1
|
Yu G, Wu L, Su Q, Ji X, Zhou J, Wu S, Tang Y, Li H. Neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants in the environment: Focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123563. [PMID: 38355086 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123563] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment is a significant global environmental issue, characterized by its extensive distribution, severe contamination, and profound ecological impacts. Excessive exposure to heavy metal pollutants can damage the nervous system. However, the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of most heavy metals are not completely understood. Epigenetics is defined as a heritable change in gene function that can influence gene and subsequent protein expression levels without altering the DNA sequence. Growing evidence indicates that heavy metals can induce neurotoxic effects by triggering epigenetic changes and disrupting the epigenome. Compared with genetic changes, epigenetic alterations are more easily reversible. Epigenetic reprogramming techniques, drugs, and certain nutrients targeting specific epigenetic mechanisms involved in gene expression regulation are emerging as potential preventive or therapeutic tools for diseases. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of epigenetic modifications encompassing DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in the nervous system, elucidating their association with various heavy metal exposures. These primarily include manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), sliver (Ag), toxic metalloids arsenic (As), and etc. The potential epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology, precision prevention, and target therapy of various neurodevelopmental disorders or different neurodegenerative diseases are emphasized. In addition, the current gaps in research and future areas of study are discussed. From a perspective on epigenetics, this review offers novel insights for prevention and treatment of neurotoxicity induced by heavy metal pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangxia Yu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Lingyan Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Qianqian Su
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xianqi Ji
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jinfu Zhou
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Fujian Maternity and Child Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, Fuzhou 350125, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
da Costa RL, Souza IC, Morozesk M, de Carvalho LB, Carvalho CDS, Monferrán MV, Wunderlin DA, Fernandes MN, Monteiro DA. Toxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and bioaccumulative effects of metal mixture from settleable particulate matter on American bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122846. [PMID: 37926415 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122846] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Amphibians are more susceptible to environmental stressors than other vertebrates due to their semipermeable skin and physiological adaptations to living in very specific microhabitats. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a metal mixture from settleable particulate matter (SePM) released from metallurgical industries on Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles. Endpoints analyzed included metal bioconcentration, morphological (biometrical indices), hematological parameters (hemoglobin and blood cell count), and erythrocyte DNA damage (genotoxicity and mutagenicity). American bullfrog tadpoles (Gosner's stage 25) were kept under control condition (no contaminant addition) or exposed to a sub-lethal and environmentally relevant concentration (1 g.L-1) of SePM for 96 h. Tadpoles exposed to SePM exhibited elevated whole blood levels of Fe56, AL, Sn, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ti, Rb, V, Ce, La, Ag, As. SePM-exposed tadpoles showed a significant decrease in condition factor (12%) and increases in hepatosomatic index (25%), hemoglobin concentration (17%), and total leukocytes (82%), thrombocytes (90%), and monocytes (78%) abundance. In addition, exposed tadpoles showed higher MN and ENAs (340 and 140%, respectively) frequencies, and erythrocyte DNA damage with approximately 1.2- to 1.8-fold increases in comet parameters. Taken together, these results suggest that the multimetal mixture found in SePM is potentially genotoxic and mutagenic to L. catesbeianus tadpoles, induces stress associated with hematological changes, and negatively affects growth. Although such contamination occurs at sublethal levels, regulatory standards are needed to control the emission of SePM and protect amphibian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regiane Luiza da Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas (DCF), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCAm), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Brazil
| | - Iara Costa Souza
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas (DCF), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Morozesk
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas (DCF), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana Beserra de Carvalho
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas (DCF), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCAm), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleoni Dos Santos Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia (DBio), Centro de Ciências Humanas e Biológicas (CCHB), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 18052-780, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Magdalena Victoria Monferrán
- ICYTAC, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba, CONICET and Dpto. Qca. Orgánica, Fac. Cs. Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Daniel Alberto Wunderlin
- ICYTAC, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba, CONICET and Dpto. Qca. Orgánica, Fac. Cs. Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marisa Narciso Fernandes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas (DCF), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana Amaral Monteiro
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas (DCF), Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), 13565-905, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li K, Wu J, Mei Y, Zhao J, Zhou Q, Li Y, Yang M, Xu J, Zhao M, Xu Q. Metallomics analysis of metal exposure and cognitive function in older adults: A combined epidemiological and bioinformatics study. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140049. [PMID: 37660799 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140049] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is a significant cause of elderly disability and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. As an early stage of AD, the mechanism related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and heavy metals is still unclear. This study utilized a cross-sectional design and enrolled 514 older adults in Bejing, China. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and fourteen blood metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the adjusted single-metal models, we observed that copper [Cu, β (95% CI): 3.73 (-6.42, -1.03)] and lead [Pb, β (95% CI): 0.79 (-1.26, -0.32)] demonstrated negative associations with cognitive function, while selenium [Se, β (95% CI): 2.97 (1.23, 4.70)] was beneficial to cognition. Our findings were robust in secondary analysis using multi-metal models, which included generalized linear models (GLM), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile g-computation (qgcomp). Moreover, the toxic metal mixture (Cu and Pb) exhibited a significant negative association with MMSE scores and the inclusion of Se in the metal mixture attenuated the neurotoxicity of Cu-Pb mixture. The in silico analysis was used to examine the potential molecular mechanisms (genes, biological processes, pathways, and illnesses) of interaction among metal mixtures. We identified 20 cognition-related genes that are associated with both Cu-Pb and Se. Among these genes, eight (APOE, APP, BAX, BDNF, CASP3, HMOX1, TF, and TPP1) exhibited opposite effects on protein activity, mRNA expression, or protein expression in response to Se and Cu/Pb exposure, which could be the key genes accounting for the anti-neurotoxic effects of Se. Our findings support that Se can attenuate the neurotoxicity of exposure to single Cu or Pb, and Cu-Pb mixture. More research is needed to confirm our findings and gain knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of combined metal exposure on cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Jingtao Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yayuan Mei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Meiduo Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Qun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kwasigroch U, Łukawska-Matuszewska K, Jędruch A, Brocławik O, Bełdowska M. Mobility and bioavailability of mercury in sediments of the southern Baltic sea in relation to the chemical fractions of iron: Spatial and temporal patterns. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106132. [PMID: 37579704 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine sediments play a significant role as reservoirs for mercury (Hg), a bioaccumulative toxic pollutant that poses risks to human and ecosystem health. Iron (Fe) has been recognized as an influential factor in the complexation and bioavailability of Hg in sediments. However, limited studies have investigated the interactions between the chemical fractions of these elements in natural settings. This study aims to examine the fractions of Hg and Fe in sediments of the Baltic Sea, a region historically impacted by Hg pollution. The Hg fractions were determined using the thermodesorption technique, while sequential extraction was employed to identify the Fe fractions. The findings confirm the crucial role of Fe in the formation, as well as the horizontal and vertical distribution of labile and stable Hg in marine sediments. Factors such as the contribution of organic matter, the presence of reactive Fe, and Fe associated with sheet silicates emerged as significant drivers that positively influenced the content of the most labile Hg fractions, potentially affecting the mobility and bioavailability of Hg in the marine environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Kwasigroch
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Łukawska-Matuszewska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jędruch
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland; Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Department of Marine Chemistry and Biochemistry, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712, Sopot, Poland.
