Gestational 1-nitropyrene exposure causes anxiety-like behavior partially by altering hippocampal epigenetic reprogramming of synaptic plasticity in male adult offspring

17β-Trenbolone modulates anxiety-related synaptic plasticity by affecting the interaction between hippocampal TACR3 and systemic testosterone in male mice

Anxiety Disorder is a common neurological disorder for which ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptors may be risk factors. 17β-trenbolone (17-TB) has been recognized as a potential environmental endocrine disruptor and its neurotoxic effects have attracted attention. Tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3), a G protein-coupled receptor involved in pubertal anxiety, and its underlying neural mechanisms remain enigmatic. Therefore, this study investigated the possible relationship between 17-TB and TACR3, testosterone (T), and synaptic plasticity. Our results showed that adolescent male Balb/c mice developed significant anxiety-like behavior after four weeks of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 17-TB (100 μg/kg/day). Transcriptomic RNA-Seq results showed that 17-TB affected abnormal synaptic transmission signals in the hippocampus. Electrophysiological results showed that 17-TB reduced the activity of hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) neurons and led to the downregulation of hippocampal TACR3 and T levels. In addition, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and qRT-PCR showed that 17-TB exposure led to the downregulation of key hippocampal synaptic proteins PSD95, Gephyrin, and Syn, and induced a metabolic imbalance in glutamate (Glu)/GABA signaling, affecting dopamine signaling. Interestingly, testosterone supplementation (10 mg/kg/day) was effective in ameliorating the above phenomena and alleviating anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that 17-TB modulates anxiety-related synaptic plasticity by regulating hippocampal TACR3 and T interactions in vivo. In conclusion, our study contributes to understanding the neurobehavioral and potential mechanistic effects of environmental 17-TB exposure in mammals. It alerts the public to the health risks of chemicals to mammals and suggests new research directions and potential therapeutic targets.

The TAAR1 Agonist PCC0105004 Regulates Amygdala Synaptic Plasticity to Alleviate Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rats

Anxiety disorder is a persistent, widespread, and intractable mood disorder, and the available pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy with significant side effects. Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is an emerging drug target for neuropsychiatric disorders. This study examined the effects and underlying mechanisms of a novel TAAR1 agonist, PCC0105004, in a rat model of CUMS-induced anxiety-like behavior. The elevated zero maze and open field tests test were employed to evaluate the anti-anxiety-like activity of PCC0105004. PCC0105004 dose-dependently attenuated anxiety-like behaviors in rats without affecting spontaneous activity. Morphologically, PCC0104005 decreased the density of dendritic spines in the amygdala. For the mechanistic studies, whole-genome transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differences in the patterns of amygdala gene expression in the CUMS-induced anxiety rat model. These transcriptomic data were further confirmed by using RT-qPCR and western blotting, further revealing alterations associated with genes (Col1a1, DCN, Ewsr1) known to regulate synaptic plasticity, and PCC0105004 was able to reverse these changes. These results suggest that PCC0105004 is a promising anxiolytic candidate for pharmacotherapy of anxiety and warrants further examination and development.

Mitochondrial malfunction-initiated Leydig cell premature senescence partially participates in 1-nitropyrene-evoked downregulation of steroidogenic synthases in testes

Serum testosterone (T) in males has been declining during the past decades. The previous reports found that 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) exposure suppressed testicular T synthesis. The purpose of the current study was to further explore whether premature senescence participates in 1-NP-triggered reduction of testicular T synthesis. Adult male mice were orally exposed to 1-NP (0, 100, and 500 μg/kg) daily for 14 days. Serum and testicular T contents were diminished in 1-NP-administered mice. Mitochondria-located steroidogenic synthases, including StAR, CYP11A1, and 3βHSD1, were downregulated in 1-NP-administered mouse testes and MLTC-1 cells. Mechanistically, 1-NP exposure increased acetylation modification of mitochondrial steroidogenic synthases by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of SIRT3, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase. Supplementing NAD + precursor and Sirt3 overexpression relieved 1-NP-triggered reduction of steroidogenic synthase levels in mouse testes and MLTC-1 cells. By contrast, Sirt3 silencing aggravated 1-NP-evoked acetylation and reduction of steroidogenic synthase levels in MLTC-1 cells. Further experiments demonstrated that 1-NP exposure caused mitochondrial malfunction and premature senescence in mouse testes and MLTC-1 cells. Supplementation with mitochondria-directed antioxidant mitoquinone (MitoQ) prevented 1-NP-evoked Leydig cell premature senescence and downregulation of testicular steroidogenic synthases. These results suggest that mitochondrial malfunction-initiated Leydig cell premature senescence may partially participate in 1-NP-evoked reduction of steroidogenic synthase levels in testes.

