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Spencer PS, Valdes Angues R, Palmer VS. Nodding syndrome: A role for environmental biotoxins that dysregulate MECP2 expression? J Neurol Sci 2024; 462:123077. [PMID: 38850769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Nodding syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy associated with neuroinflammation and tauopathy. This initially pediatric brain disease, which has some clinical overlap with Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) Duplication Syndrome, has impacted certain impoverished East African communities coincident with local civil conflict and internal displacement, conditions that forced dependence on contaminated food and water. A potential role in Nodding syndrome for certain biotoxins (freshwater cyanotoxins plus/minus mycotoxins) with neuroinflammatory, excitotoxic, tauopathic, and MECP2-dysregulating properties, is considered here for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Gulu University School of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Raquel Valdes Angues
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Valerie S Palmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Gulu University School of Medicine, Gulu, Uganda
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2
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Nugumanova G, Ponomarev ED, Askarova S, Fasler-Kan E, Barteneva NS. Freshwater Cyanobacterial Toxins, Cyanopeptides and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030233. [PMID: 36977124 PMCID: PMC10057253 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of structurally diverse cyanotoxins and bioactive cyanopeptides in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. The health significance of these metabolites, which include genotoxic- and neurotoxic agents, is confirmed by continued associations between the occurrence of animal and human acute toxic events and, in the long term, by associations between cyanobacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. Major mechanisms related to the neurotoxicity of cyanobacteria compounds include (1) blocking of key proteins and channels; (2) inhibition of essential enzymes in mammalian cells such as protein phosphatases and phosphoprotein phosphatases as well as new molecular targets such as toll-like receptors 4 and 8. One of the widely discussed implicated mechanisms includes a misincorporation of cyanobacterial non-proteogenic amino acids. Recent research provides evidence that non-proteinogenic amino acid BMAA produced by cyanobacteria have multiple effects on translation process and bypasses the proof-reading ability of the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase. Aberrant proteins generated by non-canonical translation may be a factor in neuronal death and neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that the production of cyanopeptides and non-canonical amino acids is a more general mechanism, leading to mistranslation, affecting protein homeostasis, and targeting mitochondria in eukaryotic cells. It can be evolutionarily ancient and initially developed to control phytoplankton communities during algal blooms. Outcompeting gut symbiotic microorganisms may lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, a shift in blood-brain-barrier functionality, and eventually, mitochondrial dysfunction in high-energy demanding neurons. A better understanding of the interaction between cyanopeptides metabolism and the nervous system will be crucial to target or to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Nugumanova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Sholpan Askarova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster (EREC), Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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3
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Veerabadhran M, Manivel N, Sarvalingam B, Seenivasan B, Srinivasan H, Davoodbasha M, Yang F. State-of-the-art review on the ecotoxicology, health hazards, and economic loss of the impact of microcystins and their ultrastructural cellular changes. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 256:106417. [PMID: 36805195 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are ubiquitously globally present in both freshwater and marine environments. Ample reports have been documented by researchers worldwide for pros and cons of cyanobacterial toxins. The implications of cyanobacterial toxin on health have received much attention in recent decades. Microcystins (MCs) represent the unique class of toxic metabolites produced by cyanobacteria. Although the beneficial aspects of cyanobacterial are numerous, the deleterious effect of MCs overlooked. Several studies on MCs evidently reported that MCs exhibit a plethora of harmful effect on animals, plants, and cell lines. Accordingly, numerous histopathological studies have also found that MCs cause detrimental effects to cells by damaging cellular organelles, including nuclear envelope, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, plastids, flagellum, pilus membrane structures and integrity, vesicle structures, and autolysosomes and autophagosomes. Such ultrastructural cellular damages holistically influence the morphological, biochemical, physiological, and genetic status of the host. Indeed, MCs have also been found to cause the deleterious effect to different animals and plants. Such deleterious effects of MCs have greater impact on agriculture, public health which in turn influences ecotoxicology and economic consequences. The impairments correspond to oxidative stress, organ failure, carcinogenesis, aquaculture loss, with an emphasis for blooms and respective bioaccumulation prospects. The preservation of mortality among life forms is addressed in a critical cellular perspective for multitude benefits. The comprehensive cellular assessment could provide opportunity to develop strategy for therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maruthanayagam Veerabadhran
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Nagarajan Manivel
- ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Chennai 600 0028, India
| | - Barathkumar Sarvalingam
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Science, NIOT Campus, Chennai 600100, India
| | - Boopathi Seenivasan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Hemalatha Srinivasan
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 0048, India
| | - MubarakAli Davoodbasha
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 0048, India.
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
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Xu J, Zhang W, Zhong S, Xie X, Che H, Si W, Tuo X, Xu D, Zhao S. Microcystin-leucine-arginine affects brain gene expression programs and behaviors of offspring through paternal epigenetic information. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159032. [PMID: 36167133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) adversely affects male reproduction and interferes with the development of the offspring. Here, we establish a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model to understand the cross-generational effects of MC-LR in a male-lineage transmission pattern. F0 embryos were reared in water containing MC-LR (0, 5, and 25 μg/L) for 90 days and the developmental indices of F1 and F2 embryos were then measured with no MC-LR treatment. The results show that paternal MC-LR exposure reduced the hatching rate, heart rate and body weight in F1 and F2 generations. Global DNA methylation significantly increased in sperm and testes with the elevation expressions of DNA methyltransferases. Meanwhile, DNA methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) promoter was increased in sperm after paternal MC-LR exposure. Subsequently, increased DNA methylation of bdnf promoter and decreased gene expression of bdnf in the brain of F1 male zebrafish were detected. F1 offspring born to F0 males exhibit the depression of BDNF/AKT/CREB pathway and recapitulate these paternal neurodevelopment phenotypes in F2 offspring. In addition, the DNA methylations of dio3b and gad1b promoters were decreased and gene expressions of gad1b and dio3b were increased, accompanied with neurotransmitter disturbances in the brain of F1 male zebrafish after paternal MC-LR exposure. These data revealed that MC-LR displays a potential epigenetic impact on the germ line, reprogramming the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of brain development, and contributing to aberrant expression of neurodevelopment-related genes and behavior disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weiyun Zhang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shengzheng Zhong
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xinxin Xie
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Huimin Che
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weirong Si
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xun Tuo
- College of Chemistry, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Dexiang Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Giannuzzi L, Hernando M. The Eco-Physiological Role of Microcystis aeruginosa in a Changing World. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040685. [PMID: 35456737 PMCID: PMC9030745 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leda Giannuzzi
- Area of Toxicology, School of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata 1900, Argentina;
| | - Marcelo Hernando
- Department of Radiobiology, National Atomic Energy Commission, San Martin 1650, Argentina
- Red de Investigación de Estresores Marinos-costeros en América Latina y el Caribe (REMARCO), Mar del Plata 7602, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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Ahari H, Nowruzi B, Anvar AA, Porzani SJ. The Toxicity Testing of Cyanobacterial Toxins In Vivo and In Vitro by Mouse Bioassay: A Review. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1131-1151. [PMID: 34720080 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666211101162030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Different biological methods based on bioactivity are available to detect cyanotoxins, including neurotoxicity, immunological interactions, hepatotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and enzymatic activity. The mouse bioassay is the first test employed in laboratory cultures, cell extracts, and water bloom materials to detect toxins. It is also used as a traditional method to estimate the LD50. Concerning the ease of access and low cost, it is the most common method for this purpose. In this method, a sample is injected intraperitoneally into adult mice, and accordingly, they are assayed and monitored for about 24 hours for toxic symptoms. The toxin can be detected using this method from minutes to a few hours; its type, e.g., hepatotoxin, neurotoxin, etc., can also be determined. However, this method is nonspecific, fails to detect low amounts, and cannot distinguish between homologues. Although the mouse bioassay is gradually replaced with new chemical and immunological methods, it is still the main technique to detect the bioactivity and efficacy of cyanotoxins using LD50 determined based on the survival time of animals exposed to the toxin. In addition, some countries oppose animal use in toxicity studies. However, high cost, ethical considerations, low-sensitivity, non-specificity, and prolonged processes persuade researchers to employ chemical and functional analysis techniques. The qualitative and quantitative analyses, as well as high specificity and sensitivity, are among the advantages of cytotoxicity tests to investigate cyanotoxins. The present study aimed at reviewing the results obtained from in-vitro and in-vivo investigations of the mouse bioassay to detect cyanotoxins, including microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Ahari
