Toxicity of environmentally-relevant concentrations of arsenic on developing T lymphocyte

Arsenic-induced transition of thymic inflammation-to-fibrosis involves Stat3-Twist1 interaction: Melatonin to the rescue

Groundwater arsenic is a notorious toxicant and exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations persists as a healthcare burden across the world. Arsenic has been reported to jeopardize the normal functioning of the immune system, but there are still gaps in the understanding of thymic T cell biology. Immunotoxic influence of arsenic in thymic integrity demands a potent restorative molecule. The objectives of this study were to examine key signaling cross-talks associated with arsenic-induced immune alterations in the thymus and propose melatonin as a potential candidate against immunological complications arising from arsenic exposure. Swiss albino mice were exposed to sodium arsenite (0.05 mg/L; in drinking water) and melatonin (IP:10 mg/kg BW) for 28 days. Melatonin successfully protected thymus from arsenic-mediated tissue degeneration and maintained immune homeostasis including T cell maturation and proliferation by mitigating oxidative stress through Nrf2 upregulation. Additionally, melatonin exerted ameliorative effect against arsenic-induced apoptosis and inflammation by inhibiting p53-mediated mitochondrial cell death pathway and NF-κB-p65/STAT3-mediated proinflammatory pathway, respectively. For the first time, we showed that arsenic-induced profibrotic changes were inhibited by melatonin through targeting of inflammation-associated EMT. Our findings clearly demonstrate that melatonin can be a viable and promising candidate in combating arsenic-induced immune toxicity with no collateral damage, making it an important research target.

Molecular Dissection of the Arsenic-Induced Leukocyte Incursion into the Inflamed Thymus and Spleen and Its Amelioration by Co-supplementation of L-Ascorbic Acid and α-Tocopherol

Arsenic, a surreptitious presence in our environment, perpetuates a persistent global menace with its deleterious impacts. It possesses the capability to trigger substantial immunosuppression by instigating inflammation in critical organs like the thymus and spleen. L-Ascorbic acid (L-AA) exhibits robust immunoregulatory prowess by orchestrating the epigenetic terrain through TET and JHDM pathways. Conversely, α-tocopherol (α-T) demonstrates the capacity to dampen the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by modulating the PI3K-Akt axis. Given these insights, this inquiry embarks on exploring the mitigative potential of L-AA and α-T co-supplementation at the transcriptome level within leukocytes under arsenic exposure. Concurrently, the research endeavours to unravel the potent anti-inflammatory effects of administering α-T and L-AA, alleviating inflammation within the spleen and thymus amidst arsenic-induced insult and delving deeply into their immunomodulatory mechanisms. The rats were randomly allocated into eight distinct groups for subsequent experimentation: (I) the control group was administered solely with distilled water as the vehicle (control); (II) NaAsO2-treated group (As); (III) NaAsO2 treated along with L-ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol supplemented group (As + L-AA + α-T); (IV) L-ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol supplemented group (L-AA + α-T); (V) NaAsO2 treated along with L-ascorbic acid supplemented group (As + L-AA); (VI) only L-ascorbic acid supplemented group (L-AA); (VII) NaAsO2 treated along with α-tocopherol supplemented group (As + α-T); (VIII) only α-tocopherol supplemented group (α-T). Rats treated with NaAsO2 exhibited an increased neutrophil count in their bloodstream, as revealed by a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis showcasing heightened expressions of ItgaM, MMP9, and Itga4 within circulating leukocytes under arsenic exposure. Concurrently, arsenic heightened the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the thymus and spleen. This elevated cytokine activity promoted the upregulation of ICAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells, facilitating the infiltration of Ly6g + leukocytes into the afflicted thymus and spleen. Remarkably, the combination of L-AA acid and α-T demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy, adeptly reducing the influx of Ly6g + leukocytes into these immune sites and subsequent reduction of excessive collagen deposition. The dynamic duo of L-AA and α-T achieved this amelioration by suppressing the expression of ItgaM, MMP9, and Itga4 mRNA within circulating leukocytes and moderating tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in arsenic-exposed thymus and spleen.

