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Izumi Y, O’Dell KA, Zorumski CF. Glyphosate as a direct or indirect activator of pro-inflammatory signaling and cognitive impairment. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2212-2218. [PMID: 38488555 PMCID: PMC11034589 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391331] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used around the world, making it likely that most humans have significant exposure. Because of habitual exposure, there are concerns about toxicity including neurotoxicity that could result in neurological, psychiatric, or cognitive impairment. We recently found that a single injection of glyphosate inhibits long-term potentiation, a cellular model of learning and memory, in rat hippocampal slices dissected 1 day after injection, indicating that glyphosate-based herbicides can alter cognitive function. Glyphosate-based herbicides could adversely affect cognitive function either indirectly and/or directly. Indirectly, glyphosate could affect gut microbiota, and if dysbiosis results in endotoxemia (leaky gut), infiltrated bacterial by-products such as lipopolysaccharides could activate pro-inflammatory cascades. Glyphosate can also directly trigger pro-inflammatory cascades. Indeed, we observed that acute glyphosate exposure inhibits long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices. Interestingly, direct inhibition of long-term potentiation by glyphosate appears to be similar to that of lipopolysaccharides. There are several possible measures to control dysbiosis and neuroinflammation caused by glyphosate. Dietary intake of polyphenols, such as quercetin, which overcome the inhibitory effect of glyphosate on long-term potentiation, could be one effective strategy. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss possible mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity following glyphosate exposure as a means to identify potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukitoshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kazuko A. O’Dell
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F. Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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2
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Mazuryk J, Klepacka K, Kutner W, Sharma PS. Glyphosate: Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Hemotoxicity, Carcinogenicity, and Clinical Cases of Endocrine, Reproductive, Cardiovascular, and Pulmonary System Intoxication. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1205-1236. [PMID: 38751624 PMCID: PMC11092036 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00046] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Glyphosate (GLP) is an active agent of GLP-based herbicides (GBHs), i.e., broad-spectrum and postemergent weedkillers, commercialized by Monsanto as, e.g., Roundup and RangerPro formulants. The GBH crop spraying, dedicated to genetically engineered GLP-resistant crops, has revolutionized modern agriculture by increasing the production yield. However, abusively administered GBHs' ingredients, e.g., GLP, polyoxyethyleneamine, and heavy metals, have polluted environmental and industrial areas far beyond farmlands, causing global contamination and life-threatening risk, which has led to the recent local bans of GBH use. Moreover, preclinical and clinical reports have demonstrated harmful impacts of GLP and other GBH ingredients on the gut microbiome, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and endocrine, as well as reproductive, and cardiopulmonary systems, whereas carcinogenicity of these herbicides remains controversial. Occupational exposure to GBH dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, responsible for steroidogenesis and endocrinal secretion, thus affecting hormonal homeostasis, functions of reproductive organs, and fertility. On the other hand, acute intoxication with GBH, characterized by dehydration, oliguria, paralytic ileus, as well as hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, pulmonary edema, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis, may occur fatally. As no antidote has been developed for GBH poisoning so far, the detoxification is mainly symptomatic and supportive and requires intensive care based on gastric lavage, extracorporeal blood filtering, and intravenous lipid emulsion infusion. The current review comprehensively discusses the molecular and physiological basics of the GLP- and/or GBH-induced diseases of the endocrine and reproductive systems, and cardiopulmonary-, nephro-, and hepatotoxicities, presented in recent preclinical studies and case reports on the accidental or intentional ingestions with the most popular GBHs. Finally, they briefly describe modern and future healthcare methods and tools for GLP detection, determination, and detoxification. Future electronically powered, decision-making, and user-friendly devices targeting major GLP/GBH's modes of actions, i.e., dysbiosis and the inhibition of AChE, shall enable self-handled or point-of-care professional-assisted evaluation of the harm followed with rapid capturing GBH xenobiotics in the body and precise determining the GBH pathology-associated biomarkers levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Mazuryk
- Department
of Electrode Processes, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
- Bio
& Soft Matter, Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Université catholique de Louvain, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Katarzyna Klepacka
- ENSEMBLE sp. z o. o., 01-919 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty
of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. School of Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Kutner
- Department
of Electrode Processes, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty
of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. School of Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piyush Sindhu Sharma
- Functional
Polymers Research Team, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Li J, Bi H. Clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying glyphosate-induced major depressive disorder: a network toxicology approach. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2024; 23:8. [PMID: 38297317 PMCID: PMC10829247 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-024-00491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is predicted to become the second most common cause of disability in the near future. Exposure to glyphosate (Gly)-based herbicides has been linked to the onset of MDD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of MDD induced by Gly using network toxicology approach. The MDD dataset GSE76826 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was referenced to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes of MDD patients and controls. The potential intersection targets of Gly-induced MDD were screened by network toxicology. The intersection targets were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and to construct protein-protein interaction networks. The binding potentials of hub targets with Gly were validated by molecular docking. In total, 1216 DEGs associated with Gly-induced MDD were identified. Subsequent network pharmacology further refined the search to 43 targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed multiple signaling pathways involved in GLY-induced MDD. Six potential core targets (CD40, FOXO3, FOS, IL6, TP53, and VEGFA) were identified. Finally, molecular docking demonstrated that Gly exhibited strong binding affinity to the core targets. The results of this study identified potential molecular mechanisms underlying Gly induced MDD and provided new insights for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Yun Long District, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Haoran Bi
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Yun Long District, Xuzhou, 221000, China.