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran
| | - Bahareh Nowruzi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran
| | - Amir Ali Anvar
- Department of Food Hygiene, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran
| | - Samaneh Jafari Porzani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran. Iran
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7
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Zhao S, Xu J, Zhang W, Yan W, Li G. Paternal exposure to microcystin-LR triggers developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish offspring via an epigenetic mechanism involving MAPK pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148437. [PMID: 34153754 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) induced impairment to male reproductive system and revealed the effects of transgenerational toxicity on offspring. But very little is known about the inheritance of these effects to offspring and the mechanisms involved. Here, we used methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-Seq) and microarray to characterize whole-genome DNA methylation and mRNA expression patterns in zebrafish testis after 6-week exposure to 5 and 20 μg/L MCLR. Accompanied with these analyses it revealed that MAPK pathway and ER pathway significantly enriched in zebrafish testes. Apoptosis and testicular damage were also observed in testis. Next, we test the transmission of effects to compare control-father and MCLR exposure-father progenies. DNA methylation analyses (via reduced representation bisulfite sequencing) reveal that the enrichment of differentially methylated regions on neurodevelopment after paternal MCLR exposure. Meanwhile, several genes associated with neurodevelopment were markedly downregulated in zebrafish larvae, and swimming speed was also reduced in the larvae. Interestingly, paternal MCLR exposure also triggered activation the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway which is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. These results demonstrated the significant effect that paternal MCLR exposure may have on gene-specific DNA methylation patterns in testis. Inherited epigenetic alterations through the germline may be the mechanism leading to developmental neurotoxicity in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weiyun Zhang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Ma Y, Liu H, Du X, Shi Z, Liu X, Wang R, Zhang S, Tian Z, Shi L, Guo H, Zhang H. Advances in the toxicology research of microcystins based on Omics approaches. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106661. [PMID: 34077854 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are the most widely distributed cyanotoxins, which can be ingested by animals and human body in multiple ways, resulting in a threat to human health and the biodiversity of wildlife. Therefore, the study on toxic effects and mechanisms of MCs is one of the focuses of attention. Recently, the Omics techniques, i.e. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, have significantly contributed to the comprehensive understanding and revealing of the molecular mechanisms about the toxicity of MCs. This paper mainly reviews current literature using the Omics approaches to explore the toxicity mechanism of MCs in liver, gonad, spleen, brain, intestine and lung of multiple species. It was found that MCs can exert strong toxic effects on various metabolic activities and cell signal transduction in cell cycle, apoptosis, destruction of cell cytoskeleton and redox disorder, at protein, transcription and metabolism level. Meanwhile, it was also revealed that the alteration of non-coding RNAs (miRNA, circRNA and lncRNA, etc.) and gut microbiota plays an essential regulatory role in the toxic effects of MCs, especially in hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. In addition, we summarized current research gaps and pointed out the future directions for research. The detailed information in this paper shows that the application and development of Omics techniques have significantly promoted the research on MCs toxicity, and it is also a valuable resource for exploring the toxic mechanism of MCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ma
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Xingde Du
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Ziang Shi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, PR China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Zhihui Tian
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Linjia Shi
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Hongxiang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, PR China.
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Martin RM, Bereman MS, Marsden KC. BMAA and MCLR interact to modulate behavior and exacerbate molecular changes related to neurodegeneration in larval zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2020; 179:251-261. [PMID: 33295630 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to toxins produced by cyanobacteria (i.e., cyanotoxins) is an emerging health concern due to their increasing prevalence and previous associations with neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of a mixture of two co-occurring cyanotoxins, β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and microcystin leucine and arginine (MCLR), using the larval zebrafish model. We combined high-throughput behavior-based toxicity assays with discovery proteomic techniques to identify behavioral and molecular changes following 6 days of exposure. While neither toxin caused mortality, morphological defects, or altered general locomotor behavior in zebrafish larvae, both toxins increased acoustic startle sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner by at least 40% (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, startle sensitivity was enhanced by an additional 40% in larvae exposed to the BMAA/MCLR mixture relative to those exposed to the individual toxins. Supporting these behavioral results, our proteomic analysis revealed a 4-fold increase in the number of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the mixture-exposed group. Additionally, prediction analysis reveals activation and/or inhibition of 8 enriched canonical pathways (enrichment p-value < 0.01; z-score ≥|2|), including ILK, Rho Family GTPase, RhoGDI, and calcium signaling pathways, which have been implicated in neurodegeneration. We also found that expression of TDP-43, of which cytoplasmic aggregates are a hallmark of ALS pathology, was significantly upregulated by 5.7-fold following BMAA/MCLR mixture exposure. Together, our results emphasize the importance of including mixtures of cyanotoxins when investigating the link between environmental cyanotoxins and neurodegeneration as we reveal that BMAA and MCLR interact in vivo to enhance neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubia M Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Michael S Bereman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Kurt C Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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Meng X, Zhang L, Hou J, Ma T, Pan C, Zhou Y, Han R, Ding Y, Peng H, Xiang Z, Li D, Han X. The mechanisms in the altered ontogenetic development and lung-related pathology in microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR)-paternal-exposed offspring mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 736:139678. [PMID: 32479959 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A father's lifetime experience is a major risk factor for a range of diseases in an individual, and the consequences of the exposure can also be transmitted to his offspring. Our previous work has demonstrated that damage to testicular structures and decline in sperm quality in male mice can be caused by microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR), but the overall effects of the scope and extent of paternal exposure on health and disease in the offspring remain underexplored. Here, we report that MC-LR-paternal-exposed offspring mice showed reduced litter size and body weight accompanied by increased abnormalities in the lung. Analyses of the small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in the sperm from MC-LR-exposed males demonstrated the downregulation of a wide range of piRNAs enriched for those target genes involved in the regulation of the embryo implantation pathways. Gene and protein expression analyses, as well as biochemical and functional studies, revealed suppressed expression of Hsp90α in testicular tissues from MC-LR-exposed males. Decreased Hsp90α in testicular tissues impaired the development of the offspring. In this study, we revealed that MC-LR alters the expression of Hsp90α in testicular tissues to cause changes in the expression profiles of sperm piRNAs produced by paternal mice. These changes lead to aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in pulmonary tissues of offspring mice, causing lung tissue damage and abnormal development. We hereby confirmed that MC-LR-induced alterations in epigenetic inheritance are capable of contributing to intergenerational developmental defects in paternal-exposed offspring mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiannan Meng
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Jiwei Hou
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Tan Ma
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Chun Pan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Ruitong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yuanzhen Ding
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Haoran Peng
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Zou Xiang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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11
