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Navarro-Sempere A, Martínez-Peinado P, Rodrigues AS, Garcia PV, Camarinho R, Grindlay G, Gras L, García M, Segovia Y. Metallothionein expression in the central nervous system in response to chronic heavy metal exposure: possible neuroprotective mechanism. Environ Geochem Health 2023; 45:8257-8269. [PMID: 37580456 PMCID: PMC10611846 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that volcanoes release several tonnes of mercury per year among other heavy metals through eruptions, fumaroles, or diffuse soil degassing. Since a high percentage of the world's population lives in the vicinity of an active volcano, the aim of this study is to evaluate the accumulation of these metals in the central nervous system and the presence of cellular mechanisms of heavy metal detoxification such as metallothioneins. To carry out this study, wild mice (Mus musculus) chronically exposed to an active volcanic environment were captured in Furnas village (Azores, Portugal) and compared with those trapped in a reference area (Rabo de Peixe, Azores, Portugal). On the one hand, the heavy metal load has been evaluated by analyzing brain and cerebellum using ICP-MS and a mercury analyzer and on the other hand, the presence of metallothionein 2A has been studied by immunofluorescence assays. Our results show a higher load of metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead in the central nervous system of exposed mice compared to non-exposed individuals and, in addition, a higher immunoreactivity for metallothionein 2A in different areas of the cerebrum and cerebellum indicating a possible neuroprotection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Navarro-Sempere
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - P Martínez-Peinado
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group, CE3c, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - G Grindlay
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - L Gras
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - M García
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Y Segovia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain.
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Camarinho R, Pardo AM, Garcia PV, Rodrigues AS. Epithelial morphometric alterations and mucosecretory responses in the nasal cavity of mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions. Environ Geochem Health 2022; 44:2783-2797. [PMID: 34448062 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Air pollutants (either of natural or anthropogenic origin) represent a considerable environmental risk to human health by affecting the respiratory system and causing respiratory disorders. In this study, we investigate the effects of chronic exposure to hydrothermal emissions on the nasal cavity of mice since it is the first and the most exposed region of the respiratory system. This study, carried in S. Miguel Island, Azores-Portugal, used Mus musculus as a bioindicator species. Mice were captured in an area with non-eruptive active volcanism (Furnas Village) and another area without volcanism (Rabo de Peixe, reference site). The hydrothermal emissions present at Furnas Village are characterized by the continuous release of several gases (CO2, H2S, 222Rn) along with metals (e.g. Hg, Cd, Zn, Al) and particulate matter into the environment. We test the hypothesis whether chronic exposure to this specific type of pollution causes epithelial morphometric, mucosecretory and neuronal alterations on the nasal cavity. Thickness measurements were taken in the squamous, respiratory and olfactory epithelia. The relative density of cell types (basal, support and neurons) was also assessed in the olfactory epithelium and the mucosecretory activity was determined in the lateral nasal glands, Bowman's gland and goblet cells. Mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions presented thinner olfactory epithelia and lesser mucous production, which could result in loss of olfactory capabilities as well as a decrease in the protective function provided by the mucous to the lower respiratory tract. For the first time, it is demonstrated that, in mice, this specific type of non-eruptive active volcanism causes epithelial and mucosecretory alterations, leading to the loss of olfactory capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - A Madrero Pardo
- Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- cE3c, Centre for ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
- IVAR Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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3
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Navarro-Sempere A, García M, Rodrigues AS, Garcia PV, Camarinho R, Segovia Y. Occurrence of Volcanogenic Inorganic Mercury in Wild Mice Spinal Cord: Potential Health Implications. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:2838-2847. [PMID: 34415497 PMCID: PMC9132843 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mercury accumulation has been proposed as a toxic factor that causes neurodegenerative diseases. However, the hazardous health effects of gaseous elemental mercury exposure on the spinal cord in volcanic areas have not been reported previously in the literature. To evaluate the presence of volcanogenic inorganic mercury in the spinal cord, a study was carried out in São Miguel island (Azores, Portugal) by comparing the spinal cord of mice exposed chronically to an active volcanic environment (Furnas village) with individuals not exposed (Rabo de Peixe village), through the autometallographic silver enhancement histochemical method. Moreover, a morphometric and quantification analysis of the axons was carried out. Results exhibited mercury deposits at the lumbar level of the spinal cord in the specimens captured at the site with volcanic activity (Furnas village). A decrease in axon calibre and axonal atrophy was also observed in these specimens. Given that these are relevant hallmarks in the neurodegenerative pathologies, our results highlight the importance of the surveillance of the health of populations chronically exposed to active volcanic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Navarro-Sempere
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - M García
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, and Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Y Segovia
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain.
