Lycopene Attenuates Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Mitochondrial Damage and Inflammation in Kidney via cGAS-STING Signaling

A narrative review of phthalates: From environmental release to kidney injury

Plastic products play an indispensable role in human daily lives, largely due to their low cost and unrivaled convenience. Phthalates (PAEs) are the most significant plastic additives due to their distinctive properties and are extensively utilized and produced in large quantities. Nevertheless, given their inability to form covalent bonds with plastics, these compounds are prone to leaching from plastic surfaces. As a result, the use of plastics in various industries has become a major source of PAEs in the environment, leading to increased risks to humans. The kidneys, which play a central role in the excretion of PAEs, are considered one of the primary target organs for PAEs accumulation and toxicity. A growing body of evidence supports an association between exposure to PAEs and adverse effects on the kidney. In environments, PAEs are often exposed simultaneously with other contaminants that may directly or indirectly modify the toxic effects of PAEs. This review focuses on the adverse effects of PAEs exposure on the kidney and their mechanisms of action, as well as the interactions between PAEs and other contaminants on the kidney. This review underscores the necessity for future toxicological studies to prioritize the mechanisms of renal injury caused by co-exposure to PAEs and other pollutants. The employment of advanced technologies, including network toxicology and molecular docking techniques, is imperative to enhance comprehension of the potential toxicity associated with co-exposures.

Neuroprotective effect of folic acid by maintaining DNA stability and mitochondrial homeostasis through the ATM/CHK2/P53/PGC-1α pathway in alcohol-exposed mice

Excessive drinking leads to alcoholic brain injury, which is characterized by neuroinflammation, cognitive decline and motor dysfunction. These pathological features are closely related to chromosomal DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to uncover the neuroprotective effects of folic acid (FA) in mice with alcoholic brain injury. C57BL/6J mice were used to establish the murine model of alcoholic brain injury after 12 weeks of alcohol exposure. FA treatment significantly increased the levels of ATP and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in brain tissues of alcohol-exposed mice, and regulated the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis in cortical nerve cells. Furthermore, it could reduce the leakage of mtDNA into the cytoplasm, thereby inhibiting the cGAS/STING/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway and alleviating neuroinflammation. In addition, FA treatment reduced DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes and decreased the expression of 53BP1 and γ-H2AX proteins in brain tissues of alcohol-exposed mice. At the molecular level, FA reduced DNA damage by downregulating the ATM/CHK2/P53 pathway and induced the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), which further inversely enhanced mitochondrial function through positive feedback. Collectively, this study provides experimental evidence that FA protects DNA stability and mitochondrial homeostasis in alcohol-exposed mice by downregulating the ATM/CHK2/P53/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Lycopene-carrier solid dispersion loaded lipid liquid crystal nanoparticle: in vitro evaluation and in vivo wound healing effects

This study was conducted to develop a lycopene-carrier solid dispersion-loaded lipid liquid crystal nanoparticle (LLC) formulation aimed at enhancing aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and wound healing efficacy. Lycopene was extracted from tomato paste using the Soxhlet method and was formulated into solid dispersions with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Poloxamer (Plx) to enhance the solubility of lycopene. The physicochemical properties of the solid dispersion products were characterized. Cytotoxicity on human fibroblast cells, cell migration, and wound healing treatment in the mice were also assessed. PVP demonstrated greater efficacy in enhancing the aqueous solubility of lycopene than Plx. The results indicated that the morphology of the LLC was cubosome, achieving a high encapsulation efficiency of 71.57 ± 2.1%. The LLC formulations demonstrated significantly enhanced release rates of 68.18 ± 1.78% and improved skin permeation compared to the lycopene solid dispersion solution. The results of the cell culture demonstrated the safety of the formulation, and the in vitro scratch test showed the migration of fibroblast cells in the presence of the lycopene-PVP solid dispersion loaded LLC compared to lycopene alone. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the proposed formulation (lycopene-PVP solid dispersion loaded LLC) could be a suitable option for wound healing.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phthalates-induced nephrotoxicity

