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Stiefbold M, Zhang H, Wan LQ. Engineered platforms for mimicking cardiac development and drug screening. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:197. [PMID: 38664263 PMCID: PMC11045633 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects are associated with significant health challenges, demanding a deep understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms and, thus, better devices or platforms that can recapitulate human cardiac development. The discovery of human pluripotent stem cells has substantially reduced the dependence on animal models. Recent advances in stem cell biology, genetic editing, omics, microfluidics, and sensor technologies have further enabled remarkable progress in the development of in vitro platforms with increased fidelity and efficiency. In this review, we provide an overview of advancements in in vitro cardiac development platforms, with a particular focus on technological innovation. We categorize these platforms into four areas: two-dimensional solid substrate cultures, engineered substrate architectures that enhance cellular functions, cardiac organoids, and embryos/explants-on-chip models. We conclude by addressing current limitations and presenting future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Stiefbold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8t Street, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Haokang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8t Street, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Leo Q Wan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Biotech 2147, 110 8t Street, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
- Center for Modeling, Simulation, and Imaging in Medicine, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
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2
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Treschow AF, Valente MJ, Lauschke K, Holst B, Andersen AR, Vinggaard AM. Investigating the applicability domain of the hiPSC-based PluriLum assay: an embryotoxicity assessment of chemicals and drugs. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1209-1224. [PMID: 38311648 PMCID: PMC10944425 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03675-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
To meet the growing demand for developmental toxicity assessment of chemicals, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are needed. Previously, we developed two 3D in vitro assays based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and cardiomyocyte differentiation: the PluriBeat assay, based on assessment of beating differentiated embryoid bodies, and the PluriLum assay, a reporter gene assay based on the expression of the early cardiac marker NKX2.5; both promising assays for predicting embryotoxic effects of chemicals and drugs. In this work, we aimed to further describe the predictive power of the PluriLum assay and compare its sensitivity with PluriBeat and similar human stem cell-based assays developed by others. For this purpose, we assessed the toxicity of a panel of ten chemicals from different chemical classes, consisting of the known developmental toxicants 5-fluorouracil, all-trans retinoic acid and valproic acid, as well as the negative control compounds ascorbic acid and folic acid. In addition, the fungicides epoxiconazole and prochloraz, and three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), PFOS, PFOA and GenX were tested. Generally, the PluriLum assay displayed higher sensitivity when compared to the PluriBeat assay. For several compounds the luminescence readout of the PluriLum assay showed effects not detected by the PluriBeat assay, including two PFAS compounds and the two fungicides. Overall, we find that the PluriLum assay has the potential to provide a fast and objective detection of developmental toxicants and has a level of sensitivity that is comparable to or higher than other in vitro assays also based on human stem cells and cardiomyocyte differentiation for assessment of developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Frederik Treschow
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Maria João Valente
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Karin Lauschke
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Cell Therapy TRU, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Reenberg Andersen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Cell Toxicology Team, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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Luo Y, He F, Zhang Y, Li S, Lu R, Wei X, Huang J. Transcription Factor 21: A Transcription Factor That Plays an Important Role in Cardiovascular Disease. Pharmacology 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38493769 DOI: 10.1159/000536585] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the World Health Organisation's Health Report 2019, approximately 17.18 million people die from cardiovascular disease each year, accounting for more than 30% of all global deaths. Therefore, the occurrence of cardiovascular disease is still a global concern. The transcription factor 21 (TCF21) plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the regulation mechanism of TCF21 expression and activity and focuses on its important role in atherosclerosis in order to contribute to the development of diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. SUMMARY TCF21 is involved in the phenotypic regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and participates in the activation of inflammatory sequences. Increased proliferation and migration of VSMCs can lead to neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. Abnormal hyperplasia of neointima and inflammation are one of the main features of atherosclerosis. Therefore, targeting TCF21 may become a potential treatment for relieving atherosclerosis. KEY MESSAGES TCF21 as a member of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors regulates cell growth and differentiation by modulating gene expression during the development of different organs and plays an important role in cardiovascular development and disease. VSMCs and cells derived from VSMCs constitute the majority of plaques in atherosclerosis. TCF21 plays a key role in regulation of VSMCs' phenotype, thus accelerating atherogenesis in the early stage. However, TCF21 enhances plaque stability in late-stage atherosclerosis. The dual role of TCF21 should be considered in the translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China,
| | - Fangzhou He
- Department of Anaesthesia, Chuanshan College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yifang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shufan Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ruirui Lu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xing Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ji Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Li M, Yang L, Wang R, Li L, Zhang Y, Li L, Jin N, Huang Y, Kong Z, Francis F, Fan B, Wang F. Stereoselective cardiotoxic effects of metconazole on zebrafish (Danio rerio) based on AGE-RAGE signalling pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169304. [PMID: 38128663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169304] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Metconazole (MEZ) is a novel chiral triazole fungicide that is widely used to prevent and control soil-borne fungal pathogens and other fungal diseases. However, it has a long half-life in aquatic environments and thus poses potential environmental risks. This study evaluates the acute and stereoselective cardiotoxicity of MEZ in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. In addition, transcriptomics, real-time quantitative PCR, enzyme activity determination, and molecular docking are performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiotoxicity of MEZ in zebrafish. MEZ decreases the heart rate while increasing the pericardial oedema rate; additionally, it induces stereoselective cardiotoxicity. 1S,5S-MEZ exhibits stronger cardiotoxicity than 1R,5R-MEZ. Furthermore, MEZ increases the expression of Ahr-associated genes and the transcription factors il6st, il1b, and AP-1. Heart development-related genes, including fbn2b, rbm24b, and tbx20 are differentially expressed. MEZ administration alters the activities of catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in zebrafish larvae. Molecular docking indicates that 1R,5R-MEZ binds more strongly to the inhibitor-binding sites of p38 in the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway than to other MEZ enantiomers. Studies conducted in vivo and in silico have established the enantioselective cardiotoxicity of MEZ and its underlying mechanisms, highlighting the need to evaluate the environmental risk of chiral MEZ in aquatic organisms at the enantiomeric level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Lin Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Centre for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Rui Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Long Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Nuo Jin