| | - Olga Brocławik
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ouyang L, Li Q, Rao S, Su R, Zhu Y, Du G, Xie J, Zhou F, Feng C, Fan G. Cognitive outcomes caused by low-level lead, cadmium, and mercury mixture exposure at distinct phases of brain development. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 175:113707. [PMID: 36893892 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113707] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Contaminated water and food are the main sources of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the human body. Long-term and low-level ingestion of these toxic heavy metals may affect brain development and cognition. However, the neurotoxic effects of exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury mixture (Pb + Cd + Hg) at different stages of brain development are rarely elucidated. In this study, different doses of low-level Pb + Cd + Hg were administered to Sprague-Dawley rats via drinking water during the critical stage of brain development, late stage, and after maturation, respectively. Our findings showed that Pb + Cd + Hg exposure decreased the density of memory- and learning-related dendritic spines in the hippocampus during the critical period of brain development, resulting in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory deficits. Only the density of learning-related dendritic spines was reduced during the late phase of brain development and a higher-dose of Pb + Cd + Hg exposure was required, which led to hippocampus-independent spatial memory abnormalities. Exposure to Pb + Cd + Hg after brain maturation revealed no significant change in dendritic spines or cognitive function. Further molecular analysis indicated that morphological and functional changes caused by Pb + Cd + Hg exposure during the critical phase were associated with PSD95 and GluA1 dysregulation. Collectively, the effects of Pb + Cd + Hg on cognition varied depending on the brain development stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ouyang
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China
| | - Shaoqi Rao
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Rui Su
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Yanhui Zhu
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Guihua Du
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Jie Xie
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Fankun Zhou
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Chang Feng
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Assis Araujo MS, Froes-Asmus CIR, de Figueiredo ND, Camara VM, Luiz RR, Prata-Barbosa A, Martins MM, Jacob SDC, dos Santos LMG, Vicentini Neto SA, de Rezende Filho JF, Amim Junior J. Prenatal Exposure to Metals and Neurodevelopment in Infants at Six Months: Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA Project). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4295. [PMID: 35409976 PMCID: PMC8998578 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The PIPA Project is a prospective birth cohort study based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, whose pilot study was carried out between October 2017 and August 2018. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in maternal (n = 49) and umbilical cord blood (n = 46). The Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) was applied in 50 six-month-old infants. Metals were detected in 100% of the mother and newborn samples above the limits of detection. Maternal blood lead concentrations were higher in premature newborns (GM: 5.72 µg/dL; p = 0.05). One-third of the infants (n = 17-35.4%) exhibited at least one fail in the neurodevelopment evaluation (fail group). Maternal blood arsenic concentrations were significantly (p = 0.03) higher in the "fail group" (GM: 11.85 µg/L) compared to infants who did not fail (not fail group) (GM: 8.47 µg/L). Maternal and umbilical cord blood arsenic concentrations were higher in all Denver Test's domains in the "fail group", albeit non-statistically significant, showing a tendency for the gross motor domain and maternal blood (p = 0.07). These findings indicate the need to further investigate the toxic effects of prenatal exposure to metals on infant neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Froes-Asmus
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Faculty of Medicine, Maternity School of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22240-000, Brazil; (C.I.R.F.-A.); (N.D.d.F.); (A.P.-B.); (J.F.d.R.F.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Nataly Damasceno de Figueiredo
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Faculty of Medicine, Maternity School of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22240-000, Brazil; (C.I.R.F.-A.); (N.D.d.F.); (A.P.-B.); (J.F.d.R.F.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Volney Magalhães Camara
- Public Health Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-592, Brazil; (V.M.C.); (R.R.L.)
| | - Ronir Raggio Luiz
- Public Health Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-592, Brazil; (V.M.C.); (R.R.L.)
| | - Arnaldo Prata-Barbosa
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Faculty of Medicine, Maternity School of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22240-000, Brazil; (C.I.R.F.-A.); (N.D.d.F.); (A.P.-B.); (J.F.d.R.F.); (J.A.J.)
