off Company, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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Esposito MC, Russo GL, Riva L, Punta C, Corsi I, Tosti E, Gallo A. Nanostructured cellulose sponge engineered for marine environmental remediation: Eco-safety assessment of its leachate on sea urchin reproduction (Part A). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122169. [PMID: 37437755 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructured cellulose sponges (CNS) have been developed as eco-friendly and sustainable engineered materials for marine environmental remediation. Despite their functionality, sensitivity, efficiency and specificity have been proved, CNS application is still limited since their environmental safety (eco-safety) has not been completely assessed. In this study, CNS were allowed to leach in natural seawater simulating the remediation process condition and the eco-safety of CNS leachate on sea urchin reproduction has been assessed by carrying out a multi-response integrated approach, combining standardized ecotoxicity tests, innovative bioassays and gamete quality assessment. Overall, the ecotoxicity data indicate that CNS leachate affects gamete quality, gamete fertilisation competence, and embryo development probably associated with the release of chemical additives used during the synthesis process. However, in the framework of the eco-design approach, consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater open the route for a new safety protocol successfully solving the ecotoxicity while maintaining CNS sorbent properties. A safe environmental application of the resulting conditioned CNS for seawater pollution remediation is envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Esposito
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, via Roma 64, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Laura Riva
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Carlo Punta
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano and INSTM Local Unit, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy.
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Lettieri G, Marinaro C, Notariale R, Perrone P, Lombardi M, Trotta A, Troisi J, Piscopo M. Impact of Heavy Metal Exposure on Mytilus galloprovincialis Spermatozoa: A Metabolomic Investigation. Metabolites 2023; 13:943. [PMID: 37623886 PMCID: PMC10456258 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics is a method that provides an overview of the physiological and cellular state of a specific organism or tissue. This method is particularly useful for studying the influence the environment can have on organisms, especially those used as bio-indicators, e.g., Mytilus galloprovincialis. Nevertheless, a scarcity of data on the complete metabolic baseline of mussel tissues still exists, but more importantly, the effect of mussel exposure to certain heavy metals on spermatozoa is unknown, also considering that, in recent years, the reproductive system has proved to be very sensitive to the effects of environmental pollutants. In order to fill this knowledge gap, the similarities and differences in the metabolic profile of spermatozoa of mussels exposed to metallic chlorides of copper, nickel, and cadmium, and to the mixture to these metals, were studied using a metabolomics approach based on GC-MS analysis, and their physiological role was discussed. A total of 237 endogenous metabolites were identified in the spermatozoa of these mussel. The data underwent preprocessing steps and were analyzed using statistical methods such as PLS-DA. The results showed effective class separation and identified key metabolites through the VIP scores. Heatmaps and cluster analysis further evaluated the metabolites. The metabolite-set enrichment analysis revealed complex interactions within metabolic pathways and metabolites, especially involving glucose and central carbon metabolism and oxidative stress metabolism. Overall, the results of this study are useful to better understand how some pollutants can affect the specific physiological functions of the spermatozoa of this mussel, as well as for further GC-MS-based metabolomic health and safety studies of marine bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Notariale
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Perrone
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi de Crecchio, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Lombardi
- Theoreo S.R.L.—Spin-off Company of the University of Salerno, 84098 Montecorvino Pugliano (SA), Italy
| | - Alessio Trotta
- Theoreo S.R.L.—Spin-off Company of the University of Salerno, 84098 Montecorvino Pugliano (SA), Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Theoreo S.R.L.—Spin-off Company of the University of Salerno, 84098 Montecorvino Pugliano (SA), Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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Boudjema K, Moulai-Mostefa N, Badis A. Baseline levels of integrated biomarker response index (IBR) in Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) of BouIsmail bay for monitoring Algerian Bays (Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115022. [PMID: 37172344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) technique was used to determine the relationship between the integrated biomarker response index (IBR) with the most important confounding factors (Temperature, pH, Salinity and Dissolved oxygen), in order to define: (1) the baseline assessment criteria (BAC), (2) the environmental assessment criteria (EAC) and (3) the BouIsmail Bay (BIB) -Taxonomy by using Mytilus galloprovincialis sampled from two references sites in BIB (W. Tipaza, Algeria) during one season. Therefore, our results show that, the temperature appeared as a major factor for the explanation of the model. The coefficients of determination and F values for IBR validated the efficiency of model. In addition, the use MLR, BAC and EAC values in BIB-Taxonomy can deference between unpolluted and polluted areas in BouIsmail Bay in particular and Algerian Bays in general. This approach is therefore a valuable tool that could be used for monitoring the coastal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Boudjema
- National Centre for Research and Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NCRDFA), 42004 Bousmail, W. Tipaza, Algeria.
