Developmental lead (Pb)-induced deficits in redox and bioenergetic status of cerebellar synapses are ameliorated by ascorbate supplementation

The Effects of Pb on TNF-R1-RIPK1/RIPK3 Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus of Mice

Lead (Pb), a dense, soft, blue-gray metal, is widely used in metallurgy, cables, storage batteries, pigments, and other industrial applications. Pb has been shown to cause degenerative changes in the nervous system. Necroptosis, a form of non-apoptotic programmed cell death modality, is closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Whether the TNF-R1-RIPK1/RIPK3 pathway is involved in the neurodegeneration induced by Pb has yet to be determined. Here, we explored the role of the TNF-R1-RIPK1/RIPK3 signaling pathway in the Pb-induced necroptosis by using HT-22 cells, primary mouse hippocampal neurons, and C57BL/6 mice models, demonstrating that Pb exposure elevated lead levels in murine whole blood and hippocampal tissue in a dose-response relationship. Protein expression levels of PARP, c-PARP, RIPK1, p-RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, and p-MLKL in the hippocampal tissues were elevated, while the protein expression of caspase-8 was decreased. Furthermore, Pb exposure reduced the survival rates in HT-22 cells and primary mouse hippocampal neurons, while increasing the protein expressions of RIPK1 and p-MLKL. Collectively, these novel findings suggest that the TNF-R1/RIPK1/RIPK3 signaling pathway is associated with Pb-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons in mice.

Neuroprotection Role of Vitamin C by Upregulating Glutamate Transporter-1 in Auditory Cortex of Noise-Induced Tinnitus Animal Model

Vitamin C (Vc) plays a pivotal role in a series of pathological processes, such as tumors, immune diseases, and neurological disorders. However, its therapeutic potential for tinnitus management remains unclear. In this study, we find that Vc relieves tinnitus in noise-exposed rats. In the 7-day therapy groups, spontaneous firing rate (SFR) increases from 1.17 ± 0.10 Hz to 1.77 ± 0.15 Hz after noise exposure. Vc effectively reduces the elevated SFR to 0.99 ± 0.07 and 0.55 ± 0.05 Hz at different doses. The glutamate level in auditory cortex of noise-exposed rats (3.78 ± 0.42 μM) increases relative to that in the control group (1.34 ± 0.22 μM). High doses of Vc (500 mg/kg/day) effectively reduce the elevated glutamate levels (1.49 ± 0.28 μM). Mechanistic studies show that the expression of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) is impaired following noise exposure and that Vc treatment effectively restores GLT-1 expression in the auditory cortex. Meanwhile, the GLT-1 inhibitor, dl-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartic acid (dl-TBOA), invalidates the protection role of Vc. Our finding shows that Vc substantially enhances glutamate clearance by upregulating GLT-1 and consequently alleviates noise-induced tinnitus. This study provides valuable insight into a novel biological target for the development of therapeutic interventions that may prevent the onset of tinnitus.

Increased MCHC*RDW-SD interaction values: indicators of neurological impairment in lead-poisoned children

Background

The neurotoxic effects of lead in children can have long-lasting and profound impacts on the developing nervous system. This study aimed to identify a reliable and easily accessible biomarker to monitor neurological impairment in lead-poisoned children.

Methods

We analyzed hematological data from 356 lead-poisoned children, comparing them with age and gender-matched healthy controls. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were employed to identify and evaluate potential biomarkers for neurological damage.

Results

Significant changes in erythrocyte parameters were observed in lead-poisoned children. Upon further analysis, increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD) interaction values were found to be significantly associated with neurological impairment. The MCHC*RDW-SD interaction model demonstrated an AUC of 0.76, indicating its effectiveness in reflecting neurological damage. Additionally, the MCHC*RDW-SD Interaction value showed weak or no correlation with other erythrocyte parameters, suggesting its independence as an indicator.

Conclusion

Our findings propose the increased MCHC*RDW-SD interaction value as a robust and independent biomarker for detecting neurological impairment in lead-poisoned children. This underscores the potential of utilizing specific erythrocyte parameters for screening the neurotoxic effects of lead exposure in pediatric populations.

Early-Life Lead Exposure: Risks and Neurotoxic Consequences

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) does not have any biological function in a human, and it is likely no safe level of Pb in the human body. The Pb exposure impacts are a global concern for their potential neurotoxic consequences. Despite decreasing both the environmental Pb levels and the average blood Pb levels in the survey populations, the lifetime redistribution from the tissues-stored Pb still poses neurotoxic risks from the low-level exposure in later life. The growing fetus and children hold their innate high-susceptible to these Pb-induced neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to evaluate cumulative studies and insights on the topic of Pb neurotoxicology while assessing the emerging trends in the field.