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yatao Huang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Zhiqiang Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Frédéric Francis
- Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio-Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Bei Fan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Fengzhong Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Agro-products Quality and Safety Control in Storage and Transport Process, Laboratory of Agro-products Quality Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, PR China
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Peno-Mazzarino L, Radionov N, Merino M, González S, Mullor JL, Jones J, Caturla N. Protective Potential of a Botanical-Based Supplement Ingredient against the Impact of Environmental Pollution on Cutaneous and Cardiopulmonary Systems: Preclinical Study. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1530-1555. [PMID: 38392217 PMCID: PMC10887869 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020099] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Air pollution is a growing threat to human health. Airborne pollution effects on respiratory, cardiovascular and skin health are well-established. The main mechanisms of air-pollution-induced health effects involve oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study evaluates the potential of a polyphenol-enriched food supplement ingredient comprising Lippia citriodora, Olea europaea, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Sophora japonica extracts in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental pollution on skin and cardiopulmonary systems. Both in vitro and ex vivo studies were used to assess the blend's effects against pollution-induced damage. In these studies, the botanical blend was found to reduce lipid peroxidation, inflammation (by reducing IL-1α), and metabolic alterations (by regulating MT-1H, AhR, and Nrf2 expression) in human skin explants exposed to a mixture of pollutants. Similar results were also observed in keratinocytes exposed to urban dust. Moreover, the ingredient significantly reduced pollutant-induced ROS production in human endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts, while downregulating the expression of apoptotic genes (bcl-2 and bax) in lung fibroblasts. Additionally, the blend counteracted the effect of urban dust on the heart rate in zebrafish embryos. These results support the potential use of this supplement as an adjuvant method to reduce the impact of environmental pollution on the skin, lungs, and cardiovascular tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Radionov
- Laboratoire BIO-EC, Chemin de Saulxier 1, 91160 Longjumeau, France
| | - Marián Merino
- Bionos Biotech, S.L. Biopolo La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia González
- Bionos Biotech, S.L. Biopolo La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José L Mullor
- Bionos Biotech, S.L. Biopolo La Fe, Av. Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Nuria Caturla
- Monteloeder SA, Miguel Servet 16, 03203 Elche, Spain
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Ma J, Jiang P, Huang Y, Lu C, Tian G, Xiao X, Meng Y, Xiong X, Cheng B, Wang D, Lu H. Oxidative stress contributes to flumioxazin-induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2737-2746. [PMID: 37712518 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Flumioxazin is a widely applied herbicide for the control of broadleaf weeds, including aquatic plants. Current evidence suggests that flumioxazin could induce cardiac defects (ventricular septal defects) in vertebrates, but the underlining mechanisms remain unclear. Because of the inhibitory effect of flumioxazin on polyphenol oxidase, the assumption is made that flumioxazin-induced cardiotoxicity is caused by oxidative stress. To verify whether oxidative stress plays an important role in flumioxazin-induced cardiotoxicity, we compared the differences in heart phenotype, oxidative stress level, apoptosis, and gene expression between flumioxazin exposure and a normal environment, and we also tested whether cardiotoxicity could be rescued with astaxanthin. The results showed that flumioxazin induced both cardiac malformations and the abnormal gene expression associated with cardiac development. Cardiac malformations included pericardial edema, cardiac linearization, elongated heart, cardiomegaly, cardiac wall hypocellularity, myocardial cell atrophy with a granular appearance, and a significant gap between the myocardial intima and the adventitia. An increase in oxidative stress and apoptosis was observed in the cardiac region of zebrafish after exposure to flumioxazin. The antioxidant astaxanthin reversed the cardiac malformations, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of genes for cardiac developmental and apoptosis regulation induced by flumioxazin. In addition, flumioxazin also activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway genes (aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 [ahr2], cytochrome p450 family subfamily a [cyp1a1], and b [cyp1b1]) and increased the concentration of porphyrins. The results suggest that excessive ROS production, which could be mediated through AhR, led to apoptosis, contributing to the cardiotoxicity of flumioxazin in zebrafish embryos. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2737-2746. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinze Ma
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Solid Waste Recycling, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Organs, Clinical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Jinggangshan University, College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- Nudear Industry Ganzhou Geotechnech Investigation & Design Group Company Limited, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- Food College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Guiyou Tian
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Xiao
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Solid Waste Recycling, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Meng
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Xiong
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Di Wang
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Huiqiang Lu
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory for Drug Screening and Discovery, School of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases, Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Organs, Clinical Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Jinggangshan University, College of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, China
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Gao J, Xu Y, Zhong T, Yu X, Wang L, Xiao Y, Peng Y, Sun Q. A review of food contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and its toxicity associated with metabolic disorders. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100617. [PMID: 37881334 PMCID: PMC10594546 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dioxins are a group of chemicals not only regarded as highly toxic trace environmental contaminants, but also considered typical contaminants in food. Dioxins spread across the ecosystem after factory manufacture, contaminate the soil and vegetation before either directly or indirectly entering the food chain through meat products, dairy products, and aquatic products. The compound in question poses a challenge for metabolic processes within the human body, due to its intricate mechanism for inducing diseases. Therefore, it presents a significant risk and is largely undisclosed. Dioxins are mainly exposed to humans by water, food, and air, as well as inducing organ failure and metabolic disorders through but not limited to the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR). As a notorious compound in the family of dioxins, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exhibits long-term toxic effects on diverse organs, which induces continuous metabolic disorders. This review discussed the mechanisms of TCDD-associated metabolic syndrome. The expression of the cytochrome P450 subfamily transfers TCDD into liver, promotes its accumulation in fat tissue, and affects cholesterol metabolism. This process also alters the glucose tolerance of the human organism, disrupting glucose metabolism. It can also elicit cardiovascular pathogenesis, exacerbate liver fibrosis and neuronal death. The long-term metabolic impact of this effect is found to be sex-related. This review summarized the toxicity of TCDD on the human metabolism system and discussed the plausible correlation between TCDD and five metabolic disorders, which helped offer novel insights for future research and therapeutic interventions for these ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuhe Gao
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Tian Zhong
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ye Peng
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Quancai Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Florida State University, USA
