1
|
Kumar Rai R, Shankar Pati R, Islam A, Roy G. Detoxification of organomercurials by thiones and selones: A short review. Inorganica Chim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2022.120980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
2
|
A Novel Diselenide-Probucol-Analogue Protects Against Methylmercury-Induced Toxicity in HT22 Cells by Upregulating Peroxide Detoxification Systems: a Comparison with Diphenyl Diselenide. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:127-139. [PMID: 35043379 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental neurotoxicant whose mechanisms of action involve oxidation of endogenous nucleophilic groups (mainly thiols and selenols), depletion of antioxidant defenses, and disruption of neurotransmitter homeostasis. Diphenyl diselenide-(PhSe)2-a model diaryl diselenide, has been reported to display significant protective effects against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity under both in vitro and in vivo experimental conditions. In this study, we compared the protective effects of (PhSe)2 with those of RC513 (4,4'-diselanediylbis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), a novel diselenide-probucol-analog) against MeHg-induced toxicity in the neuronal (hippocampal) cell line HT22. Although both (PhSe)2 and RC513 significantly mitigated MeHg- and tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH)-cytotoxicity, the probucol analog exhibited superior protective effects, which were observed earlier and at lower concentrations compared to (PhSe)2. RC513 treatment (at either 0.5 µM or 2 µM) significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, which has been reported to counteract MeHg-toxicity. (PhSe)2 was also able to increase GPx activity, but only at 2 µM. Although both compounds increased the Gpx1 transcripts at 6 h after treatments, only RC513 was able to increase mRNA levels of Prx2, Prx3, Prx5, and Txn2, which are also involved in peroxide detoxification. RC513 (at 2 µM) significantly increased GPx-1 protein expression in HT22 cells, although (PhSe)2 displayed a minor (nonsignificant) effect in this parameter. In agreement, RC513 induced a faster and superior capability to cope with exogenously-added peroxide (t-BuOOH). In summary, when compared to the prototypical organic diaryl diselenide [(PhSe)2], RC513 displayed superior protective properties against MeHg-toxicity in vitro; this was paralleled by a more pronounced upregulation of defenses related to detoxification of peroxides, which are well-known MeHg-derived intermediate oxidant species.
Collapse
|
3
|
Abu-Zeid EH, Khalifa BA, Elewa YHA, Arisha AH, Ismail TA, Hendam BM, Abdel-Hamid SE. Bee venom Apis mellifera lamarckii rescues blood brain barrier damage and neurobehavioral changes induced by methyl mercury via regulating tight junction proteins expression in rat cerebellum. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 154:112309. [PMID: 34062221 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study is to investigate the protective effect of Egyptian bee venom (BV) against methyl mercury chloride (MMC) induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and neurobehavioral changes. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped into 1st control (C), 2nd BV (0.5 mg/kg S/C for14 days), 3rd MMC (6.7 mg/kg orally/14 days), and 4th MMC + BV group. MMC exposure significantly altered rat cognitive behavior, auditory startle habituation, and swimming performance, increased the exploratory, grooming, and stereotypic behavior. MMC significantly impaired BBB integrity via induction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and down-regulation of tight junction proteins genes (TJPs) mRNA expression levels: Occludin (OCC), Claudins-5 (CLDN5), Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), while up-regulated the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) mRNA expression levels. MMC revealed a significantly higher percentage of IgG positive area ratio, a higher index ratio of Iba1, Sox10, and ss-DNA, while index ratio of CD31, neurofilament, and pan neuron showed a significant reduction. Administration of BV significantly regulates the MMC altered behavioral responses, TJPs relative mRNA expression, and the immune-expression markers for specific neural cell types. It could be concluded for the first time that BV retains a promising in vivo protection against MMC-induced BBB dysfunction and neurobehavioral toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan H Abu-Zeid
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Bouthaina A Khalifa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 12211, Egypt
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, 44511, Egypt; Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Ahmed H Arisha
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Tamer A Ismail
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Turabah University College, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma M Hendam
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Wealth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Shereen El Abdel-Hamid