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4
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Kaur S, Verma H, Kaur S, Gangwar P, Yadav A, Yadav B, Rao R, Dhiman M, Mantha AK. Understanding the multifaceted role of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:217-237. [PMID: 37505443 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA and mediating its degradation or inhibiting translation. Since miRNAs can regulate the expression of several genes, they have multiple roles to play in biological processes and human diseases. The majority of miRNAs are known to be expressed in the brain and are involved in synaptic functions, thus marking their presence and role in major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are known to be the major hallmarks. The clearance of Aβ and tau is known to be associated with miRNA dysregulation. In addition, the β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE 1), which cleaves APP to form Aβ, is also found to be regulated by miRNAs, thus directly affecting Aβ accumulation. Growing evidences suggest that neuroinflammation can be an initial event in AD pathology, and miRNAs have been linked with the regulation of neuroinflammation. Inflammatory disorders have also been associated with AD pathology, and exosomes associated with miRNAs are known to regulate brain inflammation, suggesting for the role of systemic miRNAs in AD pathology. Several miRNAs have been related in AD, years before the clinical symptoms appear, most of which are associated with regulating the cell cycle, immune system, stress responses, cellular senescence, nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling, and synaptic regulation. Phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, alter the expression of various miRNAs by binding to miRNAs or binding to the transcriptional activators of miRNAs, thus control/alter various metabolic pathways. Awing to the sundry biological processes being regulated by miRNAs in the brain and regulation of expression of miRNAs via phytochemicals, miRNAs and the regulatory bioactive phytochemicals can serve as therapeutic agents in the treatment and management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhchain Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Anuradha Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Bharti Yadav
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Rashmi Rao
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
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Liu J, Liu M, Xiong F, Xu K, Pu Y, Huang J, Zhang J, Yin L, Pu Y, Sun R. Effects of glyphosate exposure on the miRNA expression profile and construction of the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in mouse bone marrow cells. Funct Integr Genomics 2022; 23:22. [PMID: 36572786 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-022-00939-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Manman Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunqiu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Jiangsu, 210009, Nanjing, China.