- D’Or Institute for Research & Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Marlos Melo Martins
- School Maternity Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22240-000, Brazil;
| | - Silvana do Couto Jacob
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Quality Control in Health, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (S.d.C.J.); (L.M.G.d.S.); (S.A.V.N.)
| | - Lisia Maria Gobbo dos Santos
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Quality Control in Health, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (S.d.C.J.); (L.M.G.d.S.); (S.A.V.N.)
| | - Santos Alves Vicentini Neto
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Quality Control in Health, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (S.d.C.J.); (L.M.G.d.S.); (S.A.V.N.)
| | - Jorge Fonte de Rezende Filho
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Faculty of Medicine, Maternity School of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22240-000, Brazil; (C.I.R.F.-A.); (N.D.d.F.); (A.P.-B.); (J.F.d.R.F.); (J.A.J.)
| | - Joffre Amim Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Perinatal Health, Faculty of Medicine, Maternity School of Rio de Janeiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 22240-000, Brazil; (C.I.R.F.-A.); (N.D.d.F.); (A.P.-B.); (J.F.d.R.F.); (J.A.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roe K. An Alternative Explanation for Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Initiation from Specific Antibiotics, Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Neurotoxins. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:517-530. [PMID: 34669122 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The late onset neuropathologies, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, have become increasingly prevalent. Their causation has been linked to genetics, gut microbiota dysbiosis (gut dysbiosis), autoimmune diseases, pathogens and exposures to neurotoxins. An alternative explanatory hypothesis is provided for their pathogenesis. Virtually everyone has pervasive daily exposures to neurotoxins, through inhalation, skin contact, direct blood transmission and through the gastrointestinal tract by ingestion. As a result, every individual has substantial and fluctuating neurotoxin blood levels. Two major barriers to neurotoxin entry into the central nervous system are the blood-brain barrier and the intestinal wall, in the absence of gut dysbiosis. Inflammation from gut dysbiosis, induced by antibiotic usage, can increase the intestinal wall permeability for neurotoxins to reach the bloodstream, and also increase the blood-brain barrier permeability to neurotoxins. Gut dysbiosis, including gut dysbiosis caused by antibiotic treatments, is an especially high risk for neurotoxin entry into the brain to cause late onset neuropathologies. Gut dysbiosis has far-reaching immune system and central nervous system effects, and even a transient gut dysbiosis can act in combination with neurotoxins, such as aluminum, mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, manganese, organophosphate pesticides and organochlorines, to reach neurotoxin blood levels that can initiate a late onset neuropathology, depending on an individual's age and genetic vulnerability.
Collapse
|
8
|
Tung PW, Burt A, Karagas M, Jackson BP, Punshon T, Lester B, Marsit CJ. Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures and newborn neurobehavior in the Rhode Island Child Health Study. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e194. [PMID: 35169672 PMCID: PMC8835549 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metals can affect the developing fetus and negatively impact neurobehavior. The associations between individual metals and neurodevelopment have been examined, but little work has explored the potentially detrimental neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with the combined impact of coexisting metals. The objective of this study is to evaluate prenatal metal exposure mixtures in the placenta to elucidate the link between their combined effects on newborn neurobehavior. METHOD This study included 192 infants with available placental metal and NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale data at 24 hours-72 hours age. Eight essential and nonessential metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc) detected in more than 80% of samples were tested for associations with atypical neurobehavior indicated by NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale using logistic regression and in a quantile g-computation analysis to evaluate the joint association between placental metal mixture and neurobehavioral profiles. RESULTS Individually, a doubling of placental cadmium concentrations was associated with an increased likelihood of being in the atypical neurobehavioral profile (OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.05 to 5.71). In the mixture analysis, joint effects of a quartile increase in exposure to all metals was associated with 3-fold increased odds of newborns being assigned to the atypical profile (OR = 3.23; 95% CI = 0.92 to 11.36), with cadmium having the largest weight in the mixture effect. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to relatively low levels of a mixture of placental metals was associated with adverse newborn neurobehavior. Examining prenatal metal exposures as a mixture is important for understanding the harmful effects of concomitant exposures in the vulnerable populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wen Tung
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amber Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Margaret Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | | | - Tracy Punshon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - Barry Lester
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
- The Brown Center of the Study of Children at Risk, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Carmen J. Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Roe K. Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiation by Inflammation-Facilitated Neurotoxin Transport. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1150-1165. [PMID: 35050480 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03527-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders have been linked to genetics, gut microbiota dysbiosis (gut dysbiosis), neurotoxin exposures, maternal allergies or autoimmune diseases. Two barriers to ingested neurotoxin transport into the central nervous system of a fetus or child are the gastrointestinal wall of the mother or child and the blood-brain barrier of the fetus or child. Inflammation from gut dysbiosis or inflammation from a disease or other agent can increase the gastrointestinal wall and the blood-brain barrier permeabilities to enable neurotoxins to reach the brain of a fetus or child. Postnatal gut dysbiosis is a particular inflammation risk for autism spectrum disorders caused by neurotoxin transport into a child's brain. An extensive gut dysbiosis or another source of inflammation such as a disease or other agent in combination with neurotoxins, including aluminum, mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, arsenic, organophosphates, and neurotoxic bacterial toxins and fungal toxins resulting from the gut dysbiosis, can elevate neurotoxin levels in a fetal or child brain to cause neurodevelopmental damage and initiate an autism spectrum disorder. The neurotoxins aluminum and mercury are especially synergistic in causing neurodevelopmental damage. There are three plausible causational pathways for autism spectrum disorders. They include inflammation and neurotoxin loading into the fetal brain during the prenatal neurodevelopment period, inflammation and neurotoxin loading into the brain during the postnatal neurodevelopment period or a two-stage loading of neurotoxins into the brain during both the prenatal and postnatal neurodevelopment periods.
Collapse
|
10
|
Carmona A, Roudeau S, Ortega R. Molecular Mechanisms of Environmental Metal Neurotoxicity: A Focus on the Interactions of Metals with Synapse Structure and Function. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9090198. [PMID: 34564349 PMCID: PMC8471991 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to neurotoxic metals and metalloids such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, or manganese is a global health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. Depending on the period of exposure over a lifetime, environmental metals can alter neurodevelopment, neurobehavior, and cognition and cause neurodegeneration. There is increasing evidence linking environmental exposure to metal contaminants to the etiology of neurological diseases in early life (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) or late life (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). The known main molecular mechanisms of metal-induced toxicity in cells are the generation of reactive oxygen species, the interaction with sulfhydryl chemical groups in proteins (e.g., cysteine), and the competition of toxic metals with binding sites of essential metals (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn). In neurons, these molecular interactions can alter the functions of neurotransmitter receptors, the cytoskeleton and scaffolding synaptic proteins, thereby disrupting synaptic structure and function. Loss of synaptic connectivity may precede more drastic alterations such as neurodegeneration. In this article, we will review the molecular mechanisms of metal-induced synaptic neurotoxicity.
