Changes in gene expression in human renal proximal tubule cells exposed to low concentrations of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine, a metabolite of trichloroethylene

Exposure to Cis- and Trans-regioisomers of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine and S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione result in quantitatively and qualitatively different cellular effects in RPTEC/TERT1 cells

Bioactivation of trichloroethylene (TCE) via glutathione conjugation is associated with several adverse effects in the kidney and other extrahepatic tissues. Of the three regioisomeric conjugates formed, S-(1,2-trans-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione (1,2-trans-DCVG), S-(1,2-cis-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione and S-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-glutathione, only 1,2-trans-DCVG and its corresponding cysteine-conjugate, 1,2-trans-DCVC, have been subject to extensive mechanistic studies. In the present study, the metabolism and cellular effects of 1,2-cis-DCVG, the major regioisomer formed by rat liver fractions, and 1,2-cis-DCVC were investigated for the first time using RPTEC/TERT1-cells as in vitro renal model. In contrast to 1,2-trans-DCVG/C, the cis-regioisomers showed minimal effects on cell viability and mitochondrial respiration. Transcriptomics analysis showed that both 1,2-cis-DCVC and 1,2-trans-DCVC caused Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses, with 3µM as lowest effective concentration. An ATF4-mediated integrated stress response and p53-mediated responses were observed starting from 30µM for 1,2-trans-DCVC and 125µM for 1,2-cis-DCVC. Comparison of the metabolism of the DCVG regioisomers by LC/MS showed comparable rates of processing to their corresponding DCVC. No detectable N-acetylation was observed in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Instead, N-glutamylation of DCVC to form N-γ-glutamyl-S-(dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine was identified as a novel route of metabolism. The results suggest that 1,2-cis-DCVC may be of less toxicological concern for humans than 1,2-trans-DCVC, considering its lower intrinsic toxicity and lower rate of formation by human liver fractions.

Transcriptomic-based evaluation of trichloroethylene glutathione and cysteine conjugates demonstrate phenotype-dependent stress responses in a panel of human in vitro models

Environmental or occupational exposure of humans to trichloroethylene (TCE) has been associated with different extrahepatic toxic effects, including nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Bioactivation of TCE via the glutathione (GSH) conjugation pathway has been proposed as underlying mechanism, although only few mechanistic studies have used cell models of human origin. In this study, six human derived cell models were evaluated as in vitro models representing potential target tissues of TCE-conjugates: RPTEC/TERT1 (kidney), HepaRG (liver), HUVEC/TERT2 (vascular endothelial), LUHMES (neuronal, dopaminergic), human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived peripheral neurons (UKN5) and hiPSC-derived differentiated brain cortical cultures containing all subtypes of neurons and astrocytes (BCC42). A high throughput transcriptomic screening, utilizing mRNA templated oligo-sequencing (TempO-Seq), was used to study transcriptomic effects after exposure to TCE-conjugates. Cells were exposed to a wide range of concentrations of S-(1,2-trans-dichlorovinyl)glutathione (1,2-DCVG), S-(1,2-trans-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (1,2-DCVC), S-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)glutathione (2,2-DCVG), and S-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (2,2-DCVC). 1,2-DCVC caused stress responses belonging to the Nrf2 pathway and Unfolded protein response in all the tested models but to different extents. The renal model was the most sensitive model to both 1,2-DCVC and 1,2-DCVG, with an early Nrf2-response at 3 µM and hundreds of differentially expressed genes at higher concentrations. Exposure to 2,2-DCVG and 2,2-DCVC also resulted in the upregulation of Nrf2 pathway genes in RPTEC/TERT1 although at higher concentrations. Of the three neuronal models, both the LUHMES and BCC42 showed significant Nrf2-responses and at higher concentration UPR-responses, supporting recent hypotheses that 1,2-DCVC may be involved in neurotoxic effects of TCE. The cell models with the highest expression of γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzymes, showed cellular responses to both 1,2-DCVG and 1,2-DCVC. Little to no effects were found in the neuronal models from 1,2-DCVG exposure due to their low GGT-expression. This study expands our knowledge on tissue specificity of TCE S-conjugates and emphasizes the value of human cell models together with transcriptomics for such mechanistic studies.