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Camarinho R, Navarro-Sempere A, Garcia PV, García M, Segovia Y, Rodrigues AS. Chronic exposure to volcanic gaseous elemental mercury: using wild Mus musculus to unveil its uptake and fate. Environ Geochem Health 2021; 43:4863-4867. [PMID: 33860889 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Volcanoes are a natural source of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) (Hg0). Monitoring GEM releases of volcanic origin has been widely studied; however, few studies have been performed about the biomonitoring of species exposed to GEM, rendering an unknown risk to the worldwide populations living in the vicinity of an active volcano. In this pilot study, we used Mus musculus as a bioindicator species to understand to what extent lungs are the main route of mercury uptake in populations chronically exposed to active volcanic environments. Autometallographic silver protocol was used to detect mercury deposits in the histological lung slides. Abundant mercury deposits were found in the lungs of specimens captured at the site with volcanic activity (Furnas Village, S. Miguel Island-Azores). The presence of mercury in the lungs could represent not only hazardous effects to the lung itself but also to other tissues and organs, such as brain and kidneys. This study confirms that the main uptake route for GEM is the lungs and that, even at very low concentrations in the environment, a chronic exposure to Hg0 results in its bioaccumulation in the lung tissue. These results reinforce that biomonitoring studies should be combined with monitoring classical approaches in order to better characterize the risks of exposure to Hg0 in volcanic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Camarinho
- Faculdade de Ciências E Tecnologia, Universidade Dos Açores, Rua da Mãe de Deus, Apartado 1422, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - A Navarro-Sempere
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Apart 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculdade de Ciências E Tecnologia, Universidade Dos Açores, Rua da Mãe de Deus, Apartado 1422, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - M García
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Apart 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Y Segovia
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Apart 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Ciências E Tecnologia, Universidade Dos Açores, Rua da Mãe de Deus, Apartado 1422, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal.
- University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Camarinho R, Garcia PV, Mendonça AC, Rodrigues AS. First report on the prevalence of Klossiella muris in Mus musculus for S. Miguel Island - Azores (Portugal). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 23:100511. [PMID: 33678366 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Klossiella is a genus of apicomplexan coccidian parasites with a global distribution, whose members typically infect the renal tissue of a wide variety of vertebrate hosts with a high level of host specificity. The presence of this parasite has been previously associated with kidney inflammatory processes. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of Klossiella muris in the house mouse (Mus musculus) in Portugal (São Miguel Island - Azores). The prevalence of K. muris was determined through histopathological examination of renal tissue collected during necropsy of 130 mice captured between the years of 2011-2019. K. muris was diagnosed in 45.38% (CI95: 40.9-85.4) of the examined mice. Infection with this parasite was associated with mild to severe kidney inflammation, assessed by the presence of inflammatory processes in the renal cortex and medulla. CAPSULE: First record on coccidiosis caused by infection of Klossiella muris in Mus musculus in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR - Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; CE3C - cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
| | - A C Mendonça
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR - Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Navarro A, García M, Rodrigues AS, Garcia PV, Camarinho R, Segovia Y. Reactive astrogliosis in the dentate gyrus of mice exposed to active volcanic environments. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2021; 84:213-226. [PMID: 33283687 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1850381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has been associated with neuroinflammatory processes and is considered a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Volcanic environments are considered a natural source of air pollution. However, the effects of natural source air pollution on the central nervous system (CNS) have not been reported, despite the fact that up to 10% of the world's population lives near a historically active volcano. In order to assess the response of the CNS to such exposure, our study was conducted in the island of Sao Miguel (Azores, Portugal) in two different areas: Furnas, which is volcanically active one, and compared to Rabo de Peixe, a reference site without manifestations of active volcanism using Mus musculus as a bioindicator species. To evaluate the state of the astroglial population in the dentate gyrus in both samples, the number of astrocytes was determined using immunofluorescence methods (anti-GFAP and anti-GS). In addition, the astrocytic branches in that hippocampal area were examined. Our results showed an increase in GFAP+ astrocytes and a reduction in GS+ astrocytes in Furnas-exposed mice compared to animals from Rabo de Peixe. In addition, astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of chronically exposed animals exhibited longer branches compared to those residing at the reference site. Thus, reactive astrogliosis and astrocyte dysfunction are found in mice living in an active volcanic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Navarro