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lima LW, Nardi S, Santoro V, Schiavon M. The Relevance of Plant-Derived Se Compounds to Human Health in the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic Era. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071031. [PMID: 34202330 PMCID: PMC8300636 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary selenium (Se)-compounds accumulated in plants are essential for human metabolism and normal physiological processes. Inorganic and organic Se species can be readily absorbed by the human body, but are metabolized differently and thus exhibit distinct mechanisms of action. They can act as antioxidants or serve as a source of Se for the synthesis of selenoproteins. Selenocysteine, in particular, is incorporated at the catalytic center of these proteins through a specific insertion mechanism and, due to its electronic features, enhances their catalytic activity against biological oxidants. Selenite and other Se-organic compounds may also act as direct antioxidants in cells due to their strong nucleophilic properties. In addition, Se-amino acids are more easily subjected to oxidation than the corresponding thiols/thioethers and can bind redox-active metal ions. Adequate Se intake aids in preventing several metabolic disorders and affords protection against viral infections. At present, an epidemic caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) threatens human health across several countries and impacts the global economy. Therefore, Se-supplementation could be a complementary treatment to vaccines and pharmacological drugs to reduce the viral load, mutation frequency, and enhance the immune system of populations with low Se intake in the diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Serenella Nardi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy;
| | - Veronica Santoro
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy;
| | - Michela Schiavon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Via Leonardo da Vinci, 44, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-1670-8520
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Erythrocytes as a Model for Heavy Metal-Related Vascular Dysfunction: The Protective Effect of Dietary Components. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126604. [PMID: 34203038 PMCID: PMC8235350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are toxic environmental pollutants associated with severe ecological and human health risks. Among them is mercury (Hg), widespread in air, soil, and water, due to its peculiar geo-biochemical cycle. The clinical consequences of Hg exposure include neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, increased risk for cardiovascular diseases is also reported due to a direct effect on cardiovascular tissues, including endothelial cells, recently identified as important targets for the harmful action of heavy metals. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for the potential use of erythrocytes as a surrogate model to study Hg-related toxicity on the cardiovascular system. The toxic effects of Hg on erythrocytes have been amply investigated in the last few years. Among the observed alterations, phosphatidylserine exposure has been proposed as an underlying mechanism responsible for Hg-induced increased proatherogenic and prothrombotic activity of these cells. Furthermore, following Hg-exposure, a decrease in NOS activity has also been reported, with consequent lowering of NO bioavailability, thus impairing endothelial function. An additional mechanism that may induce a decrease in NO availability is the generation of an oxidative microenvironment. Finally, considering that chronic Hg exposure mainly occurs through contaminated foods, the protective effect of dietary components is also discussed.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bridle TG, Kumarathasan P, Gailer J. Toxic Metal Species and 'Endogenous' Metalloproteins at the Blood-Organ Interface: Analytical and Bioinorganic Aspects. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113408. [PMID: 34199902 PMCID: PMC8200099 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristen G. Bridle
- Department of Chemistry, 2500 University Drive NW, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Premkumari Kumarathasan
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada;
| | - Jürgen Gailer
