Metabolites of Tobacco- and E-Cigarette-Related Nitrosamines Can Drive Cu2+-Mediated DNA Oxidation

Elucidating tobacco smoke-induced craniofacial deformities: Biomarker and MAPK signaling dysregulation unraveled by cross-species multi-omics analysis

Tobacco smoke (TS), particularly secondhand and thirdhand smoke, poses a pervasive and intractable environmental hazard that promotes teratogenesis and the progression of craniofacial malformations, although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Using zebrafish larvae as a model, our research demonstrated a correlation between the increasing concentration of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and the severity of craniofacial malformations, supported by Alcian blue staining and histological assessments. Through a combined mRNA-miRNA analysis and quantitative real-time PCR, we identified miR-96-5p, miR-152, miR-125b-2-3p, and miR-181a-3-3p as pivotal biomarkers in craniofacial cartilage development. Functional analyses revealed their association with the MAPK signaling pathway, oxidative stress (OS), and cell development, highlighting MAPK as a crucial mediator. Single-cell transcriptomics further disclosed aberrant MAPK activation in mesenchymal cells. Subsequent investigations in human embryonic palatal mesenchymal (HEPM) cells confirmed similar patterns of growth inhibition, apoptosis, and OS, and emphasized the cross-species consistency of these biomarkers and the over-activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. A comprehensive tri-omics analysis of HEPM cells identified pivotal genes, proteins, and metabolites within the MAPK pathway. This groundbreaking cross-species multi-omics study unveils novel biomarkers and MAPK pathway perturbations linked to TS-induced craniofacial developmental toxicity, promoting innovative clinical prediction, diagnosis, and interventional strategies to tackle TS-induced craniofacial malformations.

Generation, manipulation, detection and biomedical applications of magnetic droplets in microfluidic chips

Microfluidic systems incorporating magnetic droplets have emerged as a focal point of significant interest within the biomedical domain. The allure of these systems lies in their capacity to offer precise control, enable contactless operation, and accommodate minimal sample concentration requirements. Such remarkable features serve to mitigate errors arising from human operation and other factors during cell or molecular detection. By providing innovative solutions for molecular diagnostics and immunoassay applications, magnetic droplet microfluidics enhance the accuracy and efficiency of these procedures. This review undertakes a comprehensive examination of the research progress in microfluidic systems centered around magnetic droplets. It adheres to a sequential presentation approach, commencing from the fundamental operation principles, specifically the generation of magnetic droplets on the microfluidic chip, and proceeding to their transmission and mixing within the microchannel via an array of operating techniques. Additionally, the relevant detection technologies associated with magnetic drop microfluidics and their numerous applications within the biomedical field are systematically classified and reviewed. The overarching objective of this review is to spotlight key advancements and offer valuable insights into the future trajectory of this burgeoning field.

Sensitivity of Mouse Lung Nuclear Receptors to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols and Influence of Sex Differences: A Pilot Study

The emerging concern about chemicals in electronic cigarettes, even those without nicotine, demands the development of advanced criteria for their exposure and risk assessment. This study aims to highlight the sensitivity of lung nuclear receptors (NRs) to electronic cigarette e-liquids, independent of nicotine presence, and the influence of the sex variable on these effects. Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to electronic cigarettes with 0%, 3%, and 6% nicotine daily (70 mL, 3.3 s, 1 puff per min/30 min) for 14 days, using the inExpose full body chamber (SCIREQ). Following exposure, lung tissues were harvested, and RNA extracted. The expression of 84 NRs was determined using the RT2 profiler mRNA array (Qiagen). Results exhibit a high sensitivity to e-liquid exposure irrespective of the presence of nicotine, with differential expression of NRs, including one (females) and twenty-four (males) in 0% nicotine groups compared to non-exposed control mice. However, nicotine-dependent results were also significant with seven NRs (females), fifty-three NRs (males) in 3% and twenty-three NRs (female) twenty-nine NRs (male) in 6% nicotine groups, compared to 0% nicotine mice. Sex-specific changes were significant, but sex-related differences were not observed. The study provides a strong rationale for further investigation.