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante , Alicante, Spain
| | - M García
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante , Alicante, Spain
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores , Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores , Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores , Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, and Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores , Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores , Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores , Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Y Segovia
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante , Alicante, Spain
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Navarro-Sempere A, Segovia Y, Rodrigues AS, Garcia PV, Camarinho R, García M. First record on mercury accumulation in mice brain living in active volcanic environments: a cytochemical approach. Environ Geochem Health 2021; 43:171-183. [PMID: 32794111 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00690-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The health effects of mercury vapor exposure on the brain in volcanic areas have not been previously addressed in the literature. However, 10% of the worldwide population inhabits in the vicinity of an active volcano, which are natural sources of elemental mercury emission. To evaluate the presence of mercury compounds in the brain after chronic exposure to volcanogenic mercury vapor, a histochemical study, using autometallographic silver, was carried out to compare the brain of mice chronically exposed to an active volcanic environment (Furnas village, Azores, Portugal) with those not exposed (Rabo de Peixe village, Azores, Portugal). Results demonstrated several mercury deposits in blood vessels, white matter and some cells of the hippocampus in the brain of chronically exposed mice. Our results highlight that chronic exposure to an active volcanic environment results in brain mercury accumulation, raising an alert regarding potential human health risks. These findings support the hypothesis that mercury exposure can be a risk factor in causing neurodegenerative diseases in the inhabitants of volcanically active areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Navarro-Sempere
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Y Segovia
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain.
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, and Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- IVAR, Research Institute for Volcanology and Risk Assessment, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - M García
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, Apartado 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
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Camarinho R, Garcia PV, Choi H, Rodrigues AS. Chronic exposure to non-eruptive volcanic activity as cause of bronchiolar histomorphological alteration and inflammation in mice. Environ Pollut 2019; 253:864-871. [PMID: 31349195 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 10% of the worldwide population lives in the vicinity of an active volcano. However, volcanogenic air pollution studies are still outnumbered when compared with anthropogenic air pollution studies, representing an unknown risk to human populations inhabiting volcanic areas worldwide. This study was carried out in the Azorean archipelago of Portugal, in areas with active non-eruptive volcanism. The hydrothermal emissions within the volcanic complex of Furnas (São Miguel Island) are responsible for the emission of nearly 1000 tons of CO2 per day, along with H2S, the radioactive gas - radon, among others. Besides the gaseous emissions, metals (e.g., Hg, Cd, Al, Ni) and particulate matter are also released into the environment. We test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to volcanogenic air pollution alters the histomorphology of the bronchioles and terminal bronchioles, using the house mouse, Mus musculus, as bioindicator species. Mus musculus were live-captured at three different locations: two villages with active volcanism and a village without any type of volcanic activity (reference site). The histomorphology of the bronchioles (diameter, epithelium thickness, smooth muscle layer thickness, submucosa thickness and the histological evaluation of the peribronchiolar inflammation) and of the terminal bronchioles (epithelium thickness and classification) were evaluated. Mice chronically exposed to volcanogenic air pollution presented bronchioles with increased epithelial thickness, increased smooth muscle layer, increased submucosa thickness and increased peribronchiolar inflammation. Similarly, terminal bronchioles presented structural alterations consistent with bronchodysplasia. For the first time we demonstrate that chronic exposure to non-eruptive volcanically active environments causes inflammation and histomorphological alterations in mice lower airways consistent with asthma and chronic bronchitis. These results reveal that chronic exposure to non-eruptive volcanic activity represents a risk factor that can affect the health of the respiratory system of humans inhabiting hydrothermal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR - Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; CE3C - cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
| | - H Choi
- University of Albany, Departments of Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, One University Place, Rm 153, Rensselaer, NY 12144-3456, USA.