NAT8 Variants, N-Acetylated Amino Acids, and Progression of CKD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Genetic variants in NAT8, a liver- and kidney-specific acetyltransferase encoding gene, have been associated with eGFR and CKD in European populations. Higher circulating levels of two NAT8-associated metabolites, N-δ-acetylornithine and N-acetyl-1-methylhistidine, have been linked to lower eGFR and higher risk of incident CKD in the Black population. We aimed to expand upon prior studies to investigate associations between rs13538, a missense variant in NAT8, N-acetylated amino acids, and kidney failure in multiple, well-characterized cohorts.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We conducted analyses among participants with genetic and/or serum metabolomic data in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK; n=962), the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (n=1050), and BioMe, an electronic health record-linked biorepository (n=680). Separately, we evaluated associations between rs13538, urinary N-acetylated amino acids, and kidney failure in participants in the German CKD (GCKD) study (n=1624).

RESULTS

Of 31 N-acetylated amino acids evaluated, the circulating and urinary levels of 14 were associated with rs13538 (P<0.05/31). Higher circulating levels of five of these N-acetylated amino acids, namely, N-δ-acetylornithine, N-acetyl-1-methylhistidine, N-acetyl-3-methylhistidine, N-acetylhistidine, and N2,N5-diacetylornithine, were associated with kidney failure, after adjustment for confounders and combining results in meta-analysis (combined hazard ratios per two-fold higher amino acid levels: 1.48, 1.44, 1.21, 1.65, and 1.41, respectively; 95% confidence intervals: 1.21 to 1.81, 1.22 to 1.70, 1.08 to 1.37, 1.29 to 2.10, and 1.17 to 1.71, respectively; all P values <0.05/14). None of the urinary levels of these N-acetylated amino acids were associated with kidney failure in the GCKD study.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate significant associations between an NAT8 gene variant and 14 N-acetylated amino acids, five of which had circulation levels that were associated with kidney failure.

Developmental neurotoxic effects of a low dose of TCE on a 3-D neurosphere system

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the industrial toxic byproducts that now persist in the air, soil, and water. Several studies have already illustrated the toxic effect of high doses of TCE on the biological functions of several organs. This study aims to highlight the toxic impact of a low dose of TCE (1 μmol/L) on the development of rat neural stem cells (NSCs). The subventricular zones (SVZ) of rat pup's brains were collected and minced, and the harvested cells were cultured in the presence of neural growth factors B27/N2 to develop neurospheres. The cells were then exposed to a dose of 1 μmol/L TCE for 1 or 2 weeks. The outcomes indicated a remarkable inhibitory effect of TCE on the differentiation capacity of NSCs, which was confirmed by down-regulation of the astrocyte marker GFAP The inhibitory effect of TCE on the proliferation of NSCs was identified by the reductions in neurosphere diameter, Ki67 expression, and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Immunolabelling with annexin V indicated the proapoptotic effect of TCE exposure. PCR results revealed a TCE-mediated suppression of the expression of the antioxidant enzyme SOD1. This paper illustrates, for the first time, a detailed examination of the toxic effects of an environmentally low dose of TCE on NCSs at the transcriptional, translational, and functional levels.

Multigenerational study of chemically induced cytotoxicity and proliferation in cultures of human proximal tubular cells

Primary cultures of human proximal tubular (hPT) cells are a useful experimental model to study transport, metabolism, cytotoxicity, and effects on gene expression of a diverse array of drugs and environmental chemicals because they are derived directly from the in vivo human kidney. To extend the model to investigate longer-term processes, primary cultures (P0) were passaged for up to four generations (P1-P4). hPT cells retained epithelial morphology and stained positively for cytokeratins through P4, although cell growth and proliferation successively slowed with each passage. Necrotic cell death due to the model oxidants tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBH) and methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) increased with increasing passage number, whereas that due to the selective nephrotoxicant S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC) was modest and did not change with passage number. Mitochondrial activity was lower in P2-P4 cells than in either P0 or P1 cells. P1 and P2 cells were most sensitive to DCVC-induced apoptosis. DCVC also increased cell proliferation most prominently in P1 and P2 cells. Modest differences with respect to passage number and response to DCVC exposure were observed in expression of three key proteins (Hsp27, GADD153, p53) involved in stress response. Hence, although there are some modest differences in function with passage, these results support the use of multiple generations of hPT cells as an experimental model.