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8
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Correia CD, Ferreira A, Fernandes MT, Silva BM, Esteves F, Leitão HS, Bragança J, Calado SM. Human Stem Cells for Cardiac Disease Modeling and Preclinical and Clinical Applications-Are We on the Road to Success? Cells 2023; 12:1727. [PMID: 37443761 PMCID: PMC10341347 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are pointed out by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the leading cause of death, contributing to a significant and growing global health and economic burden. Despite advancements in clinical approaches, there is a critical need for innovative cardiovascular treatments to improve patient outcomes. Therapies based on adult stem cells (ASCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have emerged as promising strategies to regenerate damaged cardiac tissue and restore cardiac function. Moreover, the generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells has opened new avenues for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine applications, with fewer ethical concerns than those associated with ESCs. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art review on the application of human pluripotent stem cells in CVD research and clinics. We describe the types and sources of stem cells that have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials for the treatment of CVDs as well as the applications of pluripotent stem-cell-derived in vitro systems to mimic disease phenotypes. How human stem-cell-based in vitro systems can overcome the limitations of current toxicological studies is also discussed. Finally, the current state of clinical trials involving stem-cell-based approaches to treat CVDs are presented, and the strengths and weaknesses are critically discussed to assess whether researchers and clinicians are getting closer to success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia D. Correia
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Anita Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara M. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia M. Calado
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.D.C.); (A.F.); (M.T.F.); (B.M.S.); (F.E.); (H.S.L.); (J.B.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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9
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Correia CD, Ferreira A, Fernandes MT, Silva BM, Esteves F, Leitão HS, Bragança J, Calado SM. Human Stem Cells for Cardiac Disease Modeling and Preclinical and Clinical Applications—Are We on the Road to Success? Cells 2023; 12:1727. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/cells12131727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are pointed out by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the leading cause of death, contributing to a significant and growing global health and economic burden. Despite advancements in clinical approaches, there is a critical need for innovative cardiovascular treatments to improve patient outcomes. Therapies based on adult stem cells (ASCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have emerged as promising strategies to regenerate damaged cardiac tissue and restore cardiac function. Moreover, the generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells has opened new avenues for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine applications, with fewer ethical concerns than those associated with ESCs. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art review on the application of human pluripotent stem cells in CVD research and clinics. We describe the types and sources of stem cells that have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials for the treatment of CVDs as well as the applications of pluripotent stem-cell-derived in vitro systems to mimic disease phenotypes. How human stem-cell-based in vitro systems can overcome the limitations of current toxicological studies is also discussed. Finally, the current state of clinical trials involving stem-cell-based approaches to treat CVDs are presented, and the strengths and weaknesses are critically discussed to assess whether researchers and clinicians are getting closer to success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia D. Correia
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Anita Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Mónica T. Fernandes
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- School of Health, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara M. Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Helena S. Leitão
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia M. Calado
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade do Algarve—Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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10
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Ji C, Tao Y, Li X, Wang J, Chen J, Aniagu S, Jiang Y, Chen T. AHR-mediated m 6A RNA methylation contributes to PM 2.5-induced cardiac malformations in zebrafish larvae. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131749. [PMID: 37270964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that ambient fine particle matter (PM2.5) exposure inhibits heart development, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We hypothesized that m6A RNA methylation plays an important role in the cardiac developmental toxicity of PM2.5. In this study, we demonstrated that extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM2.5 significantly decreased global m6A RNA methylation levels in the heart of zebrafish larvae, which were restored by the methyl donor, betaine. Betaine also attenuated EOM-induced ROS overgeneration, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis and heart defects. Furthermore, we found that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which was activated by EOM, directly repressed the transcription of methyltransferases mettl14 and mettl3. EOM also induced genome-wide m6A RNA methylation changes, which led us to focus more on the aberrant m6A methylation changes that were subsequently alleviated by the AHR inhibitor, CH223191. In addition, we found that the expression levels of traf4a and bbc3, two apoptosis related genes, were upregulated by EOM but restored to control levels by the forced expression of mettl14. Moreover, knockdown of either traf4a or bbc3 attenuated EOM-induced ROS overproduction and apoptosis. In conclusion, our results indicate that PM2.5 induces m6A RNA methylation changes via AHR-mediated mettl14 downregulation, which upregulates traf4a and bbc3, leading to apoptosis and cardiac malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Ji
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yizhou Tao
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Stanley Aniagu
- Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Research Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12015 Park 35 Cir, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yan Jiang
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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11
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Branco MA, Nunes TC, Cabral JMS, Diogo MM. Developmental Toxicity Studies: The Path towards Humanized 3D Stem Cell-Based Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054857. [PMID: 36902285 PMCID: PMC10002991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, it is recognized that medicines will eventually be needed during pregnancy to help prevent to, ameliorate or treat an illness, either due to gestation-related medical conditions or pre-existing diseases. Adding to that, the rate of drug prescription to pregnant women has increased over the past few years, in accordance with the increasing trend to postpone childbirth to a later age. However, in spite of these trends, information regarding teratogenic risk in humans is often missing for most of the purchased drugs. So far, animal models have been the gold standard to obtain teratogenic data, but inter-species differences have limited the suitability of those models to predict human-specific outcomes, contributing to misidentified human teratogenicity. Therefore, the development of physiologically relevant in vitro humanized models can be the key to surpassing this limitation. In this context, this review describes the pathway towards the introduction of human pluripotent stem cell-derived models in developmental toxicity studies. Moreover, as an illustration of their relevance, a particular emphasis will be placed on those models that recapitulate two very important early developmental stages, namely gastrulation and cardiac specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A. Branco
- Collaborative Laboratory to Foster Translation and Drug Discovery, Accelbio, 3030-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago C. Nunes
- IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. S. Cabral
- IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Margarida Diogo
- IBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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12