| | - Nadji Moulai-Mostefa
- Laboratory of Materials and Environment (LME), University of Medea, Ain D'Heb, 26001, Medea, Algeria
| | - Abdelmalek Badis
- Laboratory of Natural Substances Chemistry and BioMolecules (LNSC-BioM), University of Blida 1, 09000 Blida, Algeria
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A Molecular Mechanism to Explain the Nickel-Induced Changes in Protamine-like Proteins and Their DNA Binding Affecting Sperm Chromatin in Mytilus galloprovincialis: An In Vitro Study. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030520. [PMID: 36979455 PMCID: PMC10046793 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nickel is associated with reproductive toxicity, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of nickel-induced effects on sperm chromatin and protamine-like proteins (PLs). In the present work, we analyzed PLs from Mytilus galloprovincialis by urea-acetic acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AU-PAGE) and SDS-PAGE and assessed their binding to DNA by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) after exposing mussels to 5, 15, and 35 µM NiCl2 for 24 h. In addition, a time course of digestion with MNase and release of PLs from sperm nuclei by the NaCl gradient was performed. For all exposure doses, in AU-PAGE, there was an additional migrating band between PL-III and PL-IV, corresponding to a fraction of PLs in the form of peptides detected by SDS-PAGE. Alterations in DNA binding of PLs were observed by EMSA after exposure to 5 and 15 µM NiCl2, while, at all NiCl2 doses, increased accessibility of MNase to sperm chromatin was found. The latter was particularly relevant at 15 µM NiCl2, a dose at which increased release of PLII and PLIII from sperm nuclei and the highest value of nickel accumulated in the gonads were also found. Finally, at all exposure doses, there was also an increase in PARP expression, but especially at 5 µM NiCl2. A possible molecular mechanism for the toxic reproductive effects of nickel in Mytilus galloprovincialis is discussed.
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Pro-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Human and Murine Intestinal Cell Lines. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010140. [PMID: 36671525 PMCID: PMC9856121 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic is a polymer extremely resistant to degradation that can remain for up to hundreds or thousands of years, leading to the accumulation of massive amounts of plastic waste throughout the planet's ecosystems. Due to exposure to various environmental factors, plastic breaks down into smaller particles named microplastics (1-5000 μm) and nanoplastics (<1 μm). Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants but, still, little is known about their effects on human and animal health. Herein, our aim is to investigate cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation and correlated gene modulation following exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in HRT-18 and CMT-93 epithelial cell lines. After 6, 24 and 48 h PS-MPs treatment, cell viability (MTT) and oxidative stress (SOD) assays were performed; subsequently, expression changes and cytokines release were investigated by Real-Time PCR and Magnetic-beads panel Multiplex Assay, respectively. For each exposure time, a significantly increased cytotoxicity was observed in both cell lines, whereas SOD activity increased only in CMT-93 cells. Furthermore, Magnetic-beads Multiplex Assay revealed an increased release of IL-8 in HRT-18 cells' medium, also confirmed by gene expression analysis. Results obtained suggest the presence of a pro-inflammatory pattern induced by PS-MPs treatment that could be related to the observed increase in cytotoxicity.
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Moriello C, Costabile M, Spinelli M, Amoresano A, Palumbo G, Febbraio F, Piscopo M. Altered Expression of Protamine-like and Their DNA Binding Induced by Cr(VI): A Possible Risk to Spermatogenesis? Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050700. [PMID: 35625627 PMCID: PMC9138527 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromium (VI) is the most dangerous oxidation state among the stable forms of chromium. In this work, we evaluated the effect of exposing Mytilus galloprovincialis for 24 h to 1, 10, and 100 nM chromium (VI) on the properties of Protamine-like (PLs) and their gene levels in the gonads. Specifically, we analyzed, by AU-PAGE and SDS-PAGE, PLs extracted from unexposed and exposed mussels. In addition, via EMSA, we evaluated the ability of PLs to bind DNA and also verified their potential to protect DNA from oxidative damage. Finally, we assessed possible alterations in gonadal expression of mt10, hsp70, and genes encoding for PLs-II/PL-IV and PL-III. We found that for all experimental approaches the most relevant alterations occurred after exposure to 1 nM Cr(VI). In particular, a comigration of PL-II with PL-III was observed by SDS-PAGE; and a reduced ability of PLs to bind and protect DNA from oxidative damage was recorded. This dose of chromium (VI) exposure was also the one that produced the greatest alterations in the expression of both mt10 and PL-II/PL-IV encoding genes. All of these changes suggest that this dose of chromium (VI) exposure could affect the reproductive health of Mytilus galloprovincialis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Moriello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Costabile
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Spinelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.S.); (A.A.)
| | - Giancarlo Palumbo
- Commodity Science Laboratory, Department of Economics, Management and Institutions, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ferdinando Febbraio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Verderame M, Chianese T, Rosati L, Scudiero R. Molecular and Histological Effects of Glyphosate on Testicular Tissue of the Lizard Podarcis siculus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4850. [PMID: 35563240 PMCID: PMC9100619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The expansion of agriculture produces a steady increase in habitat fragmentation and degradation due to the increased use of pesticides and herbicides. Habitat loss and alteration associated with crop production play an important role in reptile decline, among which lizards are particularly endangered. In this study, we evaluated testicular structure, steroidogenesis, and estrogen receptor expression/localization after three weeks of oral exposure to glyphosate at 0.05 and 0.5 μg/kg body weight every other day in the field lizard Podarcis siculus. Our results show that glyphosate affected testicular morphology, reduced spermatogenesis, altered gap junctions and changed the localization of estrogen receptors in germ cells, increasing their expression; the effects were mostly dose-dependent. The result also demonstrates that glyphosate, at least at these concentrations, did not influence steroidogenesis. Overall, the data indicate that this herbicide can disturb the morphophysiology of the male lizard's reproductive system, with obviously detrimental effects on their reproductive fitness. The effects of glyphosate must be considered biologically relevant and could endanger the reproductive capacity not only of lizards but also of other vertebrates, including humans; a more controlled and less intensive use of glyphosate in areas devoted to crop production would therefore be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Human, Philosophic and Education Sciences (DISUFF), University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
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