Cadmium-induced astroglial death proceeds via glutathione depletion

Glutathione Metabolism of the Brain-The Role of Astrocytes

Astrocytes have essential functions in the brain as partners of neurons in many metabolic and homeostatic processes. The metabolism of the tripeptide GSH (γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine) is an important example of a metabolic interaction between astrocytes and neurons. GSH is present in brain cells in millimolar concentrations and has essential functions as an antioxidant and as a substrate for detoxification reactions. A high GSH content protects astrocytes against oxidative stress and toxins and is therefore beneficial for the astrocytic self-defense that helps to maintain the essential functions of astrocytes in the brain and will enable astrocytes to eliminate potential toxins before they may reach other brain cells. In addition, astrocytes provide neurons with the amino acids required for GSH synthesis in a process that involves the export of GSH from astrocytes by the multidrug resistance protein 1, the extracellular processing of GSH via the astrocytic γ-glutamyl transpeptidase to generate the dipeptide cysteinyl-glycine, and the extracellular cleavage of this dipeptide by the neuronal ectopeptidase aminopeptidase N. As GSH export from astrocytes strongly depends on the cytosolic GSH concentration, a high astrocytic GSH content will also facilitate GSH release and thereby the supply of GSH precursors to neighboring neurons. In this article, we will give an overview of the current knowledge on the GSH metabolism of astrocytes, address how a high astrocytic GSH content can help to maintain brain functions, and discuss open questions and future perspectives of research on the functions of astrocytes in the GSH metabolism of the healthy and diseased brain.

Mechanistic interplay of dual environmental stressors: Bisphenol-A and cadmium-induced ovarian follicular damage and hepatocyte dysfunction in vivo

This study investigates the individual and combined toxic effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Cadmium (Cd) in zebrafish, recognizing the complex mixture of pollutants organisms encounter in their natural environment. Examining developmental, neurobehavioral, reproductive, and physiological aspects, the study reveals significant adverse effects, particularly in combined exposures. Zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA + Cd exhibit synergistically increased mortality, delayed hatching, and morphological abnormalities, emphasizing the heightened toxicity of the combination. Prolonged exposure until 10 days post-fertilization underscores enduring effects on embryonic development. BPA and Cd induce oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This oxidative stress disrupts cellular functions, affecting lipid metabolism and immune response. Adult zebrafish exposed to BPA and Cd for 40 days display compromised neurobehavioral functions, altered antioxidant defenses, and increased oxidative stress, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. Additionally, disruptions in ovarian follicle maturation and skeletal abnormalities indicate reproductive and skeletal impacts. Histological analysis reveals significant liver damage, emphasizing the synergistic hepatotoxicity of BPA and Cd. Molecular assessments further demonstrate compromised cellular defense mechanisms, synaptic function, and elevated cellular stress and inflammation-related gene expression in response to combined exposures. Bioaccumulation analysis highlights differential tissue accumulation patterns. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted toxicological effects of BPA and Cd in zebrafish, raising concerns about potential adverse impacts on environmental ecosystems and human health.

Nano-selenium alleviates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in cerebrum via inhibiting gap junction protein connexin 43 phosphorylation

Cadmium (Cd) as a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal is reported to affect the nervous system. Selenium (Se) has been shown to have antagonistic effects against heavy metal toxicity. In addition, it shows potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the possible mechanism of brain injury after high Cd exposure and the mitigation of Nano-selenium (Nano-Se) against Cd-induced brain injury. In this study, the Cd-treated group showed a decrease in the number of neurons in brain tissue, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the formation of autophagosomes. Nano-Se intervention restored Cd-caused alterations in neuronal morphology, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial structure, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Furthermore, we found that some differentially expressed genes were involved in cell junction and molecular functions. Subsequently, we selected eleven (11) related differentially expressed genes for verification. The qRT-PCR results revealed the same trend of results as determined by RNA-Seq. Our findings also showed that Nano-Se supplementation alleviated Cx43 phosphorylation induced by Cd exposure. Based on immunofluorescence colocalization it was demonstrated that higher expression of GFAP and lower expressions of Cx43 were restored by Nano-Se supplementation. In conclusion, the data presented in this study establish a direct association between the phosphorylation of Cx43 and the occurrence of autophagy and neuroinflammation. However, it is noteworthy that the introduction of Nano-Se supplementation has been observed to mitigate these alterations. These results elucidate the relieving effect of Nano-Se on Cd exposure-induced brain injury.

Ferroptosis as a mechanism of non-ferrous metal toxicity

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death, implicated in multiple pathologies. Given that the toxicity elicited by some metals is linked to alterations in iron metabolism and induction of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis might be involved in such toxicity. Although direct evidence is insufficient, certain pioneering studies have demonstrated a crosstalk between metal toxicity and ferroptosis. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying metal-induced ferroptosis include induction of ferritinophagy, increased DMT-1 and TfR cellular iron uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation, inhibition of Xc-system and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, altogether resulting in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In addition, there is direct evidence of the role of ferroptosis in the toxicity of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, manganese, copper, and aluminum exposure. In contrast, findings on the impact of cobalt and nickel on ferroptosis are scant and nearly lacking altogether for mercury and especially lead. Other gaps in the field include limited studies on the role of metal speciation in ferroptosis and the critical cellular targets. Although further detailed studies are required, it seems reasonable to propose even at this early stage that ferroptosis may play a significant role in metal toxicity, and its modulation may be considered as a potential therapeutic tool for the amelioration of metal toxicity.

Neuroprotective Potential of Ellagic Acid: A Critical Review

Ellagic acid (EA) is a dietary polyphenol present in various fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. It exists either independently or as part of complex structures, such as ellagitannins, which release EA and several other metabolites including urolithins following absorption. During the past few decades, EA has drawn considerable attention because of its vast range of biological activities as well as its numerous molecular targets. Several studies have reported that the oxidative stress-lowering potential of EA accounts for its broad-spectrum pharmacological attributes. At the biochemical level, several mechanisms have also been associated with its therapeutic action, including its efficacy in normalizing lipid metabolism and lipidemic profile, regulating proinflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, upregulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and inhibiting NF-κB action. EA exerts appreciable neuroprotective activity by its free radical-scavenging action, iron chelation, initiation of several cell signaling pathways, and alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction. Numerous in vivo studies have also explored the neuroprotective attribute of EA against various neurotoxins in animal models. Despite the increasing number of publications with experimental evidence, a critical analysis of available literature to understand the full neuroprotective potential of EA has not been performed. The present review provides up-to-date, comprehensive, and critical information regarding the natural sources of EA, its bioavailability, metabolism, neuroprotective activities, and underlying mechanisms of action in order to encourage further studies to define the clinical usefulness of EA for the management of neurological disorders.