- Department of Chemistry, 2500 University Drive NW, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fujimura M, Usuki F. Methylmercury-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Activation of the Cellular Protective System. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9101004. [PMID: 33081221 PMCID: PMC7602710 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxicant that causes severe intoxication in humans. In Japan, it is referred to as Minamata disease, which involves two characteristic clinical forms: fetal type and adult type depending on the exposed age. In addition to MeHg burden level, individual susceptibility to MeHg plays a role in the manifestation of MeHg toxicity. Research progress has pointed out the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MeHg toxicity. MeHg has a high affinity for selenohydryl groups, sulfhydryl groups, and selenides. It has been clarified that such affinity characteristics cause the impairment of antioxidant enzymes and proteins, resulting in the disruption of antioxidant systems. Furthermore, MeHg-induced intracellular selenium deficiency due to the greater affinity of MeHg for selenohydryl groups and selenides leads to failure in the recoding of a UGA codon for selenocysteine and results in the degradation of antioxidant selenoenzyme mRNA by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The defect of antioxidant selenoenzyme replenishment exacerbates MeHg-mediated oxidative stress. On the other hand, it has also been revealed that MeHg can directly activate the antioxidant Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. This review summarizes the incidence of MeHg-mediated oxidative stress from the viewpoint of the individual intracellular redox system interactions and the MeHg-mediated aforementioned intracellular events. In addition, the mechanisms of cellular stress pathways and neuronal cell death triggered by MeHg-mediated oxidative stress and direct interactions of MeHg with reactive residues of proteins are mentioned.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan;
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-275-6246; Fax: +81-99-275-5942
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fujimura M, Usuki F, Unoki T. Decreased plasma thiol antioxidant capacity precedes neurological signs in a rat methylmercury intoxication model. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 146:111810. [PMID: 33058990 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The main target organ for MeHg is the nervous system, and its neurological dysfunction remains irreversible. Therefore, predictive biomarkers associated with individual susceptibility to MeHg and future clinical severity are needed to protect against the progression of MeHg toxicity. In this study, we demonstrated that plasma thiol antioxidant capacity (-SHp) is a useful predictive biomarker associated with future clinical severity using MeHg-intoxicated rats administered 1 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the subclavian vein of each rat once a week to examine total blood mercury concentrations and the levels of plasma oxidative stress markers. Time course analyses of the correlation between these weekly blood examination values and hind limb crossing signs score after 4 weeks of MeHg exposure were performed, and plasma -SHp levels after 2 weeks of MeHg exposure showed strong correlations with future hind limb crossing sign scores. Neuropathological changes also developed in parallel with hind limb crossing sign scores. Quantitative analysis of vacuolar areas in the spinal cord showed a strong correlation with hind limb crossing sign scores. In conclusion, evaluation of plasma -SHp levels allowed us to detect individuals at risk for health damage and could protect the sensitive population against MeHg toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Unoki
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sakamoto M, Kakita A, Sakai K, Kameo S, Yamamoto M, Nakamura M. Methylmercury exposure during the vulnerable window of the cerebrum in postnatal developing rats. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109776. [PMID: 32592939 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The developing brain is known to be sensitive to the toxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg). The effects of toxic levels of MeHg exposure during the most seemingly vulnerable window of the cerebrum are not well studied. In this study, we aimed to examine the specific effects of toxic levels of MeHg on neurobehavior, neurodegeneration, and selenoenzyme activity in the cerebrum of infant rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 8/group) were orally treated with MeHg at an acute toxic dose (8 mg Hg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days starting on postnatal day 14 (P14). The MeHg-exposed rats showed a significant reduction in body weight after day 8 and severe neurological symptoms similar to dystonia on day 12 (P25). Motor coordination deficits determined using the rotarod performance test and short-term memory impairment determined using the Y-maze task were observed in the MeHg-exposed rats on day 11 (P24). The MeHg-exposed rats sacrificed on day 12 showed severe cerebral neuronal degeneration, reactive astrocytosis, and TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei, with the cerebral Hg concentration of 15.0 ± 1.6 μg/g. Furthermore, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase in the cerebrum in MeHg-exposed rats were lower than those in control. These results indicate that MeHg exposure to infant rats will be useful to predict the effects of MeHg at the cerebral growth spurt in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuo Sakai