Collapse
|
11
|
Nagamatsu PC, Garcia JRE, Esquivel L, Souza ATDC, de Brito IA, de Oliveira Ribeiro CA. Post hatching stages of tropical catfish Rhamdia quelen (Quoy and Gaimard, 1824) are affected by combined toxic metals exposure with risk to population. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 277:130199. [PMID: 33770691 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130199] [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: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxic metals and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are of great importance as pollutants and their frequent use increases the risk of exposure to biota, but few studies have described co-toxic effects in aquatic organisms. In fish, the method using early stages of development are interesting parameters to validate ecotoxicological studies, and more recently, the use of mathematical models has substantially increased the efficiency of the method. Post hatching stages of native catfish Rhamdia quelen were exposed to single or combined mixtures of toxic metals (Mn, Pb, Hg or AgNPs) in order to study its effects. Fertilized eggs were exposed for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, where hatching and survival rates, malformation frequency, and neuromast structure damages were evaluated. The results showed alterations in hatching rate after single and combined exposure to metals, but mixtures showed effects more severe comparatively with the single exposures. A similar result including a time-dependent effect was observed in survival rates and incidence of deformities. Overall, embryos and larvae were sensitive to toxic metals exposure while the mathematical modeling suggested a population reduction size including risk of local extinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Caroline Nagamatsu
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP 81531-970, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Luíse Esquivel
- Estação de Piscicultura Panamá, Est. Geral Bom Retiro, Paulo Lopes, SC, CEP 88490-000, Brazil
| | - Angie Thaisa da Costa Souza
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução de Interações, Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Paraná CEP 81531-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Izabella Andrade de Brito
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP 81531-970, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ciro Alberto de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Toxicologia Celular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP 81531-970, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shang N, Zhang L, Wang S, Huang T, Wang Y, Gao X, Xu S, Zhang J, Zhang L, Niu Q, Zhang Q. Increased aluminum and lithium and decreased zinc levels in plasma is related to cognitive impairment in workers at an aluminum factory in China: A cross-sectional study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 214:112110. [PMID: 33677379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that multiple imbalances of metal ions in the brain are closely associated with the neurodegenerative disorders. Our studies have shown that long-term working exposure to aluminum induces increased plasma aluminum levels and causes cognitive impairment in workers at aluminum factories. OBJECTIVE To explore the levels of nine metals in plasma and the effect on cognitive function among in-service workers. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which included seven subitems: executive/visuospatial abilities; naming; attention and calculation; language; abstract; recall; and orientation. The plasma levels of nine kinds of metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A multivariate generalized linear regression model and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were selected to estimate the relationship between metal plasma level and MoCA scores with adjustment for confounders. RESULTS One hundred and eighty-seven workers participated in this study. In the multivariable generalized linear model, among these nine metals studied, five were related to the MoCA score: aluminum, lithium, cobalt, zinc and chromium. In the BKMR model, a significantly negative correlation between the plasma aluminum, lithium and the total MoCA score was observed. Moreover, for subitems on the MoCA scale, the plasma levels of lithium, aluminum, and zinc had a significant correlation with the executive/visuospatial abilities, naming, and orientation abilities, respectively. The log-transformation concentrations of plasma aluminum and lithium were negatively correlated with the executive/visuospatial abilities and naming abilities, respectively. The log-transformation plasma zinc concentration was positively correlated with orientation abilities. CONCLUSION Based on the results, we determined that increased aluminum and lithium and decreased zinc levels in plasma were associated with the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in workers at a Chinese aluminum plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Shang
- Department of Pharmacy, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China; Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Physical and Chemical, Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Xiaocheng Gao
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Shimeng Xu
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Jingqi Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Qiao Niu
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Qinli Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang XH, Yang T, Chen J, Chen L, Dai Y, Jia FY, Wu LJ, Hao Y, Li L, Zhang J, Ke XY, Yi MJ, Hong Q, Chen JJ, Fang SF, Wang YC, Wang Q, Jin CH, Li TY. [Association between serum trace elements and core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: a national multicenter survey]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2021; 23. [PMID: 34020731 PMCID: PMC8140341 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2101163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association of serum levels of trace elements with core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS From September 2018 to September 2019, an investigation was performed for 1 020 children with ASD and 1 038 healthy children matched for age and sex in the outpatient service of grade A tertiary hospitals and special education institutions in 13 cities of China. Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used to assess the core symptoms of the children with ASD. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure serum levels of trace elements magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. RESULTS The children with ASD had significantly lower serum levels of magnesium, copper, and zinc than the healthy children (P < 0.05). The children with severe ASD had significantly lower serum levels of magnesium and zinc than those with mild-to-moderate ASD (P < 0.05). The results of partial correlation analysis showed that serum magnesium level was negatively correlated with the total score of ABC and the score of communication (r=-0.318 and -0.282 respectively; P 0.001), and serum zinc level was negatively correlated with the total score of ABC and the scores of communication and somatic movement (r=-0.221, -0.270, and -0.207 respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The serum levels of magnesium and zinc may be associated with core symptoms in children with ASD, which requires further studies. The nutritional status of trace elements should be monitored for children with ASD in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Hui Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Li Chen
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Chongqing 400014, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ting-Yu Li
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders/Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders/Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, Chongqing 400014, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bagheri S, Saboury AA. What role do metals play in Alzheimer's disease? JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13738-021-02181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
15
|
Ijomone OM, Ijomone OK, Iroegbu JD, Ifenatuoha CW, Olung NF, Aschner M. Epigenetic influence of environmentally neurotoxic metals. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:51-65. [PMID: 32882300 PMCID: PMC7708394 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Continuous globalization and industrialization have ensured metals are an increasing aspect of daily life. Their usefulness in manufacturing has made them vital to national commerce, security and global economy. However, excess exposure to metals, particularly as a result of environmental contamination or occupational exposures, has been detrimental to overall health. Excess exposure to several metals is considered environmental risk in the aetiology of several neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Metal-induced neurotoxicity has been a major health concern globally with intensive research to unravel the mechanisms associated with it. Recently, greater focus has been directed at epigenetics to better characterize the underlying mechanisms of metal-induced neurotoxicity. Epigenetic changes are those modifications on the DNA that can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. This review discusses how epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, post translational histone modification and noncoding RNA-mediated gene silencing mediate the neurotoxic effects of several metals, focusing on manganese, arsenic, nickel, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omamuyovwi M Ijomone