Soluble curcumin ameliorates motility, adhesiveness and abrogate parthanatos in cadmium-exposed retinal pigment epithelial cells

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential transition metal and one of the most toxic environmental pollutants. Industrial, agricultural and urban activities are the main sources of Cd environmental contamination. Multiple deleterious effects of Cd exposure were reported for different cell types and living organisms in a great number of research papers. Cd bioaccumulation hazard is mediated by the relatively long half-life of this metal in an organism. For example, in mammals its half-life lasts for about 10–30 years. Cd exposure affects many tissues. However, some of them, including the central nervous system and sensory organs, are most susceptible to its toxicity. The harmful effects of Cd could be linked to oxidative stress generation and consequently intracellular signalling disruption. Since Cd induces redox imbalance the antioxidants could be a prospective tool to ameliorate Cd cytotoxicity. In present work, we have studied the protective efficacy of soluble curcumin on Cd-caused retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells viability, reactive oxygen species production, adhesive and extracellular matrix proteins expression, cell migration and parthanatos level. Low dose (5 µM) of soluble curcumin ameliorated all aforementioned indices of Cd-induced cytotoxicity. Curcumin has restored the RPE cells motility as well as fibronectin and E-cadherin expression. Therefore, the modulation of RPE adhesiveness could be regarded as a cytoprotective effect of curcumin. Furthermore, Cd-caused poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) suppression and cleaved PARP-1 upregulation were ameliorated by curcumin exposure. Therefore, the protective effect of soluble curcumin could be related, at least partially, to the modulation of PARP activity and inhibition of parthanatos flux. The observed results have demonstrated that low doses of soluble curcumin are a promising tool to protect RPE cells against Cd-caused retinal injury.

Protective effect of eugenol on hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by cadmium in male rats

BACKGROUND

Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metals. The prolonged exposure of it can lead to severe alterations and damage in different tissues including blood, liver, kidney and brain. Eugenol, a phenolic compound, is present in various aromatic plants. It acts as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the treatment of eugenol is beneficial against the hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation induced by Cd.

METHODS

To study the effect of eugenol in reversal of Cd toxicity, 24 albino rats were equally divided into four different groups: G1 Control (saline), G2 Eugenol (3 mg kg-1), G3 CdCl2 (5 mg kg-1) and G4 CdCl2 + Eugenol (5 mg kg-1 + 3 mg kg-1). All the groups were treated with gavage orally for the period of 21 days. After this treatment period, rats were sacrificed and liver tissues were removed. The hepatic antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring the activities of SOD, Catalase and GST enzymes. The reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl oxidation (PCO) and thiol contents were measured in hepatic tissues. The activities of liver marker enzymes such as ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, TP, albumin, Bilirubin content and LDH were determined to assess the hepatic damage in different groups. Cd induced hepatic inflammation was determined by evaluating the levels of TNF-a, IL-6 and NO.

RESULTS

Oral intoxication of Cd for 21 days significantly elevated the level of hepatic markers including activities of LDH, GGT, ALP, ALT, AST and Bilirubin level. The albumin content, reduced GSH level, and activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in Cd treated group. The levels of inflammatory markers were significantly elevated in Cd treated group. The eugenol treatment was very effective and it significantly reversed the Cd induced biochemical alterations almost similar to that of control.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that the eugenol possessed very strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. The co-treatment of eugenol with Cd exhibited protective potential of eugenol against Cd induced toxicity. Eugenol was able to improve the cellular redox system in rats treated with Cd.

Toxic Metal Species and 'Endogenous' Metalloproteins at the Blood-Organ Interface: Analytical and Bioinorganic Aspects

Globally, human exposure to environmental pollutants causes an estimated 9 million deaths per year and it could also be implicated in the etiology of diseases that do not appear to have a genetic origin. Accordingly, there is a need to gain information about the biomolecular mechanisms that causally link exposure to inorganic environmental pollutants with distinct adverse health effects. Although the analysis of blood plasma and red blood cell (RBC) cytosol can provide important biochemical information about these mechanisms, the inherent complexity of these biological matrices can make this a difficult task. In this perspective, we will examine the use of metalloentities that are present in plasma and RBC cytosol as potential exposure biomarkers to assess human exposure to inorganic pollutants. Our primary objective is to explore the principal bioinorganic processes that contribute to increased or decreased metalloprotein concentrations in plasma and/or RBC cytosol. Furthermore, we will also identify metabolites which can form in the bloodstream and contain essential as well as toxic metals for use as exposure biomarkers. While the latter metal species represent useful biomarkers for short-term exposure, endogenous plasma metalloproteins represent indicators to assess the long-term exposure of an individual to inorganic pollutants. Based on these considerations, the quantification of metalloentities in blood plasma and/or RBC cytosol is identified as a feasible research avenue to better understand the adverse health effects that are associated with chronic exposure of various human populations to inorganic pollutants. Exposure to these pollutants will likely increase as a consequence of technological advances, including the fast-growing applications of metal-based engineering nanomaterials.

Bio-indicators in cadmium toxicity: Role of HSP27 and HSP70

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of proteins that are expressed by cells in reply to stressors. The changes in concentration of HSPs could be utilized as a bio-indicator of oxidative stress caused by heavy metal. Exposure to the different heavy metals may induce or reduce the expression of different HSPs. The exposure to cadmium ion (Cd²⁺) could increase HSP70 and HSP27 over 2- to 10-fold or even more. The in vitro and in vivo models indicate that the HSP70 family is more sensitive to Cd intoxication than other HSPs. The analyses of other HSPs along with HSP70, especially HSP27, could also be useful to obtain more accurate results. In this regard, this review focuses on examining the literature to bold the futuristic uses of HSPs as bio-indicators in the initial assessment of Cd exposure risks in defined environments.

Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress: Focus on the Central Nervous System

Cadmium (Cd), a category I human carcinogen, is a well-known widespread environmental pollutant. Chronic Cd exposure affects different organs and tissues, such as the central nervous system (CNS), and its deleterious effects can be linked to indirect reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Since Cd is predominantly present in +2 oxidation state, it can interplay with a plethora of channels and transporters in the cell membrane surface in order to enter the cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS production, glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation are reviewed in order to better characterize the Cd-elicited molecular pathways. Furthermore, Cd effects on different CNS cell types have been highlighted to better elucidate its role in neurodegenerative disorders. Indeed, Cd can increase blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and promotes Cd entry that, in turn, stimulates pericytes in maintaining the BBB open. Once inside the CNS, Cd acts on glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes) triggering a pro-inflammatory cascade that accounts for the Cd deleterious effects and neurons inducing the destruction of synaptic branches.

The Precursor to Glutathione (GSH), γ-Glutamylcysteine (GGC), Can Ameliorate Oxidative Damage and Neuroinflammation Induced by Aβ40 Oligomers in Human Astrocytes

Glutathione (GSH) is one of the most abundant thiol antioxidants in cells. Many chronic and age-related diseases are associated with a decline in cellular GSH levels or impairment in the catalytic activity of the GSH biosynthetic enzyme glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). γ-glutamylcysteine (GGC), a precursor to glutathione (GSH), can replenish depleted GSH levels under oxidative stress conditions, by circumventing the regulation of GSH biosynthesis and providing the limiting substrate. Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers have been shown to induce oxidative stress, synaptic dysfunction and memory deficits which have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Calcium ions, which are increased with age and in AD, have been previously reported to enhance the formation of Aβ₄₀ oligomers, which have been casually associated with the pathogenesis of the underlying neurodegenerative condition. In this study, we examined the potential beneficial effects of GGC against exogenous Aβ₄₀ oligomers on biomarkers of apoptosis and cell death, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, in human astrocytes. Treatment with Aβ₄₀ oligomers significantly reduced the cell viability and apoptosis of astrocyte brain cultures and increased oxidative modifications of DNA, lipids, and protein, enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine release and increased the activity of the proteolytic matrix metalloproteinase enzyme, matric metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and reduced the activity of MMP-9 after 24 h. Co-treatment of Aβ₄₀ oligomers with GGC at 200 μM increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and led to significant increases in the levels of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and GSH and reduced the GSSG/GSH ratio. GGC also upregulated the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and attenuated the changes in metalloproteinase activity in oligomeric Aβ₄₀-treated astrocytes. Our data provides renewed insight on the beneficial effects of increased GSH levels by GGC in human astrocytes, and identifies yet another potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate the cytotoxic effects of Aβ oligomers in AD.

Cadmium induces apoptotic program imbalance and cell cycle inhibitor expression in cultured human astrocytes

Cadmium is a highly neurotoxic heavy metal impairing neurogenesis and induces neurodegenerative disorders. Toxic concentrations of cadmium induce astrocytic apoptosis by depleting intracellular glutathione levels, elevating intracellular calcium levels, altering mitochondria membrane potentials, and activating JNK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Cadmium suppresses cell proliferation in kidney epithelial cells, lung fibroblasts, and primary myelocytes; however, cadmium's effects on proteins regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell proliferation in astrocytes are less known. The present study hypothesized that cadmium alters levels of antioxidant enzymes, apoptotic regulator proteins, and cell cycle inhibitor proteins, resulting in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Concentrations ≥20 μM cadmium induced apoptosis and led to intracellular changes including DNA fragmentation, reduced mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (i.e., catalase and glutathione S transferase-A4), downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and upregulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Moreover, cadmium suppressed astrocytic proliferation by inducing S and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and promoting p53, p21, and p27 expression. In conclusion, this study provides mechanistic insight into cadmium-induced cytotoxicity of astrocytes and highlights potential targets for prevention of cadmium-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

N-acetylcysteine ethyl ester as GSH enhancer in human primary endothelial cells: A comparative study with other drugs

Several drugs are currently in use as glutathione (GSH) enhancers in clinical, pre-clinical and experimental research. Here we compare the ability of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC), glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-EE) and N-acetylcysteine ethyl ester (NACET) to increase the intracellular concentration of GSH using primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as in vitro model. Our experiments highlighted that NACET is largely the most efficient molecule in increasing the intracellular levels of GSH, cysteine, and γ-glutamylcysteine. This is because NACET is lipophilic and can freely cross plasma membrane but, inside the cell, it is de-esterified to the more hydrophilic NAC, which, in turn, is trapped into the cell and slowly transformed into cysteine. The higher availability of cysteine is matched by an increase in GSH synthesis, cysteine availability being the rate limiting step for this reaction. Surprisingly, the increase in GSH concentration was not linear but peaked at 0.5 mM NACET and gradually decreased when cells were treated with higher concentrations of NACET. We demonstrated that this puzzling ceiling effect was due to the fact that NAC released from NACET turned out to be a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme glutamate-cysteine ligase, with a Ki value of 3.2 mM. By using a cell culture medium lacking of cysteine and methionine, we could demonstrate that the slight increase in intracellular levels of cysteine and GSH induced by NAC in HUVEC grown in standard medium was due to the reduction of the cystine present in the medium itself there rather than to the action of NAC as Cys pro-drug. This fact may explain why NAC works well as GSH enhancer at very high concentrations in pre-clinical and in vitro studies, whereas it failed in most clinical trials.

Regeneration of glutathione by α-lipoic acid via Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway alleviates cadmium-induced HepG2 cell toxicity

Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) is an important antioxidant that is capable of regenerating other antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH). However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which α-LA regenerates GSH remains poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate whether α-LA regenerates GSH by activation of Nrf2 to alleviate cadmium-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In the present study, we found that cadmium induced cell death by depletion of GSH through inactivation of Nrf2. Addition of α-LA to cadmium-treated cells reactivated Nrf2 and regenerated GSH through elevating the Nrf2-downstream genes γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase (γ-GCL) and GR, both of which are key enzymes for GSH synthesis. However, blocking Nrf2 with brusatol in the cells co-treated with α-LA and cadmium reduced the mRNA and the protein levels of γ-GCL and GR, thus suppressed GSH regeneration by α-LA. Our results indicated that α-LA activated Nrf2 signaling pathway, which upregulated the transcription of the enzymes for GSH synthesis and therefore GSH contents to alleviate cadmium-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells.