The interplay of metabolic and epigenetic players in disease development

Epigenetic modifications and their alterations can cause variation in gene expression patterns which can ultimately affect a healthy individual. Until a few years ago, it was thought that the epigenome affects the transcriptome which can regulate the proteome and the metabolome. Recent studies have shown that the metabolome independently also plays a major role in regulating the epigenome bypassing the need for transcriptomic control. Alternatively, an imbalanced metabolome, stemming from transcriptome abnormalities, can further impact the transcriptome, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of interconnected occurrences. As a result, external factors such as nutrient intake and diet can have a direct impact on the metabolic pools and its reprogramming can change the levels and activity of epigenetic modifiers. Thus, the epigenetic landscape steers toward a diseased condition. In this review, we have discussed how different metabolites and dietary patterns can bring about changes in different arms of the epigenetic machinery such as methylation, acetylation as well as RNA mediated epigenetic mechanisms. We checked for limiting metabolites such as αKG, acetyl-CoA, ATP, NAD+, and FAD, whose abundance levels can lead to common diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration etc. This gives a clearer picture of how an integrated approach including both epigenetics and metabolomics can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Effects on Synaptic Plasticity Markers in Fetal Mice and HT22 Neurons upon F-53B Exposure: The Role of PKA Cytoplasmic Retention

Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B), a chromium-fog depressant widely utilized as an alternative to perfluorooctanesulfonate, can transfer from mother to fetus. Recent research has demonstrated that prenatal exposure to F-53B results in synaptic damage in weaning mice. However, the mechanism underpinning F-53B-triggered synaptic damage during fetal development remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role of the protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway, a crucial signaling mechanism known as "synaptic switch", in the early neurotoxicity of F-53B exposure both in vivo and in vitro. Here, C57BL/6 fetal mice were subjected to exposure to F-53B (0, 4, and 40 μg/L) from gestation days (GD) 0 to 14 to evaluate nerve injury prior to delivery. HT22 neurons exposed to F-53B (0, 0.016, 0.08, 0.4, 2, and 10 μmol/L) for 24 h were utilized to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that F-53B significantly increased the fluorescence intensity of Nestin (a neural stem cell marker) in the fetal brain hippocampus (GD14). Subsequently, we found that F-53B downregulated the expression of synaptic plasticity markers (SYP, GAP43, and BDNF) in the fetal brain and HT22 neurons. Further molecular docking analysis revealed that F-53B fits into the ligand-binding pockets of PKA and CREB1. Results showed that F-53B inhibited the translocation of PKA protein from the cytoplasm to the neuronal nuclei and reduced the levels of PKA, CREB1, p-PKA(α/β/γ)-Thr197, and p-CREB1-S133 in the nucleus. Furthermore, the expression of synaptic plasticity markers altered by F-53B could be reversed by a PKA agonist and was intensified by a PKA antagonist. In summary, our findings suggest that intrauterine exposure to F-53B can weaken the expression of synaptic plasticity markers in the fetal brain, with this neurotoxicity being mediated by the cytoplasmic retention of PKA.

Overexpression of ATF4 Inhibits Ferroptosis to Alleviate Anxiety Disorders by Activating the TGF-β Signaling Pathway

Background

Anxiety disorders seriously impair patients' mental health and quality of life, with limited effectiveness of current treatments. Dysregulation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is involved in various mental diseases, but the research on its potential roles in alleviating anxiety disorders remains limited.

Methods

ATF4 was screened out by bioinformatic analysis and its expression was verified in vivo. Mice were treated with 21 d of chronic restraint stress to establish the anxiety mice model. The anxiolytic effect of ATF4 was assessed by a battery of behavior tests and evaluation of hippocampal tissue damage after overexpressing ATF4. Ferroptosis-related indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Then the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway was predicted as the downstream regulatory pathway of ATF4 by bioinformatic methods. Western blotting was conducted to detect the protein expression level of TGF-β1, small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3), and phospho-Smad3 (p-Smad3).

