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Salucci S, Giordani M, Betti M, Valentini L, Gobbi P, Mattioli M. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of natural (fibrous epsomite crystals) and synthetic (Epsom salt) magnesium sulfate. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:685-694. [PMID: 37982323 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mineral fibers represents an occupational and environmental hazard since particulate inhalation leads to several health disorders. However, few data are available on the effect of fibers with high solubility like natural epsomite, a water-soluble fiber with an inhalable size that allows it to penetrate biological systems, with regard to the respiratory tract. This study evaluated the natural (fibrous epsomite) and synthetic (Epsom salt) magnesium sulfate pathogenicity. Investigations have been performed through morpho-functional and biochemical analyses, in an in vitro cell model that usually grows as monocytes, but that under appropriate conditions differentiates into macrophages. These latter, known as alveolar macrophages, if referred to lungs, represent the first line of defense against harmful inhaled stimuli. Morphological observations reveal that, if Epsom salt induces osmotic stress on cell culture, natural epsomite fibers lead to cellular alterations including thickening of the nuclear envelope and degenerated mitochondria. Moreover, the insoluble fraction (impurities) internalized by cells induces diffuse damage characterized at the highest dosage and exposure time by secondary necrosis or necrotic cell death features. Biochemical analyses confirm this mineral behavior that involves MAPK pathway activation, resulting in many different cellular responses ranging from proliferation control to cell death. Epsom salt leads to MAPK/ERK activation, a marker predictive of overall survival. Unlike, natural epsomite induces upregulation of MAPK/p38 protein involved in the phosphorylation of downstream targets driving necrotic cell death. These findings demonstrate natural epsomite toxicity on U937 cell culture, making the inhalation of these fibers potentially hazardous for human health. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Natural epsomite and synthetic Epsom salt effects have been evaluated in U937 cell model. Epsom salt induces an osmotic cellular stress. Natural epsomite fibers lead to cellular damage and can be considered potentially dangerous for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Giordani
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Betti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DISB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Laura Valentini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DISB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences (DISB), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Mattioli
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Gardner M, Cross M, Reed S, Davidson M, Hughes R, Oosthuizen J. Pathogenic Potential of Respirable Spodumene Cleavage Fragments following Application of Regulatory Counting Criteria for Asbestiform Fibres. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16649. [PMID: 36554530 PMCID: PMC9779135 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Health risks from exposure to lithium-bearing spodumene cleavage fragments are unknown. While asbestiform fibres can lead to fibrosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer, controversy remains whether non-asbestiform cleavage fragments, having equivalent dimensions, elicit similar pathologic responses. The mineralogy of respirable particles from two alpha (α)-spodumene concentrate grades (chemical and technical) were characterised using semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particles were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the dimensions (length [L], diameter [D], aspect ratio [AR]) applied to regulatory counting criteria for asbestiform fibres. Application of the current World Health Organization (WHO) and National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) counting criteria, L ˃ 5 µm, D ˂ 3 µm, AR ˃ 3:1, to 10 SEM images of each grade identified 47 countable particles in the chemical and 37 in the technical concentrate test samples. Of these particles, 17 and 16 in the chemical and technical test samples, respectively, satisfied the more rigorous, previously used Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995 (Western Australia [WA]) criteria, L ˃ 5 µm and D ≤ 1 µm. The majority of the countable particles were consistent with α-spodumene cleavage fragments. These results suggest elongated α-spodumene particles may pose a health risk. It is recommended the precautionary principle be applied to respirable α-spodumene particles and the identification and control of dust hazards in spodumene extraction, handling and processing industries be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Gardner
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Martyn Cross
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Sue Reed
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Maggie Davidson
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Bourke Street, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Rick Hughes
- Microanalysis Australia, 5 Alvan Street, Mt Lawley, WA 6050, Australia
| | - Jacques Oosthuizen
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Patel JP, Brook MS, Kah M, Hamilton A. Global geological occurrence and character of the carcinogenic zeolite mineral, erionite: A review. Front Chem 2022; 10:1066565. [DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1066565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As with the six regulated asbestos minerals (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite), the zeolite mineral, erionite, can exhibit a fibrous morphology. When fibrous erionite is aerosolized and inhaled, it has been linked to cases of lung cancers, such as malignant mesothelioma. Importantly, fibrous erionite appears to be more carcinogenic than the six regulated asbestos minerals. The first health issues regarding erionite exposure were reported in Cappadocia (Turkey), and more recently, occupational exposure issues have emerged in the United States. Erionite is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Thus, identifying the geological occurrence of erionite is a prudent step in determining possible exposure pathways, but a global review of the geological occurrence of erionite is currently lacking. Here, we provide a review of the >100 global locations where erionite has been reported, including: 1) geological setting of host rocks; 2) paragenetic sequence of erionite formation, including associated zeolite minerals; 3) fiber morphological properties and erionite mineral series (i.e., Ca, K, Na); and 4) a brief overview of the techniques that have been used to identify and characterize erionite. Accordingly, erionite has been found to commonly occur within two major rock types: felsic and mafic. Within felsic rocks (in particular, tuffaceous layers within lacustrine paleoenvironments), erionite is disseminated through the layer as a cementing matrix. In contrast, within mafic (i.e., basaltic) rocks, erionite is typically found within vesicles. Nevertheless, aside from detailed studies in Italy and the United States, there is a paucity of specific information on erionite geological provenance or fiber morphology. The latter issue is a significant drawback given its impact on erionite toxicity. Future erionite studies should aim to provide more detailed information, including variables such as rock type and lithological properties, quantitative geochemistry, and fiber morphology.