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Bukowska B, Woźniak E, Sicińska P, Mokra K, Michałowicz J. Glyphosate disturbs various epigenetic processes in vitro and in vivo - A mini review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158259. [PMID: 36030868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Glyphosate in the concentrations corresponding to environmental or occupational exposure has been shown to induce epigenetic changes potentially involved in carcinogenesis. This substance (1) changes the global methylation in various cell types and organisms and is responsible for the methylation of different promoters of individual genes, such as TP53 and P21 in human PBMCs, (2) decreases H3K27me3 methylation and H3 acetylation and increases H3K9 methylation and H4 acetylation in rats, (3) increases the expression of P16, P21, CCND1 in human PBMCs, and the expression of EGR1, JUN, FOS, and MYC in HEK293 cells, but decreases TP53 expression in human PBMCs, (4) changes the expression of genes DNMT1, HDAC3, TET1, TET2, TET3 involved in chromatin architecture, e.g. in fish Japanese medaka, (5) alters the expression of various small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules engaged in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, such as miRNA 182-5p in MCF10A cells, miR-30 and miR-10 in mammalian stem cells, as well as several dozen of murine miRNAs. Epigenetic changes caused by glyphosate can persist over time and can be passed on to the offsprings in the next generation; in the third generation they can result in some disorders development, such as prostate disease or obesity. Some epigenetic mechanisms have indicated a potential risk of breast cancer development in human as a result of the exposure to glyphosate. It should be emphasized that the majority of reported epigenetic changes have not yet been associated with the final metabolic effects, which may depend on many other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Bukowska
- Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Woźniak
- Laboratory of Tissue Immunopharmacology, Department of Internal Diseases and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, Kniaziewicza 1/5, 91-347 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Sicińska
- Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mokra
- Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jaromir Michałowicz
- Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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7
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Costas-Ferreira C, Durán R, Faro LRF. Toxic Effects of Glyphosate on the Nervous System: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4605. [PMID: 35562999 PMCID: PMC9101768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate, a non-selective systemic biocide with broad-spectrum activity, is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It can persist in the environment for days or months, and its intensive and large-scale use can constitute a major environmental and health problem. In this systematic review, we investigate the current state of our knowledge related to the effects of this pesticide on the nervous system of various animal species and humans. The information provided indicates that exposure to glyphosate or its commercial formulations induces several neurotoxic effects. It has been shown that exposure to this pesticide during the early stages of life can seriously affect normal cell development by deregulating some of the signaling pathways involved in this process, leading to alterations in differentiation, neuronal growth, and myelination. Glyphosate also seems to exert a significant toxic effect on neurotransmission and to induce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, processes that lead to neuronal death due to autophagy, necrosis, or apoptosis, as well as the appearance of behavioral and motor disorders. The doses of glyphosate that produce these neurotoxic effects vary widely but are lower than the limits set by regulatory agencies. Although there are important discrepancies between the analyzed findings, it is unequivocal that exposure to glyphosate produces important alterations in the structure and function of the nervous system of humans, rodents, fish, and invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lilian R. F. Faro
- Department of Functional Biology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universidade de Vigo, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain; (C.C.-F.); (R.D.)
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Maddalon A, Iulini M, Galbiati V, Colosio C, Mandić-Rajčević S, Corsini E. Direct Effects of Glyphosate on In Vitro T Helper Cell Differentiation and Cytokine Production. Front Immunol 2022; 13:854837. [PMID: 35359959 PMCID: PMC8960435 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.854837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate (G) is the active ingredient of the most used herbicides worldwide. Its use is currently very debated, as several studies indicating its hazard and toxicity are emerging. Among them, there is evidence of adverse effects on the immune system. The aim of this work was to investigate if G could directly affect immune cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from healthy donors were used as experimental model. PBMC were expose to G and stimulated with PMA/ionomycin, T helper (Th) cell differentiation and cytokine production were assessed by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. A reduction of Th1/Th2 ratio, mainly due to a decrease in Th1 cells, was observed following G exposure. Results show an enhancement of IL-4 and IL-17A production, and a reduction of IFN-γ. Based on literature evidence that suggest G being an endocrine disruptor, we investigated the role of nuclear estrogen receptors (ER). ERα/ERβ inhibition by ICI 182,780 abolished the effects of G on IFN-γ and IL-4 release, suggesting a role of ER in the observed effects. To further characterize the mechanism of action of G, miRNAs, both in exosome and intracellular, were investigated. A statistically significant increase in miR-500a-5p was observed following G treatment. The blockage of miR-500a-5p, using a specific antagomir, prevented G-induced reduction of IFN-γ production. Finally a relationship between miR-500a-5p up-regulation and ER was observed. Overall, these results suggest that G can directly act on T cells, altering T cell differentiation and cytokines production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Iulini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Colosio
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan Mandić-Rajčević