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Liu Y, Ouyang L, Mao C, Chen Y, Liu N, Chen L, Shi Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Tao Y. Inhibition of RNF182 mediated by Bap promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1009508. [PMID: 36686776 PMCID: PMC9853554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ubiquitylation that mediated by ubiquitin ligases plays multiple roles not only in proteasome-mediated protein degradation but also in various cellular process including DNA repair, signal transduction and endocytosis. RING finger (RNF) proteins form the majority of these ubiquitin ligases. Recent studies have demonstrated the important roles of RNF finger proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the most common environmental carcinogens causing lung cancer. The molecular mechanism of Bap carcinogenesis remains elusive. Considering the critical roles of RNF proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, we speculate on whether Bap regulates RNF proteins resulting in carcinogenesis. Methods We used GEO analysis to identify the potential RING finger protein family member that contributes to Bap-induced NSCLC. We next used RT-qPCR, Western blot and ChIP assay to investigate the potential mechanism of Bap inhibits RNF182. BGS analyses were used to analyze the methylation level of RNF182. Results Here we reported that the carcinogen Bap suppresses the expression of ring finger protein 182 (RNF182) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which is mediated by abnormal hypermethylation in an AhR independent way and transcriptional regulation in an AhR dependent way. Furthermore, RNF182 exhibits low expression and hypermethylation in tumor tissues. RNF182 also significantly suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cell lines. Conclusion These results demonstrated that Bap inhibits RNF182 expression to promote lung cancer tumorigenesis through activating AhR and promoting abnormal methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Postdoctoral Research Station of Clinical Medicine & Department of Hematology and Critical Care Medicine, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lianlian Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Mao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanbing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research, Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
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13
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Luconi M, Sogorb MA, Markert UR, Benfenati E, May T, Wolbank S, Roncaglioni A, Schmidt A, Straccia M, Tait S. Human-Based New Approach Methodologies in Developmental Toxicity Testing: A Step Ahead from the State of the Art with a Feto-Placental Organ-on-Chip Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15828. [PMID: 36497907 PMCID: PMC9737555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity testing urgently requires the implementation of human-relevant new approach methodologies (NAMs) that better recapitulate the peculiar nature of human physiology during pregnancy, especially the placenta and the maternal/fetal interface, which represent a key stage for human lifelong health. Fit-for-purpose NAMs for the placental-fetal interface are desirable to improve the biological knowledge of environmental exposure at the molecular level and to reduce the high cost, time and ethical impact of animal studies. This article reviews the state of the art on the available in vitro (placental, fetal and amniotic cell-based systems) and in silico NAMs of human relevance for developmental toxicity testing purposes; in addition, we considered available Adverse Outcome Pathways related to developmental toxicity. The OECD TG 414 for the identification and assessment of deleterious effects of prenatal exposure to chemicals on developing organisms will be discussed to delineate the regulatory context and to better debate what is missing and needed in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis to significantly improve this sector. Starting from this analysis, the development of a novel human feto-placental organ-on-chip platform will be introduced as an innovative future alternative tool for developmental toxicity testing, considering possible implementation and validation strategies to overcome the limitation of the current animal studies and NAMs available in regulatory toxicology and in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel A. Sogorb
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Emilio Benfenati
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias May
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institut for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Roncaglioni
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Straccia
- FRESCI by Science&Strategy SL, C/Roure Monjo 33, Vacarisses, 08233 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Tait
- Centre for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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14
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Zhao M, Yin N, Yang R, Li S, Zhang S, Faiola F. Environmentally relevant exposure to TBBPA and its analogues may not drastically affect human early cardiac development. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119467. [PMID: 35577262 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its substitutes and derivatives have been widely used as halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), in the past few decades. As a consequence, these compounds are frequently detected in the environment, as well as human bodily fluids, especially umbilical cord blood and breast milk. This has raised awareness of their potential risks to fetuses and infants. In this study, we employed human embryonic stem cell differentiation models to assess the potential developmental toxicity of six TBBPA-like compounds, at human relevant nanomolar concentrations. To mimic early embryonic development, we utilized embryoid body-based 3D differentiation in presence of the six HFRs. Transcriptomics data showed that HFR exposure over 16 days of differentiation only interfered with the expression of a few genes, indicating those six HFRs may not have specific tissue/organ targets during embryonic development. Nevertheless, further analyses revealed that some cardiac-related genes were dysregulated. Since the heart is also the first organ to develop, we employed a cardiac differentiation model to analyze the six HFRs' potential developmental toxicity in more depth. Overall, HFRs of interest did not significantly disturb the canonical WNT pathway, which is an essential signal transduction pathway for cardiac development. In addition, the six HFRs showed only mild changes in gene expression levels for cardiomyocyte markers, such as NKX2.5, MYH7, and MYL4, as well as a significant down-regulation of some but not all the epicardial and smooth muscle cell markers selected. Taken together, our results show that the six studied HFRs, at human relevant concentrations, may impose negligible effects on embryogenesis and heart development. Nevertheless, higher exposure doses might affect the early stages of heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nuoya Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Renjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shichang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuxian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Francesco Faiola
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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15
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Chen J, Zhang M, Zou H, Aniagu S, Jiang Y, Chen T. Synergistic protective effects of folic acid and resveratrol against fine particulate matter-induced heart malformations in zebrafish embryos. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113825. [PMID: 36068752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major environmental health problem worldwide, and recent studies indicate that maternal PM2.5 exposure is closely associated with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in offspring. We previously found that supplementation with folic acid (FA) or Resveratrol (RSV) could protect against heart defects in zebrafish embryos exposed to extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM2.5 by targeting aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production respectively. Thus, we hypothesized that FA combined with RSV may have a synergistic protective effect against PM2.5-induced heart defects. To test our hypothesis, we treated zebrafish embryos with EOM in the presence or absence of FA, RSV or a combination of both. We found that RSV and FA showed a clear synergistic protection against EOM-induced heart defects in zebrafish embryos. Further studies showed that FA and RSV suppressed EOM-induced AHR activity and ROS generation respectively. Although only RSV inhibited EOM-induced apoptosis, FA enhanced the inhibitory effect of RSV. Moreover, vitamin C (VC), a typical antioxidant, also exhibits a synergistic inhibitory effect with FA on EOM-induced apoptosis and heart defects. In conclusion, supplementation with FA and RSV have a synergistic protective effect against PM2.5-induced heart defects in zebrafish embryos by targeting AHR activity and ROS production respectively. Our results indicate that, in the presence of antioxidants, FA even at a low concentration level could protect against the high risk of CHDs caused by air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mingxuan Zhang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Zou