Guardians under Siege: Exploring Pollution's Effects on Human Immunity

Chemical pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with detrimental effects on various physiological systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, and perinatal domains. While the impact of pollution on these systems has been extensively studied, the intricate relationship between chemical pollution and immunity remains a critical area of investigation. The focus of this study is to elucidate the relationship between chemical pollution and human immunity. To accomplish this task, this study presents a comprehensive review that encompasses in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, shedding light on the ways in which chemical pollution can modulate human immunity. Our aim is to unveil the complex mechanisms by which environmental contaminants compromise the delicate balance of the body's defense systems going beyond the well-established associations with defense systems and delving into the less-explored link between chemical exposure and various immune disorders, adding urgency to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their implications for public health.

Altered generation pattern of reactive oxygen species triggering DNA and plasma membrane damages to human liver cells treated with arsenite

Human exposure to arsenic via drinking water is one of globally concerned health issues. Oxidative stress is regarded as the denominator of arsenic-inducing toxicities. Therefore, to identify intracellular sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be essential for addressing the detrimental effects of arsenite (iAsIII). In this study, the contributions of different pathways to ROS formation in iAsIII-treated human normal liver (L-02) cells were quantitatively assessed, and then concomitant oxidative impairs were evaluated using metabolomics and lipidomics approaches. Following iAsIII treatment, NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity and expression levels of p47phox and p67phox were upregulated, and NOX-derived ROS contributed to almost 60.0 % of the total ROS. Moreover, iAsIII also induced mitochondrial superoxide anion and impaired mitochondrial respiratory function of L-02 cells with a decreasing ATP production. The inhibition of NOX activity significantly rescued mitochondrial membrane potential in iAsIII-treated L-02 cells. Purine and glycerophospholipids metabolisms in L-02 cells were disrupted by iAsIII, which might be used to represent DNA and plasma membrane damages, respectively. Our study supported that NOX could be the primary pathway of ROS overproduction and revealed the potential mechanisms of iAsIII toxicity related to oxidative stress.

Genome-wide DNA methylation pattern in whole blood of patients with coal-burning arsenic poisoning

Exposure to coal-burning arsenic leads to an increased risk of cancer, multi-systems damage and chronic diseases, with DNA methylation one potential mechanism of arsenic toxicity. There are few studies on genome-wide methylation in the coal-burning arsenic poisoning population. Illumina 850 K methylation beadchip is the most suitable technology for DNA methylation of epigenome-wide association analysis. This study used 850 K to detect changes in Genome-wide DNA methylation in whole blood samples of 12 patients with coal-burning arsenic poisoning ( Arsenic poisoning group) and four healthy control participants (Healthy control group). There is clearly abnormal genome-wide DNA methylation in coal-burning arsenic poisoning, with 647 significantly different methylation positions, 524 different methylation regions and 335 significantly different methylation genes in arsenic poisoning patients compared with healthy controls. Further functional analysis of Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes (KEGG) found 592 GO items and 131 KEGG pathways between patients of coal-burning arsenic poisoning and healthy control. Then, analysis of gene degree and combined-score identified NAPRT1, NT5C3B, NEDD4L, SLC22A3 and RAB11B as target genes. Further validation by qRT-PCR indicates that mRNA expression of five genes changes significantly in the arsenic poisoning group (n = 72) compared to the healthy control group (n = 72). These results showed the genome-wide methylation pattern and highlighted five critical genes within the coal-burning arsenic poisoning population that involve Nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, Choline metabolism in cancer, and Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis. Next, the methylation profile of coal burning arsenic poisoning will be further excavation and the mechanism of coal burning arsenic poisoning will be further explored from five genes related pathways and functions.