Association between serum copper level and reproductive health of Women in the United States: a cross-sectional study

Copper is an indispensable trace element in metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between copper and reproductive health, and possibly provide new insights for diagnosis and treatment. This study was based on data extracted from the NHANES database (2013-2014 and 2015-2016). The t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, multiple linear regression, and restricted cubic spline analysis were used. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in women with gestational diabetes than in those without gestational diabetes (P = 0.0150). Women with higher copper levels and smoking habits tended to deliver overweight babies (P = 0.028). Women with diabetes had higher serum copper and were prone to deliver overweight babies (P = 0.024). Serum copper levels showed a positive relationship with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels (P < 0.0001). In this study, serum copper levels were found to be associated with reproductive health in women. Further studies are required to draw causal inferences.

Copper homeostasis dysregulation in respiratory diseases: a review of current knowledge

Cu is an essential micronutrient for various physiological processes in almost all human cell types. Given the critical role of Cu in a wide range of cellular processes, the local concentrations of Cu and the cellular distribution of Cu transporter proteins in the lung are essential for maintaining a steady-state internal environment. Dysfunctional Cu metabolism or regulatory pathways can lead to an imbalance in Cu homeostasis in the lungs, affecting both acute and chronic pathological processes. Recent studies have identified a new form of Cu-dependent cell death called cuproptosis, which has generated renewed interest in the role of Cu homeostasis in diseases. Cuproptosis differs from other known cell death pathways. This occurs through the direct binding of Cu ions to lipoylated components of the tricarboxylic acid cycle during mitochondrial respiration, leading to the aggregation of lipoylated proteins and the subsequent downregulation of Fe-S cluster proteins, which causes toxic stress to the proteins and ultimately leads to cell death. Here, we discuss the impact of dysregulated Cu homeostasis on the pathogenesis of various respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic interstitial fibrosis, and lung cancer. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting Cu. This study highlights the intricate interplay between copper, cellular processes, and respiratory health. Copper, while essential, must be carefully regulated to maintain the delicate balance between necessity and toxicity in living organisms. This review highlights the need to further investigate the precise mechanisms of copper interactions with infections and immune inflammation in the context of respiratory diseases and explore the potential of therapeutic strategies for copper, cuproptosis, and other related effects.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of organic compounds and heavy metals in electronic cigarettes

E-cigarettes are now very popular in the world. Compared to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are often considered safer and healthier. However, their safety remains controversial and requires further research and regulation. In this study, we aimed to understand the possible hazards to humans of four compounds (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and acetone) and seven heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead, copper, nickel, and chromium) contained in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols and perform a health risk assessment. We searched PubMed, CNKI, and other databases for relevant literature to obtain data on organic compounds and heavy metals in e-cigarette liquids and aerosols, and conducted acute, chronic, and carcinogenic risk assessments of various chemicals by different exposure routes. This study showed that exposure to four organic compounds and seven heavy metals in e-cigarette aerosols and e-liquids can cause varying levels of health risks in humans through different routes, with the inhalation route posing a higher overall risk than dermal exposure and oral intake. Various chemicals at high exposure doses can produce health risks beyond the acceptable range. E-cigarette designers must improve their products by changing the composition of the e-liquid and controlling the power of the device to reduce the health effects on humans.