- Japan Institute for the Control of Aging, Nikken SEIL Co., Ltd., Japan
| | - Satomi Kameo
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Japan; Department of Nutrition, Koshien University, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ajsuvakova OP, Tinkov AA, Aschner M, Rocha JB, Michalke B, Skalnaya MG, Skalny AV, Butnariu M, Dadar M, Sarac I, Aaseth J, Bjørklund G. Sulfhydryl groups as targets of mercury toxicity. Coord Chem Rev 2020; 417:213343. [PMID: 32905350 PMCID: PMC7470069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study addresses existing data on the affinity and conjugation of sulfhydryl (thiol; -SH) groups of low- and high-molecular-weight biological ligands with mercury (Hg). The consequences of these interactions with special emphasis on pathways of Hg toxicity are highlighted. Cysteine (Cys) is considered the primary target of Hg, and link its sensitivity with thiol groups and cellular damage. In vivo, Hg complexes play a key role in Hg metabolism. Due to the increased affinity of Hg to SH groups in Cys residues, glutathione (GSH) is reactive. The geometry of Hg(II) glutathionates is less understood than that with Cys. Both Cys and GSH Hg-conjugates are important in Hg transport. The binding of Hg to Cys mediates multiple toxic effects of Hg, especially inhibitory effects on enzymes and other proteins that contain free Cys residues. In blood plasma, albumin is the main Hg-binding (Hg2+, CH3Hg+, C2H5Hg+, C6H5Hg+) protein. At the Cys34 residue, Hg2+ binds to albumin, whereas other metals likely are bound at the N-terminal site and multi-metal binding sites. In addition to albumin, Hg binds to multiple Cys-containing enzymes (including manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), arginase I, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase, etc.) involved in multiple processes. The affinity of Hg for thiol groups may also underlie the pathways of Hg toxicity. In particular, Hg-SH may contribute to apoptosis modulation by interfering with Akt/CREB, Keap1/Nrf2, NF-κB, and mitochondrial pathways. Mercury-induced oxidative stress may ensue from Cys-Hg binding and inhibition of Mn-SOD (Cys196), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) (Cys497) activity, as well as limiting GSH (GS-HgCH3) and Trx (Cys32, 35, 62, 65, 73) availability. Moreover, Hg-thiol interaction also is crucial in the neurotoxicity of Hg by modulating the cytoskeleton and neuronal receptors, to name a few. However, existing data on the role of Hg-SH binding in the Hg toxicity remains poorly defined. Therefore, more research is needed to understand better the role of Hg-thiol binding in the molecular pathways of Hg toxicology and the critical role of thiols to counteract negative effects of Hg overload.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga P. Ajsuvakova
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael Aschner
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - João B.T. Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Federal Scientific Center of Biological Systems and Agrotechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Monica Butnariu
- Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
- CONEM Romania Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Group, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Ioan Sarac
- Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
- CONEM Romania Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences Group, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timișoara, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Jan Aaseth
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vascular Dysfunction Induced by Mercury Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102435. [PMID: 31100949 PMCID: PMC6566353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) causes severe damage to the central nervous system, and there is increasing evidence of the association between MeHg exposure and vascular dysfunction, hemorrhage, and edema in the brain, but not in other organs of patients with acute MeHg intoxication. These observations suggest that MeHg possibly causes blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. MeHg penetrates the BBB into the brain parenchyma via active transport systems, mainly the l-type amino acid transporter 1, on endothelial cell membranes. Recently, exposure to mercury has significantly increased. Numerous reports suggest that long-term low-level MeHg exposure can impair endothelial function and increase the risks of cardiovascular disease. The most widely reported mechanism of MeHg toxicity is oxidative stress and related pathways, such as neuroinflammation. BBB dysfunction has been suggested by both in vitro and in vivo models of MeHg intoxication. Therapy targeted at both maintaining the BBB and suppressing oxidative stress may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for MeHg intoxication. This paper reviews studies on the relationship between MeHg exposure and vascular dysfunction, with a special emphasis on the BBB.
