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Fiorini S, Rubini E, Perugini M, Altieri F, Chichiarelli S, Meschiari G, Arrighetti G, Vijgen J, Natali PG, Minacori M, Eufemi M. STAT3 Pathways Contribute to β-HCH Interference with Anticancer Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6181. [PMID: 38892372 PMCID: PMC11173063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a class of environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative pollutants. Among these, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is a byproduct of lindane synthesis, one of the most worldwide widespread pesticides. β-HCH cellular mechanisms inducing chemical carcinogenesis correspond to many of those inducing chemoresistance, in particular, by the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways. For this purpose, four cell lines, representative of breast, lung, prostate, and hepatocellular cancers, were treated with β-HCH, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and a STAT3 inhibitor. All cell samples were analyzed by a viability assay, immunoblotting analysis, a wound-healing assay, and a colony formation assay. The results show that β-HCH reduces the efficacy of TKIs. The STAT3 protein, in this context, plays a central role. In fact, by inhibiting its activity, the efficacy of the anticancer drug is restored. Furthermore, this manuscript aimed to draw the attention of the scientific and socio-healthcare community to the issue of prolonged exposure to contaminants and their impact on drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fiorini
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (F.A.); (S.C.); (G.M.); (M.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Elisabetta Rubini
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR National Research Council, Via degli Apuli, 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Monia Perugini
- Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Campus “Aurelio Saliceti”, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Fabio Altieri
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (F.A.); (S.C.); (G.M.); (M.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (F.A.); (S.C.); (G.M.); (M.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Giorgia Meschiari
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (F.A.); (S.C.); (G.M.); (M.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Giulia Arrighetti
- Department of Cultures, Politics and Society, University of Turin, Via Verdi, 8, 10124 Turin, Italy;
| | - John Vijgen
- International HCH and Pesticides Association (IHPA), Elmevej 14, 2840 Holte, Denmark;
| | - Pier Giorgio Natali
- Collegium Ramazzini, Castello di Bentivoglio, Via Saliceto, 3, 40010 Bologna, Italy
- Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori (LILT), Associazione Metropolitana di Roma, Via Nomentana, 303, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Minacori
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (F.A.); (S.C.); (G.M.); (M.M.); (M.E.)
- Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, Campus “Aurelio Saliceti”, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Margherita Eufemi
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (F.A.); (S.C.); (G.M.); (M.M.); (M.E.)
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Grieco M, Giorgi A, Giacovazzo G, Maggiore A, Ficchì S, d'Erme M, Mosca L, Mignogna G, Maras B, Coccurello R. β-Hexachlorocyclohexane triggers neuroinflammatory activity, epigenetic histone post-translational modifications and cognitive dysfunction. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116487. [PMID: 38810285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which encompass pesticides and industrial chemicals widely utilized across the globe, pose a covert threat to human health. β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is an organochlorine pesticide with striking stability, still illegally dumped in many countries, and recognized as responsible for several pathogenetic mechanisms. This study represents a pioneering exploration into the neurotoxic effects induced by the exposure to β-HCH specifically targeting neuronal cells (N2a), microglia (BV-2), and C57BL/6 mice. As shown by western blot and qPCR analyses, the administration of β-HCH triggered a modulation of NF-κB, a key factor influencing both inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression. We demonstrated by proteomic and western blot techniques epigenetic modifications in H3 histone induced by β-HCH. Histone acetylation of H3K9 and H3K27 increased in N2a, and in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6 mice administered with β-HCH, whereas it decreased in BV-2 cells and in the hippocampus. We also observed a severe detrimental effect on recognition memory and spatial navigation by the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and the Object Place Recognition Task (OPRT) behavioural tests. Cognitive impairment was linked to decreased expression of the genes BDNF and SNAP-25, which are mediators involved in synaptic function and activity. The obtained results expand our understanding of the harmful impact produced by β-HCH exposure by highlighting its implication in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. These findings will support intervention programs to limit the risk induced by exposure to POPs. Regulatory agencies should block further illicit use, causing environmental hazards and endangering human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Grieco
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maggiore
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Serena Ficchì
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria d'Erme
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Maras
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council (CNR), Roma, Italy
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Papaccio F, Caputo S, Iorio A, De Simone P, Ottaviani M, Del Brocco A, Frascione P, Bellei B. Persistent β-Hexachlorocyclohexane Exposure Impacts Cellular Metabolism with a Specific Signature in Normal Human Melanocytes. Cells 2024; 13:374. [PMID: 38474338 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous melanoma arises from skin melanocytes and has a high risk of metastatic spread. Despite better prevention, earlier detection, and the development of innovative therapies, melanoma incidence and mortality increase annually. Major clinical risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, an increased number of nevi, the presence of dysplastic nevi, and a family history of melanoma. However, several external inducers seem to be associated with melanoma susceptibility such as environmental exposure, primarily unprotected sun experience, alcohol consumption, and heavy metals. In recent years, epidemiological studies have highlighted a potential risk of β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), the most studied organochlorine pesticide, causing cancer induction including melanoma. METHODS We evaluated in vitro the impact of this pollutant on epidermal and dermal cells, attempting to describe mechanisms that could render cutaneous cells more prone to oncogenic transformation. RESULTS We demonstrated that β-HCH impacts melanocyte biology with a highly cell-type specific signature that involves perturbation of AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and AMPK activation, resulting in lowering energy reserve, cell proliferation, and pigment production. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, long-term exposure to persistent organic pollutants damages melanocyte metabolism in its function of melanin production with a consequent reduction of melanogenesis indicating a potential augmented skin cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Papaccio