Phthalates are the most common environmental toxicantsthat are added to plastics to improve their elasticity and extensibility. Different products such as baby toys, personalcare products, packaging materials and pharmaceutical products contain various phthalates like Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), etc. During processing, transportation and preparation, these phthalates can leach out into food anddrinks. Despite their commercial advantages, phthalates have shown multi-organ toxicity, including nephrotoxicity. Phthalates exposure can lead to morphological as well as functional alterations in renal tissues. Intoxication to these phthalates can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity through various signaling pathways, including ferroptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory, mitochondrial and DNA damage-associated pathways. This review aims to outline recent in-vivo and epidemiological studies to deepen the knowledge on underlying molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity caused by different phthalates. Moreover, various pharmacological interventions have also been discussed in this review, which serve as the scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of the Phthalates-induced kidney damage.

Lycopene: A potent antioxidant to alleviate kidney disease

Kidney disease is a major public health problem worldwide and one of the common causes of death in patients. How to effectively treat or alleviate renal diseases has not only attracted the attention of a large number of scholars, but is likewise a great challenge. Oxidative stress is the main mechanism leading to kidney injury. Natural antioxidant substances not only have efficient antioxidant capacity, but also have the advantage of high safety and low side effects. Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid found mainly in tomatoes or tomato products. Epidemiologic investigations have shown that lycopene has potent antioxidant properties, scavenges reactive substances, and has a protective role in kidney disease. This paper summarizes the biochemical properties and antioxidant mechanisms of lycopene in the context of animal experiments and clinical studies of lycopene in renal diseases. We found that lycopene exerts its protective effects against kidney injury mainly through anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, lycopene has been found to reduce the incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as well as mortality in some CKD patients. In addition to this, lycopene intake is negatively correlated with the incidence of kidney cancer and also mitigates the nephrotoxic damage of cisplatin. Therefore, lycopene has a promising application in the treatment of kidney diseases. However, there are relatively few clinical studies on lycopene in renal diseases, and subsequent research studies in large-scale populations are still needed to determine the value of lycopene in renal diseases even further.

Exploring the nephrotoxicity and molecular mechanisms of Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate: A comprehensive review

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a widely applied plasticizer in various products, can be absorbed into the human body through several channels and accumulate in the lungs, liver, testes, and kidneys, potentially impairing the function of these organs. Recently, the nephrotoxicity of DEHP has received heightened attention. Numerous epidemiologic findings have demonstrated that DEHP exposure may contribute to renal damage, leading to structural and functional abnormalities and exacerbating the progression of kidney disease. Recent research has discovered the mechanisms behind DEHP-induced nephrotoxicity may involve a variety of pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and lipid metabolism disorders. This review discusses the impact of DEHP on kidney function and delves into the molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity mediated by DEHP in recent years. In addition, the review examines evidence for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of lycopene, green tea polyphenols, and quercetin in ameliorating DEHP-induced renal injury is reviewed, providing a basis for further research.

Endocrine disruptors and bladder function: the role of phthalates in overactive bladder

Background

Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, are pervasive environmental contaminants and endocrine disruptors. Their potential role in overactive bladder (OAB) pathogenesis is underexplored, necessitating further investigation into their impact on OAB using large-scale epidemiological data.

Methods

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2011 to 2018. A weighted multivariable logistic regression model was employed to examine the relationship between urinary phthalate concentrations and OAB. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore differences in associations across various subgroups. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to investigate the potential non-linear relationship between urinary phthalate concentrations and OAB. Additionally, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) analysis was performed to explore the overall effects and interactions of phthalate mixtures.

Results

In the multivariable logistic regression model fully adjusted for confounding variables, higher concentrations of MBzP and MiBP were associated with an increased risk of OAB, particularly in the highest tertiles (MBzP: OR = 1.401, 95% CI: 1.108-1.771; MiBP: OR = 1.050, 95% CI: 1.045-1.056). Subgroup analysis found that subgroup characteristics did not have a significant moderating effect on the association between phthalates and OAB. RCS analysis revealed a linear relationship between both MBzP and MiBP and OAB. BKMR analysis confirmed a positive overall effect of phthalate mixtures on OAB risk, with MBzP identified as the major contributing factor.