Effects of cadmium on the glial architecture in lizard brain

The glial cells are positioned to be the first cells of the brain parenchyma to face molecules crossing the blood-brain barrier with a relevant neuroprotective role from cytotoxic action of heavy metals on the nervous system. Cadmium is a highly toxic metal and its levels in the environment are increasing due to industrial activities. This element can pass the blood-brain barrier and have neurotoxic activity. For this reason we have studied the effects of cadmium on the glial architecture in the lizard Podarcis siculus, a significant bioindicator of chemical exposure due to its persistence in a variety of habitats. The study was performed on two groups of lizards. The first group of P. siculus was exposed to an acute treatment by a single i.p. injection (2 mg/kg-BW) of CdCl2 and sacrificed after 2, 7 and 16 days. The second one was used as control. The histology of the brain was studied by Hematoxylin/Eosin and Cresyl/Violet stains while the glial structures were analyzed by immunodetection of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the most widely accepted marker for astroglial cells. Evident morphological alterations of the brain were observed at 7 and 16 days from the injection, when we revealed also a decrease of the GFAP-immunopositive structures in particular in the rhombencephalic ventricle, telencephalon and optic tectum. These results show that in the lizards an acute exposure to cadmium provokes morphological cellular alterations in the brain but also a decrement of the expression of GFAP marker with possible consequent damage of glial cells functions.

Characterization of cadmium chloride-induced BiP accumulation in Xenopus laevis A6 kidney epithelial cells

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can result in the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded protein in the ER lumen, which can trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR) resulting in the activation of various genes including immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP; also known as glucose-regulated protein 78 or HSPA5). BiP, an ER heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) family member, binds to unfolded protein, inhibits their aggregation and re-folds them in an ATP-dependent manner. While cadmium, an environmental contaminant, was shown to induce the accumulation of HSP70 in vertebrate cells, less information is available regarding the effect of this metal on BiP accumulation or function. In this study, cadmium chloride treatment of Xenopus laevis A6 kidney epithelial cells induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in BiP, HSP70 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) accumulation. Exposure of cells to a relatively low cadmium concentration at a mild heat shock temperature of 30°C greatly enhanced BiP and HSP70 accumulation compared to cadmium at 22°C. Treatment of cells with the glutathione synthesis inhibitor, buthionine sulfoximine, enhanced cadmium-induced BiP and HSP70 accumulation. Immunocytochemistry revealed that cadmium-induced BiP accumulation occurred in a punctate pattern in the perinuclear region. In some cells treated with cadmium chloride or the proteasomal inhibitor, MG132, large BiP complexes were observed that co-localized with aggregated protein or aggresome-like structures. These BiP/aggresome-like structures were also observed in cells treated simultaneously with cadmium at 30°C or in the presence of buthionine sulfoximine. In amphibians, the association of BiP with unfolded protein and its possible role in aggresome function may be vital in the maintenance of cellular proteostasis.

Calcium Signaling Involvement in Cadmium-Induced Astrocyte Cytotoxicity and Cell Death Through Activation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways

Cadmium (Cd), a highly ubiquitous toxic heavy metal, can contaminate the environment, including agricultural soil, water and air, via industrial runoff and other sources of pollution. Cd accumulated in the body via direct exposure or through the food chain results in neurodegeneration and many other diseases. Previous studies on its toxicity in the central nervous system (CNS) focused mainly on neurons. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of Cd toxicity for the CNS, we investigated how astrocytes respond to acute and chronic Cd exposure and its toxic molecular mechanisms. When primary cultures of cerebral cortical astrocytes incubated with 1-300 μM CdCl2, morphological changes, LDH release and cell death were observed in a time and dose-dependent manner. Further studies demonstrated that acute and chronic Cd treatment phosphorylated JNK, p38 and Akt to different degrees, while ERK1/2 was only phosphorylated under low doses of Cd (10 μM) exposure. Inhibition of JNK and PI3K/Akt, but not of p38, could partially protect astrocyte from cytotoxicity in chronic and acute Cd exposure. Moreover, Cd also induced a strong calcium signal, while BAPTA, a specific intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) chelator, prevented Cd-induced intracellular increase of calcium levels in astrocytes; inhibited the Cd-induced activation of ERK1/2, JNK, p38 and Akt; and also significantly reduced astrocyte cell death. All of these results suggested that the Cd-Ca(2+)-MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were involved in Cd-induced toxicity in astrocytes. This toxicity involvement indicates that these pathways may be exploited as a target for the prevention of Cd-induced neurodegenerative diseases.

Glutathione-Dependent Detoxification Processes in Astrocytes

Astrocytes have a pivotal role in brain as partners of neurons in homeostatic and metabolic processes. Astrocytes also protect other types of brain cells against the toxicity of reactive oxygen species and are considered as first line of defence against the toxic potential of xenobiotics. A key component in many of the astrocytic detoxification processes is the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) which serves as electron donor in the GSH peroxidase-catalyzed reduction of peroxides. In addition, GSH is substrate in the detoxification of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds by GSH-S-transferases which generate GSH conjugates that are efficiently exported from the cells by multidrug resistance proteins. Moreover, GSH reacts with the reactive endogenous carbonyls methylglyoxal and formaldehyde to intermediates which are substrates of detoxifying enzymes. In this article we will review the current knowledge on the GSH metabolism of astrocytes with a special emphasis on GSH-dependent detoxification processes.

Cadmium Inhibits Neurite Outgrowth in Differentiating Human SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Cadmium, a highly ubiquitous heavy metal, is well known to induce neurotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism of cadmium-mediated neurotoxicity remains unclear. We have studied cadmium inhibition of neurite outgrowth using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells induced to differentiate by all- trans-retinoic acid (RA). Cadmium, at a concentration of 3 μmol/L, had no significant effect on the viability of differentiating SH-SY5Y cells. However, the neurite outgrowth of the differentiating SH-SY5Y cells 48 hours after cadmium treatment (1-3 μmol/L cadmium) was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of RA-stimulated differentiating SH-SY5Y cells with 1 to 3 μmol/L cadmium resulted in decreased level of cross-reactivities with 43-kDa growth-associated protein (GAP-43) in a dose-dependent manner. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, NAC (N-acetyl-l-cysteine), recovered the expression of GAP-43 in cadmium-treated cells. The results indicate that cadmium is able to inhibit neurite outgrowth of differentiating SH-SY5Y cells and that this effect might result from ROS generation by cadmium.