Trichloroethylene: Mechanistic, epidemiologic and other supporting evidence of carcinogenic hazard

The chlorinated solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. The carcinogenic hazard of TCE was the subject of a 2012 evaluation by a Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Information on exposures, relevant data from epidemiologic studies, bioassays in experimental animals, and toxicity and mechanism of action studies was used to conclude that TCE is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). This article summarizes the key evidence forming the scientific bases for the IARC classification. Exposure to TCE from environmental sources (including hazardous waste sites and contaminated water) is common throughout the world. While workplace use of TCE has been declining, occupational exposures remain of concern, especially in developing countries. The strongest human evidence is from studies of occupational TCE exposure and kidney cancer. Positive, although less consistent, associations were reported for liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. TCE is carcinogenic at multiple sites in multiple species and strains of experimental animals. The mechanistic evidence includes extensive data on the toxicokinetics and genotoxicity of TCE and its metabolites. Together, available evidence provided a cohesive database supporting the human cancer hazard of TCE, particularly in the kidney. For other target sites of carcinogenicity, mechanistic and other data were found to be more limited. Important sources of susceptibility to TCE toxicity and carcinogenicity were also reviewed by the Working Group. In all, consideration of the multiple evidence streams presented herein informed the IARC conclusions regarding the carcinogenicity of TCE.

GATA depletion impacts insulin-like growth factor 1 mRNA and protein levels in luteinizing porcine granulosa cells

GATA4 and GATA6 are zinc-finger transcription factors that regulate specific genes involved in steroidogenesis. Using RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated reduction of GATA4 and/or GATA6 with microarray analysis, we aimed to identify novel GATA target genes in luteinizing porcine granulosa cells under vehicle- and cAMP-treated conditions. Microarray analysis identified IGF1 mRNA to be cAMP- and GATA-responsive, and real-time PCR demonstrated that the cAMP-induced increase in IGF1 mRNA was reduced under conditions of GATA6 depletion and GATA4 plus GATA6 depletion, but not GATA4 depletion. Insulin-like growth factor 1 protein levels in media were also decreased by GATA6 or GATA4 plus GATA6 reduction. IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 mRNAs were increased and IGFBP5 mRNA decreased with vehicle and cAMP treatment under GATA4 plus GATA6 RNAi conditions. GATA6 reduction alone increased basal IGFBP4 and decreased IGFBP5 with both vehicle and cAMP, and GATA4 reduction alone lowered cAMP IGFBP5 levels with cAMP. No changes in IGFBP3 mRNA were observed with GATA reduction relative to the control RNAi condition. Levels of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins 2-5 in media as assessed by Western ligand blotting were not altered by GATA reduction. Electromobility gel shift assays with two GATA-containing oligonucleotides of the IGF1 5'-regulatory region showed GATA4 and GATA6 could bind the more proximal GATA-B site. These studies indicate that although GATA4 and GATA6 can bind the porcine IGF1 5'-region, GATA6 is functionally most important for cAMP-stimulated mRNA levels. Using microarray analysis, we identified other mRNAs that were altered by GATA-reduced conditions, including ALDH1, DIO2, and EDNRB. Our findings further support GATA as a coordinator of endocrine/paracrine/autocrine signals in the ovary.

Contemporary epidemiology of renal cell cancer

We analyzed renal cell cancer incidence patterns in the United States and reviewed recent epidemiologic evidence with regard to environmental and host genetic determinants of renal cell cancer risk. Renal cell cancer incidence rates continued to rise among all racial/ethnic groups in the United States, across all age groups, and for all tumor sizes, with the most rapid increases for localized stage disease and small tumors. Recent cohort studies confirmed the association of smoking, excess body weight, and hypertension with an elevated risk of renal cell cancer, and suggested that these factors can be modified to reduce the risk. There is increasing evidence for an inverse association between renal cell cancer risk and physical activity and moderate intake of alcohol. Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene has been positively associated with renal cell cancer risk in several recent studies, but its link with somatic mutations of the von Hippel-Lindau gene has not been confirmed. Studies of genetic polymorphisms in relation to renal cell cancer risk have produced mixed results, but genome-wide association studies with larger sample size and a more comprehensive approach are underway. Few epidemiologic studies have evaluated risk factors by subtypes of renal cell cancer defined by somatic mutations and other tumor markers.

N-acetyltransferase 8, a positional candidate for blood pressure and renal regulation: resequencing, association and in silico study

Background

Kidneys have an important function in blood pressure (BP) regulation and elevated BP may lead to kidney failure. Chr2p12-p13 region linked to BP traits in multiple studies harbours a potential candidate for BP and renal function, N-acetyltransferase 8 (NAT8) expressed in embryonic and adult kidney and associated with nephrotoxicity response.