Conclusion

In our study cohort, a positive correlation between urinary phthalate concentrations and OAB was observed, necessitating further research to validate and refine this conclusion.

Thyroid hormones and oxidative stress moderated the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and cardiovascular risk factors

While previous studies suggested that phthalate exposure poses a risk to cardiovascular health, the results are mixed and indicated variability based on population characteristics and health outcomes assessed. Research that simultaneously investigates the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and multiple cardiovascular risk factors within a single study is relatively scarce. This study assessed human exposure to phthalates by determining urinary metabolite concentrations, and applied multiple statistical techniques to systematically evaluate the individual dose-response relationships and joint effects of phthalate exposure on blood lipids, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. The results revealed significant negative associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. Significant nonlinear associations were obtained between specific individual metabolites and diastolic blood pressure. The oxidative stress biomarker 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in urine and thyroid hormone levels in paired serum were measured simultaneously. Then, we examined the indirect roles of thyroid hormones and oxidative stress in the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and cardiovascular risk factors by mediation and moderation analysis. While the mediation effect was not statistically significant, the negative associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and lipoprotein cholesterol were statistically significant at lower levels of thyroid hormones by moderation analysis. The association was also significant under certain levels of oxidative stress. The results demonstrated that phthalate exposure is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, and maintaining appropriate oxidative stress levels and ensuring sufficient thyroid hormone levels may attenuate these associations.

Gut Microbiota Metabolites Mediate Bax to Reduce Neuronal Apoptosis via cGAS/STING Axis in Epilepsy

The beneficial effects of gut flora on reducing nerve cell apoptosis and inflammation and improving epilepsy (EP) symptoms have been reported, but the specific mechanism of action is still unclear. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed the relationship between gut microbiota metabolites and the cGAS/STING axis and their role in EP. These results suggest that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota exacerbated epileptic symptoms, probiotic supplements reduced epileptic symptoms in mice. Antibiotics and probiotics altered the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. The changes in gut bacteria composition, such as in the abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus, were associated with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the gut. The concentrations of propionate, butyrate and isovalerate were changed after feeding antibiotics and probiotics, and the increase in butyrate levels reduced the expression of cGAS/STING in nerve cell further reduced Bax protein expression. The reduction of Bax protein attenuated the hippocampal neuron cell apoptosis in PTZ-induced EP and EP progression. Our findings provide new insights into the roles and mechanisms of action of the gut microbiota in attenuating EP symptoms and progression.

Network toxicology and cell experiments reveal the mechanism of DEHP-induced diabetic nephropathy via Wnt signaling pathway

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a widely recognized endocrine disruptor, has been linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) through its interference with hormonal and metabolic homeostasis. This study integrates network toxicology with cell-based assays to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of DEHP-induced DN, seeking to identify novel targets for toxicity assessment and therapeutic intervention. Through comprehensive screening across multiple toxicology and disease-related databases, six core genes (CTNNB1, EGFR, TNF, CCND1, BCL2, CASP3) were identified as shared mediators of DEHP exposure and DN. These genes are predominantly associated with the Wnt signaling pathway, a pivotal regulator of podocyte function, including cellular adhesion, differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Mouse glomerular podocytes (MPC-5) exposed to graded concentrations of DEHP, with or without the Wnt pathway inhibitor XAV-939, displayed significant DEHP-induced disruptions: reduced cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation; increased autophagy, apoptosis, and migratory activity; elevated inflammatory mediator release; and pronounced activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, evidenced by upregulation of β-catenin, EGFR, TNF, CCND1, BCL2 and downregulation of CASP3. DEHP exposure further altered transcriptional activity and chromatin structure at key loci (CTNNB1, EGFR, and TNF). XAV-939 effectively mitigated these effects, underscoring the Wnt pathway's central role in DN progression under DEHP influence. These findings highlight the complex multi-target, multi-pathway interactions of DEHP in DN pathophysiology, offering deeper mechanistic insights and potential targets for therapeutic intervention against DEHP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture alters serum cytokine levels and inflammatory markers in the F1 mouse ovary