Results

ATF4 was screened out as a ferroptosis-related anxiolytic gene after bioinformatics analysis and was down-regulated in the anxiety mice model. Mice with ATF4 overexpression spent more time in the open arms in the elevated plus-maze test, appeared more frequently in the central area in the open-field test, and decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Hippocampal tissue damage was alleviated, ferroptosis was suppressed, and the levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 were increased by AFT4 overexpression.

Conclusion

ATF4 overexpression can repress ferroptosis to improve anxiety disorders by activating the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Adolescent co-exposure to environmental cadmium and high-fat diet induces cognitive decline via Larp7 m6A-mediated SIRT6 inhibition

The effects and underlying mechanisms of adolescent exposure to combined environmental hazards on cognitive function remain unclear. Here, using a combined exposure model, we found significant cognitive decline, hippocampal neuronal damage, and neuronal senescence in mice exposed to cadmium (Cd) and high-fat diet (HFD) during adolescence. Furthermore, we observed a significant downregulation of Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) expression in the hippocampi of co-exposed mice. UBCS039, a specific SIRT6 activator, markedly reversed the above adverse effects. Further investigation revealed that co-exposure obviously reduced the levels of La ribonucleoprotein 7 (LARP7), disrupted the interaction between LARP7 and SIRT6, ultimately decreasing SIRT6 expression in mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. Overexpression of Larp7 reversed the combined exposure-induced SIRT6 decrease and senescence in mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. Additionally, the results showed notably elevated levels of Larp7 m6A and YTH domain family protein 2 (YTHDF2) in mouse hippocampal neuronal cells treated with the combined hazards. Ythdf2 short interfering RNA, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA stability assays further demonstrated that YTHDF2 mediated the degradation of Larp7 mRNA under combined exposure. Collectively, adolescent co-exposure to Cd and HFD causes hippocampal senescence and cognitive decline in mice by inhibiting LARP7-mediated SIRT6 expression in an m6A-dependent manner.

Exposure to 1-nitropyrene after weaning induces anxiety-like behavior partially by inhibiting steroid hormone synthesis in prefrontal cortex

1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) is a neurodevelopmental toxicant. This study was to evaluate the impact of exposure to 1-NP after weaning on anxiety-like behavior. Five-week-old mice were administered with 1-NP (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Anxiety-like behaviour was measured using elevated-plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT). In EPM test, time spending in open arm and times entering open arm were reduced in 1-NP-treated mice. In OFT test, time spent in the center region and times entering the center region were diminished in 1-NP-treated mice. Prefrontal dendritic length and number of dendrite branches were decreased in 1-NP-treated mice. Prefrontal PSD95, an excitatory postsynaptic membrane protein, and gephyrin, an inhibitory postsynaptic membrane protein, were downregulated in 1-NP-treated mice. Further analysis showed that peripheral steroid hormones, including serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), testicular T, and ovarian E2, were decreased in 1-NP-treated mice. Interestingly, T and E2 were diminished in 1-NP-treated prefrontal cortex. Prefrontal T and E2 synthases were diminished in 1-NP-treated mice. Mechanistically, GCN2-eIF2α, a critical pathway that regulates ribosomal protein translation, was activated in 1-NP-treated prefrontal cortex. These results indicate that exposure to 1-NP after weaning induces anxiety-like behaviour partially by inhibiting steroid hormone synthesis in prefrontal cortex.

Hazard identification of endocrine-disrupting carcinogens (EDCs) in relation to cancers in humans

Endocrine disrupting chemicals or carcinogens have been known for decades for their endocrine signal disruption. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a serious concern and they have been included in the top priority toxicants and persistent organic pollutants. Therefore, researchers have been working for a long time to understand their mechanisms of interaction in different human organs. Several reports are available about the carcinogen potential of these chemicals. The presented review is an endeavor to understand the hazard identification associated with endocrine disrupting carcinogens in relation to the human body. The paper discusses the major endocrine disrupting carcinogens and their potency for carcinogenesis. It discusses human exposure, route of entry, carcinogenicity and mechanisms. In addition, the paper discusses the research gaps and bottlenecks associated with the research. Moreover, it discusses the limitations associated with the analytical techniques for detection of endocrine disrupting carcinogens.

