Liver iron overload induced by tamoxifen in diabetic and non-diabetic female Wistar rats

Investigation of the mutual crosstalk between ER stress and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in iron overload-induced liver injury in chicks

Iron is an essential element for the normal functioning of living organisms, but excessive iron deposition can lead to organ damage. This study aims to investigate the interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in liver injury induced by iron overload in chicks. Rspectively, 150 one-day-old broilers were divided into three groups and supplemented with 50 (C), 500 (E1), and 1000 (E2) mg ferrous sulfate monohydrate/kg in the basal diet. Samples were taken after continuous feeding for 14 days. The results showed that iron overload could upregulate the levels of ALT and AST. Histopathological examination revealed bleeding in the central vein of the liver accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Hoechst staining showed that the iron overload group showed significant bright blue fluorescence, and ultrastructural observations showed chromatin condensation as well as mitochondrial swelling and cristae disorganization in the iron overload group. RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that iron overload upregulated the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, GRP78, GRP94, P-PERK, ATF4, eIF2α, IRE1, and ATF6, while downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. XBP-1 splicing experiment showed significant splicing of XBP-1 gene after iron overload. PCA and correlation analysis suggested a potential association between endoplasmic reticulum stress, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and liver injury in chicks. In summary, iron overload can induce cell apoptosis and liver injury by affecting endoplasmic reticulum stress and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

An Update on Tamoxifen and the Chemo-Preventive Potential of Vitamin E in Breast Cancer Management

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female cancer in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a widely prescribed, oral anti-estrogen drug for the hormonal treatment of estrogen-receptor-positive BC, which represents 70% of all BC subtypes. This review assesses the current knowledge on the molecular pharmacology of tamoxifen in terms of its anticancer and chemo-preventive actions. Due to the importance of vitamin E compounds, which are widely taken as a supplementary dietary component, the review focuses only on the potential importance of vitamin E in BC chemo-prevention. The chemo-preventive and onco-protective effects of tamoxifen combined with the potential effects of vitamin E can alter the anticancer actions of tamoxifen. Therefore, methods involving an individually designed, nutritional intervention for patients with BC warrant further consideration. These data are of great importance for tamoxifen chemo-prevention strategies in future epidemiological studies.

The Interactive Effect of High Doses of Chromium(III) and Different Iron(III) Levels on the Carbohydrate Status, Lipid Profile, and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Female Wistar Rats

The aim of the study was to evaluate the main and interactive effects of chromium(III) propionate complex (Cr3) supplementation and different iron supply on the carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile and other selected biochemical parameters of rats. The experiment was carried out in a two-factor design, in which rats were fed a diet with different proportions of Fe(III) and Cr(III) for six weeks. Fifty-four healthy female Wistar rats were divided into nine experimental groups with different Fe(III) levels, i.e. adequate-control group (45 mg/kg)-100% recommended daily dietary dose of Fe for rodents, deficient (5 mg/kg) and oversupply (180 mg/kg-400%). At the same time they were supplemented with Cr(III) of doses 1 (adequate), 50 and 500 mg/kg of diet. The activity and concentrations of most biochemical parameters were measured with standard enzymatic, kinetic, and colorimetric methods. HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes were calculated according to appropriate formulas. It was found that there was an interactive effect of high Cr(III) doses and different Fe(III) levels in the diet on the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes. The presented results suggested that iron deficient diet fed animals led to insulin resistance; however, an effect is attenuated by Cr(III) supplementation at high doses. There were no significant changes in the rats' lipid profile (except for the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level) and most of the other biochemical parameters, such as the leptin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total protein (TP), creatinine (Crea) and the urea (BUN) concentrations. The study proved that the Cr(III) supplementation, independently and in combination with diversified Fe(III) content in the diet, affected the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes but did not affect lipid profile and most of the other biochemical parameters in healthy rats. The findings proved the role of Fe and Cr(III) and their interactions on disturbances carbohydrates metabolism.

Neurodevelopmental disorders: Metallomics studies for the identification of potential biomarkers associated to diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases such as Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) can be resolved through the identification of biomarkers. Metallomics (research on biometals) and metallomes (metalloproteins/metalloenzymes/chaperones) along with genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, can contribute to accelerate and improve this process.

AIM

This review focused on four NDDs pathologies (Schizophrenia, SZ; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD; Autism, ADS; Epilepsy), and we reported, for the first time, different studies on the role played by the principal six essential trace elements (Cobalt, Co; Copper, Cu; Iron, Fe; Manganese, Mn; Selenium, Se; Zinc, Zn) that can influence diagnosis/treatment.