Electrochemical transformations catalyzed by cytochrome P450s and peroxidases

Cytochrome P450s (Cyt P450s) and peroxidases are enzymes featuring iron heme cofactors that have wide applicability as biocatalysts in chemical syntheses. Cyt P450s are a family of monooxygenases that oxidize fatty acids, steroids, and xenobiotics, synthesize hormones, and convert drugs and other chemicals to metabolites. Peroxidases are involved in breaking down hydrogen peroxide and can oxidize organic compounds during this process. Both heme-containing enzymes utilize active Fe^IVO intermediates to oxidize reactants. By incorporating these enzymes in stable thin films on electrodes, Cyt P450s and peroxidases can accept electrons from an electrode, albeit by different mechanisms, and catalyze organic transformations in a feasible and cost-effective way. This is an advantageous approach, often called bioelectrocatalysis, compared to their biological pathways in solution that require expensive biochemical reductants such as NADPH or additional enzymes to recycle NADPH for Cyt P450s. Bioelectrocatalysis also serves as an ex situ platform to investigate metabolism of drugs and bio-relevant chemicals. In this paper we review biocatalytic electrochemical reactions using Cyt P450s including C-H activation, S-oxidation, epoxidation, N-hydroxylation, and oxidative N-, and O-dealkylation; as well as reactions catalyzed by peroxidases including synthetically important oxidations of organic compounds. Design aspects of these bioelectrocatalytic reactions are presented and discussed, including enzyme film formation on electrodes, temperature, pH, solvents, and activation of the enzymes. Finally, we discuss challenges and future perspective of these two important bioelectrocatalytic systems.

The risk profile of electronic nicotine delivery systems, compared to traditional cigarettes, on oral disease: a review

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has exploded, especially among teenagers and new smokers, amid widespread awareness of the dangers of traditional tobacco and restrictions on smoking. However, the risk effects of ENDS on physical health, especially oral health, are still ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to review the available evidence on risks of ENDS on oral health, and compares the differences between ENDS and traditional cigarettes. For heavy smokers, transferring the addiction of tobacco to ENDS can be less harmful to periodontal condition and physical health but is not completely without risk. The components of ENDS vapor have cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic properties, and its usage may be associated with a wide range of oral health sequelae. The chemicals in ENDS increase the susceptibility to tooth decay, increase the risk of periodontal disease, peri-implant, and oral mucosal lesions. Nicotine aerosols from ENDS can be a potential risk factor for oral cancer due to the presence of carcinogenic components. Compared to smoking traditional cigarettes, the harm associated with ENDS use may be underestimated due to the reduced ability to control vaping behavior, ease of ENDS access, fewer vaping area restrictions, and better taste. Currently, the available evidence suggests that ENDS may be a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. Though most oral symptoms experienced by ENDS users are relatively mild and temporary compared to traditional cigarettes, the dangers of ENDS still exist. However, further research with longer follow-up periods is required to establish the long-term safety of ENDS.

Influence of the Microbiome Metagenomics and Epigenomics on Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The disease is seldomly detected early and this limits treatment options. Because of its heterogeneous and complex nature, the disease remains poorly understood. The literature supports the contribution of the gut microbiome in the carcinogenesis and chemoresistance of GC. Drug resistance is the major challenge in GC therapy, occurring as a result of rewired metabolism. Metabolic rewiring stems from recurring genetic and epigenetic factors affecting cell development. The gut microbiome consists of pathogens such as H. pylori, which can foster both epigenetic alterations and mutagenesis on the host genome. Most of the bacteria implicated in GC development are Gram-negative, which makes it challenging to eradicate the disease. Gram-negative bacterium co-infections with viruses such as EBV are known as risk factors for GC. In this review, we discuss the role of microbiome-induced GC carcinogenesis. The disease risk factors associated with the presence of microorganisms and microbial dysbiosis are also discussed. In doing so, we aim to emphasize the critical role of the microbiome on cancer pathological phenotypes, and how microbiomics could serve as a potential breakthrough in determining effective GC therapeutic targets. Additionally, consideration of microbial dysbiosis in the GC classification system might aid in diagnosis and treatment decision-making, taking the specific pathogen/s involved into account.

Metal Peptide Conjugates in Cell and Tissue Imaging and Biosensing

Metal complex luminophores have seen dramatic expansion in application as imaging probes over the past decade. This has been enabled by growing understanding of methods to promote their cell permeation and intracellular targeting. Amongst the successful approaches that have been applied in this regard is peptide-facilitated delivery. Cell-permeating or signal peptides can be readily conjugated to metal complex luminophores and have shown excellent response in carrying such cargo through the cell membrane. In this article, we describe the rationale behind applying metal complexes as probes and sensors in cell imaging and outline the advantages to be gained by applying peptides as the carrier for complex luminophores. We describe some of the progress that has been made in applying peptides in metal complex peptide-driven conjugates as a strategy for cell permeation and targeting of transition metal luminophores. Finally, we provide key examples of their application and outline areas for future progress.