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
| | - Olayemi K Ijomone
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Anatomy, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Joy D Iroegbu
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Chibuzor W Ifenatuoha
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Nzube F Olung
- The Neuro- Lab, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Health and Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Michael Aschner
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Werder EJ, Engel LS, Curry MD, Sandler DP. Selenium modifies associations between multiple metals and neurologic symptoms in Gulf states residents. Environ Epidemiol 2020; 4:e115. [PMID: 33336134 PMCID: PMC7727467 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metals have been shown to have a wide range of neurologic effects across the life course, but most studies consider neurodevelopment or neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. We investigated exposure to metals during adulthood in association with subclinical neurologic endpoints, considering the metals individually and as a mixture, and potential interactions among exposures. METHODS We measured blood levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, manganese, and selenium in 1007 Gulf state residents and estimated cross-sectional associations between ranked levels of blood metals and the presence of self-reported neurologic symptoms. Single pollutant models were mutually adjusted for other metals and we used quantile g-computation to evaluate associations with exposure to the combined mixture. In stratified analyses, we assessed heterogeneity by smoking and blood selenium. RESULTS The highest quartile of cadmium was associated with a higher prevalence of central nervous system symptoms (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.99), with stronger associations among nonsmokers (PR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.11, 2.38) and those with low selenium (PR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.50, 3.49). Selenium also modified associations between lead and peripheral nervous system symptoms, with increased symptoms in the low selenium group at all quartiles of exposure (P-trend = 0.07). Conversely, those with the highest co-exposure to mercury and selenium had reduced neurologic symptoms (PR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.55, 0.96). Results of the mixture analysis were consistent with single chemical results. CONCLUSIONS Cadmium exhibited the most consistent relationship with increased neurologic symptoms, though lead was an important exposure in subgroup analyses. Selenium may modify subclinical neurotoxic effects of metals at non-occupational levels in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou Y, Zhao W, Lai Y, Zhang B, Zhang D. Edible Plant Oil: Global Status, Health Issues, and Perspectives. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1315. [PMID: 32983204 PMCID: PMC7485320 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Edible plant oil (EPO) is an indispensable nutritional resource for human health. Various cultivars of oil-bearing plants are grown worldwide, and the chemical compositions of different plant oils are diverse. The extremely complex components in oils lead to diverse standards for evaluating the quality and safety of different EPOs. The environment poses great challenges to the EPO safety and quality during the entire industrial chain, including plant cultivation, harvesting, oil processing, and storage. Environmental risk factors include heavy metal or pesticide residue pollution, insect or harmful microbial infestation, and rancidity. Here, the diverse components in oil and various oil-producing processes are discussed, including plant species, oil yield, and composition complexity, environmental factors that degrade oil quality. Additionally, we propose a whole-industrial-chain monitoring system instead of current single-link-monitoring approach by monitoring and tracking the quality and safety of EPOs during the entire process of plant cultivation, raw materials harvest, oil process, and EPOs storage. This will provide guidance for monitoring the quality and safety of EPOs, which were challenged by the deteriorating environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Forest Biomass Value-added Products, College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Forest Biomass Value-added Products, College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong Lai
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Forest Biomass Value-added Products, College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Dangquan Zhang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center for Forest Biomass Value-added Products, College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Huang JH, Shetaya WH, Osterwalder S. Determination of (Bio)-available mercury in soils: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114323. [PMID: 32311621 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the mercury (Hg) control measures adopted by the international community, Hg still poses a significant risk to ecosystem and human health. This is primarily due to the ability of atmospheric Hg to travel intercontinentally and contaminating terrestrial and aquatic environments far from its natural and anthropogenic point sources. The issue of Hg pollution is further complicated by its unique physicochemical characteristics, most noticeably its multiple chemical forms that vary in their toxicity and environmental mobility. This meant that most of the risk evaluation protocols developed for other metal(loid)s are not suitable for Hg. Soil is a major reservoir of Hg and a key player in its global cycle. To fully assess the risks of soil Hg it is essential to estimate its bioavailability and/or availability which are closely linked to its toxicity. However, the accurate determination of the (bio)-available pools of Hg in soils is problematic, because the terms 'bioavailable' and 'available' are ill-defined. In particular, the term 'bioavailable pool', representing the fraction of Hg that is accessible to living organisms, has been consistently misused by interchanging with other intrinsically different terms e.g. mobile, labile, reactive and soluble pools. A wide array of physical, chemical, biological and isotopic exchange methods were developed to estimate the (bio)-available pools of Hg in soil in an attempt to offer a plausible assessment of its risks. Unfortunately, many of these methods do not mirror the (bio)-available pools of soil Hg and suffer from technical drawbacks. In this review, we discuss advantages and disadvantages of methods that are currently applied to quantify the (bio)-availability of Hg in soils. We recommended the most feasible methods and give suggestions how to improve the determination of (bio)-available Hg in soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jen-How Huang
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Waleed H Shetaya
- Air Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Stajnko A, Tuhvatshin R, Suranova G, Mazej D, Šlejkovec Z, Falnoga I, Krušič Ž, Lespukh E, Stegnar P. Trace elements and ALAD gene polymorphisms in general population from three uranium legacy sites - A case study in Kyrgyzstan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:134427. [PMID: 31859063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
At three uranium (U) legacy sites in Kyrgyzstan, namely, Kadji Sai, Mailuu-Suu and Sumsar, an initial human bio-monitoring programme was introduced as a complementary activity to environmental impact studies in these areas. The aim was to assess trace element (TE) contents in blood and genetic susceptibility for Pb as one of the contaminants. The programme included the determination of 9 TE in blood samples from 123 residents living permanently in this environment. The analyses included U and the potentially toxic TE, lead (Pb), cadmium, mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), together with essential elements iron (Fe), copper, selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn). TE were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and genetic background effect by three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD; rs1805313, rs818708, rs1800435) genotyped by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The obtained results were generally similar to literature reference values obtained from the U non-exposed environments. However, some significant findings indicated elevated levels of certain contaminants typical of the studied environment (U, Pb). Several essential (Se, Mn) and toxic TE (Pb, Hg, As, U) in blood showed statistically significant differences among the studied areas. All areas showed diminished Fe blood levels. Altogether, this indicated specific and different environmental conditions at three industrial legacy sites for U milling and processing along with the accompanying chemical (pollutant) elements. Blood U concentrations were slightly higher at Mailuu-Suu, known for elevated technogenic and naturally occurring U. At Sumsar, the distribution of elevated blood Pb concentrations indicated an airborne source of pollution that was different from the anticipated aqueous exposure pathway. Pb blood variability was found associated with ALAD polymorphisms (SNPs rs1805313, rs1800435). Results are confirming that human data will be a useful and scientifically important additional tool for environmental impact assessment studies at industrial legacy sites in Kyrgyzstan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Žiga Krušič