Chronic Community Exposure to Environmental Metal Mixtures Is Associated with Selected Cytokines in the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS)

Many tribal populations are characterized by health disparities, including higher rates of infection, metabolic syndrome, and cancer-all of which are mediated by the immune system. Members of the Navajo Nation have suffered chronic low-level exposure to metal mixtures from uranium mine wastes for decades. We suspect that such metal and metalloid exposures lead to adverse health effects via their modulation of immune system function. We examined the relationships between nine key metal and metalloid exposures (in blood and urine) with 11 circulating biomarkers (cytokines and CRP in serum) in 231 pregnant Navajo women participating in the Navajo Birth Cohort Study. Biomonitored levels of uranium and arsenic species were considerably higher in participants than NHANES averages. Each biomarker was associated with a unique set of exposures, and arsenic species were generally immunosuppressive (decreased cellular and humoral stimulating cytokines). Overall, our results suggest that environmental metal and metalloid exposures modulate immune status in pregnant Navajo women, which may impact long-term health outcomes in mothers and their children.

Arsenic and cancer: Evidence and mechanisms

Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and poses a significant health concern worldwide. Exposure occurs through ingestion of drinking water and contaminated foods and through inhalation due to pollution. Epidemiological evidence shows arsenic induces cancers of the skin, lung, liver, and bladder among other tissues. While studies in animal and cell culture models support arsenic as a carcinogen, the mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenesis are not fully understood. Arsenic carcinogenesis is a complex process due its ability to be metabolized and because of the many cellular pathways it targets in the cell. Arsenic metabolism and the multiple forms of arsenic play distinct roles in its toxicity and contribute differently to carcinogenic endpoints, and thus must be considered. Arsenic generates reactive oxygen species increasing oxidative stress and damaging DNA and other macromolecules. Concurrently, arsenic inhibits DNA repair, modifies epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and targets protein function due its ability to replace zinc in select proteins. While these mechanisms contribute to arsenic carcinogenesis, there remain significant gaps in understanding the complex nature of arsenic cancers. In the future improving models available for arsenic cancer research and the use of arsenic induced human tumors will bridge some of these gaps in understanding arsenic driven cancers.

Is Arsenic Exposure a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome? A Review of the Potential Mechanisms

Exposure to arsenic in drinking water is a worldwide health problem. This pollutant is associated with increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including metabolic diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex pathology that results from the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. This condition increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The MS includes at least three of the following signs, central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and hypertension. Here, we summarize the existing evidence of the multiple mechanisms triggered by arsenic to developing the cardinal signs of MS, showing that this pollutant could contribute to the multifactorial origin of this pathology.

Ethanol extract of Vitellaria paradoxa (Gaertn, F) leaves protects against sodium arsenite - induced toxicity in male wistar rats

The inadvertent exposure to arsenic has been associated with diverse diseases such as cancers. Vitellaria paradoxa is a medicinal plant with antidiabetic and antiproliferative properties. Here, we assessed the ameliorative role of Ethanol Leaf extract of Vitellaria paradoxa (ELVp) in Sodium Arsenite (SA) - induced toxicity in rats after oral treatment for two weeks as follows: Group 1 (Control, distilled water), Group 2 (Vitamin E, 100 mg/kg), Groups 3 and 4 (ELVp, 100 & 200 mg/kg respectively), Group 5 (SA, 2.5 mg/kg), Group 6 (SA + Vit E) and Group 7 (SA + ELVp (100 mg/kg) and Group 8 (SA + ELVp (200 mg/kg). The results indicated that SA significantly increased liver and kidney function markers and elevated platelet, white blood cell (WBC) count and malondialdehyde levels in rats. Additionally, SA decreased Red Blood Cell (RBC), Hemoglobin (HGB) and Hematocrit (HCT) levels in rats (p < 0.05). Sodium arsenite caused mild expression of BCL-2 protein> NF-Kb = p53 in the kidney of rats. However, ELVp ameliorated SA-induced toxicity in the liver and kidney of rats with respect to these markers. Overall, ELVp has hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and apoptotic properties against sodium arsenite-induced toxicity.