Phthalates are used as plasticizers and solvents in consumer products. Virtually 100% of the US population has measurable exposure levels to phthalates, however, the mechanisms by which prenatal exposure to phthalate mixtures affects reproductive health in the offspring remain unclear. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to an environmentally relevant phthalate mixture promotes inflammation in F1 ovarian tissue. Pregnant CD-1 dams were dosed orally with vehicle control (corn oil) or phthalate mixture (20 μg/kg/d, 200 μg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, 500 mg/kg/d). Pregnant dams delivered pups naturally and ovaries and sera from the F1 females were collected at postnatal day (PND) 21, PND 60, 3 mo, and 6 mo. Sera were used to measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Ovaries and sera were used for cytokine array analysis. RNA was isolated from F1 ovaries and used to quantify expression of selected cytokine genes. Prenatal exposure to the mixture significantly increased the levels of CRP at 200 µg/kg/d on PND 21 compared with controls. The mixture altered 6 immune factors in sera at PND 21 and 33 immune factors in the ovary and sera at 6 mo compared with controls. The mixture increased ovarian expression of cytokines at PND 21 and decreased ovarian expression of cytokines at 6 mo compared with controls. These data suggest that prenatal exposure to a phthalate mixture interferes with the immune response in F1 female mice long after initial exposure.

Mitophagy and cGAS-STING crosstalk in neuroinflammation

Mitophagy, essential for mitochondrial health, selectively degrades damaged mitochondria. It is intricately linked to the cGAS-STING pathway, which is crucial for innate immunity. This pathway responds to mitochondrial DNA and is associated with cellular stress response. Our review explores the molecular details and regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy and the cGAS-STING pathway. We critically evaluate the literature demonstrating how dysfunctional mitophagy leads to neuroinflammatory conditions, primarily through the accumulation of damaged mitochondria, which activates the cGAS-STING pathway. This activation prompts the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, exacerbating neuroinflammation. This review emphasizes the interaction between mitophagy and the cGAS-STING pathways. Effective mitophagy may suppress the cGAS-STING pathway, offering protection against neuroinflammation. Conversely, impaired mitophagy may activate the cGAS-STING pathway, leading to chronic neuroinflammation. Additionally, we explored how this interaction influences neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting a common mechanism underlying these diseases. In conclusion, there is a need for additional targeted research to unravel the complexities of mitophagy-cGAS-STING interactions and their role in neurodegeneration. This review highlights potential therapies targeting these pathways, potentially leading to new treatments for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. This synthesis enhances our understanding of the cellular and molecular foundations of neuroinflammation and opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disease research.

Lycopene Protects against Atrazine-Induced Kidney STING-Dependent PANoptosis through Stabilizing mtDNA via Interaction with Sam50/PHB1

Atrazine (ATR) is a widely used herbicide worldwide that can cause kidney damage in humans and animals by accumulation in water and soil. Lycopene (LYC), a carotenoid with numerous biological activities, plays an important role in kidney protection due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The current study sought to investigate the role of interactions between mtDNA and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in LYC mitigating PANoptosis and inflammation in kidneys induced by ATR exposure. In our research, 350 mice were orally administered LYC (5 mg/kg BW/day) and ATR (50 or 200 mg/kg BW/day) for 21 days. Our results reveal that ATR exposure induces a decrease in mtDNA stability, resulting in the release of mtDNA into the cytoplasm through the mPTP pore and the BAX pore and the mobilization of the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby inducing renal PANoptosis and inflammation. LYC can inhibit the above changes caused by ATR. In conclusion, LYC inhibited ATR exposure-induced histopathological changes, renal PANoptosis, and inflammation by inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway. Our results demonstrate the positive role of LYC in ATR-induced renal injury and provide a new therapeutic target for treating renal diseases in the clinic.