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Caputo
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iorio
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Simone
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Ottaviani
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Del Brocco
- Laboratory Clinimed, Clinical and Microbiological Analyses Laboratory, 03023 Ceccano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Frascione
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy
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Marques-da-Silva D, Lagoa R. Rafting on the Evidence for Lipid Raft-like Domains as Hubs Triggering Environmental Toxicants' Cellular Effects. Molecules 2023; 28:6598. [PMID: 37764374 PMCID: PMC10536579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane lipid rafts are cholesterol- and sphingolipid-enriched domains that allow regularly distributed, sub-micro-sized structures englobing proteins to compartmentalize cellular processes. These membrane domains can be highly heterogeneous and dynamic, functioning as signal transduction platforms that amplify the local concentrations and signaling of individual components. Moreover, they participate in cell signaling routes that are known to be important targets of environmental toxicants affecting cell redox status and calcium homeostasis, immune regulation, and hormonal functions. In this work, the evidence that plasma membrane raft-like domains operate as hubs for toxicants' cellular actions is discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided. Several studies address the insertion of pesticides and other organic pollutants into membranes, their accumulation in lipid rafts, or lipid rafts' disruption by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and even metals/metalloids. In hepatocytes, macrophages, or neurons, B[a]P, airborne particulate matter, and other toxicants caused rafts' protein and lipid remodeling, oxidative changes, or amyloidogenesis. Different studies investigated the role of the invaginated lipid rafts present in endothelial cells in mediating the vascular inflammatory effects of PCBs. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo data strongly implicate raft-localized NADPH oxidases, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, caveolin-1, and protein kinases in the toxic mechanisms of occupational and environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorinda Marques-da-Silva
- LSRE—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering and LCM—Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, School of Management and Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Lagoa
- LSRE—Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering and LCM—Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, School of Management and Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena-Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
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Natali PG, Piantelli M, Minacori M, Eufemi M, Imberti L. Improving Whole Tomato Transformation for Prostate Health: Benign Prostate Hypertrophy as an Exploratory Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065795. [PMID: 36982868 PMCID: PMC10055130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that the beneficial properties of single phytonutrients can be better attained when they are taken with the complex of the molecules present in their natural milieu. Tomato, the fruit providing the most comprehensive complex of prostate-health-preserving micronutrients, has been shown to be superior to its single-nutrient counterparts in decreasing the incidence of age-related prostate diseases. Herein, we describe a novel tomato food supplement enriched with olive polyphenols, containing cis-lycopene concentrations far exceeding those present in industry-produced tomato commodities. The supplement, endowed with antioxidant activity comparable to that of N-acetylcysteine, significantly reduced, in experimental animals, the blood levels of prostate-cancer-promoting cytokines. In prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies performed on patients affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia, its uptake significantly improved urinary symptoms and quality of life. Therefore, this supplement can complement and, in some cases, be an alternative to current benign prostatic hyperplasia management. Furthermore, the product suppressed carcinogenesis in the TRAMP mouse model of human prostate cancer and interfered with prostate cancer molecular signaling. Thus, it may offer a step forward in exploring the potential of tomato consumption to delay or prevent the onset of age-related prostate diseases in high-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Giorgio Natali
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. D'Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Piantelli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. D'Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Minacori
- Department of Biochemical Science "A. Rossi Fanelli", Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Eufemi
- Department of Biochemical Science "A. Rossi Fanelli", Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, "La Sapienza" University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Imberti
- Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, P. le Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Pulcinelli F, Curreli M, Natali PG, Quaresima V, Imberti L, Piantelli M. Development of the whole tomato and olive-based food supplement enriched with anti-platelet aggregating nutrients. Nutr Health 2022; 29:193-197. [PMID: 36300197 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221135334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Platelet dysfunctions are shared by cardiovascular diseases and a wide range of inflammatory diseases. Aims To determine the ability of a new whole tomato-based food supplement (WTBFS) containing carotenoid and olive polyphenols to inhibit platelet aggregation. Methods Aggregation was evaluated in platelet-rich plasma using microtiter plates and a plate reader. Results Platelets treated with WTBFS showed a >70% reduction of 5 µM adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation; at 10 µM of ADP, the inhibitory effect of WTBFS was reduced of about 50%. Similarly, 78% and 48% reduction were obtained using 5 µg/mL and 10 µg /mL of collagen as an agonist Conclusion Since the compounds in WTBFS share the ability to inhibit STAT3, the inhibition of its signaling pathway may represent the mechanism underlying the antiplatelet activities. The activity of a lipophilic solution prepared from WTBS was in vitro tested on the platelet aggregation in response to ADP agonists and Collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Pulcinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariaignazia Curreli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Natali
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Virginia Quaresima
- CREA Laboratory (AIL Center for Hemato-Oncologic Research), Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Imberti
- CREA Laboratory (AIL Center for Hemato-Oncologic Research), Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mauro Piantelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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