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Wang L, Lin W, Zha Q, Guo H, Zhang D, Yang L, Li L, Li D, Tang R. Persistent Exposure to Environmental Levels of Microcystin-LR Disturbs Cortisol Production via Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Interrenal (HPI) Axis and Subsequently Liver Glucose Metabolism in Adult Male Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050282. [PMID: 32353954 PMCID: PMC7290660 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a new endocrine disruptor, whereas the impacts of persistent exposure to MC-LR on the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis and health hazards thereafter have not been investigated. In this work, adult male zebrafish (Danio rerio) were immersed into MC-LR solutions at concentrations of 0, 1, 5 and 25 μg/L for 30 d, respectively. The results showed that persistent MC-LR exposure caused an extensive upregulation of HPI-axis genes but an inhibition of brain nuclear receptors (gr and mr), which finally increased serum cortisol levels. Furthermore, the decreased expression of hepatic gr might partly be responsible for the strong inhibition on the expression of downstream genes involved in glucose metabolic enzymes, including gluconeogenesis-related genes (pepck, fbp1a, g6pca), glycogenolysis-related gene (pyg), glycolysis-related genes (gk, pfk1b, pk) and glycogenesis-related gene (gys2). These findings are in accordance with the decline in serum glucose, indicating that long-term MC-LR exposure caused a lower production of glucose relative to glucose lysis. Our above results firstly establish the link between persistent MC-LR exposure and impaired glucose metabolism, suggesting that long-term MC-LR-mediated stress might threaten fish’s health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingkai Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wang Lin
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingji Zha
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Honghui Guo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liping Yang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Dapeng Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rong Tang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, China
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12
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Liu J, Huang Y, Cai F, Dang Y, Liu C, Wang J. MicroRNA-181a regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress in offspring of mice following prenatal microcystin-LR exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 240:124905. [PMID: 31563103 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) was commonly regarded as a potent hepatotoxin and has been reported to cause neurotoxicity. This study was aimed to investigate how maternal MCLR exposure during pregnancy alters behavioral responses in offspring mice and the possible molecular mechanism involved in this procedure. Three doses of MCLR solutions (0, 3 or 15 μg/kg body weight) were administered subcutaneously to pregnant C57bl/6 from gestation day (GD) 6-19. Our results showed that MCLR prenatal exposure led to the impairment of learning and memory function in offspring on postnatal days (PND) 35, accompanied by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 regions of mice. Sixteen miRNAs in hippocampus of pups on PND 35 were significantly affected by MCLR exposure with the markedly decreased transcription of miR-181a-5p. We then found that miR-181a-5p was down-regulated, accompanied by activation of ER stress after prenatal exposure to MCLR using qPCR analysis. Furthermore, glucose-regulated protein, 78kDa/binding immunoglobulin protein (Grp78/BIP), a major ER chaperone and signaling regulator, was identified as a target of miR-181a-5p. Our study showed that miR-181a could lead to a decrease in the mRNA expression and protein levels of Grp78 by directly binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) in primary hippocampal neurons. Our findings indicate that the up-regulation of Grp78 mediated by inhibition of miR-181a-5p is a possible mechanism resulting in ER stress and cognitive impairment in pups following prenatal MCLR exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Yangyang Huang
- Fisheries College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Fei Cai
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory on Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Metabolic Disorders, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, Hubei, China; Department of Pharmacology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - Yao Dang
- Fisheries College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- Fisheries College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Fisheries College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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13
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Lin W, Guo H, Wang L, Zhang D, Wu X, Li L, Qiu Y, Yang L, Li D, Tang R. Parental Transfer of Microcystin-LR-Induced Innate Immune Dysfunction of Zebrafish: A Cross-Generational Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1014-1023. [PMID: 31859493 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Transgenerational effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) released by cyanobacterial blooms have become a hot topic. In the present study, adult zebrafish pairs were exposed to 0, 0.4, 2, and 10 μg/L MC-LR for 60 days and the embryos (F1 generation) were hatched without or with continued MC-LR exposures at the same concentrations until 5 days postfertilization (dpf). The results showed the existence of MC-LR both in F0 gonads and in F1 embryos and indicated that MC-LR could be transferred directly from the F0 adult fish to F1 offspring. The adverse effects on sex hormone levels, sexual development, and fecundity in F0 generation along with abnormal development in F1 offspring were observed. Furthermore, downregulation of antioxidant genes (cat, mn-sod, gpx1a) and upregulation of innate immune-related genes (tlr4a, myd88, tnfα, il1β) as well as increased proinflammation cytokine contents (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were noticed in F1 offspring without/with continued MC-LR exposures. In addition, significant differences between the two F1 embryo treatments demonstrated that continuous MC-LR exposure could result in a higher degree of inflammatory response compared to those without MC-LR exposure. Our findings revealed that MC-LR could exert cross-generational effects of immunotoxicity by inhibiting the antioxidant system and activating an inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Lin
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Honghui Guo
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Lingkai Wang
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Xueyang Wu
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University) , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Yuming Qiu
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Liping Yang
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Dapeng Li
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University) , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
| | - Rong Tang
- College of Fisheries , Huazhong Agricultural University , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University) , Wuhan 430070 , P. R. China
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14
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Zhao S, Zhong S, Wang F, Wang H, Xu D, Li G. Microcystin-LR exposure decreased the fetal weight of mice by disturbance of placental development and ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placenta. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 256:113362. [PMID: 31672369 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is essential for sustaining the growth of the fetus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the placenta in MCLR-induced significant reduction in fetal weight, especially the changes in placental structure and function. Pregnant mice were intraperitoneally injected with MCLR (5 or 20 μg/kg) from gestational day (GD) 13 to GD17. The results showed MCLR reduced fetal weight and placenta weight. The histological specimens of the placentas were taken for light and electron microscopy studies. The internal space of blood vessels decreased obviously in the placental labyrinth layer of mice treated with MCLR. After the ultrastructural examination, the edema and intracytoplasmic vacuolization, dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and corrugation of the nucleus were observed. In addition, maternal MCLR exposure caused a reduction of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD11B2) expression in placentae, a critical regulator of fetal development. Several genes of placental growth factors, such as Vegfα and Pgf and several genes of nutrient transport pumps, such as Glut1 and Pcft were depressed in placentas of MCLR-treated mice, however nutrient transporters Fatp1 and Snat4 were promoted. Moreover, significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) revealed the occurrence of oxidative stress caused by MCLR, which was also verified by remarkable decrease in the glutathione levels, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis revealed that GRP78, CHOP, XBP-1, peIF2α and pIRE1 were remarkable increased in placentas of MCLR-treated mice, indicating that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway was activated by MCLR. Furthermore, oxidative stress and ER stress consequently triggered apoptosis which contributed to the impairment of placental development. Collectively, these results suggest maternal MCLR exposure results in reduced fetal body weight, which might be associated with ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and impairment in placental structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Shengzheng Zhong
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Honghui Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dexiang Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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15
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Cao L, Massey IY, Feng H, Yang F. A Review of Cardiovascular Toxicity of Microcystins. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090507. [PMID: 31480273 PMCID: PMC6783932 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China is on the rise. The increasing burden of CVD in China has become a major public health problem. Cyanobacterial blooms have been recently considered a global environmental concern. Microcystins (MCs) are the secondary products of cyanobacteria metabolism and the most harmful cyanotoxin found in water bodies. Recent studies provide strong evidence of positive associations between MC exposure and cardiotoxicity, representing a threat to human cardiovascular health. This review focuses on the effects of MCs on the cardiovascular system and provides some evidence that CVD could be induced by MCs. We summarized the current knowledge of the cardiovascular toxicity of MCs, with regard to direct cardiovascular toxicity and indirect cardiovascular toxicity. Toxicity of MCs is mainly governed by the increasing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, the inhibition activities of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) and the destruction of cytoskeletons, which finally induce the occurrence of CVD. To protect human health from the threat of MCs, this paper also puts forward some directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Cao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Isaac Yaw Massey
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Hai Feng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China.