RESULTS

The Pb-induced neurochemical and neuro-immunological mechanisms are likely responsible for the high-level Pb exposure with the neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral impacts at the initial stages. Early-life Pb exposure can still produce neurodegenerative consequences in later life due to the altered epigenetic imprints and the ongoing endogenous Pb exposure. Several mechanisms contribute to the Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts, including the direct neurochemical effects, the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation through immunologic activations, and epigenetic alterations. Furthermore, the individual nutritional status, such as macro-, micro-, or antioxidant nutrients, can significantly influence the neurotoxic impacts even at low-level exposure to Pb.

CONCLUSION

The prevention of early-life Pb exposure is, therefore, the critical determinant for alleviating various Pb-induced neurotoxic impacts across the different age groups.

Lead toxicity and potential therapeutic effect of plant-derived polyphenols

BACKGROUND

Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, lead is still used worldwide in several applications, especially in industry. Both environmental and industrial lead exposures remain a public health problem in many developing and rapidly industrializing countries. Plant polyphenols are pleiotropic in their function and have historically made a major contribution to pharmacotherapy.

PURPOSE

To summarize available pre-clinical and limited clinical evidence on plant polyphenols as potential antidotes against lead poisoning and discuss toxic mechanisms of lead.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed publications was performed from core collections of electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Articles written in English-language from inception until December 2022 were selected.

RESULTS

In this review, we review key toxic mechanisms of lead and its pathological effects on the neurological, reproductive, renal, cardiovascular, hematological, and hepatic systems. We focus on plant polyphenols against lead toxicity and involved mechanisms. Finally, we address scientific gaps and challenges associated with translating these promising preclinical discoveries into effective clinical therapies.

CONCLUSION

While preclinical evidence suggests that plant polyphenols exhibit bioprotective effects against lead toxicity, scant and equivocal clinical data highlight a need for clinical trials with those polyphenols.

A Mitochondrial Perspective on Noncommunicable Diseases

Mitochondria are the center of energy metabolism in eukaryotic cells and play a central role in the metabolism of living organisms. Mitochondrial diseases characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation are the most common congenital diseases. Meanwhile, mitochondrial dysfunction caused by secondary factors such as non-inherited genetic mutations can affect normal physiological functions of human cells, induce apoptosis, and lead to the development of various diseases. This paper reviewed several major factors and mechanisms that contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and discussed the development of diseases closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction and drug treatment strategies discovered in recent years.

Exposure of combination of environmental pollutant, lead (Pb) and β-amyloid peptides causes mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in human neuronal cells

Exposure to the environmental pollutant lead (Pb) has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which mitochondrial dysfunction is a pathological consequence of neuronal degeneration. The toxicity of Pb in combination with β-amyloid peptides (1-40) and (25-35) causes selective death in neuronal cells. However, the precise mechanism through which Pb induces Alzheimer's disease, particularly mitochondrial damage, is unknown. Changes in mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, mitochondrial complex activities, mitochondrial DNA and oxidative stress were examined in neuronal cells of human origin exposed to Pb and β-amyloid peptides (1-40) and (25-35) individually and in different combinations. The results showed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, decrease in mitochondrial mass, ATP levels and mtDNA copy number in Pb and β-amyloid peptides (1-40) and (25-35) exposed cells. Also, significant reductions in the expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex proteins (ATP5A, COXIV, UQCRC2, SDHB, NDUFS3), as well as down regulation of ETC complex gene expressions such as COXIV, ATP5F1 and NDUFS3 and antioxidant gene expressions like MnSOD and Gpx4 were observed in exposed cells. Furthermore, Pb and β-amyloid peptides exposure resulted in elevated mitochondrial malondialdehyde levels and a decrease in mitochondrial GSH levels. Our findings suggest that Pb toxicity could be one of the causative factors for the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease progression.