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Potential Toxicity of Natural Fibrous Zeolites: In Vitro Study Using Jurkat and HT22 Cell Lines. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12080988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An emerging problem for human health is the exposure to non-regulated mineral fibers with an asbestos-like crystal habit, particularly fibrous zeolites. This study aimed to determine if and how selected fibrous zeolites (erionite, mesolite, and thomsonite) induce toxicity effects on two different in vitro cellular models, the adherent murine hippocampal (HT22) and human immortalized T lymphocyte (Jurkat) cell lines. Before proceeding with the cellular tests, the three zeolite samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The cells were treated with 0.1 µM and 1 µM of fibrous erionite, mesolite, and thomsonite for 12, 24, and 48 h. Results showed a cytotoxic effect of erionite in both cellular models and revealed different toxic behaviors of the mesolite and thomsonite fibers, suggesting other potential mechanisms of action. The outcome of this study would be a first step for further research on fine biochemical interactions of zeolite fibers with cells and future in vivo investigations.
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Abstract
This study explored morphological, mineralogical, and physicochemical features of suspected toxic mordenite fibers from Northern Italy. All the mordenite samples (FAS1, GC1, SP1) show similar structural and chemical character, are Na-rich (Na > Ca > K), and the Al content decrease reflects the unit cell volumes in the series: FAS1 > SP1 > GC1. The aerodynamic diameter (Dae) values of the mordenite fibers are 1.19 μm for the GC1 sample, 2.69 μm for FAS1, and 3.91 μm for SP1. All the studied mordenite samples are characterized by “respirable” fibers despite the size differences, which could reach the deeper parts of the lungs. For this reason, fibrous mordenite could represent a potential health hazard and then need to be handled with attention, but further toxicity studies are needed.
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Fibrous Ferrierite from Northern Italy: Mineralogical Characterization, Surface Properties, and Assessment of Potential Toxicity. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12050626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, fibrous minerals pose as significant health hazards to humans, and exposure to these fibers can lead to the development of severe pulmonary diseases. This work investigated the morphology, crystal structure, chemistry, and surface activity of fibrous ferrierite recently found in northern Italy through an integrated approach using scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron microprobe, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction, and electron paramagnetic resonance. Our results show that a notable amount of ferrierite fibers are breathable (average length ~22 µm, average diameter 0.9 µm, diameter-length ratio >> 1:3) and able to reach the alveolar space (average Dae value 2.5 μm). The prevailing extra-framework cations are in the Mg > (Ca ≈ K) relationship, R is from 0.81 to 0.83, and the Si/Al ratio is high (4.2–4.8). The <T-O> bond distances suggest the occurrence of some degree of Si,Al ordering, with Al showing a site-specific occupation preference T1 > T2 > T3 > T4. Ferrierite fibers show high amounts of adsorbed EPR probes, suggesting a high ability to adsorb and interact with related chemicals. According to these results, fibrous ferrierite can be considered a potential health hazard, and a precautionary approach should be applied when this material is handled. Future in vitro and in vivo tests are necessary to provide further experimental confirmation of the outcome of this work.