Myricetin protects natural killer cells from arsenite induced DNA damage by attenuating oxidative stress and retaining poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase 1 activity

Environmental exposure to arsenite (As⁺³) is known to induce immunotoxicity. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells act as professional killers of tumor cells. Our previous report indicated that 500 ppb As⁺³ drinking water exposure induced significant DNA damage in the NK cells of C57BL/6 mice. Myricetin is a plant-derived flavonoid known as a strong antioxidant. In this study, daily administration of myricetin at 20 mg/kg was found to alleviate the cell population decrease and DNA damage in the NK cells of BALB/c mice exposed to 500 and 1000 ppb As⁺³ via drinking water. Oxidative stress and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibition were induced by As⁺³ at 1 and 2 μM in isolated mouse NK cells in vitro, which were attenuated by 20 μM myricetin. The mitigatory effect of myricetin on the PARP-1 inhibition in NK cells treated with As⁺³ was also found to be the result of its prevention of the zinc loss induced by As⁺³ on PARP-1. Collectively, these results demonstrated, for the first time, that myricetin could protect NK cells from As⁺³ induced DNA through attenuating oxidative stress and retaining PARP-1 activity, indicating that myricetin may be utilized for the prevention of the immunotoxicity induced by As⁺³ in NK cells.

Modulation of PARP activity by Monomethylarsonous (MMA+3) acid and uranium in mouse thymus

Arsenic exposure is well established to impair the function of zinc finger proteins, including PARP-1. Previous studies from our lab show that early developing T cells in the thymus are very sensitive to arsenite (As+3)-induced genotoxicity mediated through PARP-1 inhibition. Additionally, it has been shown that uranium (in the form of uranyl acetate, UA) also suppresses PARP-1 activity in HEK cells. However, very little is known about whether the As+3 metabolite, monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3), also inhibits PARP-1 activity and if this is modified by combined exposures with other metals, such as uranium. In the present study, we found that MMA+3 significantly suppressed PARP-1 function, whereas UA at high concentrations significantly increased PARP-1 activity. To evaluate whether the effects on PARP-1 activity were mediated through oxidative stress, we measured the induction of hemoxygenase-1 (Hmox-1) expression by qPCR. MMA+3, but not UA, significantly induced oxidative stress; however, the inhibition of PARP-1 produced by MMA+3 was not reversed by the addition of the antioxidant, Tempol. Further evaluation revealed minimal interactive effects of MMA+3 and UA on PARP-1 function. Collectively, our results show that contrary to As+3, the suppressive effects of MMA+3 on PARP-1 were not substantially driven by oxidative stress. in mouse thymus cells. Results for this study provide important insights into the effects of MMA+3 and uranium exposures on PARP-1 function, which is essential for future studies focused on understanding the effects of complex environmentally relevant metal mixtures.

Differential response of human T-lymphocytes to arsenic and uranium

Elevated levels of arsenic and uranium have been detected in water sources near abandoned uranium mines in the Southwest. Evidence suggests uranium exposure increases the likelihood of immune dysfunction and this study investigates the impact of arsenic and uranium on human immune cell lines. Concentration-dependent cytotoxicity occurred following exposure to arsenite, whereas cells remained viable after 48 -h treatment with up to 100 μM uranyl acetate despite uptake of uranium into cells. Arsenite stimulated an oxidative stress response as detected by Nrf-2 nuclear accumulation and induction of HMOX-1 and NQO1, which was not detected with up to 30 μM uranyl acetate. Cellular oxidative stress can promote DNA damage and arsenite, but not uranium, stimulated DNA damage as measured by pH2AX. Arsenic enhanced the cytotoxic response to etoposide suggesting an inhibition of DNA repair, unlike uranium. Similarly, uranium did not inhibit PARP-1 activity. Because uranium reportedly stimulates oxidative stress, DNA damage and cytotoxicity in adherent epithelial cells, the current study suggests distinct cell type differences in response to uranium that may relate to generation of oxidative stress and associated downstream consequences. Delineating the actions of uranium across different cell targets will be important for understanding the potential health effects of uranium exposures.