Heavy metals toxicity: effect of cadmium ions on amyloid beta protein 1-42. Possible implications for Alzheimer's disease

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant, highly toxic to humans. This biologically non-essential element accumulates in the body, especially in the kidney, liver, lung and brain and can induce several toxic effects, depending on the concentration and the exposure time. Cd has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a probable risk factor, as it shows higher concentrations in brain tissues of AD patients than in healthy people, its implication in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and in the aggregation process of amyloid beta peptides (AβPs). AβPs seem to have toxic properties, particularly in their aggregated state; insoluble AβP forms, such as small and large aggregates, protofibrils and fibrils, appear to be implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. In our study, we have evaluated the effect of Cd, at different concentrations, both on the AβP1-42 ion channel incorporated in a planar lipid membrane made up of phosphatidylcholine containing 30 % cholesterol and on the secondary structure of AβP1-42 in aqueous environment. Cadmium is able to interact with the AβP1-42 peptide by acting on the channel incorporated into the membrane as well as on the peptide in solution, both decreasing AβP1-42 channel frequency and in solution forming large and amorphous aggregates prone to precipitate. These experimental observations suggesting a toxic role for Cd strengthen the hypothesis that Cd may interact directly with AβPs and may be a risk factor in AD.

Transcriptional and translational regulation of COX-2 expression by cadmium in C6 glioma cells

High exposure to cadmium is a risk factor for many neuronal diseases. Overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is linked to many neuroinflammatory and neoplastic diseases. We, herein, investigated the effect of cadmium on the expression of COX-2 in C6 rat glioma cells. Treatment with cadmium sulfate (cadmium) increased the expression of COX-2 mRNA. Remarkably, cadmium treatment further increased expression of not only the N-glycosylated COX-2 protein of 72 kDa but also the unglycosylated COX-2 of 66 kDa, as assessed by the unglycosylated COX-2 induced by tunicamycin or glucosamine, known inhibitors of COX-2 N-glycosylation. Of note, when translation was blocked in the presence of cycloheximide (CHX), levels of both N-glycosylated and unglycosylated COX-2 proteins induced by cadmium rapidly declined but the decline was prevented by MG132, a 26S proteasomal inhibitor. However, in the absence of CHX, cadmium induced and maintained expression of the unglycosylated COX-2 proteins. Pharmacological inhibition studies importantly demonstrated that the cadmium-mediated COX-2 transcriptional upregulation in C6 cells was not shown by exogenous glutathione (GSH) supplementation or treatment with inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2), p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase-1/2 (JNK-1/2), respectively. Expression of COX-2 was not noted in C6 cells exposed to other heavy metals (cobalt or manganese). These results demonstrate that cadmium specifically induces expression of COX-2 through both transcriptional and co-translational (N-glycosylation) regulation in C6 cells in which the cadmium-induced COX-2 transcriptional upregulation is closely related to oxidative stress-dependent activation of the family of MAPKs and the cadmium-induced expression of both N-glycosylated and unglycosylated COX-2 proteins is proteasome- and translation-dependent.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 protects hypoxic astrocytes against glutamate toxicity

Stroke is a major neurological disorder characterized by an increase in the Glu (glutamate) concentration resulting in excitotoxicity and eventually cellular damage and death in the brain. HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1), a transcription factor, plays an important protective role in promoting cellular adaptation to hypoxic conditions. It is known that HIF-1α, the regulatable subunit of HIF-1, is expressed by astrocytes under severe ischaemia. However, the effect of HIF-1 on astrocytes following Glu toxicity during ischaemia has not been well studied. We investigated the role of HIF-1 in protecting ischaemic astrocytes against Glu toxicity. Immunostaining with GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) confirmed the morphological modification of astrocytes in the presence of 1 mM Glu under normoxia. Interestingly, when the astrocytes were exposed to severe hypoxia (0.1% O₂), the altered cell morphology was ameliorated with up-regulation of HIF-1α. To ascertain HIF-1's protective role, effects of two HIF-1α inhibitors, YC-1 [3-(50-hydroxymethyl-20-furyl)-1-benzylindazole] and 2Me2 (2-methoxyoestradiol), were tested. Both the inhibitors decreased the recovery in astrocyte morphology and increased cell death. Given that ischaemia increases ROS (reactive oxygen species), we examined the role of GSH (reduced glutathione) in the mechanism for this protection. GSH was increased under hypoxia, and this correlated with an increase in HIF-1α stabilization in the astrocytes. Furthermore, inhibition of GSH with BSO (l-butathione sulfoximine) decreased HIF-1α expression, suggesting its role in the stabilization of HIF-1α. Overall, our results indicate that the expression of HIF-1α under hypoxia has a protective effect on astrocytes in maintaining cell morphology and viability in response to Glu toxicity.

Comparative effects of repeated administration of cadmium chloride during pregnancy and lactation and selenium protection against cadmium toxicity on some organs in immature rats' offsprings

This research comprises studies on the transfer of cadmium (CdCl(2)) from the lactating dam to the pup via milk and absorbed in the suckling, showing that cadmium is transferred to the testes, ovary, cerebellum, and thyroid gland during development. The present studies were carried out in order to assess the protective effects of selenium against cadmium toxicity in pregnant rats. On the sixth day of gestation, the females were dosed subcutaneously either with cadmium or with cadmium and selenium in the following doses (mg/kg of body weight): 0, 1 Cd, 1 Cd + 1 Se, 2 Cd, 2 Cd + 2 Se. In groups treated with cadmium, no maternal or embryonic toxicities were observed; however, an increase in testes diameters of seminiferous tubules, a progressive sloughing of germ cells, vacuolization of Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells hyperplasia were noted. The reduction in the ovary size and inhibited folliculogenesis resulted in diminution of the numbers of primordial, growing, and tertiary follicles. The pathological change in the cerebellum, the migration of granular cells from the external germinal layer to the internal granular layer, was strongly retarded. Also, the formation of many microfollicles in the thyroid gland which mimic the changes was seen in thyrotoxicosis. It also appears that selenium used at a low-enough dose could be a very effective protection against cadmium-induced developmental toxicity in the testes, ovary, cerebellum, and thyroid gland but not in the higher dose in the ovary and cerebellum.