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Giordani M, Mattioli M, Cangiotti M, Fattori A, Ottaviani MF, Betti M, Ballirano P, Pacella A, Di Giuseppe D, Scognamiglio V, Hanuskova M, Gualtieri AF. Characterisation of potentially toxic natural fibrous zeolites by means of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and morphological-mineralogical studies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133067. [PMID: 34838598 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the morphological, mineralogical, and physico-chemical features of carcinogenic erionite and other possibly hazardous zeolites, such as mesolite and thomsonite, while also investigating the interacting capability of the mineral surface at the liquid/solid interface. Extremely fibrous erionite is K+ and Ca2+-rich and shows the highest Si/Al ratio (3.38) and specific surface area (8.14 m2/g). Fibrous mesolite is Na+ and Ca2+-rich and displays both a lower Si/Al ratio (1.56) and a smaller specific surface area (1.56 m2/g). The thomsonite composition shows the lowest values of Si/Al ratio (1.23) and specific surface area (0.38 m2/g). Electron paramagnetic resonance data from selected spin probes reveal that erionite has a homogeneous site distribution and interacts well with all spin probes. The surfaces of mesolite and thomsonite are less homogeneous and closer polar sites were found through consequent interaction with the probes. The mesolite surface can also clearly interact but with a lower strength and may represent a potential health hazard for humans, though with a lower degree if compared to erionite. The thomsonite surface is not inert and interacts with the probes with a low-grade capability. We can expect small fragments of thomsonite to interact with the biological environment, though with a low-grade intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Giordani
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Mattioli
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Michela Cangiotti
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Alberto Fattori
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Michele Betti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Paolo Ballirano
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pacella
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Di Giuseppe
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Scognamiglio
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Miriam Hanuskova
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro F Gualtieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, I-41125, Modena, Italy
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Korchevskiy AA, Wylie AG. Dimensional determinants for the carcinogenic potency of elongate amphibole particles. Inhal Toxicol 2021; 33:244-259. [PMID: 34612763 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2021.1971340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Carcinogenic properties of particulates depend, among other factors, on dimensional characteristics that affect their ability to reach sensitive tissue, to be removed or retained, and to interact with the cells. OBJECTIVE To model mesothelioma and lung cancer potency of amphibole particles based on their dimensional characteristics and mineral habit (asbestiform vs. nonasbestiform) utilizing epidemiological data and detailed size information. METHODS The datasets from recently created depository of dimensional information of elongate mineral particles were used to correlate mesothelioma and lung cancer potency with the fraction of particles in a specific size range and the ratio of length and width in different powers. In addition, the cancer potency factors were estimated and compared for 30 asbestiform, 15 nonasbestiform, and 10 mixed datasets. RESULTS For particles longer than 5 µm, the highest correlation with mesothelioma potency was achieved for width <0.22 µm, and with lung cancer <0.28 µm. The statistical power of the correlation was observed to lose significance at a maximum width of 0.6-0.7 µm. Mesothelioma potency correlated with length in the power of 1.9 divided by width in the power of 2.97, lung cancer potency with length in the power of 0.4 divided by width in the power of 1.17. The predicted cancer potencies of asbestiform, nonasbestiform, and mixed categories were significantly different. CONCLUSION While additional studies in this direction are warranted, this paper should serve as an additional confirmation for the role of fiber dimensions in the carcinogenicity of amphibole elongate mineral particles (EMPs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann G Wylie
- Department of Geology, Department of Geology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Portable Raman Spectrometer for In Situ Analysis of Asbestos and Fibrous Minerals. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app11010287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Asbestos inhalation is associated with fatal respiratory diseases and raises concerns from the perspective of workplace safety and environmental impacts. Asbestos and asbestos-like minerals naturally occur in rocks and may become airborne when outcrops or soils are disturbed by anthropic activities. In situ detection of these minerals is a crucial step for the risk evaluation of natural sites. We assess here whether a portable Raman spectrometer (pRS) may be used in the identification of asbestos and asbestos-like minerals at the mining front during exploitation. pRS performance was tested at three geologically different mining sites in Italy and New Caledonia and compared with a high-resolution micro-Raman spectrometer (HRS). About 80% of the overall in situ analyses at the mining front were successfully identified by pRS, even when intermixed phases or strongly disaggregated and altered samples were analyzed. Chrysotile and tremolite asbestos, asbestos-like antigorite, and balangeroite were correctly detected during surveys. The major difficulties faced during in situ pRS measurements were fluorescence emission and focussing the laser beam on non-cohesive bundles of fibers. pRS is adequate for discriminating asbestos and asbestos-like minerals in situ. pRS may support risk assessment of mining sites to better protect workers and environment.
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