Electronic cigarette aerosol increases the risk of organ dysfunction by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation

An electronic cigarette is a rechargeable device that produces an inhaled aerosol containing varying levels of nicotine, and inorganic and organic toxicants and carcinogenic compounds. The aerosol is generated by heating a solution of propylene glycol and glycerin with nicotine and flavoring ingredients at a high temperature. The e-cigarette was developed and marketed as a safer alternative to the regular cigarette which is known to be injurious to human health. However, published studies suggest that the aerosol of e-cigarette can also have adverse health effects. The main objective of this review is to briefly describe some consequences of e-cigarette smoking, and to present data showing that the resulting increased oxidative stress and inflammation are likely to be involved in effecting to lung damage. Other organs are also likely to be affected. The aerosol contains varying amounts of organic and inorganic toxicants as well as carcinogens, which might serve as the source of such deleterious events. In addition, the aerosol also contains nicotine, which is known to be addictive. E-cigarette smoking releases these toxicants into the air leading to inhalation by nonsmokers in residential or work place areas. Unlike regular tobacco smoke, the long-term consequences of direct and secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol have not been extensively studied but based on available data, e-cigarette aerosol should be considered harmful to human health.

Os(II)-Bridged Polyarginine Conjugates: The Additive Effects of Peptides in Promoting or Preventing Permeation in Cells and Multicellular Tumor Spheroids

The preparation of two polyarginine conjugates of the complex Os(II) [bis-(4'-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine)] [Os-(Rn)2]x+ (n = 4 and 8; x = 10 and 18) is reported, to explore whether the R8 peptide sequence that promotes cell uptake requires a contiguous amino acid sequence for membrane permeation or if this can be accomplished in a linearly bridged structure with the additive effect of shorter peptide sequences. The conjugates exhibit NIR emission centered at 754 nm and essentially oxygen-insensitive emission with a lifetime of 89 ns in phosphate-buffered saline. The uptake, distribution, and cytotoxicity of the parent complex and peptide derivatives were compared in 2D cell monolayers and a three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) model. Whereas, the bis-octaarginine sequences were impermeable to cells and spheroids, and the bis-tetraarginine conjugate showed excellent cellular uptake and accumulation in two 2D monolayer cell lines and remarkable in-depth penetration of 3D MCTSs of pancreatic cancer cells. Overall, the data indicates that cell permeability can be promoted via non-contiguous sequences of arginine residues bridged across the metal centre.

Cardiorespiratory and Immunologic Effects of Electronic Cigarettes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although e-cigarettes have become popular, especially among youth, the health effects associated with e-cigarette use remain unclear. This review discusses current evidence relating to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immunological effects of e-cigarettes.

RECENT FINDINGS

The use of e-cigarettes by healthy adults has been shown to increase blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness, as well as resistance to air flow in lungs. Inhalation of e-cigarette aerosol has been shown to elicit immune responses and increase the production of immunomodulatory cytokines in young tobacco-naïve individuals. In animal models, long-term exposure to e-cigarettes leads to marked changes in lung architecture, dysregulation of immune genes, and low-grade inflammation. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosols in mice has been shown to induce DNA damage, inhibit DNA repair, and promote carcinogenesis. Chronic exposure to e-cigarettes has also been reported to result in the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in the lung and dysregulation of lipid metabolism and transport in mice. Although, the genotoxic and inflammatory effects of e-cigarettes are milder than those of combustible cigarettes, some of the cardiorespiratory effects of the two insults are comparable. The toxicity of e-cigarettes has been variably linked to nicotine, as well as other e-cigarette constituents, operating conditions, and use patterns.

SUMMARY

The use of e-cigarettes in humans is associated with significant adverse cardiorespiratory and immunological changes. Data from animal models and in vitro studies support the notion that long-term use of e-cigarettes may pose significant health risks.