Urinary heavy metals and associated medical conditions in the US adult population

Health effects of heavy metals have been widely investigated, but further evaluation is required to comprehensively delineate their toxicity. Using data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on 1,857 adults to examine the relationship between urinary heavy metals and various medical conditions. Cardiovascular diseases were correlated to cadmium (OR: 4.94, 95% CI: 1.48-16.56) and lead (OR: 5.32, 95% CI: 1.08-26.21). Asthma was related to tungsten (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15-2.59) and uranium (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.28). Hepatotoxicity was associated with molybdenum (OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.24-7.73) and uranium (OR: 4.79, 95% CI: 1.74-13.19). Surprising inverse relationships occurred for excessive weight with lead (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52-0.98), reduced visual acuity with cobalt (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.95) and cesium (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.77). This study supports some previous evidence of potential relationships and provides insights for future research.

The Loss of HIF1α Leads to Increased Susceptibility to Cadmium-Chloride-Induced Toxicity in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts

Wild-type and HIF1α −/− MEF cells were used to determine the role of HIF1α in cadmium-induced toxicity. Cadmium treatment did not affect HIF1-mediated transcription but led to caspase activation and apoptotic cell death in wild-type and HIF1α −/− cells. Cadmium-induced cell death, however, was significantly higher in HIF1α −/− cells as compared to their wild-type counterparts. Increased cell death in the HIF1α −/− cells was correlated with lower metallothionein protein, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, and decreased superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. The total and oxidized glutathione levels, and, correspondingly, lipid peroxidation levels were elevated in the null cells compared to wild-type cells, indicating increased antioxidant demand and greater oxidative stress. Overall, the results suggest that basal levels of HIF1α play a protective role against cadmium-induced cytotoxicity in mouse embryonic fibroblasts by maintaining metallothionein and antioxidant activity levels.

Nrf2-mediated adaptive response to cadmium-induced toxicity involves protein kinase C delta in human 1321N1 astrocytoma cells

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal, and exposure to Cd causes a range of changes within the cell. At high concentrations, Cd causes damage to cells via a range of mechanisms. At low concentrations, Cd can stimulate expression of genes that are part of an adaptive response. In this study, we have used the astrocytoma cell line 1321N1 as a model to investigate the induction of protective enzymes in response to Cd. We have shown that expression of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase and haem oxygenase enzymes are induced as the protein level by -fold and -fold, and in response to 5 and 10 μM Cd. Levels of NQO1 and HO1 mRNA are also increased by -fold and -fold following 24h exposure to 5 and 10 μM cadmium. An increase in the nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 was also observed following Cd treatment. Through the use of the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (VIII) acetate we have demonstrated the involvement PKC in the Nrf2-mediated response of 1321N1 cells to 5-10 μM Cd. We have also shown through the used of 10 μM rottlerin that PKCδ is the isoform responsible for mediating this response.

Rapid Disruption of Cellular Integrity of Zinc-treated Astroglia Is Regulated by p38 MAPK and Ca-dependent Mechanisms

Cultured cortical primary astroglia treated with zinc died while rapidly detached from culture plates, a distinct part of zinc-treated astroglia. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the rapid change in the morphologic integrity of zinc-treated astroglia. Among the early cellular events occurring in zinc-treated astroglia, strong activation of p38 MAPK and JNK was evident. Although inhibitors of p38 (SB203580 and SB202190) or JNK (SP600125) did not protect zinc-insulted astroglia from cell death, the p38 inhibitors, but not the JNK inhibitor, suppressed actin filament and cell morphology disruption. The Ca(2+) ionophore, A23187, also suppressed actin filament and cell morphology disruption, but not cell death, of zinc-insulted astroglia. However, A23187 did not inhibit p38 MAPK activation in zinc-treated astroglia. Together these results suggest that zinc influx in astroglia results in rapid loss of the morphologic integrity via mechanisms regulated by p38 kinase and/or Ca(2+) signaling.

In vivo monitoring of the transfer kinetics of trace elements in animal brains with hyphenated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques

The roles of metal ions to sustain normal function and to cause dysfunction of neurological systems have been confirmed by various studies. However, because of the lack of adequate analytical method to monitor the transfer kinetics of metal ions in the brain of a living animal, research on the physiopathological roles of metal ions in the CNS remains in its early stages and more analytical efforts are still needed. To explicitly model the possible links between metal ions and physiopathological alterations, it is essential to develop in vivo monitoring techniques that can bridge the gap between metalloneurochemistry and neurophysiopathology. Although inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a very powerful technique for multiple trace element analyses, when dealing with chemically complex microdialysis samples, the detection capability is largely limited by instrumental sensitivity, selectivity, and contamination that arise from the experimental procedure. As a result, in recent years several high efficient and clean on-line sample pretreatment systems have been developed and combined with microdialysis and ICP-MS for the continuous and in vivo determination of the concentration-time profiles of metal ions in the extracellular space of rat brain. This article reviews the research relevant to the development of analytical techniques for the in vivo determination of dynamic variation in the concentration levels of metal ions in a living animal.

Cadmium increases ferroportin-1 gene expression in J774 macrophage cells via the production of reactive oxygen species

Cadmium intoxication has been associated with the dysregulation of iron homeostasis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of cadmium on the expression of ferroportin 1 (FPN1), an important iron transporter protein that is involved in iron release from macrophages. When we incubated cadmium with J774 mouse macrophage cells, FPN1 mRNA levels were significantly increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the cadmium-induced FPN1 mRNA expression was associated with increased levels of FPN1 protein. On the other hand, cadmium-mediated FPN1 mRNA induction in J774 cells was completely blocked when cells were co-treated with a transcription inhibitor, acitomycin D. Also, cadmium directly stimulated the activity of the FPN1-promoter driven luciferase reporter, suggesting that the cadmium up-regulates FPN1 gene expression in a transcription-dependent manner. Finally, cadmium exposure to J774 macrophages increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by ~ 2-fold, compared to untreated controls. When J774 cells were co-treated with antioxidant N-acetylcystein, the cadmium-induced FPN1 mRNA induction was significantly attenuated. In summary, the results of this study clearly demonstrated that cadmium increased FPN1 expression in macrophages through a mechanism that involves ROS production, and suggests another important interaction between iron and cadmium metabolism.