- Occupational Health Unit, International Centre for Rural Health, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Milesi MM, Lorenz V, Durando M, Rossetti MF, Varayoud J. Glyphosate Herbicide: Reproductive Outcomes and Multigenerational Effects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:672532. [PMID: 34305812 PMCID: PMC8293380 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.672532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate base herbicides (GBHs) are the most widely applied pesticides in the world and are mainly used in association with GBH-tolerant crop varieties. Indiscriminate and negligent use of GBHs has promoted the emergence of glyphosate resistant weeds, and consequently the rise in the use of these herbicides. Glyphosate, the active ingredient of all GBHs, is combined with other chemicals known as co-formulants that enhance the herbicide action. Nowadays, the safety of glyphosate and its formulations remain to be a controversial issue, as evidence is not conclusive whether the adverse effects are caused by GBH or glyphosate, and little is known about the contribution of co-formulants to the toxicity of herbicides. Currently, alarmingly increased levels of glyphosate have been detected in different environmental matrixes and in foodstuff, becoming an issue of social concern. Some in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that glyphosate and its formulations exhibit estrogen-like properties, and growing evidence has indicated they may disrupt normal endocrine function, with adverse consequences for reproductive health. Moreover, multigenerational effects have been reported and epigenetic mechanisms have been proved to be involved in the alterations induced by the herbicide. In this review, we provide an overview of: i) the routes and levels of human exposure to GBHs, ii) the potential estrogenic effects of glyphosate and GBHs in cell culture and animal models, iii) their long-term effects on female fertility and mechanisms of action, and iv) the consequences on health of successive generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Mercedes Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Virginia Lorenz
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Milena Durando
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Rossetti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
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Rossetti MF, Canesini G, Lorenz V, Milesi MM, Varayoud J, Ramos JG. Epigenetic Changes Associated With Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides in Mammals. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:671991. [PMID: 34093442 PMCID: PMC8177816 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.671991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate is a phosphonomethyl amino acid derivative present in a number of non-selective and systemic herbicides. During the last years the use of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) has been increasing exponentially around the world, including Argentina. This fact added to the detection of glyphosate, and its main metabolite, amino methylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in environmental matrices such as soil, sediments, and food, has generated great concern about its risks for humans, animals, and environment. During the last years, there were controversy and intense debate regarding the toxicological effects of these compounds associated with the endocrine system, cancer, reproduction, and development. The mechanisms of action of GBH and their metabolites are still under investigation, although recent findings have shown that they could comprise epigenetic modifications. These are reversible mechanisms linked to tissue-specific silencing of gene expression, genomic imprinting, and tumor growth. Particularly, glyphosate, GBH, and AMPA have been reported to produce changes in global DNA methylation, methylation of specific genes, histone modification, and differential expression of non-coding RNAs in human cells and rodents. Importantly, the epigenome could be heritable and could lead to disease long after the exposure has ended. This mini-review summarizes the epigenetic changes produced by glyphosate, GBHs, and AMPA in humans and rodents and proposes it as a potential mechanism of action through which these chemical compounds could alter body functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Rossetti
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermina Canesini
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Virginia Lorenz
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Mercedes Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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11
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de Araújo-Ramos AT, Passoni MT, Romano MA, Romano RM, Martino-Andrade AJ. Controversies on Endocrine and Reproductive Effects of Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides: A Mini-Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:627210. [PMID: 33790858 PMCID: PMC8006305 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.627210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are among the most used pesticides worldwide, presenting high potential for human exposure. Recently, a debate was raised on glyphosate risks to human health due to conflicting views over its potential carcinogenic and endocrine disruptive properties. Results from regulatory guideline studies, reports from Regulatory Agencies, and some literature studies point to a lack of endocrine disrupting properties of the active ingredient glyphosate. On the other hand, many in vivo and in vitro studies, using different experimental model systems, have demonstrated that GBHs can disrupt certain hormonal signaling pathways with impacts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and other organ systems. Importantly, several studies showed that technical-grade glyphosate is less toxic than formulated GBHs, indicating that the mixture of the active ingredient and formulants can have cumulative effects on endocrine and reproductive endpoints, which requires special attention from Regulatory Agencies. In this mini-review, we discuss the controversies related to endocrine-disrupting properties of technical-grade glyphosate and GBHs emphasizing the reproductive system and its implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Tadeu de Araújo-Ramos
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Sector of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marcella Tapias Passoni
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Sector of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anderson Joel Martino-Andrade
- Animal Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Sector of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Reproductive Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Sector of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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12
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Díaz-Martín RD, Valencia-Hernández JD, Betancourt-Lozano M, Yáñez-Rivera B. Changes in microtubule stability in zebrafish ( Danio rerio) embryos after glyphosate exposure. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06027. [PMID: 33532646 PMCID: PMC7829154 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate, the most commonly used pesticide worldwide, blocks aromatic amino acid biosynthetic pathways and inhibits growth in plants. Although the specific mode of action of glyphosate in animals remains unclear, adverse effects during embryonic development have been reported, including epiboly delays, morphological alterations, and changes in central nervous system development and cardiogenesis. In this study, we suggest a possible toxicity mechanism for this herbicide related to changes in microtubule stability, which could alter the distribution and dynamics of cytoskeleton components. Using zebrafish embryos to evaluate in vivo effects of glyphosate exposure (5, 10, and 50 μg/ml), we found significant reductions in the levels of acetylated α-tubulin (50 μg/ml) and in the polymeric tubulin percentage in zebrafish embryos that had been exposed to 10 and 50 μg/ml glyphosate, without any changes in either the expression patterns of α-tubulin or the stability of actin filaments. These results indicate that high concentrations of glyphosate were associated with reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin and altered microtubule stability, which may explain some of the neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects that have been attributed to this herbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén D Díaz-Martín