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR - Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Camarinho R, Garcia PV, Choi H, Rodrigues AS. Overproduction of TNF-α and lung structural remodelling due to chronic exposure to volcanogenic air pollution. Chemosphere 2019; 222:227-234. [PMID: 30708156 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.01.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Volcanogenic air pollution studies and their effects on the respiratory system are still outnumbered by studies regarding the effects of anthropogenic air pollution, representing an unknown risk to human population inhabiting volcanic areas worldwide (either eruptive or non-eruptive areas). This study was carried in the archipelago of the Azores- Portugal, in two areas with active volcanism (Village of Furnas and Village of Ribeira Quente) and a reference site (Rabo de Peixe). The hydrothermal volcanism of Furnas volcanic complex is responsible for the release of 1000 t d-1 of CO2, H2S, the radioactive gas - radon, among others. Besides the gaseous emissions, particulate matter and metals (Hg, Cd, Zn, Al, Ni, etc.) are also released into the environment. We tested a hypothesis whether chronic exposure to volcanogenic air pollution causes lung structural remodelling, in the house mouse, Mus musculus, as a bioindicator species. Histopathological evaluations were performed to assess the amount of macrophages, mononuclear leukocyte infiltrate, pulmonary emphysema, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Also, the percentage of collagen and elastin fibers was calculated. Mice chronically exposed to volcanogenic air pollution presented an increased score in the histopathological evaluations for the amount of macrophages, mononuclear leukocyte infiltrate, pulmonary emphysema and production of TNF-α; and also increased percentages of collagen and elastin. For the first time, we demonstrate that non-eruptive active volcanism has a high potential to cause lung structural remodelling. This study also highlights the Mus musculus as a useful bioindicator for future biomonitoring programs in these type of volcanic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Camarinho
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR - Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
| | - P V Garcia
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; CE3C - cE3c, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes /Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
| | - H Choi
- University of Albany - Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health One University Place, Rm 153, Rensselaer, NY, 12144-3456, USA.
| | - A S Rodrigues
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal; IVAR - Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Sbragia L, Nassr ACC, Gonçalves FLL, Schmidt AF, Zuliani CC, Garcia PV, Gallindo RM, Pereira LAV. VEGF receptor expression decreases during lung development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia induced by nitrofen. Braz J Med Biol Res 2014; 47:171-8. [PMID: 24519134 PMCID: PMC4051183 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20133221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pulmonary vessels have
been described in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and may contribute to
the development of pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension; however, how the
expression of VEGF receptors changes during fetal lung development in CDH is not
understood. The aim of this study was to compare morphological evolution with
expression of VEGF receptors, VEGFR1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR2 (Flk-1), in
pseudoglandular, canalicular, and saccular stages of lung development in normal
rat fetuses and in fetuses with CDH. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups
(n=20 fetuses each) of four different gestational days (GD) 18.5, 19.5, 20.5,
21.5: external control (EC), exposed to olive oil (OO), exposed to 100 mg
nitrofen, by gavage, without CDH (N-), and exposed to nitrofen with CDH (CDH) on
GD 9.5 (term=22 days). The morphological variables studied were: body weight
(BW), total lung weight (TLW), left lung weight, TLW/BW ratio, total lung
volume, and left lung volume. The histometric variables studied were: left lung
parenchymal area density and left lung parenchymal volume. VEGFR1 and VEGFR2
expression were determined by Western blotting. The data were analyzed using
analysis of variance with the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. CDH
frequency was 37% (80/216). All the morphological and histometric variables were
reduced in the N- and CDH groups compared with the controls, and reductions were
more pronounced in the CDH group (P<0.05) and more evident on GD 20.5 and GD
21.5. Similar results were observed for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression. We
conclude that N- and CDH fetuses showed primary pulmonary hypoplasia, with a
decrease in VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sbragia
- Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil, Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - A C C Nassr
- Departamento de Hidrobiologia do Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São CarlosSP, Brasil, Departamento de Hidrobiologia do Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - F L L Gonçalves
- Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil, Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - A F Schmidt
- Pediatrics House Office, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, CincinnatiOH, USA, Pediatrics House Office, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - C C Zuliani
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, CampinasSP, Brasil, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - P V Garcia
- Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, CampinasSP, Brasil, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - R M Gallindo
- Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão PretoSP, Brasil, Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - L A V Pereira
- Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, CampinasSP, Brasil, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brasil
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11