Lianweng Granules Alleviate Intestinal Barrier Damage via the IL-6/STAT3/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway with Dampness-Heat Syndrome Diarrhea

Dampness-heat syndrome diarrhea (DHSD) is a common clinical disease with a high prevalence but still has no satisfactory therapeutic medicine, so the search for a safe and effective drug candidate is ongoing. This study aims to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Lianweng granules (LWG) in the treatment of DHSD and to identify the blood transport components of LWG. We assessed the efficacy of LWG in DHSD by various in vivo metrics such as body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histopathologic examination, intestinal barrier function, levels of inflammatory, apoptotic biomarkers, and oxidative stress. We identified the blood components of LWG using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), and the resolved key components were used to explore the relevant targets. We next predicted the potential mechanisms of LWG in treating DHSD using network pharmacology and molecular docking based on the relevant targets. Finally, the mechanisms were validated in vivo using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence and evaluated in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), small interfering RNA, cellular enthusiasm transfer assay (CETSA), and drug affinity response target stability (DARTS). Ninety-one pharmacodynamic components of LWG enter the bloodstream and exert possible therapeutic effects. In vivo, LWG treatment improved body weight, reduced colonic injury and DAI scores, lowered inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers, and partially restored intestinal barrier function in DHSD mice. Guided by network pharmacology and molecular docking, it is suggested that LWG may exert therapeutic effects by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3/PI3K/AKT signaling. LWG significantly decreased the expression of IL-6, p-STAT3, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and other proteins. These findings were supported by in vitro experiments, where CETSA, DARTS, and siRNA evidenced LWG's targeting of STAT3. LWG targeted STAT3 to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the colon, thereby restoring the intestinal barrier function to some extent and exerting a therapeutic effect on DHSD.

Melatonin Mitigates Atrazine-Induced Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Senescence by Promoting Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy

The accumulation of senescent cells in kidneys is considered to contribute to age-related diseases and organismal aging. Mitochondria are considered a regulator of cell senescence process. Atrazine as a triazine herbicide poses a threat to renal health by disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis. Melatonin plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. The present study aims to explore the mechanism by which melatonin alleviates atrazine-induced renal injury and whether parkin-mediated mitophagy contributes to mitigating cell senescence. The study found that the level of parkin was decreased after atrazine exposure and negatively correlated with senescent markers. Melatonin treatment increased serum melatonin levels and mitigates atrazine-induced renal tubular epithelial cell senescence. Mechanistically, melatonin maintains the integrity of mitochondrial crista structure by increasing the levels of mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), adenosine triphosphatase family AAA domain-containing protein 3A (ATAD3A), and sorting and assembly machinery 50 (Sam50) to prevent mitochondrial DNA release and subsequent activation of cyclic guanosine 5'-monophosphate-adenosine 5'-monophosphate synthase pathway. Furthermore, melatonin activates Sirtuin 3-superoxide dismutase 2 axis to eliminate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the kidney. More importantly, the antisenescence role of melatonin is largely determined by the activation of parkin-dependent mitophagy. These results offer novel insights into measures against cell senescence. Parkin-mediated mitophagy is a promising drug target for alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell senescence.

Inhibition of mtDNA-PRRs pathway-mediated sterile inflammation by astragalus polysaccharide protects against transport stress-induced cardiac injury in chicks

Transport stress (TS) not only weakens poultry performance but also affects animal welfare. Additionally, TS can evoke cardiac damage by triggering sterile inflammation in chicks, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate how TS induces sterile inflammation and heart injury and to clarify the antagonism effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS). We randomly divided 60 chicks (one-day-old female) into 5 groups (n = 12): Control_0h (Con_0h) group (chicks were slaughtered at initiation), Control group (stress-free control), TS group (simulated TS exposure for 8 h), TS plus water (TS+W) group, and TS plus APS (TS+APS) group. Before simulation transport, the chicks of TS+W and TS+APS groups were, respectively, dietary with 100 μL of water or APS (250 μg/mL). H&E staining was employed for cardiac histopathological observation. ELISA assay was used to measure oxidative stress marker levels (GSH, GPX, GST, and MDA). A commercial kit was used to isolate the mitochondrial portion, and qRT-PCR was employed to measure the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of mtDNA-mediated NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and cGAS-STING inflammatory pathways and the expression of downstream inflammatory factors by Western Blotting or qRT-PCR. Our findings revealed that APS notably relieved TS-induced myocardial histopathological lesions and infiltrations. Likewise, the decrease in proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and IFN-β by APS further supported this result. Meanwhile, TS caused severe oxidative stress in the chick heart, as evidenced by decreased antioxidant enzymes and increased MDA. Importantly, APS prevented mtDNA stress and leakage by reducing oxidative stress. Interestingly, TS-induced mtDNA leakage caused a series of inflammation events via mtDNA-PRRs pathways, including TLR21-NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and cGAS-STING signaling. Encouragingly, all these adverse changes related to inflammation events induced by mtDNA-PRRs activation were all relieved by APS treatment. In summary, our findings provide the first evidence that inhibition of mtDNA-PRRs pathway-mediated sterile inflammation by APS could protect against TS-induced cardiac damage in chicks.