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, 82100, Mexico
| | - Jesús D Valencia-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, 82100, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt-Lozano
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, 82100, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Yáñez-Rivera
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A. C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, 82100, Mexico.,Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Ciudad de México, 03940, Mexico
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13
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Hashimoto K, Hammock BD. Reply to Reeves and Dunn: Risk for autism in offspring after maternal glyphosate exposure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2016496118. [PMID: 33443192 PMCID: PMC7812790 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016496118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan;
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
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14
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Hassouna I. Transplacental neurotoxicity of cypermethrin induced astrogliosis, microgliosis and depletion of let-7 miRNAs expression in the developing rat cerebral cortex. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:1608-1615. [PMID: 33312879 PMCID: PMC7721691 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplacental neurotoxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide, cypermethrin DNA alterations and immunohistochemical staining of astrocytes and microglia Cypermethrin induces astrogliosis and microgliosis in cerebral cortex MicroRNAs let7a, b, and c deplete in cerebral cortex of rat pups at postanal days
The use of type II pyrethroids, cypermethrin is becoming a growing concern among environmental research centers. While most studies have attempted to cover the areas of DNA damage and microglia activation following exposure to cypermethin in the adult or postnatal life, less is known about the exact degree of neurotoxicity that results from exposure to transplacental sublethal doses of cypermethrin. To study the transplacental neurotoxicity of cypermethrin, pregnant rats were orally administered 10 % of LD50 (25 mg/kg body weight) cypermethrin, one dose daily for one week during the gestational days 15–21. The pups were investigated at postnatal day7, 14 and 21 after birth. In brain, DNA alterations were detected, astrocytes and microglia quantification were performed and some let7 family member miRNAs are estimated. The results show a gain of three major bands in the range of 350bp to 2100bp with high intensities in cortex exposed to cypermethrin compared with similar pattern indicating unaffected genomic regions in thalamus and hypothalamus at 21days. Moreover, increases in the percentage of GFAP positive astrocytes and IBA1 positive microglia indicate astrogliosis and microgliosis respectively due to cypermethrin treatment in cerebral cortex. For the first time, drastically reduced expression of let7a, b and c members are also associated with gliosis and DNA alterations, which are detected in cerebral cortex, following transplacental neurotoxicity of cypermethrin. Taking together, these results suggest that cypermethrin neurotoxicity may be mediated partly through let7 miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imam Hassouna
- Physiology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
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15
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Pu Y, Yang J, Chang L, Qu Y, Wang S, Zhang K, Xiong Z, Zhang J, Tan Y, Wang X, Fujita Y, Ishima T, Wang D, Hwang SH, Hammock BD, Hashimoto K. Maternal glyphosate exposure causes autism-like behaviors in offspring through increased expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11753-11759. [PMID: 32398374 PMCID: PMC7260984 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922287117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to herbicides during pregnancy might increase risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the risk of ASD by herbicides such as glyphosate remain unclear. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids is shown to play a key role in the development of ASD in offspring after maternal immune activation. Here, we found ASD-like behavioral abnormalities in juvenile offspring after maternal exposure to high levels of formulated glyphosate. Furthermore, we found higher levels of sEH in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and striatum of juvenile offspring, and oxylipin analysis showed decreased levels of epoxy-fatty acids such as 8 (9)-EpETrE in the blood, PFC, hippocampus, and striatum of juvenile offspring after maternal glyphosate exposure, supporting increased activity of sEH in the offspring. Moreover, we found abnormal composition of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in fecal samples of juvenile offspring after maternal glyphosate exposure. Interestingly, oral administration of TPPU (an sEH inhibitor) to pregnant mothers from E5 to P21 prevented ASD-like behaviors such as social interaction deficits and increased grooming time in the juvenile offspring after maternal glyphosate exposure. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to high levels of glyphosate causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities and abnormal composition of gut microbiota in juvenile offspring, and that increased activity of sEH might play a role in ASD-like behaviors in offspring after maternal glyphosate exposure. Therefore, sEH may represent a target for ASD in offspring after maternal stress from occupational exposure to contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Pu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Lijia Chang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Youge Qu
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Siming Wang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Kai Zhang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Zhongwei Xiong
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Jiancheng Zhang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Yunfei Tan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Xingming Wang
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujita
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Tamaki Ishima
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan
| | - Debin Wang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Sung Hee Hwang
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, 260-8670 Chiba, Japan;
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16
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Costa C, Teodoro M, Rugolo CA, Alibrando C, Giambò F, Briguglio G, Fenga C. MicroRNAs alteration as early biomarkers for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases: New challenges in pesticides exposure. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:759-767. [PMID: 32612936 PMCID: PMC7322123 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge linking pesticide exposure, cancer and neuro-degenerative diseases to dysregulation of microRNA network was summarized. Literature indicates differential miRNA expression targeting biomolecules and pathways involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Evaluation of miRNA expression may be used to develop new non-invasive strategies for the prediction and prognosis of diseases including cancer. The application of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in the clinical field is extremely challenging.