Effects of glutathione reductase inhibition on cellular thiol redox state and related systems

Although inhibition of glutathione reductase (GR) has been demonstrated to cause a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and increase in glutathione disulfide (GSSG), a systematic study of the effects of GR inhibition on thiol redox state and related systems has not been noted. By employing a monkey kidney cell line as the cell model and 2-acetylamino-3-[4-(2-acetylamino-2-carboxy-ethylsulfanylthio carbonylamino)phenylthiocarbamoylsulfanyl]propionic acid (2-AAPA) as a GR inhibitor, an investigation of the effects of GR inhibition on cellular thiol redox state and related systems was conducted. Our study demonstrated that, in addition to a decrease in GSH and increase in GSSG, 2-AAPA increased the ratios of NADH/NAD(+) and NADPH/NADP(+). Significant protein glutathionylation was observed. However, the inhibition did not affect the formation of reactive oxygen species or expression of antioxidant defense enzyme systems [GR, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase] and enzymes involved in GSH biosynthesis [gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase].

Cadmium-induced decrease in RUNX2 mRNA expression and recovery by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the human osteoblast-like cell line, Saos-2

Exposure to cadmium poses a threat to human health, including increased susceptibility to developing the bone disease osteoporosis. Despite its recognized importance as an environmental toxin, little is known about how cadmium directly impacts bone-forming osteoblasts. We previously reported that cadmium induces apoptosis in human osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. In this work, we hypothesize that cadmium exposure induces oxidative stress which leads to decreased RUNX2 mRNA expression and increased apoptotic death, and predict that the antioxidant NAC mitigates the damaging effects of cadmium. Oxidative stress is implicated in osteoporosis; furthermore the osteoblast transcriptional factor RUNX2 is reported to play a protective role against osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Cells treated with 10 microM CdCl2 exhibited signs of oxidative damage including depletion in glutathione, increased reactive oxygen species formation, and enhanced lipid peroxidation. RUNX2 mRNA expression, by RT-PCR, was significantly reduced after exposure to 10 microM CdCl2. Pretreatment with the antioxidant NAC (1mM) prevented cadmium-induced decrease in RUNX2 mRNA and protected cells from apoptotic death. This study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced osteotoxicity. In addition, this study distinguishes itself by identifying RUNX2 as a target for heavy metal-induced osteotoxicity.

Inhibition of cadmium-induced oxidative injury in rat primary astrocytes by the addition of antioxidants and the reduction of intracellular calcium

Exposure of the brain to cadmium ions (Cd(2+)) is believed to lead to neurological disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that astrocytes, the major CNS-supporting cells, are resistant to Cd(2+)-induced injury compared with cortical neurons and microglia (CNS macrophages). However, treatment with CdCl(2) for 24 h at concentrations higher than 20 microM substantially induced astrocytic cytotoxicity, which also resulted from long-term exposure to 5 microM of CdCl(2). Intracellular calcium levels were found to rapidly increase after the addition of CdCl(2) into astrocytes, which led to a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to mitochondrial impairment. In accordance, preexposure to the extracellular calcium chelator EGTA effectively reduced ROS production and increased survival of Cd(2+)-treated astrocytes. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes increased survival of Cd(2+)-exposed astrocytes. In addition, increased ROS generation and astrocytic cell death due to Cd(2+) exposure was inhibited when astrocytes were treated with the polyphenolic compound ellagic acid (EA). Taken together, Cd(2+)-induced astrocytic cell death resulted from disrupted calcium homeostasis and an increase in ROS. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that enhancement of the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes and supplementation with a phenolic compound, a natural antioxidant, improves survival of Cd(2+)-primed astrocytes. This information provides a useful approach for treating Cd(2+)-induced CNS neurological disorders.

Cadmium specifically induces MKP-1 expression via the glutathione depletion-mediated p38 MAPK activation in C6 glioma cells

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal and an environmental pollutant. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a negative regulator of the family of MAPK. In this study, we investigated the effect of heavy metals on MKP-1 expression in C6 rat glioma cells. Cadmium treatment induced MKP-1 at both protein and mRNA levels while cobalt or manganese treatment did not, suggesting the specificity. Cadmium treatment also depleted intracellular GSH and activated p38 MAPK, JNKs, and AKT. Profoundly, pretreatment with thiol-containing compounds NAC or GSH, but not vitamin E, blocked GSH depletion, 38 MAPK activation and MKP-1 expression by cadmium. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 suppressed the cadmium-induced MKP-1. Collectively, these results demonstrate that cadmium specifically induces MKP-1 by transcriptional up-regulation in C6 cells in a mechanism associated with the glutathione depletion-dependent p38 MAPK activation.

Inhibitory regulation of glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) expression in astrocytes by cadmium-induced calcium influx

After injury to the CNS, the accumulation of extracellular glutamate induces neuronal excitotoxicity, leading to secondary tissue damage. Astrocytes can reduce excess extracellular glutamate primarily through the astrocytic glutamate transporter-1 and the Na(+)-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST). In this study, we used an in vitro model of cadmium-induced cellular stress and found that glutamate uptake activity of astrocytes was suppressed because of cadmium-induced inhibition of GLAST expression. The blockage of cadmium-triggered Ca(2+) influx by Ca(2+) chelators elevated GLAST transcription and glutamate uptake activity in astrocytes, suggesting that the suppression of GLAST expression in cadmium-treated astrocytes was Ca(2+)-dependent. This was supported by the findings showing the reduction of GLAST mRNA in astrocytes after treatment with Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187. Cadmium reduced human GLAST promoter activity; however, it increased the binding of Ca(2+)-sensitive activator protein-1 (AP-1) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) to their specific elements derived from the human GLAST promoter. These results demonstrate that AP-1 and CREB may be coupled with Ca(2+)-dependent pathway triggered by cadmium to mediate the inhibition of GLAST transcription. Our results suggest that Ca(2+) influx into astrocytes after CNS injury could cause the down-regulation of GLAST expression, thus reducing the astrocytic glutamate uptake function, which in turn may exacerbate secondary damage after CNS injury.