Prenatal cadmium exposure impairs neural tube closure via inducing excessive apoptosis in neuroepithelium

Birth defects have become a public health concern. The hazardous environmental factors exposure to embryos could increase the risk of birth defects. Cadmium, a toxic environmental factor, can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. Pregnant woman may be subjected to cadmium before taking precautionary protective actions. However, the link between birth defects and cadmium remains obscure. Cadmium exposure can induce excessive apoptosis in neuroepithelium during embryonic development progresses. Cadmium exposure activated the p53 via enhancing the adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and reactive oxygen species' (ROS) level. And cadmium decreases the level of Paired box 3 (Pax3) and murine double minute 2 (Mdm2), disrupting the process of p53 ubiquitylation. And p53 accumulation induced excessive apoptosis in neuroepithelium during embryonic development progresses. Excessive apoptosis led to the failure of neural tube closure. The study emphasizes that environmental materials may increase the health risk for embryos. Cadmium caused the failure of neural tube closure during early embryotic day. Pregnant women may be exposed by cadmium before taking precautionary protective actions, because of cadmium concentration-containing foods and environmental tobacco smoking. This suggests that prenatal cadmium exposure is a threatening risk factor for birth defects.

Melatonin inhibits atrazine-induced mitochondrial impairment in cerebellum of mice: Modulation of cGAS-STING-NLRP3 axis-dependent cell pyroptosis

The global prevalence of Neurological disorders has increased alarmingly in response to environmental and lifestyle changes. Atrazine (ATZ) is a difficult to degrade soil and water pollutant with well-known neurotoxicity. Melatonin (MT), an antioxidant with chemoprotective properties, has a potential therapeutic effect on cerebellar damage caused by ATZ exposure. The aim of this study was to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of MT on the cerebellar inflammatory response and pyroptosis induced by ATZ exposure. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were treated with ATZ (170 mg/kg BW/day) and MT (5 mg/kg BW/day) for 28 days. Our results revealed that MT alleviated the histopathological changes, ultrastructural damage, oxidative stress and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in the cerebellum induced by ATZ exposure. ATZ exposure damaged the mitochondria leading to release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the cytoplasm, MT activated the cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase interferon gene stimulator (cGAS-STING) axis to alleviate inflammation and pyroptosis caused by ATZ exposure. In general, our study provided new evidence that the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 axis plays an important role in the treatment of ATZ-induced cerebellar injury by MT.

Lycopene Alleviates Chronic Stress-Induced Hippocampal Microglial Pyroptosis by Inhibiting the Cathepsin B/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Lycopene (LYC) exerts a strong neuroprotective and antipyroptotic effects. This study explored the effects and mechanisms of LYC on chronic stress-induced hippocampal microglial damage and depression-like behaviors. The caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 attenuated chronic restrain stress (CRS)-induced hippocampal microglial pyroptosis and depression-like behaviors. Moreover, the alleviation of CRS-induced hippocampal microglial pyroptosis and depression-like behaviors by LYC was associated with the cathepsin B/NLRP3 pathway. In vitro, the caspase-1 inhibitor Z-YVAD-FMK alleviated pyroptosis in highly aggressively proliferating immortalized (HAPI) cells. Additionally, the alleviation of corticosterone-induced HAPI cell damage and pyroptosis by LYC was associated with the cathepsin B/NLRP3 pathway. Furthermore, the cathepsin B agonist pazopanib promoted HAPI cell pyroptosis, whereas LYC inhibited pazopanib-induced pyroptosis via the cathepsin B/NLRP3 pathway. Similarly, Z-YVAD-FMK inhibited pazopanib-induced HAPI cell pyroptosis. These results suggest that LYC alleviates chronic stress-induced hippocampal microglial pyroptosis via the cathepsin B/NLRP3 pathway inhibition. This study provides a new strategy for treating chronic stress encephalopathy.