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16
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Hinojosa MG, Gutiérrez-Praena D, Prieto AI, Guzmán-Guillén R, Jos A, Cameán AM. Neurotoxicity induced by microcystins and cylindrospermopsin: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 668:547-565. [PMID: 30856566 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) are among the most frequent toxins produced by cyanobacteria. These toxic secondary metabolites are classified as hepatotoxins and cytotoxin, respectively. Furthermore, both may present the ability to induce damage to the nervous system. In this sense, there are many studies manifesting the potential of MCs to cause neurotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, due to their probable capacity to cross the blood-brain-barrier through organic anion transporting polypeptides. Moreover, the presence of MCs has been detected in brain of several experimental models. Among the neurological effects, histopathological brain changes, deregulation of biochemical parameters in brain (production of oxidative stress and inhibition of protein phosphatases) and behavioral alterations have been described. It is noteworthy that minority variants such as MC-LF and -LW have demonstrated to exert higher neurotoxic effects compared to the most studied congener, MC-LR. By contrast, the available studies concerning CYN-neurotoxic effects are very scarce, mostly showing inflammation and apoptosis in neural murine cell lines, oxidative stress, and alteration of the acetylcholinesterase activity in vivo. However, more studies are required in order to clarify the neurotoxic potential of both toxins, as well as their possible contribution to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Hinojosa
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - D Gutiérrez-Praena
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - A I Prieto
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - R Guzmán-Guillén
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - A Jos
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - A M Cameán
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
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17
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Hinojosa MG, Prieto AI, Gutiérrez-Praena D, Moreno FJ, Cameán AM, Jos A. Neurotoxic assessment of Microcystin-LR, cylindrospermopsin and their combination on the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 224:751-764. [PMID: 30851527 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) are produced by cyanobacteria. Although being considered as a hepatotoxin and a cytotoxin, respectively, different studies have revealed neurotoxic properties for both of them. The aim of the present work was to study their cytotoxic effects, alone and in combination, in the SH-SY5Y cell line. In addition, toxicity mechanisms such as oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and morphological studies were carried out. Results showed a cytotoxic response of the cells after their exposure to 0-100 μg/mL of MC-LR or 0-10 μg/mL CYN in both differentiated and undifferentiated cells. Thus, CYN resulted to be more toxic than MC-LR. Respect to their combination, a higher cytotoxic effect than the toxins alone in the case of undifferentiated cells, and almost a similar response to the presented by MC-LR in differentiated cells were observed. However, after analyzing this data with the isobolograms method, an antagonistic effect was mainly obtained. The oxidative stress study only showed an affectation of glutathione levels at the highest concentrations assayed of MC-LR and the combination in the undifferentiated cells. A significant increase in the AChE activity was observed after exposure to MC-LR in undifferentiated cells, and after exposure to the combination of both cyanotoxins on differentiated cells. However, CYN decreased the AChE activity only on differentiated cultures. Finally, the morphological study revealed different signs of cellular affectation, with apoptotic processes at all the concentrations assayed. Therefore, both cyanotoxins isolated and in combination, have demonstrated to cause neurotoxic effects in the SH-SY5Y cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Hinojosa
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - A I Prieto
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - D Gutiérrez-Praena
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - F J Moreno
- Área de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes s/n, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - A M Cameán
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - A Jos
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, C/Profesor García González 2, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
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18
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Wu J, Yang L, Zhang X, Li Y, Wang J, Zhang S, Liu H, Huang H, Wang Y, Yuan L, Cheng X, Zhuang D, Zhang H, Chen X. MC-LR induces dysregulation of iron homeostasis by inhibiting hepcidin expression: A preliminary study. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 212:572-584. [PMID: 30172039 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver is an important iron storage site and a primary MC-LR target. C57BL/6 and Hfe-/- mice were used to investigate effects and mechanisms of MC-LR on systematic iron homeostasis. Body weight, tissue iron content, hematological and serological indexes, and histopathological were evaluated. Ultrastructure and iron metabolism-related genes and proteins were analyzed. MC-LR induced dose-dependent increases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. In contrast MC-LR-induced dose-dependent decreases in mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin concentration were observed both C57BL/6 and Hfe-/- mice. In both mouse species, serological indexes increased. Aggravated liver and spleen iron were observed in C57BL/6 mice, consistent with Perls' Prussian blue staining. However, an opposite trend was observed in Hfe-/- mice. C57BL/6 mice had lower Hamp1 (Hepcidn), Bmp6, Il-6, and Tmprss6. Significant increased Hjv, Hif-1α and Hif-2α were observed in both C57BL/6 and Hfe-/- mice. MC-LR-induced pathological lesions were dose-dependent increase in C57BL/6 mice. More severe pathological injuries in MC-LR groups (25 μg/kg) were observed in Hfe-/- mice than in C57BL/6 mice. In Hfe-/- mice, upon exposure to 25 μg/kg MC-LR, mitochondrial membranes were damaged and mitochondrial counts increased with significant swelling. These results indicated that MC-LR can induce the accumulation of iron in C57BL/6 mice with the occurrence of anemia, similar to thalassemia. Moreover, dysregulation of iron homeostasis may be due to MC-LR-induced Hamp1 downregulation, possibly mediated by hypoxia or the IL6-STAT3 and BMP-SMAD signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Lei Yang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China; School of Nursing, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Jianyao Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Shenshen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Haohao Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Hui Huang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Yueqin Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Le Yuan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Donggang Zhuang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, PR China.