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Stanley Aniagu
- Toxicology, Risk Assessment, and Research Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12015 Park 35 Cir, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yan Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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16
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Chen H, Qiu W, Yang X, Chen F, Chen J, Tang L, Zhong H, Magnuson JT, Zheng C, Xu EG. Perfluorooctane Sulfonamide (PFOSA) Induces Cardiotoxicity via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8438-8448. [PMID: 35652794 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), a precursor of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), is widely used during industrial processes, though little is known about its toxicity, particularly to early life stage organisms that are generally sensitive to xenobiotic exposure. Here, following exposure to concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L PFOSA, transcriptional, morphological, physiological, and biochemical assays were used to evaluate the potential effects on aquatic organisms. The top Tox functions in exposed zebrafish were related to cardiac diseases predicted by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) analysis. Consistent with impacts predicted by transcriptional changes, abnormal cardiac morphology, disordered heartbeat signals, as well as reduced heart rate and cardiac output were observed following the exposure of 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 μg/L PFOSA. Furthermore, these PFOSA-induced cardiac effects were either prevented or alleviated by supplementation with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) antagonist or ahr2-morpholino knock-down, uncovering a seminal role of AHR in PFOSA-induced cardiotoxicity. Our results provide the first evidence in fish that PFOSA can impair proper heart development and function and raises concern for PFOSA analogues in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Chen
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuanjun Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiaying Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Liang Tang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hanbing Zhong
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, University of Stavanger, 4021 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Elvis Genbo Xu
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5230, Denmark
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17
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Zhao Z, Zhu D, Liu Y, Zhou Q, Qiu J, Xu C, He Y, Zeng W, Yang Y. Embryotoxic effects of tribromophenol on early post-implantation development of mouse embryos in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:12085-12099. [PMID: 34558051 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
2,4,6-Tribromophenol (TBP, CAS No. 118-79-6), the most widely produced brominated phenol, is frequently detected in environmental components. The detection of TBP in human bodies has earned great concerns about its adverse effects on human beings, especially for early embryonic development. Here, we optimized the mouse embryo in vitro culture (IVC) system for early post-implantation embryos and employed it to determine the embryotoxicity of TBP. With this new research model, we revealed the dose-dependent toxic effects of TBP on mouse embryos from peri-implantation to egg cylinder stages. Furthermore, TBP exposure inhibited the differentiation and survival of epiblast (EPI) cells and extraembryonic endoderm (ExEn) cells, while those of extraembryonic ectoderm (ExEc) cells were not influenced. These results implied that TBP might inhibit embryonic development by influencing the generation of three primary germ layers and fetal membranes (the amnion, chorionic disk, umbilical cord, and yolk sac). In summary, we showed a proof of concept for applying mouse embryo IVC system as a novel research model for studying mammalian embryonic toxicology of environmental pollutants. This study also demonstrated the toxicity of TBP on early embryonic development of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dicong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingfan Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Wentao Zeng
- Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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18
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Mennen RH, Oldenburger MM, Piersma AH. Endoderm and mesoderm derivatives in embryonic stem cell differentiation and their use in developmental toxicity testing. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 107:44-59. [PMID: 34861400 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cell differentiation models have increasingly been applied in non-animal test systems for developmental toxicity. After the initial focus on cardiac differentiation, attention has also included an array of neuro-ectodermal differentiation routes. Alternative differentiation routes in the mesodermal and endodermal germ lines have received less attention. This review provides an inventory of achievements in the latter areas of embryonic stem cell differentiation, with a view to possibilities for their use in non-animal test systems in developmental toxicology. This includes murine and human stem cell differentiation models, and also gains information from the field of stem cell use in regenerative medicine. Endodermal stem cell derivatives produced in vitro include hepatocytes, pancreatic cells, lung epithelium, and intestinal epithelium, and mesodermal derivatives include cardiac muscle, osteogenic, vascular and hemopoietic cells. This inventory provides an overview of studies on the different cell types together with biomarkers and culture conditions that stimulate these differentiation routes from embryonic stem cells. These models may be used to expand the spectrum of embryonic stem cell based new approach methodologies in non-animal developmental toxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Mennen
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - A H Piersma
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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19
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Human Acellular Amniotic Matrix with Previously Seeded Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restores Endometrial Function in a Rat Model of Injury. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:5573594. [PMID: 34531703 PMCID: PMC8438588 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5573594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal endometrial repair after injury results in the formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and a thin endometrium, which are key causes for implantation failure and infertility. Stem cell transplantation offers a potential alternative for some cases of severe Asherman's syndrome that cannot be treated with surgery or hormonal therapy. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have been reported to repair the damaged endometrium. However, there is no report on the effects of UCMSCs previously seeded on human acellular amniotic matrix (AAM) on endometrial injury. Methods Absolute ethanol was injected into rat uteri to damage the endometrium. UCMSCs previously seeded on AAM were surgically transplanted. Using a variety of methods, the treatment response was assessed by endometrial thickness, endometrial biomarker expression, endometrial receptivity, cell proliferation, and inflammatory factors. Results Endometrial thickness was markedly improved after UCMSC-AAM transplantation. The expression of endometrial biomarkers, namely, vimentin, cytokeratin, and integrin β3, in treated rats increased compared with untreated rats. In the UCMSC-AAM group, the VEGF expression decreased, whereas that of MMP9 increased compared with the injury group. Moreover, in the AAM group, the MMP9 expression increased. The expression of proinflammatory factors (IL-2, TNFα, and IFN-γ) in the UCMSC-AAM group decreased compared with the untreated group, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10) increased significantly. Conclusions UCMSC transplantation using AAM as the carrier can be applied to treat endometrial injury in rats. The successful preparation of lyophilized AAM provides the possibility of secondary infectious disease screening and amniotic matrix quality detection, followed by retrospective analysis. The UCMSC-AAM complex may promote the better application of UCMSCs on the treatment of injured endometrium.