Mitochondrial DNA release mediated by TFAM deficiency promotes copper-induced mitochondrial innate immune response via cGAS-STING signalling in chicken hepatocytes

Copper (Cu) is pollution metal that is a global concern due to its toxic effects. A recent study found that the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytoplasm can activate the innate immune response, but the exact mechanisms underlying the effect of Cu exposure remains unknown. In this study, we identified that the reduction in transcription Factor A (TFAM) led to mtDNA leakage into the cytoplasm under Cu exposure in hepatocytes, accompanied by the activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway-mediated innate immunity (increased expression of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase-1 (TBK1), and interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF3)) genes and proteins, and enhanced phosphorylation levels of TBK1 and IRF3). Subsequently, silencing TFAM (siTFAM) significantly aggravated mtDNA release and the innate immune response under Cu treatment. Mitochondrial DNA depletion alleviated Cu-induced innate immunity in hepatocytes, while mtDNA transfection further enhanced the innate immune response. Notably, the inhibition of STING effectively alleviated the phosphorylation levels of the TBK1 and IRF3 proteins induced by Cu, while the upregulation of STING aggravated the Cu-induced innate immunity. Furthermore, EtBr and H-151(a STING inhibitor) treatment dramatically reversed the effect of TFAM depletion on the sharpened innate immune response induced by Cu via the cGAS-STING pathway. In general, these findings demonstrated the TFAM deficiency promotes innate immunity by activating the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signalling pathway under Cu exposure in hepatocytes, providing new insight into Cu toxicology.

Metabolomics reveals that PS-NPs promote lung injury by regulating prostaglandin B1 through the cGAS-STING pathway

Nanoplastics have been widely studied as environmental pollutants, which can accumulate in the human body through the food chain or direct contact. Research has shown that nanoplastics can affect the immune system and mitochondrial function, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Lungs and macrophages have important immune and metabolic functions. This study explored the effects of 100 nm PS-NPs on innate immunity, mitochondrial function, and cellular metabolism-related pathways in lung (BEAS-2B) cells and macrophages (RAW264.7). The results had shown that PS-NPs exposure caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular ROS accumulation, and Ca2+ overload, and activated the cGAS-STING signaling pathway related to innate immunity. These changes had been observed at concentrations of PS-NPs as low as 60 μg/mL, which might have been comparable to environmental levels. Non-target metabolomics and Western Blotting results confirmed that PS-NPs regulated prostaglandin B1 and other metabolites to cause cell damage through the cGAS-STING pathway. Supplementation of prostaglandin B1 alleviated the immune activation and metabolic disturbance caused by PS-NPs exposure. This study identified PS-NPs-induced innate immune activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic toxicity pathways, providing new insights into the potential for adverse outcomes of NPs in human life.

Lycopene ameliorates atrazine-induced spatial learning and memory impairments by inhibiting ferroptosis in the hippocampus of mice

Atrazine (ATR) is a commercially available herbicide that is used worldwide. The intensive use of ATR poses potential risks to animals' and humans' health. Lycopene (LYC) is an anti-oxidative phytochemical that normalizes health hazards triggered by environmental factors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of ATR on the hippocampus and its amelioration by LYC. Male mice were exposed to ATR (50 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/d) and/or LYC (5 mg/kg/d) for 21 days. The results showed that ATR exposure induced hippocampus-dependent learning and memory impairments. ATR-induced ferroptosis in hippocampal cells affects the homeostasis of lipid metabolism, whereas LYC ameliorates the neurotoxic effects of ATR in the hippocampus. LYC inhibited ATR-induced ferroptosis by increasing the expression of HO-1, Nrf2 and SLC7A11. Therefore, this study established that LYC ameliorates ATR-induced spatial learning and memory impairments by inhibiting ferroptosis in the hippocampus and also provides a novel approach for the treatment in contradiction of environmental pollutants.