Collapse
|
12
|
Farina M, Aschner M. Glutathione antioxidant system and methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity: An intriguing interplay. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1863:129285. [PMID: 30659883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic chemical compound naturally produced mainly in the aquatic environment through the methylation of inorganic mercury catalyzed by aquatic microorganisms. MeHg is biomagnified in the aquatic food chain and, consequently, piscivorous fish at the top of the food chain possess huge amounts of MeHg (at the ppm level). Some populations that have fish as main protein's source can be exposed to exceedingly high levels of MeHg and develop signs of toxicity. MeHg is toxic to several organs, but the central nervous system (CNS) represents a preferential target, especially during development (prenatal and early postnatal periods). Though the biochemical events involved in MeHg-(neuro)toxicity are not yet entirely comprehended, a vast literature indicates that its pro-oxidative properties explain, at least partially, several of its neurotoxic effects. As result of its electrophilicity, MeHg interacts with (and oxidize) nucleophilic groups, such as thiols and selenols, present in proteins or low-molecular weight molecules. It is noteworthy that such interactions modify the redox state of these groups and, therefore, lead to oxidative stress and impaired function of several molecules, culminating in neurotoxicity. Among these molecules, glutathione (GSH; a major thiol antioxidant) and thiol- or selenol-containing enzymes belonging to the GSH antioxidant system represent key molecular targets involved in MeHg-neurotoxicity. In this review, we firstly present a general overview concerning the neurotoxicity of MeHg. Then, we present fundamental aspects of the GSH-antioxidant system, as well as the effects of MeHg on this system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang X, Wang T, Li S, Ye C, Hou J, Li Q, Liang H, Zhou H, Guo Z, Han X, Wang Z, Wu H, Gao X, Xu C, Zhen R, Chen X, Duan Y, Wang Y, Han S. A spatial ecological study of selenoprotein P and Keshan disease. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 51:150-158. [PMID: 30466925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Few spatial ecological studies on selenoprotein P (SePP) and Keshan disease (KD) have been reported. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationships of SePP with KD, economic indicators and soil selenium and to visualize the evidence for KD precise prevention and control. An ecological study design was employed. The serum SePP of 2351 subjects living in rural areas, general cities and developed cities in 15 KD endemic provinces and 13 KD non-endemic provinces in China were measured. Spatial description and spatial analysis of SePP were conducted. The subjects were adults aged. The mean serum SePP level of KD endemic area residents was 14.20 mg/L, significantly lower than that in non-endemic areas, 15.30 mg/L (t = - 3.19, P = 0.0010). Serum SePP levels were low among the people in the KD endemic provinces of Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, etc. The mean serum SePP level of the 2351 people was 15.04 (95% CI: 14.76 and 15.31) mg/L. The mean serum SePP levels of residents in developed cities, general cities and rural areas were 16.54 mg/L, 14.98 mg/L and 14.44 mg/L, respectively, and were significantly different (F = 17.00, P < 0.0010). Spatial regression analysis showed that the spatial distribution of SePP was positively correlated with per capita consumption expenditure and soil selenium. Selenium deficiency may still exist among residents living in the KD endemic provinces. Shandong, Inner Mongolia, and Heilongjiang should be the target provinces, visualized by spatial analysis, for KD precise prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Health Education, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Shie Li
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Chao Ye
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Jie Hou
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Qi Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Hong Liang
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Huihui Zhou
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Zhongying Guo
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Xiaomin Han
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Huan Wu
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Xiangzhi Gao
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Chunyan Xu
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Rongxia Zhen
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Xiangli Chen
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Yani Duan
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Yanan Wang
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Shan Han
- Institute of Keshan Disease, Chinese Center for Endemic Disease Control, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Segatto ALA, Diesel JF, Loreto ELS, da Rocha JBT. De novo transcriptome assembly of the lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (Blaberidae). Genet Mol Biol 2018; 41:713-721. [PMID: 30043835 PMCID: PMC6136372 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2017-0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Drosophila as a scientific model is well established, but the use of cockroaches as experimental organisms has been increasing, mainly in toxicology research. Nauphoeta cinerea is one of the species that has been studied, and among its advantages is its easy laboratory maintenance. However, a limited amount of genetic data about N. cinerea is available, impeding gene identification and expression analyses, genetic manipulation, and a deeper understanding of its functional biology. Here we describe the N. cinerea fat body and head transcriptome, in order to provide a database of genetic sequences to better understand the metabolic role of these tissues, and describe detoxification and stress response genes. After removing low-quality sequences, we obtained 62,121 transcripts, of which more than 50% had a length of 604 pb. The assembled sequences were annotated according to their genes ontology (GO). We identified 367 genes related to stress and detoxification; among these, the more frequent were p450 genes. The results presented here are the first large-scale sequencing of N. cinerea and will facilitate the genetic understanding of the species' biochemistry processes in future works.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lúcia Anversa Segatto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - José Francisco Diesel