Isolated Mitochondrial Preparations and In organello Assays: A Powerful and Relevant Ex vivo Tool for Assessment of Brain (Patho)physiology

Mitochondria regulate multiple aspects of neuronal development, physiology, plasticity, and pathology through their regulatory roles in bioenergetic, calcium, redox, and cell survival/death signalling. While several reviews have addressed these different aspects, a comprehensive discussion focussing on the relevance of isolated brain mitochondria and their utilities in neuroscience research has been lacking. This is relevant because the employment of isolated mitochondria rather than their in situ functional evaluation, offers definitive evidence of organelle-specificity, negating the interference from extra mitochondrial cellular factors/signals. This mini-review was designed primarily to explore the commonly employed in organello analytical assays for the assessment of mitochondrial physiology and its dysfunction, with a particular focus on neuroscience research. The authors briefly discuss the methodologies for biochemical isolation of mitochondria, their quality assessment, and cryopreservation. Further, the review attempts to accumulate the key biochemical protocols for in organello assessment of a multitude of mitochondrial functions critical for neurophysiology, including assays for bioenergetic activity, calcium and redox homeostasis, and mitochondrial protein translation. The purpose of this review is not to examine each and every method or study related to the functional assessment of isolated brain mitochondria, but rather to assemble the commonly used protocols of in organello mitochondrial research in a single publication. The hope is that this review will provide a suitable platform aiding neuroscientists to choose and apply the required protocols and tools to address their particular mechanistic, diagnostic, or therapeutic question dealing within the confines of the research area of mitochondrial patho-physiology in the neuronal perspective.

Persistent activation of Nrf2 in a p62-dependent non-canonical manner aggravates lead-induced kidney injury by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting autophagy

INTRODUCTION

Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxicant that poses severe health risks to humans and animals, especially renal disorders. Pb-induced nephrotoxicity has been attributed to oxidative stress, in which apoptosis and autophagy are core events.

OBJECTIVES

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) acts as a major contributor to counteract oxidative damage, while hyperactivation or depletion of Nrf2 pathway can cause the redox imbalance to induce tissue injury. This study was performed to clarify the function and mechanism of Nrf2 in Pb-triggered kidney injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, data showed that Pb exposure activates Nrf2 pathway in primary rat proximal tubular cells. Next, Pb-induced Nrf2 activation was effectively regulated by pharmacological modulation or siRNA-mediated knockdown in vitro and in vivo assays. Notably, Pb-triggered cytotoxicity, renal injury and concomitant apoptosis were improved by Nrf2 downregulation, confirming that Pb-induced persistent Nrf2 activation contributes to nephrotoxicity. Additionally, Pb-triggered autophagy blockage was relieved by Nrf2 downregulation. Mechanistically, we found that Pb-induced persistent Nrf2 activation is attributed to reduced Nrf2 ubiquitination and nuclear-cytoplasmic loss of Keap1 in a p62-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these findings highlight the dark side of persistent Nrf2 activation and potential crosstalk among Pb-induced persistent Nrf2 activation, apoptosis and autophagy blockage in Pb-triggered nephrotoxicity.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the effects of copper on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in kidney of broiler chicken (Gallus gallus)

Copper (Cu) is one of the ubiquitous environmental pollutants which have raised wide concerns about the potential toxic effects and public health threat. For deeply investigating the nephrotoxicity induced by Cu, the effects of Cu on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in kidney were first to analyze by combining metabolomics and molecular biology techniques. In this study, broiler chicks were fed with different contents of Cu (11, 110, 220, and 330 mg/kg Cu) for 49 d. The results of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and transmission electron microscope showed that Cu could induce apoptosis in kidney, characterized by the increasing of TUNEL-positive cells and mitochondrial vacuolation. Additionally, a total of 62 differential metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways including riboflavin metabolism, glutathione metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which were closely to mitochondrial metabolism. Meanwhile, the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and the change of mRNA and protein expression levels associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and mitochondrial dynamics confirmed that Cu could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, our results demonstrated that Cu induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in kidney. Moreover, this study highlighted the metabolic characteristics of Cu to kidney, which suggested that mitochondrial metabolism could be considered as an important factor influencing toxicity.

Chemical Stimulation of Rodent and Human Cortical Synaptosomes: Implications in Neurodegeneration

Synaptic plasticity events, including long-term potentiation (LTP), are often regarded as correlates of brain functions of memory and cognition. One of the central players in these plasticity-related phenomena is the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptor (AMPAR). Increased levels of AMPARs on postsynaptic membranes thus constitute a biochemical measure of LTP. Isolated synaptic terminals (synaptosomes) are an excellent ex vivo tool to monitor synaptic physiology in healthy and diseased brains, particularly in human research. We herein describe three protocols for chemically-induced LTP (cLTP) in synaptosomes from both rodent and human brain tissues. Two of these chemical stimulation protocols are described for the first time in synaptosomes. A pharmacological block of synaptosomal actin dynamics confirmed the efficiency of the cLTP protocols. Furthermore, the study prototypically evaluated the deficiency of cLTP in cortical synaptosomes obtained from human cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FLTD), as well as an animal model that mimics FLTD.

MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF LEAD NEUROTOXICITY

Lead (Pb2+) is a non-essential metal with numerous industrial applications that have led to ts ubiquity in the environment. Thus, not only occupational-exposed individuals' health is compromised, but also that of the general population and in particular children. Notably, although the central nervous system is particularly susceptible to Pb2+, other systems are affected as well. The present study focuses on molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects that arise from the presence of Pb2+ in situ in the brain, and the possible toxic effects that follows. As the brain barriers represent the first target of systemic Pb2+, mechanisms of Pb2+ entry into the brain are discussed, followed by a detailed discussion on neurotoxic mechanisms, with special emphasis on theories of ion mimicry, mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, and neuroinflammation. Most importantly, the confluence and crosstalk between these events is combined into a cogent mechanism of toxicity, by intertwining recent and old evidences from humans, in vitro cell culture and experimental animals. Finally, pharmacological interventions, including chelators, antioxidants substances, anti-inflammatory drugs, or their combination are reviewed as integrated approaches to ameliorate Pb2+ harmful effects in both developing or adult organisms.

(Ascorb)ing Pb Neurotoxicity in the Developing Brain

Lead (Pb) neurotoxicity is a major concern, particularly in children. Developmental exposure to Pb can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory and has permanent neuropathological consequences, including an increased vulnerability to further stressors. Ascorbic acid is among most researched antioxidant nutrients and has a special role in maintaining redox homeostasis in physiological and physio-pathological brain states. Furthermore, because of its capacity to chelate metal ions, ascorbic acid may particularly serve as a potent therapeutic agent in Pb poisoning. The present review first discusses the major consequences of Pb exposure in children and then proceeds to present evidence from human and animal studies for ascorbic acid as an efficient ameliorative supplemental nutrient in Pb poisoning, with a particular focus on developmental Pb neurotoxicity. In doing so, it is hoped that there is a revitalization for further research on understanding the brain functions of this essential, safe, and readily available vitamin in physiological states, as well to justify and establish it as an effective neuroprotective and modulatory factor in the pathologies of the nervous system, including developmental neuropathologies.

Antioxidants Targeting Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress: Promising Neuroprotectants for Epilepsy

Mitochondria are major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cell and are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress. Oxidative damage to mitochondria results in disrupted mitochondrial function and cell death signaling, finally triggering diverse pathologies such as epilepsy, a common neurological disease characterized with aberrant electrical brain activity. Antioxidants are considered as promising neuroprotective strategies for epileptic condition via combating the deleterious effects of excessive ROS production in mitochondria. In this review, we provide a brief discussion of the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and evidences that support neuroprotective roles of antioxidants targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress including mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, thiols, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators in epilepsy. We point out these antioxidative compounds as effectively protective approaches for improving prognosis. In addition, we specially propose that these antioxidants exert neuroprotection against epileptic impairment possibly by modulating cell death interactions, notably autophagy-apoptosis, and autophagy-ferroptosis crosstalk.

Adansonia digitata L. leaf extract attenuates lead-induced cortical histoarchitectural changes and oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex of adult male Wistar rats

Objectives Adansonia digitata L. is popularly known for the management of various neurological diseases in ethno-medicine. Studies have shown that lead toxicity is a possible risk factor for early onset of neurodegenerative disease. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of A. digitata aqueous leaf extract (ADALE) against lead-induced oxidative stress and histo-architectural changes in the prefrontal cortex of adult Wistar rats. Methods Saline (10 mL/kg), ADALE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) and EDTA (55 mg/kg) were pretreated orally 30 min prior to lead acetate (LA) (120 mg/kg) administration to male Wistar rats (n=7) for 21 days. Thereafter, standard biochemical (superoxide dismutate, catalase, glutathionxe and malondialdehyde), histological (H&E) and histochemical assessment (crystyl fast violet stain for nissil substance) were carried out in the prefrontal cortex. Results ADALE significantly (p<0.05) reversed LA-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased catalase, superoxide dismutase and oxidized glutathione levels, and decreased malondialdehyde concentration in the prefrontal cortex. Also, the increase chromatolysis and neuronal pyknosis of the pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex were significantly attenuated by ADALE. Conclusions The result of this study showed that A. digitata aqueous leaf extract attenuated lead acetate-induced cortical neurodegeneration via inhibition of oxidative stress.