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Rodrigues AS, Arruda MSC, Garcia PV. Evidence of DNA damage in humans inhabiting a volcanically active environment: a useful tool for biomonitoring. Environ Int 2012; 49:51-56. [PMID: 22982222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate whether chronic exposure to a volcanically active environment might result in genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in human oral epithelial cells. A study group of 120 individuals inhabiting a volcanically active environment (exposed group; Furnas village) and a reference group of 122 individuals inhabiting a village without manifestations of volcanic activity (Santo António village) were examined in this study. Individuals from Furnas village inhabit a volcanically active environment marked by several degassing manifestations, including fumarolic fields, thermal and cold CO₂ springs and soil diffuse degassing areas. For each individual, 1000 buccal epithelial cells were analyzed for the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) and the frequency of cells with other nuclear anomalies (ONA: pyknosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis), by using the micronucleus assay. Information on life-style factors and an informed consent were obtained from each participant. The frequencies of MNC and of ONA per 1000 cells in the exposed group (4.3‰ and 23.5‰, respectively) were significantly higher than in the reference group (1.7‰ and 7.7‰, respectively). The risk of having a high frequency of MNC or ONA was 2.4 and 3.1-fold higher in exposed individuals compared to reference group. The analyzed confounding factors (age, gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and mouthwash use) did not show any significant association with the frequency of MNC or ONA. The higher risk of DNA damage in individuals inhabiting a volcanically active environment is for the first time clearly highlighted with this biomonitoring study. Given that MNC in oral epithelia are recognized as a predictive biomarker of cancer risk within a population of healthy subjects, these findings could contribute to explain the high incidence rates of lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancers previously referred for Furnas village inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Rodrigues
- CVARG, Centro de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos Geológicos, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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12
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13
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McLin LN, Barnes LE, Novar BJ, Martinsen GL, Garcia PV. Gabor discrimination and laser disability glare. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/6.6.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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14
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Rhodes JW, Garcia PV, Cosgrove DJ. Behavioral measurement of laser flashblindness in rhesus monkeys. Aviat Space Environ Med 1989; 60:34-9. [PMID: 2923592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Flashblindness was measured in rhesus monkeys performing a visual detection task. Stimulus field subtense was 3.5 degrees, and mean luminance was 10 cd.m-2. Single-pulse laser exposures (doubled Nd:glass, 530-nm wavelength, 20-ns pulsewidth) were presented in Maxwellian-view and formed a 12.5 degrees diameter spot centered on the fovea. The independent variables were: test grating contrast (10% and maximum contrast); test grating spatial frequency (1, 4, 12 c.deg-1); and averaged laser exposure energy (1-94% retinal maximum permissible exposure). The dependent variable was flashblindness, operationally defined as the time between a laser exposure and the first response in a pair of consecutive correct responses (referred to as "time to criterion"). Time to criterion decreased as the contrast of the grating increased. The longest times to criterion were at a spatial frequency of 12 c.deg-1, next longest at 1 c.deg-1, and shortest at 4 c.deg-1. Both the mean and S.E.M. of times to criterion increased with the laser exposure energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Rhodes
- Technology Services Division, KRUG International, San Antonio, TX 78279-0644
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15
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Previc FH, Blankenstein MF, Garcia PV, Allen RG. Visual evoked potential correlates of laser flashblindness in rhesus monkeys I. Argon laser flashes. Am J Optom Physiol Opt 1985; 62:309-21. [PMID: 4003522 DOI: 10.1097/00006324-198505000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The visual evoked potential (VEP) in four rhesus monkeys was used to assess the transient loss of visual function resulting from single 100-ms argon laser flashes (476.5 and 514.5 nm) whose energy levels did not exceed the maximum permissible exposure (MPE). VEP's were elicited by high-contrast square-wave test gratings which were phase-reversed at a frequency of 6 Hz, and were recorded using bipolar electrodes implanted in the foveal projection region of area 17. The parameters which were investigated included (1) flash size (focused vs. expanded), (2) position of the electrode's receptive field relative to the position of the flash (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5-deg separation), (3) flash exposure level (50, 5.0, and 0.5% of the MPE), (4) peak wavelength of the test grating (454, 540, and 630 nm), and (5) spatial frequency of the test grating (1.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 12.0 c/deg). The results of the flash-size experiment revealed that the expanded flash, whose retinal diameter was approximately 750 microns, eliminated or severely attenuated the VEP for a longer duration than did the focused flash and also resulted in a more gradual recovery function. The combined results of the flash position and energy level experiments indicated that the effective energy of the focused flash declined rapidly beyond 1.5 deg, but still approximated 4% of its maximum value as far as 4.5 deg from its center. Few, if any, wavelength-specific effects were observed after exposure to either the 476.5- or 514.5-nm flashes, even when the energy of the flashes was reduced to a small fraction of the MPE. Finally, the flash effect was considerably longer in duration for the 12.0 c/deg grating relative to the low and intermediate frequency gratings. In general, the findings suggest that the focused and expanded argon laser flashes produce a VEP suppression whose time course and other characteristics correlate well with those associated with behaviorally observed flashblindness in humans after exposure to intense noncoherent flashes.
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