| | - Xinghai Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, USA
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19
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Shin EJ, Hwang YG, Pham DT, Lee JW, Lee YJ, Pyo D, Jeong JH, Lei XG, Kim HC. Glutathione peroxidase-1 overexpressing transgenic mice are protected from neurotoxicity induced by microcystin-leucine-arginine. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2018; 33:1019-1028. [PMID: 30076769 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although it has been well-recognized that microcystin-leucine-arginine (MCLR), the most common form of microcystins, induces neurotoxicity, little is currently known about the underlying mechanism for this neurotoxicity. Here, we found that MCLR (10 ng/μL/mouse, i.c.v.) induces significant neuronal loss in the hippocampus of mice. MCLR-induced neurotoxicity was accompanied by oxidative stress, as shown by a significant increase in the level of 4-hydroxynonenal, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) activity was significantly increased, but glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level was significantly decreased following MCLR insult. In addition, MCLR significantly inhibited GSH/GSSG ratio, and significantly induced NFκB DNA binding activity. Because reduced activity of GPx appeared to be critical for the imbalance between activities of SODs and GPx, we utilized GPx-1 overexpressing transgenic mice to ascertain the role of GPx-1 in this neurotoxicity. Genetic overexpression of GPx-1 or NFκB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) significantly attenuated MCLR-induced hippocampal neuronal loss in mice. However, PDTC did not exert any additive effect on neuroprotection mediated by GPx-1 overexpression, indicating that NFκB is a neurotoxic target of MCLR. Combined, these results suggest that MCLR-induced neurotoxicity requires oxidative stress associated with failure in compensatory induction of GPx, possibly through activation of the transcription factor NFκB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Joo Shin
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Gwang Hwang
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Duc Toan Pham
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Lee
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jeung Lee
- Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjin Pyo
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Xin Gen Lei
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, New York
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea
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20
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Guo X, Zhang S, Lu S, Zheng B, Xie P, Chen J, Li G, Liu C, Wu Q, Cheng H, Sang N. Perfluorododecanoic acid exposure induced developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 241:1018-1026. [PMID: 30029309 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), an artificial perfluorochemical, has been widely distributed in different ambient media and has been reported to have the potential to cause developmental neurotoxicity. However, the specific mechanism is largely unknown. In the current study, zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 0.24, 1.2, and 6 mg/L PFDoA for 120 h. Exposure to PFDoA causes serious decreases in hatching delay, body length, as well as decreased locomotor speed in zebrafish larvae. Additionally, the acetylcholine (ACh) content as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were determined to be significantly downregulated in PFDoA treatment groups. The level of dopamine was upregulated significantly after treating with 1.2 and 6 mg/L of PFDoA. Gene expressions related to the nervous system development were also analyzed, with the exception of the gene mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (manf), which is upregulated in the 6 mg/L treatment group. All other genes were significantly downregulated in larvae in the PFDoA group in different degrees. In general, the results demonstrated that PFDoA exposure could result in the disruption of the cholinergic system, dopaminergic signaling, and the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Guo
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Binghui Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Scientific Observation and Research Station for Lake Dongtinghu (SEPSORSLD), National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology of China, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology of China, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Qin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Houcheng Cheng
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Nan Sang
- College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
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21
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Wang X, Xu L, Li X, Chen J, Zhou W, Sun J, Wang Y. The differential effects of microcystin-LR on mitochondrial DNA in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 240:68-76. [PMID: 29729571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most abundant toxicant among microcystin variants produced by cyanobacteria. MC-induced toxicity is broadly reported to pose a threat to aquatic animals and humans and has been associated with the dysfunction of some organs such as liver and kidney. However, MC-induced neurotoxicity has not been well characterized after long-term exposure. This study was designed to investigate the neurotoxic effects after chronic oral administration of MC-LR. In our trial, C57/BL6 mice received MC-LR at 0, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg/L in drinking water for twelve months. Our data demonstrated that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage was evident in the damaged neurons as a result of chronic exposure. Histopathological abnormalities and mtDNA damage were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Furthermore, MC-LR exerted distinct effects on these two brain regions. The hippocampus was more susceptible to the treatment of MC-LR compared with the cerebral cortex. However, no strong relationships were observed between the genotoxic effects and exposure doses. In conclusion, this study has provided a mtDNA-related mechanism for underlying chronic neurotoxicity of MC-LR and suggested the presence of differential toxicant effects on the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lizhi Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinxiu Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiapeng Sun
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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22
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Zhao S, Liu Y, Wang F, Xu D, Xie P. N-acetylcysteine protects against microcystin-LR-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and germ cell apoptosis in zebrafish testes. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 204:463-473. [PMID: 29679867 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a reproductive toxicant that induces germ cell apoptosis in the testes, but the underlying mechanisms have not been well understood. In this study, we investigated that MCLR induces germ cell apoptosis is through activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant could protect against germ cell apoptosis by inhibiting the ER stress. Healthy male zebrafish were intraperitoneally injected with NAC (500 nM), beginning at 2 h before different doses of MCLR (0, 50, 100, 200 μg/kg). As expected, acute MCLR exposure resulted in oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in zebrafish testes. Further analysis showed that NAC significantly alleviated MCLR-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis and inhibited the caspase-dependent apoptotic proteins. Meanwhile H&E staining showed that NAC could rescue testicular damage induced by MCLR. Moreover, MCLR induced activation of ER stress which consequently triggered apoptosis in zebrafish testes. Interestingly, NAC was effective in improving the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level and activity of antioxidant enzymes in NAC pretreated groups. NAC significantly attenuated MCLR-induced upregulation of GRP78 in testes. In addition, NAC significantly attenuated MCLR-triggered testicular eIF2s1 and MAPK8 activation, indicating that NAC counteracts MCLR-induced unfolded protein response (UPR) in testes. Taken together, the results observed in this study suggested that ER stress plays a critical role in germ cell apoptosis exposed to MCLR and NAC could protect against apoptosis via inhibiting ER stress in zebrafish testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dexiang Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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23
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Zhao S, Sun H, Yan W, Xu D, Shen T. A proteomic study of the pulmonary injury induced by microcystin-LR in mice. Toxicon 2018; 150:304-314. [PMID: 29908261 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
MCLR has been shown to act as potent hepatotoxin, and recent studies showed that MCs can accumulate in lung tissue and exert adverse effects. However, the exact mechanism still remain unclear. The present study mainly focuses on the impairments of respiratory system after MCLR exposure in mice. After intratracheal instillation with MCLR (0, 10 and 25 μg/kg bw), histological change was examined in MCLR exposure groups. Results indicated that exposure of MCLR led to serious histopathology alteration and apoptosis in lung of mice. To further our understanding of the toxic effects of MCLR on the lung, we employed a proteomic method to search the mechanisms behind MCLR-induced pulmonary injury. In total, 38 proteins were identified to be significantly altered after MCLR exposure. These proteins involved in inflammatory response, apoptosis, cytoskeleton, and energetic metabolism, suggesting MCLR exerts complex toxic effects contributing to pulmonary injury. Furthermore, MCLR also induced pulmonary inflammation, as manifested by up-regulating the protein levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and p65 subunit. Our results indicated that MCLR exerts lung injury mainly by generating inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Wei Yan
- China Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China.