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elena Lespukh
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Stegnar
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fiłon J, Ustymowicz-Farbiszewska J, Krajewska-Kułak E. Analysis of lead, arsenic and calcium content in the hair of children with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:383. [PMID: 32204706 PMCID: PMC7092413 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08496-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Explanation of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most significant challenges for scientists today. It is believed that a major pathogenetic factor of this condition is epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, including toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminium (Al), and arsenic (As)). The nervous system may also be affected by deficiencies of both micro- and macroelements (e.g. calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn)). The aim of the study was to analyze the concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca in the hair of children with ASD and a control group. METHODS The materials for the study comprised hair samples collected from 30 children diagnosed with ASD (case group) and 30 children randomly selected from the general population of Bialystok and surrounding region (control group). Concentrations of Pb, As, and Ca were tested with electron microscopy scanning method. Next, the content of the analyzed elements in the hair was assessed as well as their impact on autism development in the children and the mutual interactions between them. The obtained results were statistically analyzed with Statistica PL 12.5., using the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS Mean Ca level in the hair of the case group was lower than the mean level of this element in the control group. Mean As and Pb concentration in the hair of children with ASD was statistically significantly higher than the mean concentration of this element in the hair of children without neurological disorders. Statistically insignificant weak positive correlations between Ca and As content and negative between Ca and Pb in the hair of children from the case group were noted. Also, statistically significant mean positive correlations between Pb and As were observed. CONCLUSIONS In this small study, according to the observations, children diagnosed with ASD suffer from Ca deficiency and toxic metal overload (As and Pb). These abnormalities may play the main role, as an environmental factor, in the pathogenesis of the analyzed disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fiłon
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Miśkiewicz J, Trela Z, Burdach Z, Karcz W, Balińska-Miśkiewicz W. Long range correlations of the ion current in SV channels. Met3PbCl influence study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229433. [PMID: 32126096 PMCID: PMC7053716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-range correlations within the current signal time series of the Beta vulgaris vacuolar membrane under the influence of organolead compound (Met3PbCl) are investigated. The current time series is transformed into a dwell time series. Then the rescaled range and detrended fluctuations analyses are used. It is shown that the presence of Met3PbCl in the solution decreases the mean value of the Hurst exponent and therefore influences the long-range correlations in ionic channel current. This observation is statistically significant. An ion channel model is built and the experimental results reconstructed and analysed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Miśkiewicz
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Zenon Trela
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Burdach
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Waldemar Karcz
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Wanda Balińska-Miśkiewicz
- 1st Department and Clinic of Paediatrics, Allergology and Cardiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dórea JG. Environmental exposure to low-level lead (Pb) co-occurring with other neurotoxicants in early life and neurodevelopment of children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108641. [PMID: 31421445 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a worldwide environmental contaminant that even at low levels influences brain development and affects neurobehavior later in life; nevertheless it is only a small fraction of the neurotoxicant (NT) exposome. Exposure to environmental Pb concurrent with other NT substances is often the norm, but their joint effects are challenging to study during early life. The aim of this review is to integrate studies of Pb-containing NT mixtures during the early life and neurodevelopment outcomes of children. The Pb-containing NT mixtures that have been most studied involve other metals (Mn, Al, Hg, Cd), metalloids (As), halogen (F), and organo-halogen pollutants. Co-occurring Pb-associated exposures during pregnancy and lactation depend on the environmental sources and the metabolism and half-life of the specific NT contaminant; but offspring neurobehavioral outcomes are also influenced by social stressors. Nevertheless, Pb-associated effects from prenatal exposure portend a continued burden on measurable neurodevelopment; they thus favor increased neurological health issues, decrements in neurobehavioral tests and reductions in the quality of life. Neurobehavioral test outcomes measured in the first 1000 days showed Pb-associated negative outcomes were frequently noticed in infants (<6 months). In older (preschool and school) children studies showed more variations in NT mixtures, children's age, and sensitivity and/or specificity of neurobehavioral tests; these variations and choice of statistical model (individual NT stressor or collective effect of mixture) may explain inconsistencies. Multiple exposures to NT mixtures in children diagnosed with 'autism spectrum disorders' (ASD) and 'attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders' (ADHD), strongly suggest a Pb-associated effect. Mixture potency (number or associated NT components and respective concentrations) and time (duration and developmental stage) of exposure often showed a measurable impact on neurodevelopment; however, net effects, reversibility and/or predictability of delays are insufficiently studied and need urgent attention. Nevertheless, neurodevelopment delays can be prevented and/or attenuated if public health policies are implemented to protect the unborn and the young child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schofield K. An Important Need to Monitor from an Early Age the Neurotoxins in the Blood or by an Equivalent Biomarker. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183425. [PMID: 31527390 PMCID: PMC6766009 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An overwhelming amount of evidence now suggests that some people are becoming overloaded with neurotoxins. This is mainly from changes in their living environment and style, coupled with the fact that all people are different and display a broad distribution of genetic susceptibilities. It is important for individuals to know where they lie concerning their ability to either reject or retain toxins. Everyone is contaminated with a certain baseline of toxins that are alien to the body, namely aluminum, arsenic, lead, and mercury. Major societal changes have modified their intake, such as vaccines in enhanced inoculation procedures and the addition of sushi into diets, coupled with the ever-present lead, arsenic, and traces of manganese. It is now apparent that no single toxin is responsible for the current neurological epidemics, but rather a collaborative interaction with possible synergistic components. Selenium, although also a neurotoxin if in an excessive amount, is always present and is generally more present than other toxins. It performs as the body’s natural chelator. However, it is possible that the formation rates of active selenium proteins may become overburdened by other toxins. Every person is different and it now appears imperative that the medical profession establish an individual’s neurotoxicity baseline. Moreover, young women should certainly establish their baselines long before pregnancy in order to identify