Prenatal 1-Nitropyrene Exposure Causes Autism-Like Behavior Partially by Altering DNA Hydroxymethylation in Developing Brain

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by social communication disability and stereotypic behavior. This study aims to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), a key component of motor vehicle exhaust, on autism-like behaviors in a mouse model. Three-chamber test finds that prenatal 1-NP exposure causes autism-like behaviors during the weaning period. Patch clamp shows that inhibitory synaptic transmission is reduced in medial prefrontal cortex of 1-NP-exposed weaning pups. Immunofluorescence finds that prenatal 1-NP exposure reduces the number of prefrontal glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) positive interneurons in fetuses and weaning pups. Moreover, prenatal 1-NP exposure retards tangential migration of GAD67-positive interneurons and downregulates interneuron migration-related genes, such as Nrg1, Erbb4, and Sema3F, in fetal forebrain. Mechanistically, prenatal 1-NP exposure reduces hydroxymethylation of interneuron migration-related genes through inhibiting ten-eleven translocation (TET) activity in fetal forebrain. Supplement with alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a cofactor of TET enzyme, reverses 1-NP-induced hypohydroxymethylation at specific sites of interneuron migration-related genes. Moreover, α-KG supplement alleviates 1-NP-induced migration retardation of interneurons in fetal forebrain. Finally, maternal α-KG supplement improves 1-NP-induced autism-like behaviors in weaning offspring. In conclusion, prenatal 1-NP exposure causes autism-like behavior partially by altering DNA hydroxymethylation of interneuron migration-related genes in developing brain.

Gestational α-ketoglutarate supplementation ameliorates arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition via epigenetic reprogramming of β-oxidation process in female offspring

Inorganic trivalent arsenic (iAsⅢ) at environmentally relevant levels has been found to cause developmental toxicity. Maternal exposure to iAsⅢ leads to enduring hepatic lipid deposition in later adult life. However, the exact mechanism in iAsⅢ induced hepatic developmental hazards is still unclear. In this study, we initially found that gestational exposure to iAsⅢ at an environmentally relevant concentration disturbs lipid metabolism and reduces levels of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG), an important mitochondrial metabolite during the citric acid cycle, in fetal livers. Further, gestational supplementation of α-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition caused by early-life exposure to iAsⅢ. This beneficial effect was particularly pronounced in female offspring. α-KG partially restored the β-oxidation process in hepatic tissues by hydroxymethylation modifications of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a) gene during fetal development. Insufficient β-oxidation capacities probably play a crucial role in hepatic lipid deposition in adulthood following in utero arsenite exposure, which can be efficiently counterbalanced by replenishing α-KG. These results suggest that gestational administration of α-KG can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition caused by iAsⅢ in female adult offspring partially through epigenetic reprogramming of the β-oxidation pathway. Furthermore, α-KG shows potential as an interventive target to mitigate the harmful effects of arsenic-induced hepatic developmental toxicity.

Gestational exposure to 1-NP induces ferroptosis in placental trophoblasts via CYP1B1/ERK signaling pathway leading to fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a prevalent complication in obstetrics, yet its exact aetiology remains unknown. Numerous studies suggest that the degradation of the living environment is a significant risk factor for FGR. 1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) is a widespread environmental pollutant as a representative substance of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, we revealed that 1-NP induced FGR in fetal mice by constructing 1-NP exposed pregnant mice models. Intriguingly, we found that placental trophoblasts of 1-NP exposed mice exhibited significant ferroptosis, which was similarly detected in placental trophoblasts from human FGR patients. In this regard, we established a 1-NP exposed cell model in vitro using two human trophoblast cell lines, HTR8/SVneo and JEG-3. We found that 1-NP not only impaired the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of trophoblasts, but also induced severe cellular ferroptosis. Meanwhile, the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) effectively rescued 1-NP-induced trophoblast biological function impairment. Mechanistically, we revealed that 1-NP regulated ferroptosis by activating the ERK signaling pathway. Moreover, we innovatively revealed that CYP1B1 was essential for the activation of ERK signaling pathway induced by 1-NP. Overall, our study innovatively identified ferroptosis as a significant contributor to 1-NP induced trophoblastic functional impairment leading to FGR and clarified the specific mechanism by which 1-NP induced ferroptosis via the CYP1B1/ERK signaling pathway. Our study provided novel insights into the aetiology of FGR and revealed new mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of environmental pollutants.