Role of α-tocopherol in cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rat's blood, liver and brain

Cadmium (Cd) a highly toxic metal is considered to be a multitarget toxicant, and it accumulates principally in the liver and kidney after absorption. In vivo studies of mouse and rat liver have shown that apoptosis plays a primary role in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the detailed mechanisms by which toxic metals such as Cd produce their effects are still largely unknown. The present study aimed at investigating the consequences of exposure to Cd, alpha-tocopherol and their combination on stress biochemical parameters (lipoperoxidation and protein carbonyls levels). Male albino Wistar rats (1 month old) were treated intravenously with cadmium (2 mg CdCl(2)/kg body weight/day), and alpha-tocopherol (100 mg/kg body weight/day), or with alpha-tocopherol+Cd (100 mg Vit E/kg body weight, 2 mg CdCl(2)/kg). The lipoperoxidation was measured by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method and oxidatively generated damage to proteins by determining carbonyl (DNPH) levels. Among the hematological parameters measured the haematocrit value and haemoglobin concentration were significantly decreased in the blood of Cd-treated rats. A significant increase was observed in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls in the cadmium exposed group compared to control group (p<0.001), and these values were decreased after administration of alpha-tocopherol (group 4). The activity of lactate dehydrogenase in rat liver and brain showed a significant increase as compared to that found in the control group and significant decrease of catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. In the liver of the Cd-treated group the contents of reduced glutathione were decreased. Our results suggest that cadmium induces an oxidation of cellular lipids and proteins and that administration of alpha-tocopherol can reduce Cd-induced oxidative stress and improve the glutathione level together with other biochemical parameters.

Neurotoxic Potential of Depleted Uranium—Effects in Primary Cortical Neuron Cultures and in Caenorhabditis elegans

Depleted uranium (DU) is an extremely dense metal that is used in radiation shielding, counterbalances, armor, and ammunition. In light of the public concerns about exposure to DU and its potential role in Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), this study evaluated the neurotoxic potential of DU using focused studies on primary rat cortical neurons and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We examined cell viability, cellular energy metabolism, thiol metabolite oxidation, and lipid peroxidation following exposure of cultured neurons to DU, in the form of uranyl acetate. We concurrently evaluated the neurotoxicity of uranyl acetate in C. elegans using various neuronal-green fluourescent protein reporter strains to visualize neurodegeneration. Our studies indicate that uranyl acetate has low cytotoxic potential, and uranium exposure does not result in significant changes in cellular energy metabolism, thiol metabolite oxidation, or lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, our C. elegans studies do not show any significant neurodegeneration following uranyl acetate exposure. Together, these studies suggest that DU, in the form of uranyl acetate, has low neurotoxic potential. These findings should alleviate the some of public concerns regarding DU as an etiologic agent of neurodegenerative conditions associated with GWS.

Toxic effects of cobalt in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes

Cobalt is suspected to cause memory deficit in humans and was reported to induce neurotoxicity in animal models. We have studied the effects of cobalt in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes. CoCl(2) (0.2-0.8mM) caused dose-dependent ATP depletion, apoptosis (cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine externalization and chromatin rearrangements) and secondary necrosis. The mitochondria appeared to be a main target of cobalt toxicity, as shown by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and release from the mitochondria of apoptogenic factors, e.g. apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). Pre-treatment with bongkrekic acid reduced ATP depletion, implicating the involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore. Cobalt increased the generation of oxygen radicals, but antioxidants did not prevent toxicity. There was also an impaired response to ATP stimulation, evaluated as a lower raise in intracellular calcium. Similarly to hypoxia and dymethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG), cobalt triggered stabilization of the alpha-subunit of hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1 (HIF-1alpha). This early event was followed by an increased expression of HIF-1 regulated genes, e.g. stress protein HO-1, pro-apoptotic factor Nip3 and iNOS. Although all of the three stimuli activated the HIF-1alpha pathway and decreased ATP levels, the downstream effects were different. DMOG only inhibited cell proliferation, whereas the other two conditions caused cell death by apoptosis and necrosis. This points to cobalt and hypoxia not only inducing HIF-1alpha regulated genes but also affecting similarly other cellular functions, including metabolism.

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid induces astroglial death via glutathione depletion

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is known to cause cell death in certain cell types that is independent of its activity as a lipoxygenase inhibitor; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the cellular responses of cultured primary astroglia to NDGA treatment. Continuous treatment of primary astroglia with 30 microM NDGA caused >85% cell death within 24 hr. Cotreatment with the lipoxygenase products 5-HETE, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE did not override the cytotoxic effects of NDGA. In assays employing the mitochondrial membrane potential-sensitive dye JC-1, NDGA was found to induce a rapid and almost complete loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. However, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors cyclosporin A and bongkrekic acid did not block NDGA-induced astroglial death. We found that treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), glutathione (GSH), and GSH ethyl ester (GSH-EE) did inhibit NDGA-induced astroglial death. Consistently, NDGA-induced astroglial death proceeded in parallel with intracellular GSH depletion. Pretreatment with GSH-EE and NAC did not block NDGA-induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and there was no evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was involved in NDGA-induced astroglial death. Together, these results suggest that NDGA-induced astroglial death occurs via a mechanism that involves GSH depletion independent of lipoxygenase activity inhibition and ROS stress.

Metal binding of metallothioneins in human astrocytomas (U87 MG, IPDDC-2A)

Astroglia cells structurally and nutritionally support neurons in the central nervous system. They play an important role in guiding the construction of the nervous system and controlling the chemical and ionic environment of neurons. They also represent the major sites for accumulation and immobilisation of toxic metal ions most probably connected with metallothioneins. For this reason astroglia cells possess high cytosolic levels of metallothioneins I, II and III (MT-I,II,III). Our aim was to establish the inducibility and metal binding of MTs in two human astrocytoma cell lines, U87 MG (astrocytoma-glioblastoma, grade IV) and IPDDC-2A (astrocytoma, grade II), on exposure to cadmium chloride (1 microM). MTs were identified by molecular weight (size exclusion chromatography) and their metal content (Cd, Zn and Cu) to follow the interactions between metals. We showed that MTs are constitutively expressed in both human astrocytoma cell lines. In accordance with the higher malignancy grade of U87 MG, the amount of MTs was higher in U87 MG than in IPDDC-2A cells. After 24 hours of exposure to Cd their expression greatly increased in both cell lines and they were capable of immobilising almost all water soluble Cd. Induction of MTs in U87 MG cells was additionally followed up to 48 hours with exposure to different concentrations of CdCl(2) (1, 10 microM). Induction was a time dependent process throughout the period. Isoform III (identified by chromatographic separation of isoform III from I/II) was present at all exposure times, but only in traces with respect to the prevailing amounts of MT-I/II isoforms. So induction can be attributed to isoform I/II only.