Modulation of Unfolded Protein Response Restores Survival and Function of β-Cells Exposed to the Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A promotes cell death in healthy respiratory system cells through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance that can harm the environment and human health by interfering with the normal functioning of the body's hormonal system. It is commonly found in various plastic-based products such as cosmetics, canned foods, beverage containers, and medical equipment and as well as it can also be absorbed by inhalation. There have been limited studies on the effects of BPA on lung fibroblasts, and it is still unclear how high levels of BPA can impact respiratory system cells, particularly the lungs and trachea. In this research, we aimed to investigate the cell cycle disruption potential of BPA on respiratory system cells by examining healthy trachea and lung cells together for the first time. The findings indicated that BPA exposure can alter the healthy cells' morphology, leading to reduced cellular viability that has been assessed by MTT and SRB assays. BPA treatment was able to activate caspase3 as expected, which could cause apoptosis in treated cells. Although the highest dose of BPA did not increase the apoptotic rate of rat trachea cells, it remarkably caused them to become necrotic (52.12%). In addition to quantifying the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by BPA, cell cycle profiles were also determined using flow cytometry. Thereby, BPA treatment unexpectedly inhibited the cell cycle's progression by causing G2/M cell cycle arrest in both lung and tracheal cells, which hindered cell proliferation. The findings of the study suggested that exposure to BPA could lead to serious respiratory problems, even respiratory tract cancers via alterations in the cell cycle.

Engineering Nanoplatforms for Theranostics of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Atherosclerotic plaque formation is considered the primary pathological mechanism underlying atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, leading to severe cardiovascular events such as stroke, acute coronary syndromes, and even sudden cardiac death. Early detection and timely intervention of plaques are challenging due to the lack of typical symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, precise early detection and intervention play a crucial role in risk stratification of atherosclerotic plaques and achieving favorable post-interventional outcomes. The continuously advancing nanoplatforms have demonstrated numerous advantages including high signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced bioavailability, and specific targeting capabilities for imaging agents and therapeutic drugs, enabling effective visualization and management of atherosclerotic plaques. Motivated by these superior properties, various noninvasive imaging modalities for early recognition of plaques in the preliminary stage of atherosclerosis are comprehensively summarized. Additionally, several therapeutic strategies are proposed to enhance the efficacy of treating atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, existing challenges and promising prospects for accelerating clinical translation of nanoplatform-based molecular imaging and therapy for atherosclerotic plaques are discussed. In conclusion, this review provides an insightful perspective on the diagnosis and therapy of atherosclerotic plaques.

A novel flow cytometry panel to identify prognostic markers for steroid-sensitive forms of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in childhood

Introduction

The clinical evolution of steroid-sensitive forms of pediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is highly heterogeneous following the standard treatment with prednisone. To date, no prognostic marker has been identified to predict the severity of the disease course starting from the first episode.

Methods

In this monocentric prospective cohort study we set up a reproducible and standardized flow cytometry panel using two sample tubes (one for B-cell and one for T-cell subsets) to extensively characterized the lymphocyte repertoire of INS pediatric patients. A total of 44 children with INS at disease onset were enrolled, sampled before and 3 months after standard induction therapy with prednisone and followed for 12 months to correctly classify their disease based on relapses. Age-matched controls with non immune-mediated renal diseases or with urological disorders were also enrolled. Demographical, clinical, laboratory and immunosuppressive treatment data were registered.

Results

We found that children with INS at disease onset had significantly higher circulating levels of total CD19+ and specific B-cell subsets (transitional, mature-naïve, plasmablasts/plasmacells, CD19+CD27+, unswitched, switched and atypical memory B cells) and reduced circulating levels of Tregs, when compared to age-matched controls. Prednisone therapy restored most B- and T-cell alterations. When patients were subdivided based on disease relapse, relapsing patients had significantly more transitional, CD19+CD27+ memory and in particular unswitched memory B cells at disease onset, which were predictive of a higher risk of relapse in steroid-sensitive patients by logistic regression analysis, irrespective of age. In accordance, B-cell dysregulations resulted mainly associated with steroid-dependence when patients were stratified in different disease severity forms. Of note, Treg levels were reduced independently from the disease subgroup and were not completely normalized by prednisone treatment.

Conclusion

We have set up a novel, reproducible, disease-specific flow cytometry panel that allows a comprehensive characterization of circulating lymphocytes. We found that, at disease onset, relapsing patients had significantly more transitional, CD19+CD27+ memory and unswitched memory B cells and those who are at higher risk of relapse had increased circulating levels of unswitched memory B cells, independently of age. This approach can allow prediction of clinical evolution, monitoring of immunosuppression and tailored treatment in different forms of INS.

Potential impacts of bisphenols on prostate cells: An overview of cytotoxicity, proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ER-stress response activation

This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS) on PNT1A and PC-3 cells, focusing on their effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and related pathways. PNT1A and PC-3 were treated with BPA, BPF and BPS at concentrations of 0.1, 1 and 10 μM for 48 h cytotoxicity, BrdU cell proliferation, ROS generation, apoptosis detection, gene expression analysis and Western blot analysis were performed. BPA induced proliferation and late apoptosis in PNT1A cells, whereas it induced both late apoptosis and early apoptosis in PC-3 cells. BPF and BPS induced late apoptosis in PC-3 cells. Increased ROS levels were observed in PNT1A cells exposed to 1-10 μM BPA. BPA, BPF and BPS increased the expression levels of ER stress-related genes in PNT1A cells. Furthermore, exposure to BPA increased the expression of ER stress-related CHOP/DDIT3 protein in PNT1A cells. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with BPA, BPF and BPS exposure and emphasize the importance of investigating the underlying mechanisms by which these chemicals may affect human health. Further research is required to comprehensively understand the role of ER stress pathways in cellular responses to these substances.

Endocrine disruptors in plastics alter β-cell physiology and increase the risk of diabetes mellitus

Plastic pollution breaks a planetary boundary threatening wildlife and humans through its physical and chemical effects. Of the latter, the release of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has consequences on the prevalence of human diseases related to the endocrine system. Bisphenols (BPs) and phthalates are two groups of EDCs commonly found in plastics that migrate into the environment and make low-dose human exposure ubiquitous. Here we review epidemiological, animal, and cellular studies linking exposure to BPs and phthalates to altered glucose regulation, with emphasis on the role of pancreatic β-cells. Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to BPs and phthalates is associated with diabetes mellitus. Studies in animal models indicate that treatment with doses within the range of human exposure decreases insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, induces dyslipidemia, and modifies functional β-cell mass and serum levels of insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. These studies reveal that disruption of β-cell physiology by EDCs plays a key role in impairing glucose homeostasis by altering the mechanisms used by β-cells to adapt to metabolic stress such as chronic nutrient excess. Studies at the cellular level demonstrate that BPs and phthalates modify the same biochemical pathways involved in adaptation to chronic excess fuel. These include changes in insulin biosynthesis and secretion, electrical activity, expression of key genes, and mitochondrial function. The data summarized here indicate that BPs and phthalates are important risk factors for diabetes mellitus and support a global effort to decrease plastic pollution and human exposure to EDCs.