Methods/Results

We report the first study exploring NAT8 as a potential candidate gene for blood pressure and kidney function. The resequencing (n = 42, random Estonian samples) identified 15 NAT8 polymorphisms, including 6 novel variants. The diversity of NAT8 5' upstream region (π/bp = 0.00320) exceeded up to 10 times the variation in the NAT8 genic region (π/bp = 0.00037) as well as the average variation (π/bp = 0.00040) for the promoters of 29 reference genes associated with hypertension. We suggest that a potential source for such high variation could be an active gene conversion process from NAT8B duplicate gene to NAT8. Similarly to NAT8, several reference genes with the most variable upstream regions have also duplicate copies. The NAT8 promoter SNPs were targeted with pilot quantitative association studies for blood pressure (n = 137, healthy unrelated individuals) and for the index of kidney function – estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; n = 157 hypertensives with and without nephropathy). Minor alleles of these polymorphisms revealed a significant protective effect against elevated systolic BP as well as kidney failure in hypertension patients (p < 0.05; linear regression model, addictive effect).

Conclusion

The full resequencing and pilot association study of a novel positional candidate gene for blood pressure and renal function, human N-acetyltransferase 8, suggested a contribution of highly variable NAT8 promoter polymorphisms in determination of systolic blood pressure and eGFR. Based on in silico analysis, we raise the hypothesis that the alternative SNP alleles of the NAT8 upstream region may have differential effect on gene expression.

Ovarian gene expression is stable after exposure to trichloroethylene

Exposure of female rats to trichloroethylene (TCE), an environmental toxicant commonly found in ground and surface waters throughout the United States, reduces the fertilizability of oocytes produced by these females compared with oocytes from control females. Localization of cytochrome P450 2E1 and glutathione s-transferase alpha, TCE-metabolizing enzymes, in the ovary suggests TCE metabolism occurs in the ovary. The production of bioactive TCE metabolites in the ovary may alter female reproductive function by altering ovarian gene transcription and/or protein expression and function. The purpose of the present study was to examine ovarian gene transcription after exposure of female rats to 0.45% TCE (v/v) in 3% Tween. Control rats received 3% Tween. Microarray analysis after 1 and 5 days of exposure indicated ovarian gene transcription was maintained during TCE exposure with the possible exception of a very few genes. Although conclusions for these few genes were ambiguous from the microarray analysis due to the minimal but statistically significant reductions, quantitative real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated expression of these genes was unaltered after TCE exposure. Protein analysis confirmed qRT-PCR results. This study suggests TCE-induced reductions in oocyte fertilizability are independent of currently detectable alterations in ovarian gene expression.

Lack of formic acid production in rat hepatocytes and human renal proximal tubule cells exposed to chloral hydrate or trichloroacetic acid

The industrial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) and its major metabolites have been shown to cause formic aciduria in male rats. We have examined whether chloral hydrate (CH) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), known metabolites of TCE, produce an increase in formic acid in vitro in cultures of rat hepatocytes or human renal proximal tubule cells (HRPTC). The metabolism and cytotoxicity of CH was also examined to establish that the cells were metabolically active and not compromised by toxicity. Rat hepatocytes and HRPTC were cultured in serum-free medium and then treated with 0.3-3mM CH for 3 days or 0.03-3mM CH for 10 days, respectively and formic acid production, metabolism to trichloroethanol (TCE-OH) and TCA and cytotoxicity determined. No increase in formic acid production in rat hepatocytes or HRPTC exposed to CH was observed over and above that due to chemical degradation, neither was formic acid production observed in rat hepatocytes exposed to TCA. HRPTC metabolized CH to TCE-OH and TCA with a 12-fold greater capacity to form TCE-OH versus TCA. Rat hepatocytes exhibited a 1.6-fold and three-fold greater capacity than HRPTC to form TCE-OH and TCA, respectively. CH and TCA were not cytotoxic to rat hepatocytes at concentrations up to 3mM/day for 3 days. With HRPTC, one sample showed no cytotoxicity to CH at concentrations up to 3mM/day for 10 days, while in another cytotoxicity was seen at 1mM/day for 3 days. In summary, increased formic acid production was not observed in rat hepatocytes or HRPTC exposed to TCE metabolites, suggesting that the in vivo response cannot be modelled in vitro. CH was toxic to HRPTC at millimolar concentrations/day over 10 days, while glutathione derived metabolites of TCE were toxic at micromolar concentrations/day over 10 days [Lock, E.A., Reed, C.J., 2006. Trichloroethylene: mechanisms of renal toxicity and renal cancer and relevance to risk assessment. Toxicol. Sci. 19, 313-331] supporting the view that glutathione derived metabolites are likely to be responsible for nephrotoxicity.