possible risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Strunecka A, Strunecky O. Chronic Fluoride Exposure and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3431. [PMID: 31527457 PMCID: PMC6765894 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The continuous rise of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalent in the past few decades is causing an increase in public health and socioeconomic concern. A consensus suggests the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors in the ASD etiopathogenesis. Fluoride (F) is rarely recognized among the environmental risk factors of ASD, since the neurotoxic effects of F are not generally accepted. Our review aims to provide evidence of F neurotoxicity. We assess the risk of chronic F exposure in the ASD etiopathology and investigate the role of metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, immunoexcitotoxicity, and decreased melatonin levels. These symptoms have been observed both after chronic F exposure as well as in ASD. Moreover, we show that F in synergistic interactions with aluminum's free metal cation (Al3+) can reinforce the pathological symptoms of ASD. This reinforcement takes place at concentrations several times lower than when acting alone. A high ASD prevalence has been reported from countries with water fluoridation as well as from endemic fluorosis areas. We suggest focusing the ASD prevention on the reduction of the F and Al3+ burdens from daily life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Strunecka
- The Institute of Technology and Business, Okružní 517/10, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Otakar Strunecky
- The Institute of Technology and Business, Okružní 517/10, 370 01 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lucchini RG, Guazzetti S, Renzetti S, Conversano M, Cagna G, Fedrighi C, Giorgino A, Peli M, Placidi D, Zoni S, Forte G, Majorani C, Pino A, Senofonte O, Petrucci F, Alimonti A. Neurocognitive impact of metal exposure and social stressors among schoolchildren in Taranto, Italy. Environ Health 2019; 18:67. [PMID: 31324194 PMCID: PMC6642538 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metal exposure is a public health hazard due to neurocognitive effects starting in early life. Poor socio-economic status, adverse home and family environment can enhance the neurodevelopmental toxicity due to chemical exposure. Disadvantaged socio-economic conditions are generally higher in environmentally impacted areas although the combined effect of these two factors has not been sufficiently studied. METHODS The effect of co-exposure to neurotoxic metals including arsenic, cadmium, manganese, mercury, lead, selenium, and to socio-economic stressors was assessed in a group of 299 children aged 6-12 years, residing at incremental distance from industrial emissions in Taranto, Italy. Exposure was assessed with biological monitoring and the distance between the home address and the exposure point source. Children's cognitive functions were examined using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Linear mixed models were chosen to assess the association between metal exposure, socio-economic status and neurocognitive outcomes. RESULTS Urinary arsenic, cadmium and hair manganese resulted inversely related to the distance from the industrial emission source (β - 0.04; 95% CI -0.06, - 0.01; β - 0.02; 95% CI -0.05, - 0.001; β - 0.02 95% CI -0.05, - 0.003) while the WISC intellectual quotient and its sub-scores (except processing speed index) showed a positive association with distance. Blood lead and urinary cadmium were negatively associated with the IQ total score and all sub-scores, although not reaching the significance level. Hair manganese and blood lead was positively associated with the CANTAB between errors of spatial working memory (β 2.2; 95% CI 0.3, 3.9) and the reaction time of stop signal task (β 0.05; 95% CI 0.02, 0.1) respectively. All the other CANTAB neurocognitive tests did not show to be significantly influenced by metal exposure. The highest socio-economic status showed about five points intellectual quotient more than the lowest level on average (β 4.8; 95% CI 0.3, 9.6); the interaction term between blood lead and the socio-economic status showed a significant negative impact of lead on working memory at the lowest socio-economic status level (β - 4.0; 95% CI -6.9, - 1.1). CONCLUSIONS Metal exposure and the distance from industrial emission was associated with negative cognitive impacts in these children. Lead exposure had neurocognitive effect even at very low levels of blood lead concentration when socio-economic status is low, and this should further address the importance and prioritize preventive and regulatory interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto G Lucchini
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Guazzetti
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Azienda USL - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Renzetti
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fedrighi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Peli
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Zoni
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Forte
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Majorani
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Pino
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Senofonte
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrucci
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alimonti
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Merlo E, Schereider IRG, Simões MR, Vassallo DV, Graceli JB. Mercury leads to features of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats. Toxicol Lett 2019; 312:45-54. [PMID: 31071422 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal and Hg exposure is associated with various neural, immune, and cardiovascular abnormalities. However, few studies have evaluated Hg's toxicologic effect on reproductive and metabolic functions. In this study, we assessed whether Hg exposure results in reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Hg was administered to adult female Wistar rats, mimicking the Hg levels found in exposed human blood, and their reproductive and metabolic function was assessed. Rats exposed to Hg displayed abnormal estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicular development, with a reduction in ovarian antral follicles and an increase in atretic and cystic ovarian follicles. Uterine atrophy with the presence of inflammatory cells was observed in Hg-exposed rats. The presence of abnormal ovarian fat accumulation, as well as increased ovarian lipid drops accumulation, was observed in Hg-exposed rats. Ovarian oxidative stress was also present in the Hg-exposed rats. High fasting glucose levels, glucose, and insulin intolerance were observed in Hg-exposed rats. Thus, these data suggest that Hg exposure led to abnormal reproductive and metabolic features similar to those found in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Merlo
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Maylla R Simões
- Dept of Physiology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Jones B Graceli
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chronic arsenic exposure in drinking water interferes with the balances of T lymphocyte subpopulations as well as stimulates the functions of dendritic cells in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 71:115-131. [PMID: 30889423 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory properties of arsenic are nowadays supposed be associated with pathological injuries of this toxicant and the details have not been clarified. Our objective was to explore inflammation, differentiation of diverse T cell subsets, as well as the phenotypic molecules and functions of dendritic cells (DCs) by chronic arsenic exposure in vivo. We exposed different concentrations of arsenic (0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/L) in drinking water for 6 and 12 months in C57BL/6 mice. We first confirmed that low levels of arsenic induced excess inflammation evidenced by accumulation of macrophages and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in BALF and serum, as well as histological analysis. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that arsenic disturbed CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio in isolated pneumonocytes and splenocytes, as well as enhanced IFN-γ and reduced IL-4 in spleen. The mRNA expressions of transcription factors (T-bet, GATA3, ROR-γt) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-23, IL-22) showed the imbalanced Th1/Th2/Th17 differentiation in arsenic exposed lung and spleen. We further testified that arsenic enhanced the percentages of CD11c+ DCs, and promoted the expressions of antigen presentation molecule MHC II and cytokine IL-12, co-stimulatory molecules (CD86, CD80), and chemokine receptors (CCR7, CCR5) in vivo. Moreover, arsenic activated the expressions of immune-related MAPKs and NF-κB. Taken together, our study here demonstrated that chronic arsenic exposure could disrupt the immune homeostasis in vivo possibly by interfering with the differentiation of Th1/Th2/Th17 subsets as well as the function of DCs.