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Elgion Lucio Silva Loreto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Spiller HA. Rethinking mercury: the role of selenium in the pathophysiology of mercury toxicity. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 56:313-326. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1400555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henry A. Spiller
- Central Ohio Poison Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Usuki F, Fujimura M, Yamashita A. Endoplasmic reticulum stress preconditioning modifies intracellular mercury content by upregulating membrane transporters. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12390. [PMID: 28959040 PMCID: PMC5620048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress preconditioning protects cells against methylmercury (MeHg) cytotoxicity by inducing integrated stress responses such as eIF2α phosphorylation, ATF4 accumulation, and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) suppression. Here we demonstrated that ER stress preconditioning results in the upregulation of membrane transporters, leading to a decrease in intracellular mercury content. Our analyses showed that ER stress preconditioning upregulated the expression of methionine transporters that affect the cellular influx of MeHg, LAT1, LAT3, and SNAT2; and a membrane transporter that affects the efflux of MeHg, ABCC4, in MeHg-susceptible myogenic cells. Among these, ABCC4 transporter expression exhibited the greatest elevation. The functional significance of ABCC4 transporter in the efflux of MeHg was shown by the ABCC4 inhibition study. Additionally, we identified the role of phospho-eIF2α/ATF4 pathway in the upregulation of LAT1, SNAT2, and ABCC4 and the role of NMD suppression in LAT3 upregulation. Further, we detected that ER stress preconditioning amplified membrane transporter expression most likely through the translation of the upregulated mRNAs caused by ATF4-dependent transcription and NMD suppression. Taken together, these results suggested that the phospho-eIF2α/ATF4 pathway activation and NMD suppression may represent therapeutic targets for the alleviation of MeHg cytotoxicity by enhancing mercury efflux besides inducing protective stress responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fusako Usuki
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Akio Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Farina M, Aschner M, da Rocha JBT. The catecholaminergic neurotransmitter system in methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity. ADVANCES IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY 2017; 1:47-81. [PMID: 32346666 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ant.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , United States
| | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Farina M, Aschner M. Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity: Focus on Pro-oxidative Events and Related Consequences. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 18:267-286. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60189-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
19
|
Karita K, Sakamoto M, Yoshida M, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Iwai-Shimada M, Iwata T, Maeda E, Yaginuma-Sakurai K, Satoh H, Murata K. [Recent Epidemiological Studies on Methylmercury, Mercury and Selenium]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2016; 71:236-251. [PMID: 27725427 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.71.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
More than sixty years has passed since the outbreak of Minamata disease, and high-level methylmercury contaminations now seem nonexistent in Japan. However, mercury has been continuously discharged from natural sources and industrial activities, and the health effects on children susceptible to methylmercury exposure at low levels, in addition to mercury contamination from mercury or gold mining areas in developing countries, become a worldwide concern. In this article, we provide a recent overview of epidemiological studies regarding methylmercury and mercury. The following findings were obtained. (1) Many papers on exposure assessment of methylmercury/mercury have been published since the Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted in 2013. (2) The most crucial problem is child developmental neurotoxicity resulting from prenatal exposure to methylmercury, but its precise assessment seems to be difficult because most of such effects are neither severe nor specific. (3) Several problems raised in birth cohort studies (e.g., whether IQ deficits due to prenatal methylmercury exposure remain when the children become adults, or whether the postnatal exposure at low levels also causes such adverse effects in children) remain unsolved. (4) Concurrent exposure models of methylmercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, aresenic, and organochlorine pesticides, as well as possible antagonists such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium, should be considered in the study design because the exposure levels of methylmercury are extremely low in developed countries. (5) Further animal experiments and molecular biological studies, in addition to human studies, are required to clarify the mechanism of methylmercury toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Karita
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kyorin University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|