| | - Dexiang Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tong Shen
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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24
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Qian H, Liu G, Lu T, Sun L. Developmental neurotoxicity of Microcystis aeruginosa in the early life stages of zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 151:35-41. [PMID: 29304416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that cyanotoxins can exert neurotoxic effects on exposed aquatic organisms but most studies have focused on purified toxins rather than on the more complex effects of cyanobacterial blooms. To evaluate this issue in an environmentally relevant model, we assessed the developmental neurotoxicity induced by Microcystis aeruginosa on newly hatched zebrafish. After four days of exposure, the locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae was significantly decreased with increasing algae concentration. The levels of both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and dopamine (DA) were decreased, accompanied by a decline in ache, chrna7 and manf and a compensatory increase in nr4a2b transcription. Furthermore, the expression of nine marker genes for nervous system function or development, namely, elavl3, gap43, gfap, mbp, nestin, ngn1, nkx2.2a, shha and syn2a, similarly decreased after algal exposure. These results demonstrated that Microcystis aeruginosa exposure affected cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems, the transcription of key nervous system genes, and consequently the activity level of larval zebrafish. Importantly, discrepancies in the neurotoxic effects observed in this study and in previous reports that were based on exposure to pure cyanotoxin highlight the necessity for further investigation of cyanobacterial bloom mixtures when assessing the ecotoxicity of cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Qian
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Guangfu Liu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Tao Lu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China
| | - Liwei Sun
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, PR China.
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25
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Walter JM, Lopes FAC, Lopes-Ferreira M, Vidal LM, Leomil L, Melo F, de Azevedo GS, Oliveira RMS, Medeiros AJ, Melo ASO, De Rezende CE, Tanuri A, Thompson FL. Occurrence of Harmful Cyanobacteria in Drinking Water from a Severely Drought-Impacted Semi-arid Region. Front Microbiol 2018. [PMID: 29541063 PMCID: PMC5835534 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Harmful cyanobacterial blooms have become increasingly common in freshwater ecosystems in recent decades, mainly due to eutrophication and climate change. Water becomes unreliable for human consumption. Here, we report a comprehensive study carried out to investigate the water quality of several Campina Grande reservoirs. Our approach included metagenomics, microbial abundance quantification, ELISA test for three cyanotoxins (microcystin, nodularins, and cylindrospermopsin), and in vivo ecotoxicological tests with zebrafish embryos. Cytometry analysis showed high cyanobacterial abundance, while metagenomics identified an average of 10.6% of cyanobacterial sequences, and demonstrated the presence of Microcystis, Cylindrospermopsis, and toxin coding genes in all ponds. Zebrafish embryos reared with pond water had high mortality and diverse malformations. Among the ponds analyzed, Araçagi showed the highest lethality (an average of 62.9 ± 0.8%), followed by Boqueirão (lethality average of 62.5 ± 0.8%). Here, we demonstrate that water from ponds undergoing extremely drought conditions have an abundance of potentially harmful cyanobacteria and their toxins. Our findings are consistent with a scenario in which polluted drinking water poses a great risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juline M Walter
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, and SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabyano A C Lopes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, and SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mônica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit, Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lívia M Vidal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, and SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Leomil
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, and SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Melo
- Instituto de Pesquisa Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alba J Medeiros
- Secretaria de Saúde de Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | - Adriana S O Melo
- Instituto de Pesquisa Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | - Carlos E De Rezende
- Laboratory of Environmental Sciences, State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Amilcar Tanuri
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabiano L Thompson
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, and SAGE-COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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26
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Wu Q, Yan W, Cheng H, Liu C, Hung TC, Guo X, Li G. Parental transfer of microcystin-LR induced transgenerational effects of developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:471-478. [PMID: 28837927 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) has been reported to cause developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish, but there are few studies on the mechanisms of MCLR-induced transgenerational effects of developmental neurotoxicity. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 25 μg/L MCLR for 60 days. The F1 zebrafish embryos from the above-mentioned parents were collected and incubated in clean water for 120 h for hatching. After examining the parental zebrafish and F1 embryos, MCLR was detected in the gonad of adults and F1 embryos, indicating MCLR could potentially be transferred from parents to offspring. The larvae also showed a serious hypoactivity. The contents of dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) were further detected, but only the first three neurotransmitters showed significant reduction in the 5 and 25 μg/L MCLR parental exposure groups. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was remarkably decreased in MCLR parental exposure groups, while the expression levels of manf, bdnf, ache, htr1ab, htr1b, htr2a, htr1aa, htr5a, DAT, TH1 and TH2 genes coincided with the decreased content of neurotransmitters (dopamine, DOPAC and serotonin) and the activity of AChE. Neuronal development related genes, α1-tubulin, syn2a, mbp, gfap, elavl3, shha and gap43 were also measured, but gap43 was the gene only up-regulated. Our results demonstrated MCLR could be transferred to offspring, and subsequently induce developmental neurotoxicity in F1 zebrafish larvae by disturbing the neurotransmitter systems and neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Wei Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, PR China
| | - Houcheng Cheng
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Tien-Chieh Hung
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xiaochun Guo
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education (Huazhong Agricultural University), Wuhan 430070, PR China.