Collapse
|
28
|
Strohmidel P, Sperling M, Karst U. Investigations on the binding of ethylmercury from thiomersal to proteins in influenza vaccines. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 50:100-104. [PMID: 30262265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the binding of ethylmercury (EtHg+) released from the preservative thiomersal by hydrolysis to proteins in influenza vaccines via ultrafiltration and subsequent total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis as well as size exclusion chromatography (SEC) hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Binding of EtHg+ to the protein fraction was shown by means of ultrafiltration and TXRF in a qualitative matter. SEC/ICP-MS was applied to gain more information about the molecular weight of the bound protein and quantitative information. First experiments showed the necessity of a rinsing step during elution with a thiol-containing compound to prevent unspecific binding or mercury species to the chromatographic system. Adduct formation of EtHg+ and a high-molecular compound could be observed for different concentrations of EtHg+ applied. The mercury-containing fraction was larger than 133 kDa, indicating binding to hemagglutinin, which is the active ingredient in influenza vaccines. The applied SEC/ICP-MS method allowed for external calibration with EtHg+ and a binding of 141 μg L-1 Hg was shown for a vaccine solution that was incubated with EtHg+ (25 mg L-1 Hg).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Strohmidel
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Sperling
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Münster, Germany; European Virtual Institute for Speciation Analysis (EVISA), Mendelstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Saldanha Tschinkel PF, Bjørklund G, Conón LZZ, Chirumbolo S, Nascimento VA. Plasma concentrations of the trace elements copper, zinc and selenium in Brazilian children with autism spectrum disorder. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:605-609. [PMID: 29990849 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between the plasma levels of trace elements, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has attracted the interest of many physicians in the very recent years, because the impaired homeostatic regulation of trace elements, including their levels in the bloodstream and their potential neurotoxicity, contribute to the onset and exacerbation of ASD. In this study, we investigated 23 pediatric subjects (≤ 18 yrs old, both sexes) with ASD, all residents in the city of Campo Grande in Brazil, by searching for their micronutrient levels in plasma in relation with metabolic and nutrition biomarkers. Aside for the few evidence reported, generally, the Brazilian cohort of ASD children here examined did not show a marked difference in micro-nutrient intake in relation with their resident geographical area and their dietary habit or metabolic state, although a slight difference in the levels of magnesium and phosphorus was retrieved due to sex difference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Toften 24, 8610 Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | | | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Alexandrov PN, Pogue AI, Lukiw WJ. Synergism in aluminum and mercury neurotoxicity. INTEGRATIVE FOOD, NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2018; 5:10.15761/IFNM.1000214. [PMID: 29938114 PMCID: PMC6013271 DOI: 10.15761/ifnm.1000214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum and mercury are common neurotoxic contaminants in our environment - from the air we breathe to the water that we drink to the foods that we eat. It is remarkable that to date neither of these two well-established environmental neurotoxins (i.e. those having a general toxicity towards brain cells) and genotoxins (those agents which exhibit directed toxicity toward the genetic apparatus) have been critically studied, nor have their neurotoxicities been evaluated in human neurobiology or in cells of the human central nervous system (CNS). In this paper we report the effects of added aluminum [sulfate; Al₂(SO₄)₃] and/or mercury [sulfate; HgSO4] to human neuronal-glial (HNG) cells in primary co-culture using the evolution of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-kB (p50/p65) complex as a critical indicator for the onset of inflammatory neurodegeneration and pathogenic inflammatory signaling. As indexed by significant induction of the NF-kB (p50/p65) complex the results indicate: (i) a notable increase in pro-inflammatory signaling imparted by each of these two environmental neurotoxins toward HNG cells in the ambient 20-200 nM range; and (ii) a significant synergism in the neurotoxicity when aluminum (sulfate) and mercury (sulfate) were added together. This is the first report on the neurotoxic effects of aluminum sulfate and/or mercury sulfate on the initiation of inflammatory signaling in human brain cells in primary culture. The effects aluminum+mercury together on other neurologically important signaling molecules or the effects of other combinations of common environmental metallic neurotoxins to human neurobiology currently remain not well understood but certainly warrant additional investigation and further study in laboratory animals, in human primary tissue cultures of CNS cells, and in other neurobiologically realistic experimental test systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Walter J Lukiw
- Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow 113152, Russia
- Alchem Biotek Research, Toronto ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112, USA
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite 904, New Orleans LA 70112, USA
| |
Collapse
|