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20
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Zablon HA, Ko CI, Puga A. Converging Roles of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Early Embryonic Development, Maintenance of Stemness, and Tissue Repair. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:1-9. [PMID: 34009372 PMCID: PMC8285021 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor well-known for its adaptive role as a sensor of environmental toxicants and mediator of the metabolic detoxification of xenobiotic ligands. In addition, a growing body of experimental data has provided indisputable evidence that the AHR regulates critical functions of cell physiology and embryonic development. Recent studies have shown that the naïve AHR-that is, unliganded to xenobiotics but activated endogenously-has a crucial role in maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency, tissue repair, and regulation of cancer stem cell stemness. Depending on the cellular context, AHR silences the expression of pluripotency genes Oct4 and Nanog and potentiates differentiation, whereas curtailing cellular plasticity and stemness. In these processes, AHR-mediated contextual responses and outcomes are dictated by changes of interacting partners in signaling pathways, gene networks, and cell-type-specific genomic structures. In this review, we focus on AHR-mediated changes of genomic architecture as an emerging mechanism for the AHR to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level. Collective evidence places this receptor as a physiological hub connecting multiple biological processes whose disruption impacts on embryonic development, tissue repair, and maintenance or loss of stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA
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21
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Singleman C, Holtzman NG. PCB and TCDD derived embryonic cardiac defects result from a novel AhR pathway. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 233:105794. [PMID: 33662880 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are environmental contaminants known to impact cardiac development, a key step in the embryonic development of most animals. To date, little is understood of the molecular mechanism driving the observed cardiac defects in exposed fishes. The literature shows PCB & TCDD derived cardiac defects are concurrent with, but not caused by, expression of cyp1A, due to activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) gene activation pathway. However, in this study, detailed visualization of fish hearts exposed to PCBs and TCDD show that, in addition to a failure of cardiac looping in early heart development, the inner endocardial lining of the heart fails to maintain proper cell adhesion and tissue integrity. The resulting gap between the endocardium and myocardium in both zebrafish and Atlantic sturgeon suggested functional faults in endothelial adherens junction formation. Thus, we explored the molecular mechanism triggering cardiac defects using immunohistochemistry to identify the location and phosphorylation state of key regulatory and adhesion molecules. We hypothesized that PCB and TCDD activates AhR, phosphorylating Src, which then phosphorylates the endothelial adherens junction protein, VEcadherin. When phosphorylated, VEcadherin dimers, found in the endocardium and vasculature, separate, reducing tissue integrity. In zebrafish, treatment with PCB and TCDD contaminants leads to higher phosphorylation of VEcadherin in cardiac tissue suggesting that these cells have reduced connectivity. Small molecule inhibition of Src phosphorylation prevents contaminant stimulated phosphorylation of VEcadherin and rescues both cardiac function and gross morphology. Atlantic sturgeon hearts show parallels to contaminant exposed zebrafish cardiac phenotype at the tissue level. These data suggest that the mechanism for PCB and TCDD action in the heart is, in part, distinct from the canonical mechanism described in the literature and that cardiac defects are impacted by this nongenomic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Singleman
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens NY 11367-1597, USA; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nathalia G Holtzman
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens NY 11367-1597, USA; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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22
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Yang R, Liu S, Liang X, Yin N, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Faiola F. TBBPA, TBBPS, and TCBPA disrupt hESC hepatic differentiation and promote the proliferation of differentiated cells partly via up-regulation of the FGF10 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123341. [PMID: 32653787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), including Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), Tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), and Tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA), are widely applied in the manufacturing industry to improve fire safety and can be detected in pregnant women's serum at nanomolar levels. Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to the three HFR potential development toxicity, which has not been conclusively addressed yet. The liver is the main organ that detoxifies our body; TBBPA exposure may lead to increased liver weight in rodents. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the developmental hepatic toxicity of the three HFRs with a human embryonic stem cell hepatic differentiation-based system and transcriptomics analyses. We mostly evaluated lineage fate alterations and demonstrated the three HFRs may have common disruptive effects on hepatic differentiation, with TCBPA being significantly more potent. More specifically, the three HFRs up-regulated genes related to cell cycle and FGF10 signaling, at late stages of the hepatic differentiation. This indicates the three chemicals promoted hepatoblast proliferation likely via up-regulating the FGF10 cascade. At the same time, we also presented a powerful way to combine in vitro differentiation and in silico transcriptomic analyses, to efficiently evaluate hazardous materials' adverse effects on lineage fate decisions during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Wellcome Trust/CRUK Gurdon Institute, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Xiaoxing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nuoya Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Francesco Faiola
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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23
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Teino I, Matvere A, Pook M, Varik I, Pajusaar L, Uudeküll K, Vaher H, Trei A, Kristjuhan A, Org T, Maimets T. Impact of AHR Ligand TCDD on Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Early Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9052. [PMID: 33260776 PMCID: PMC7731104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which mediates the effects of a variety of environmental stimuli in multiple tissues. Recent advances in AHR biology have underlined its importance in cells with high developmental potency, including pluripotent stem cells. Nonetheless, there is little data on AHR expression and its role during the initial stages of stem cell differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal pattern of AHR expression during directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) into neural progenitor, early mesoderm and definitive endoderm cells. Additionally, we investigated the effect of the AHR agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the gene expression profile in hESCs and differentiated cells by RNA-seq, accompanied by identification of AHR binding sites by ChIP-seq and epigenetic landscape analysis by ATAC-seq. We showed that AHR is differentially regulated in distinct lineages. We provided evidence that TCDD alters gene expression patterns in hESCs and during early differentiation. Additionally, we identified novel potential AHR target genes, which expand our understanding on the role of this protein in different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrek Teino
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Antti Matvere
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Martin Pook
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Inge Varik
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Laura Pajusaar
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Keyt Uudeküll
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Helen Vaher
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Annika Trei
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Arnold Kristjuhan
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Tõnis Org
- Chair of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Chair of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (A.M.); (M.P.); (I.V.); (L.P.); (K.U.); (H.V.); (A.T.); (A.K.); (T.M.)