Environmentally relevant doses of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) cause immunotoxicity in murine macrophages

TBBPA is one of the main brominated flame retardants and is ubiquitous in the environment. TBBPA can directly encounter immune cells via the bloodstream, posing potential immunotoxicity. To understand the immunomodulating effect of TBBPA on macrophages, the murine macrophages, RAW 264.7, were exposed to TBBPA at environmentally relevant concentrations (1-100 nM). The results showed that TBBPA at the selected concentrations did not alter cell viability of RAW 264.7 cells with or without LPS stimulation. TBBPA upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, whereas it attenuated the LPS-stimulated expression of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. In addition, TBBPA reduced the mRNA levels of antigen-presenting-related genes, including H2-K2, H2-Aa, Cd80, and Cd86. Moreover, TBBPA impaired the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Furthermore, exposure to TBBPA significantly elevated the protein levels of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65), while it reduced LPS-stimulated p-p65 protein levels. DCFH-DA staining assays showed that TBBPA caused a slight but significant elevation in reactive oxygen species levels. The data obtained in the present study demonstrated that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of TBBPA posed immunotoxicity in macrophages and unveiled a potential health risk of TBBPA.

Orlistat increases arsenite tolerance in THP-1 derived macrophages through the up-regulation of ABCA1

Orlistat is an FDA-approved over-the-counter drug to treat obesity through the inhibition of lipase activity. Macrophages, which express high levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), are important phagocytes in the innate immune system. Our previous studies indicated that environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenite (As⁺³) could inhibit the major immune functions of macrophages. As the down-regulation of LPL is known to increase the expression of ABCA1, the cholesterol exporter demonstrated to be related to the resistance of arsenic toxicity. We examined if orlistat could reverse the inhibitive effects of As⁺³ on macrophage functions. The results showed that 50 μM orlistat reversed As⁺³-induced suppressions on phagocytosis, NO production and cytokine secretion in THP-1 derived macrophages. The expression of ABCA1 was significantly increased by orlistat in As⁺³ co-treated macrophages, which was associated with decreased intracellular As⁺³ levels. Collectively, these results indicated that orlistat could reverse the suppressive effects induced by As⁺³ in macrophages through the increased expression of ABCA1, which has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent for arsenic-induced immunosuppression.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction Pathway Networks and Mitochondrial Dynamics in the Pathogenesis of Pituitary Adenomas

Mitochondrion is a multi-functional organelle, which is associated with various signaling pathway networks, including energy metabolism, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, cell cycles, autophagy, and immunity process. Mitochondrial proteins have been discovered to modulate these signaling pathway networks, and multiple biological behaviors to adapt to various internal environments or signaling events of human pathogenesis. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction that alters the bioenergetic and biosynthetic state might contribute to multiple diseases, including cell transformation and tumor. Multiomics studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cell cycle dysregulation signaling pathways operate in human pituitary adenomas, which suggest mitochondria play critical roles in pituitary adenomas. Some drugs targeting mitochondria are found as a therapeutic strategy for pituitary adenomas, including melatonin, melatonin inhibitors, temozolomide, pyrimethamine, 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, gossypol acetate, Yougui pill, T-2 toxin, grifolic acid, cyclosporine A, dopamine agonists, and paeoniflorin. This article reviews the latest experimental evidence and potential biological roles of mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial dynamics in pituitary adenoma progression, potential molecular mechanisms between mitochondria and pituitary adenoma progression, and current status and perspectives of mitochondria-based biomarkers and targeted drugs for effective management of pituitary adenomas.