This review summarizes the current knowledge linking cancer and neuro-degenerative diseases to dysregulation of microRNA network following pesticide exposure. Most findings revealed differential miRNA expression targeting biomolecules and pathways involved in various neoplastic localizations and neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence in recent literature indicates that alteration of specific miRNAs can represent an early biomarker of disease following exposure to chemical agents, including pesticides. Different miRNAs seem to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and metastasis via many biological pathways through modulation of the expression of target mRNAs. The evaluation of miRNA expression levels may be used to develop new non-invasive strategies for the prediction and prognosis of many diseases, including cancer. However, the application of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in the clinical field is extremely challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Costa
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Department, University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Alessandra Rugolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Alibrando
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Giambò
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Giusi Briguglio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario “G. Martino” – pad. H, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy.
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17
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Haque M, Koski KG, Scott ME. Maternal Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection Up-regulates Expression of Genes Associated with Long-Term Potentiation in Perinatal Brains of Uninfected Developing Pups. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4165. [PMID: 30862816 PMCID: PMC6414690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40729-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishment of neural networks critical for memory and cognition begins during the perinatal period but studies on the impact of maternal infection are limited. Using a nematode parasite that remains in the maternal intestine, we tested our hypothesis that maternal infection during pregnancy and early lactation would alter perinatal brain gene expression, and that the anti-inflammatory nature of this parasite would promote synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation. Brain gene expression was largely unaffected two days after birth, but in seven-day old pups, long-term potentiation and four related pathways essential for the development of synaptic plasticity, cognition and memory were up-regulated in pups of infected dams. Interestingly, our data suggest that a lowering of Th1 inflammatory processes may underscore the apparent beneficial impact of maternal intestinal infection on long-term potentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjurul Haque
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Kristine G Koski
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marilyn E Scott
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21 111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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18
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Thomas KT, Gross C, Bassell GJ. microRNAs Sculpt Neuronal Communication in a Tight Balance That Is Lost in Neurological Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:455. [PMID: 30618607 PMCID: PMC6299112 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the first microRNA 25 years ago, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression within the mammalian brain. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that direct the RNA induced silencing complex to complementary sites on mRNA targets, leading to translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. Within the brain, intra- and extracellular signaling events tune the levels and activities of miRNAs to suit the needs of individual neurons under changing cellular contexts. Conversely, miRNAs shape neuronal communication by regulating the synthesis of proteins that mediate synaptic transmission and other forms of neuronal signaling. Several miRNAs have been shown to be critical for brain function regulating, for example, enduring forms of synaptic plasticity and dendritic morphology. Deficits in miRNA biogenesis have been linked to neurological deficits in humans, and widespread changes in miRNA levels occur in epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and in response to less dramatic brain insults in rodent models. Manipulation of certain miRNAs can also alter the representation and progression of some of these disorders in rodent models. Recently, microdeletions encompassing MIR137HG, the host gene which encodes the miRNA miR-137, have been linked to autism and intellectual disability, and genome wide association studies have linked this locus to schizophrenia. Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-137 regulates several forms of synaptic plasticity as well as signaling cascades thought to be aberrant in schizophrenia. Together, these studies suggest a mechanism by which miRNA dysregulation might contribute to psychiatric disease and highlight the power of miRNAs to influence the human brain by sculpting communication between neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen T. Thomas
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Christina Gross
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Gary J. Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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