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Meta-Analysis of Transcriptome Data Detected New Potential Players in Response to Dioxin Exposure in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217858. [PMID: 33113971 PMCID: PMC7672605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioxins are one of the most potent anthropogenic poisons, causing systemic disorders in embryonic development and pathologies in adults. The mechanism of dioxin action requires an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but the downstream mechanisms are not yet precisely clear. Here, we performed a meta-analysis of all available transcriptome datasets taken from human cell cultures exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Differentially expressed genes from different experiments overlapped partially, but there were a number of those genes that were systematically affected by TCDD. Some of them have been linked to toxic dioxin effects, but we also identified other attractive targets. Among the genes that were affected by TCDD, there are functionally related gene groups that suggest an interplay between retinoic acid, AhR, and Wnt signaling pathways. Next, we analyzed the upstream regions of differentially expressed genes and identified potential transcription factor (TF) binding sites overrepresented in the genes responding to TCDD. Intriguingly, the dioxin-responsive element (DRE), the binding site of AhR, was not overrepresented as much as other cis-elements were. Bioinformatics analysis of the AhR binding profile unveils potential cooperation of AhR with E2F2, CTCFL, and ZBT14 TFs in the dioxin response. We discuss the potential implication of these predictions for further dioxin studies.
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25
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Cunha V, Vogs C, Le Bihanic F, Dreij K. Mixture effects of oxygenated PAHs and benzo[a]pyrene on cardiovascular development and function in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105913. [PMID: 32615350 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated PAHs (oxy-PAHs), are common environmental pollutants known to cause health effects in humans and wild-life. In particular, vertebrate cardiovascular development and function are sensitive to PACs. However, the interactive effects of PAHs and oxy-PAHs on cardiovascular endpoints have not been well studied. In this study, we used zebrafish embryos (ZFEs) as a model to examine developmental and cardiovascular toxicities induced by the three environmental oxy-PAHs benzo[a]fluorenone (BFLO), 4H-cyclopenta[def]phenanthren-4-one (4H-CPO) and, 6H-benzo[cd]pyren-6-one (6H-BPO), and the PAH benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) either as single exposures or binary oxy-PAH + PAH mixtures. 6H-BPO induced developmental and cardiovascular toxicity, including reduced heartbeat rate and blood flow, at lower doses compared to the other compounds. Exposure to binary mixtures generally caused enhanced toxicity and induction of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-regulated gene expression (ahr2 and cyp1a) compared to single compound exposure. This was associated with differential expression of genes involved in cardiovascular development and function including atp2a2, myh6, tbx5 and zerg. AhR-knock-down significantly reduced the cardiovascular toxicity of 6H-BPO and its binary mixture with BaP indicating a significant AhR-dependence of the effects. Measurements of internal concentrations showed that the toxicokinetics of BaP and 6H-BPO were altered in the binary mixture compared to the single compound exposure, and most likely due to CYP1 inhibition by 6H-BPO. Altogether, these data support that similar to interactions between PAHs, mixtures of PAHs and oxy-PAHs may cause increased developmental and cardiovascular toxicity in ZFEs through an AhR-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgínia Cunha
- Unit of Biochemical Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carolina Vogs
- Unit of Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Florane Le Bihanic
- Unit of Biochemical Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Dreij
- Unit of Biochemical Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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26
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Ren F, Ji C, Huang Y, Aniagu S, Jiang Y, Chen T. AHR-mediated ROS production contributes to the cardiac developmental toxicity of PM2.5 in zebrafish embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:135097. [PMID: 31837856 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown an association between maternal exposure to ambient fine particle matter (PM2.5) and congenital heart defects in the offspring, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. Previously, we demonstrated that extractable organic matter (EOM) from PM2.5 induced heart defects in zebrafish embryos by activating the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Hence, we hypothesized that AHR mediates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to the cardiac developmental toxicity of PM2.5. To test our hypothesis, we examined AHR activity and ROS levels in the heart of zebrafish embryos under a fluorescence microscope. mRNA expression levels were then quantified using qPCR whereas DNA damage and apoptosis were detected by immunofluorescence. Our results showed that the AHR inhibitor, CH223191 (CH) as well as the ROS scavenger, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), significantly mitigated the PM2.5-induced cardiac malformations in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, both CH and NAC diminished the EOM-elevated ROS generation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the test system. Incidentally, both CH and NAC attenuated the EOM-induced changes in the mRNA expression of genes involved in cardiac development (nkx2.5, sox9b), oxidative stress (nrf2a, nrf2b, gstp1, gstp2, sod2, ho1, cat) and apoptosis (p53, bax). We further confirmed that AHR activity is a necessary condition for EOM-induced ROS generation, DNA damage and apoptosis, through AHR knockdown. However, the ROS scavenger NAC did not counteract the EOM-induced AHR activity. In conclusion, our findings suggest that AHR mediates EOM-induced oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage and apoptosis, thereby contributing to the cardiac developmental toxicity of PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ren
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ji
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yujie Huang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Stanley Aniagu
- Toxicology, Risk Assessment and Research Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 12015 Park 35 Cir, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yan Jiang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Yang R, Liu S, Liang X, Yin N, Ruan T, Jiang L, Faiola F. F-53B and PFOS treatments skew human embryonic stem cell in vitro cardiac differentiation towards epicardial cells by partly disrupting the WNT signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 261:114153. [PMID: 32088431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
F-53B and PFOS are two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) widely utilized in the metal plating industry as mist suppressants. Recent epidemiological studies have linked PFASs to cardiovascular diseases and alterations in heart geometry. However, we still have limited understanding of the effects of F-53B and PFOS on the developing heart. In this study, we employed a human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based cardiac differentiation system and whole transcriptomics analyses to evaluate the potential developmental cardiac toxicity of F-53B and PFOS. We utilized F-53B and PFOS concentrations of 0.1-60 μM, covering the levels detected in human blood samples. We demonstrated that both F-53B and PFOS inhibited cardiac differentiation and promoted epicardial specification via upregulation of the WNT signaling pathway. Most importantly, the effects of F-53B were more robust than those of PFOS. This was because F-53B treatment disrupted the expression of more genes and led to lower cardiac differentiation efficiency. These findings imply that F-53B may not be a safe replacement for PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Wellcome Trust/CRUK Gurdon Institute, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Xiaoxing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nuoya Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ting Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Dairy Cow Nutrition, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Francesco Faiola
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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28