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27
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Cheng H, Yan W, Wu Q, Liu C, Gong X, Hung TC, Li G. Parental exposure to microcystin-LR induced thyroid endocrine disruption in zebrafish offspring, a transgenerational toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 230:981-988. [PMID: 28763935 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR is the most poisonous and commonly encountered hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria in an aquatic ecosystem, and it may cause thyroid dysfunction in fish. The present study aimed to reveal the effects of transgenerational toxicity of MCLR on the thyroid endocrine system under sub-chronic exposure conditions. Adult zebrafish (F0) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (1, 5 and 25 μg/L) of MCLR for 45 days. The produced F1 embryos were then tested without further MCLR treatment. In the F0 generation, exposure to 25 μg/L MCLR reduced thyroxine (T4) but not 3, 5, 3'-triiodothyronine (T3) levels in females, while the T4 and T3 levels were unchanged in males. After parental exposure to MCLR, we observed a decreased hatching and growth retardation correlated with reduced thyroid hormone levels in the F1 offspring. The gene transcription and protein expression along the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis were detected to further investigate the possible mechanisms of MCLR-induced thyroid disruption. Our results indicated MCLR could disturb the thyroid endocrine system under environmentally relevant concentrations and the disrupting effects could be remarkably transmitted to its F1 offspring. We regard these adverse effects as a parental transgenerational toxicity of MCLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houcheng Cheng
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Qin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiuying Gong
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tien-Chieh Hung
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Aquaculture Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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28
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Lee S, Jiang X, Manubolu M, Riedl K, Ludsin SA, Martin JF, Lee J. Fresh produce and their soils accumulate cyanotoxins from irrigation water: Implications for public health and food security. Food Res Int 2017; 102:234-245. [PMID: 29195944 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.09.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin (MC), a hepatotoxin that can adversely affect human health, has become more prevalent in freshwater ecosystems worldwide, owing to an increase in toxic cyanobacteria blooms. While consumption of water and fish are well-documented exposure pathways of MCs to humans, less is known about the potential transfer to humans through consumption of vegetables that have been irrigated with MC-contaminated water. Likewise, the impact of MC on the performance of food crops is understudied. To help fill these information gaps, we conducted a controlled laboratory experiment in which we exposed lettuce, carrots, and green beans to environmentally relevant concentrations of MC-LR (0, 1, 5, and 10μg/L) via two irrigation methods (drip and spray). We used ELISA and LC-MS/MS to quantify MC-LR concentrations and in different parts of the plant (edible vs. inedible fractions), measured plant performance (e.g., size, mass, edible leaves, color), and calculated human exposure risk based on accumulation patterns. MC-LR accumulation was positively dose-dependent, with it being greater in the plants (2.2-209.2μg/kg) than in soil (0-19.4μg/kg). MC-LR accumulation varied among vegetable types, between plant parts, and between irrigation methods. MC-LR accumulation led to reduced crop growth and quality, with MC-LR persisting in the soil after harvest. Observed toxin accumulation patterns in edible fractions of plants also led to estimates of daily MC-LR intake that exceeded both the chronic reference dose (0.003μg/kg of body weight) and total daily intake guidelines (0.04μg/kg of body weight). Because the use of MC-contaminated water is common in many parts of the world, our collective findings highlight the need for guidelines concerning the use of MC-contaminated water in irrigation, as well as consumption of these crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjun Lee
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xuewen Jiang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Manjunath Manubolu
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ken Riedl
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Stuart A Ludsin
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jay F Martin
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Ohio Sea Grant, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; College of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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29
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Expression analysis of microRNAs and mRNAs in ovarian granulosa cells after microcystin-LR exposure. Toxicon 2017; 129:11-19. [PMID: 28161121 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin is a cyclic heptapeptide compounds which could cause female mammals' reproductive toxicity. Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for the growth and development of follicles. In this study, after mouse granulosa cells (mGCs) treated with microcystin-LR (MC-LR) for 48 h, microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs microarray technology were adopted to detect the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs. The results showed that 125 miRNAs and 283 mRNAs changed significantly, including 50 miRNAs down-regulated (fold change < -1.2), 75 miRNAs up-regulated (fold change > 1.2), 162 mRNAs down-regulated (fold change < -1.15) and 121 mRNAs up-regulated (fold change > 1.15) in treated group compared with the control group. Functional analysis showed that significant changed miRNAs and mRNAs are mainly involved in proliferation, apoptosis, immunity, metabolism and other biological processes of mGCs. By KEGG pathways analysis, we found that differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs mainly participated in apoptosis, formation of cancer, proliferation, production of hormones and other related signal pathways. miRNA-gene network analysis indicated that miR-29b-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-1906, miR-182-5p, growth factor receptor bound protein 2-associated protein 2 (Gab2), FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (Fos), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), mannosidase 1, alpha (Man1a) are key miRNAs and genes. The microarray results were validated by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).
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30
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Buratti FM, Manganelli M, Vichi S, Stefanelli M, Scardala S, Testai E, Funari E. Cyanotoxins: producing organisms, occurrence, toxicity, mechanism of action and human health toxicological risk evaluation. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:1049-1130. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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31
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Cai Y, Zhang C, Hao L, Chen J, Xie P, Chen Z. Systematic identification of seven ribosomal protein genes in bighead carp and their expression in response to microcystin-LR. J Toxicol Sci 2016; 41:293-302. [PMID: 26961614 DOI: 10.2131/jts.41.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is one of the most toxic cyanotoxins produced in algal blooms. The toxic effects of MCLR on the expression of some organelles genes (mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoskeleton etc) have been widely investigated, but little is known how it impacts on the expression of ribosomal genes. In this study we identified seven ribosomal protein genes RPS6, RPS12, RPS24, RPS27a, RPL12, RPL27 and RPL29 in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), whose expression was regulated by MCLR. The amino acid sequences of those 7 genes shared more than 90% identity with corresponding sequences from zebrafish, and were well conserved throughout evolution. The 3D structure prediction showed that the structures of these ribosomal proteins were conserved, but had species specificity. Q-PCR analysis revealed that expression of seven genes changed dramatically at 3 hr, then went back to a moderate change- level at 24 hr in almost all tested tissues (liver, kidney, intestine, heart, spleen and gill) post MCLR injection, but in brain expression of the seven genes stayed same as the normal level. This study will help us to know not only about the evolution and functions of ribosomal proteins in anti-MCLR response in bighead carp, but also about the MCLR toxicity and its impact on aquaculture and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cai
- School of Petrolchemical Engneering, Changzhou University, China
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Zhang Z, Zhang XX, Wu B, Yin J, Yu Y, Yang L. Comprehensive insights into microcystin-LR effects on hepatic lipid metabolism using cross-omics technologies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 315:126-134. [PMID: 27208774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) can induce hepatic tissue damages and molecular toxicities, but its effects on lipid metabolism remain unknown. This study investigated the effects of MC-LR exposure on mice lipid metabolism and uncovered the underlying mechanism through metabonomic, transcriptomic and metagenomic analyses after administration of mice with MC-LR by gavage for 28 d. Increased liver weight and abdominal fat weight, and evident hepatic lipid vacuoles accumulation were observed in the mice fed with 0.2mg/kg/d MC-LR. Serum nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that MC-LR treatment altered the levels of serum metabolites including triglyceride, unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and very low density lipoprotein. Digital Gene Expression technology was used to reveal differential expression of hepatic transcriptomes, demonstrating that MC-LR treatment disturbed hepatic UFA biosynthesis and activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways via Pparγ, Fabp1 and Fabp2 over-expression. Metagenomic analyses of gut microbiota revealed that MC-LR exposure also increased abundant ratio of Firmicutes vs. Bacteroidetes in gut and altered biosynthetic pathways of various microbial metabolic and pro-inflammatory molecules. In conclusion, oral MC-LR exposure can induce hepatic lipid metabolism disorder mediated by UFA biosynthesis and PPAR activation, and gut microbial community shift may play an important role in the metabolic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Center for Environmental Health Research, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Ministry of Environmental Protection of PRC, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xu-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinbao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- Center for Environmental Health Research, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Ministry of Environmental Protection of PRC, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Liuyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Qi M, Dang Y, Xu Q, Yu L, Liu C, Yuan Y, Wang J. Microcystin-LR induced developmental toxicity and apoptosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae by activation of ER stress response. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 157:166-173. [PMID: 27219292 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that cyanobacteria-derived Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) can cause developmental toxicity and trigger apoptosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the mechanism by which MC-LR induces developmental toxicity is through activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. MC-LR (4.0 μM) exposure through submersion caused serious developmental toxicity, such as malformation, growth delay and decreased heart rates in zebrafish larvae, which could be inhibited by ER stress blocker, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, 20 μM). Meanwhile, acridine orange (AO) staining showed TUDCA could rescue cell apoptosis in heart area in zebrafish larvae resulted by MC-LR exposure. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) analysis demonstrated that MC-LR induced activation of ER stress which consequently triggered apoptosis in zebrafish larvae. Protein expression examined by western blot indicated that MC-LR could activate MAPK8/Bcl-2/Bax pathway and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway in zebrafish larva and the effects were mitigated by inhibition of ER stress. Taken together, the results observed in this study suggested that ER stress plays a critical role in developmental toxicity and apoptosis in zebrafish embryos exposed to MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Qi
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yao Dang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qinglong Xu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liqin Yu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde 415000, China
| | - Yongchao Yuan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianghua Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Wu Q, Yan W, Liu C, Li L, Yu L, Zhao S, Li G. Microcystin-LR exposure induces developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish embryo. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 213:793-800. [PMID: 27038211 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a commonly acting potent hepatotoxin and has been pointed out of potentially causing developmental neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanism is little known. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 0.8, 1.6 or 3.2 mg/L MCLR for 120 h. MCLR exposure through submersion caused serious hatching delay and body length decrease. The content of MCLR in zebrafish larvae was analyzed and the results demonstrated that MCLR can accumulate in zebrafish larvae. The locomotor speed of zebrafish larvae was decreased. Furthermore, the dopamine and acetylcholine (ACh) content were detected to be significantly decreased in MCLR exposure groups. And the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly increased after exposure to 1.6 and 3.2 mg/L MCLR. The transcription pattern of manf, chrnα7 and ache gene was consistent with the change of the dopamine content, ACh content and AChE activity. Gene expression involved in the development of neurons was also measured. ɑ1-tubulin and shha gene expression were down-regulated, whereas mbp and gap43 gene expression were observed to be significantly up-regulated upon exposure to MCLR. The above results indicated that MCLR-induced developmental toxicity might attribute to the disorder of cholinergic system, dopaminergic signaling, and the development of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Wei Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China
| | - Liqin Yu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, PR China.
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Hu Y, Chen J, Fan H, Xie P, He J. A review of neurotoxicity of microcystins. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:7211-7219. [PMID: 26857003 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms-produced microcystins are secondary metabolites which can accumulate in the food chain and contaminate water, thus posing a potential threat to the health of aquatic animals and even humans. Microcystin toxicity affects not only the liver but also the other organs, i.e., the brain. The serious neurotoxicity effects caused by microcystins then lead to various symptoms. This review focuses on the neurotoxicity of microcystins. Microcystins can cross blood-brain barrier with the transport of Oatps/OATPs, causing neurostructural, functional, and behavioral changes. In this review, potential uptake mechanisms and neurotoxicity mechanisms are summarized, including neurotransmissions, neurochannels, signal transduction, oxidative stress, and cytoskeleton disruption. However, further researches are needed for detailed studies on signaling pathways and the downstream pathways of neurotoxicity of microcystins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Hu
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, 430072, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Huihui Fan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Jun He
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan, 430072, China
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Chen L, Chen J, Zhang X, Xie P. A review of reproductive toxicity of microcystins. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 301:381-99. [PMID: 26521084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies provide strong evidence of positive associations between microcystins (MCs) exposure and reproductive toxicity, representing a threat to human reproductive health and the biodiversity of wild life. This paper reviews current knowledge of the reproductive toxicity of MCs, with regard to mammals, fishes, amphibians, and birds, mostly in males. Toxicity of MCs is primarily governed by the inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A) and disturbance of cellular phosphorylation balance. MCs exposure is related to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, leading to cytoskeleton disruption, mitochondria dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and DNA damage. MCs induce cell apoptosis mediated by the mitochondrial and ROS and ER pathways. Through PP1/2A inhibition and oxidative stress, MCs lead to differential expression/activity of transcriptional factors and proteins involved in the pathways of cellular differentiation, proliferation, and tumor promotion. MC-induced DNA damage is also involved in carcinogenicity. Apart from a direct effect on testes and ovaries, MCs indirectly affect sex hormones by damaging the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis and liver. Parental exposure to MCs may result in hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity of offspring. We also summarize the current research gaps which should be addressed by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Xuezhen Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Cai F, Liu J, Li C, Wang J. Critical Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Cognitive Impairment Induced by Microcystin-LR. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28077-86. [PMID: 26602924 PMCID: PMC4691030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies showed that cyanobacteria-derived microcystin-leucine-arginine (MCLR) can cause hippocampal pathological damage and trigger cognitive impairment; but the underlying mechanisms have not been well understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of MCLR-induced cognitive deficit; with a focus on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The Morris water maze test and electrophysiological study demonstrated that MCLR caused spatial memory injury in male Wistar rats; which could be inhibited by ER stress blocker; tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Meanwhile; real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the expression level of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78); C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase 12 were significantly up-regulated. These effects were rescued by co-administration of TUDCA. In agreement with this; we also observed that treatment of rats with TUDCA blocked the alterations in ER ultrastructure and apoptotic cell death in CA1 neurons from rats exposed to MCLR. Taken together; the present results suggested that ER stress plays an important role in potential memory impairments in rats treated with MCLR; and amelioration of ER stress may serve as a novel strategy to alleviate damaged cognitive function triggered by MCLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China.
| | - Cairong Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory on Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Metabolic Disorders, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Fisheries College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Cai F, Liu J, Li C, Wang J. Intracellular Calcium Plays a Critical Role in the Microcystin-LR-Elicited Neurotoxicity Through PLC/IP3 Pathway. Int J Toxicol 2015; 34:551-8. [PMID: 26395499 DOI: 10.1177/1091581815606352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity of microcystin-leucine-arginine (MCLR) has been widely reported. However, the mechanism is not fully understood. Using primary hippocampal neurons, we tested the hypothesis that MCLR-triggered activation in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) induces the death of neurons. Microcystin-leucine-arginine inhibited cell viability at a range of 0.1 to 30 μmol/L and caused a dose-dependent increase in [Ca(2+)](i). This increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was observed in Ca(2+)-free media and blocked by an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor, suggesting intracellular Ca(2+) release. Moreover, pretreatment of hippocampal neurons with intracellular Ca(2+) chelator (O,O'-bis (2-aminophenyl) ethyleneglycol-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, tetraacetoxy-methyl ester) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor antagonist (2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) could block both the Ca(2+) mobilization and the neuronal death following MCLR exposure. In contrast, the ryanodine receptor inhibitor (dantrolene) did not ameliorate the effect of MCLR. In conclusion, MCLR disrupts [Ca(2+)](i) homeostasis in neurons by releasing Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, and this increase in [Ca(2+)](i) may be a key determinant in the mechanism underlying MCLR-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cairong Li
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory on Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Metabolic Disorders, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Fisheries College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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