RESULTS

in light of the literature presented, based on meta-analyses, we suggest that Zn (glutamatergic neurotransmission, inflammation, neurodegeneration, autoimmunity alterations), could be a potential diagnostic biomarker associated to SZ. Moreover, considering the single association studies going in the same direction, increased Cu (catecholamine alterations, glucose intolerance, altered lipid metabolism/oxidative stress) and lower Fe (dopaminergic dysfunctions) levels were associated with a specific negative symptomatology. Lower Mn (lipid metabolism/oxidative stress alterations), and lower Se (metabolic syndrome) were linked to SZ. From the meta-analyses in ADHD, it is evidenced that Fe (and ferritin in particular), Mn, and Zn (oxidative stress dysfunctions) could be potential diagnostic biomarkers, mainly associated to severe hyperactive or inattentive symptoms; as well as Cu, Fe, Zn in ADS and Zn in Epilepsy. Fe, Zn and Mn levels seem to be influenced by antipsychotics treatment in SZ; Mn and Zn by methylphenidate treatment in ADHD; Cu and Zn by antiepileptic drugs in Epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is controversy and further studies are needed, this work summarizes the state of art of the literature on this topic. We claim to avoid underreporting the impact of essential trace elements in paving the way for biomarkers research for NDDs.

Comparison of serum essential trace metals between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls

Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that essential trace metals (ETMs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of brain-based disorders, including schizophrenia. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the association between ETMs and schizophrenia, and to further examine the association between ETMs and clinical characteristics in schizophrenia. One-hundred and five (n = 105) subjects who meet DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia between the ages of 18 and 40 were recruited for the study. One hundred and six (n = 106) age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for comparison. Serum concentrations of seven ETMs [i.e. iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo)] were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which allows for the quantitative analysis of multiple ETMs at a single time point. Compared to HCs, serum concentrations of Mn and Mo were significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia. In contrast, serum concentrations of Fe and Ni were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia. Additionally, correlations between specific ETMs and metabolic parameters (particularly those related to liver and renal function) were found in patients with schizophrenia, and the correlations between every two ETMs in HCs were widely interrupted. Differential levels of selected ETMs (i.e., Mn, Mo, and Ni) were identified between patients with schizophrenia and HCs following adjustment for potential confounders. The findings here should therefore be evaluated in future studies.

Deciphering the Nongenomic, Mitochondrial Toxicity of Tamoxifens As Determined by Cell Metabolism and Redox Activity

Tamoxifen is not only considered a very potent chemotherapeutic adjuvant for estrogen receptor positive breast cancers but also a very good chemo-preventive drug. Recently, there has been a rising amount of evidence for a nongenomic cytotoxicity of tamoxifen, even in estrogen receptor negative cells, which has greatly confounded researchers. Clinically, the side effects of tamoxifen can be very serious, ranging from liver steatosis to cirrhosis, tumorigenesis, or onset of porphyrias. Herein, we deciphered the nongenomic, mitochondrial cytotoxicity of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor positive MCF7 versus triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells, employing the mitochondrial complex III quinoloxidizing-center inhibitor myxothiazol. We showed a role for hydroxyl-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation, catalyzed by iron, stemming from the redox interactions of tamoxifen quinoid metabolites with complex III, resulting in Fenton-capable reduced quinones. The role of tamoxifen semiquinone species in mitochondrial toxicity was also shown together with evidence of mitochondrial DNA damage. Tamoxifen caused an overall metabolic (respiratory and glycolytic) rate decrease in the Pasteur type MCF cells, while in the Warburg type MDA-MB-231 cells the respiratory rate was not significantly affected and the glycolytiv rate was significantly boosted. The nongenomic cytotoxicity of tamoxifens was hence associated with the metabolic phenotype and redox activity of the cells, as in the present paradigm of Pasteur MCF7s versus Warburg MDA-MB-231 cells. Our present findings call for caution in the use of the drugs, especially as a chemopreventive and/or in cases of iron overload diseases.

Effect of FeSO4 treatment on glucose metabolism in diabetic rats

Iron, the prosthetic group of haemoglobin, was found to lower serum glucose levels of diabetic rats. Its regulative mechanism and effects on enzymatic activities of glucose metabolism are still unknown. In this study, the correlation between iron supply and enzymatic activities of glucose metabolism and respiratory chain were evaluated in liver and kidney tissues of alloxan induced-diabetic rats. After FeSO4 and metformin administration, serum samples were collected for serum glucose and fructosamine level measurements. Kidney and liver tissues were excised at the end of the study for assaying enzymatic activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH-dehydrogenase and cytochrome-c-oxidase. Results showed significantly decreased serum glucose and fructosamine levels in treatment groups and enhanced enzymatic activities of several proteins as compared with the diabetic control group. Therefore, these data suggested that FeSO4 administration could increase the supply of oxygen, enhance enzymatic activities of glucose metabolism and the respiratory chain, accelerate glucose metabolism and consequently decrease serum glucose levels.