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Yang H, Du Z, Lv WJ, Zhang XY, Zhai HL. In silico toxicity evaluation of dioxins using structure-activity relationship (SAR) and two-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR). Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:3207-3218. [PMID: 31552475 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02580-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of pEC50 values of dioxins binding with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is of great significance for exploring how dioxins induce toxicity in human body and evaluating their environmental behaviors and risks. To reveal the factors that influence the toxicity of dioxins, provide more accurate mathematical models for predicting the pEC50 values of dioxins, and supplement the toxicity database of persistent organic pollutants, qualitative structure-activity relationship (SAR) and two-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR) were used in this study. The research objects in this study were 60 organic compounds with pEC50 values and 162 compounds without pEC50 values, which included polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs). The qualitative structure-activity relationship (SAR) was performed first and concluded that halogen substitutions at any of the 2, 3, 7, and 8 sites increased the pEC50 value of the compound. Moreover, two-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (2D-QSAR) models were established by employing multiple linear regression (MLR) method and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to investigate the factors affecting the pEC50 values of dioxins molecules. MLR was used to establish the well-understood linear model and ANN was used to establish a more accurate non-linear model. Both models have good fitting, robustness, and predictive ability. Importantly, the ability of dioxins binding to AhR is mainly determined by molecular descriptors including E1m, SM09_AEA (dm), RDF065u, F05 [Cl-Cl], and Neoplastic-80. In addition, the pEC50 values of the 162 dioxins without toxicity data were predicted by MLR and ANN models, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Du
- Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Juan Lv
- Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong-Lin Zhai
- Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
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Kubi JA, Chen ACH, Fong SW, Lai KP, Wong CKC, Yeung WSB, Lee KF, Lee YL. Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells towards pancreatic lineage and pancreatic beta cell function. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104885. [PMID: 31195220 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal and epidemiological studies demonstrated association of persistent exposure of TCDD, an endocrine disrupting chemical, to susceptibility of type 2 diabetes (T2D). High doses of TCDD were commonly employed in experimental animals to illustrate its diabetogenic effects. Data linking the epigenetic effects of low doses of TCDD on embryonic cells to T2D susceptibility risks is very limited. To address whether low dose exposure to TCDD would affect pancreatic development, hESCs pretreated with TCDD at concentrations similar to human exposure were differentiated towards pancreatic lineage cells, and their global DNA methylation patterns were determined. Our results showed that TCDD-treated hESCs had impaired pancreatic lineage differentiation potentials and altered global DNA methylation patterns. Four of the hypermethylated genes (PRKAG1, CAPN10, HNF-1B and MAFA) were validated by DNA bisulfite sequencing. PRKAG1, a regulator in the AMPK signaling pathway critical for insulin secretion, was selected for further functional study in the rat insulinoma cell line, INS-1E cells. TCDD treatment induced PRKAG1 hypermethylation in hESCs, and the hypermethylation was maintained after pancreatic progenitor cells differentiation. Transient Prkag1 knockdown in the INS-1E cells elevated glucose stimulated insulin secretions (GSIS), possibly through mTOR signaling pathway. The current study suggested that early embryonic exposure to TCDD might alter pancreatogenesis, increasing the risk of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Kubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy C H Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sze Wan Fong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai Fai Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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30
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Holme JA, Brinchmann BC, Refsnes M, Låg M, Øvrevik J. Potential role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as mediators of cardiovascular effects from combustion particles. Environ Health 2019; 18:74. [PMID: 31439044 PMCID: PMC6704565 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is the most important environmental risk factor for disease and premature death, and exposure to combustion particles from vehicles is a major contributor. Human epidemiological studies combined with experimental studies strongly suggest that exposure to combustion particles may enhance the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including atherosclerosis, hypertension, thrombosis and myocardial infarction.In this review we hypothesize that adhered organic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), contribute to development or exacerbation of CVD from combustion particles exposure. We summarize present knowledge from existing human epidemiological and clinical studies as well as experimental studies in animals and relevant in vitro studies. The available evidence suggests that organic compounds attached to these particles are significant triggers of CVD. Furthermore, their effects seem to be mediated at least in part by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The mechanisms include AhR-induced changes in gene expression as well as formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or reactive electrophilic metabolites. This is in accordance with a role of PAHs, as they seem to be the major chemical group on combustion particles, which bind AhR and/or is metabolically activated by CYP-enzymes. In some experimental models however, it seems as PAHs may induce an inflammatory atherosclerotic plaque phenotype irrespective of DNA- and/or AhR-ligand binding properties. Thus, various components and several signalling mechanisms/pathways are likely involved in CVD induced by combustion particles.We still need to expand our knowledge about the role of PAHs in CVD and in particular the relative importance of the different PAH species. This warrants further studies as enhanced knowledge on this issue may amend risk assessment of CVD caused by combustion particles and selection of efficient measures to reduce the health effects of particular matters (PM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn A Holme
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bendik C Brinchmann
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Refsnes
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Låg
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Department of Air Pollution and Noise, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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31
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Ko EB, Hwang KA, Choi KC. Prenatal toxicity of the environmental pollutants on neuronal and cardiac development derived from embryonic stem cells. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 90:15-23. [PMID: 31425785 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides, antibiotics, and industrial excipients are widely used in agriculture, medicine, and chemical industry, respectively. They often end up in the environment, not only being not easily decomposed but also being accumulated. Moreover, they may cause serious toxic problems such as reproductive and developmental defects, immunological toxicity, and carcinogenesis. Hence, they are called environmental pollutants. It is known that the environmental pollutants easily enter the body through various channels such as respiration, ingestion of food, and skin contact etc. in everyday life. If they enter the mother through the placenta, they can cause the disturbance in embryo development as well as malfunction of organs after birth because early prenatal developmental process is highly sensitive to toxic chemicals and stress. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that consist of inner cell mass of blastocyst differentiate into distinct cell lineages via three germ layers such as the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm due to their pluripotency. The differentiation process initiated from ESCs reflects dynamic nature of embryonic development. Therefore, ESCs have been used as a useful tool to investigate early developmental toxicities of a variety of stress. Based on relatively recent scientific results, this review would address toxicity of a few chemical substances that have been widely used as pesticide, antibiotics, and industrial excipient on ESCs based-prenatal developmental process. This review further suggests how they act on the viability of ESCs and/or early stages of cardiac and neuronal development derived from ESCs as well as on expression of pluripotency and/or differentiation markers through diverse mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eul-Bee Ko
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-A Hwang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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