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Guo H, Wu Z, Shen G, Huang Z, Zha Z, Zheng X, Luo X, Mai B, Ye J, Li J. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances crossing the blood-joint barrier: Their occurrence and distribution in synovial fluid. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 492:138189. [PMID: 40209403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2025] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/12/2025]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have garnered considerable research attention due to their potential adverse effects on human health. Epidemiological studies have indicated a possible association between PFASs exposure and the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the presence of PFASs in the synovial fluid of OA patients and the distribution of PFASs across the blood-joint barrier remains unreported. This study identified significant differences in PFASs profiles between patients and controls, with a markedly higher PFOS-to-PFOA ratio observed in patients. Additionally, the blood-joint transfer efficiency of PFOS was significantly greater in patients than in controls (0.75 vs. 0.53, p < 0.05). Furthermore, PFOS levels were elevated in patients with advanced OA compared to those in the early stages. Positive correlations were observed between synovial fluid PFOS and inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), implying that inflammation may facilitate the distribution of PFOS across the joint barrier. This study represents the first documented evidence of the human joint exposure to PFASs and their blood-joint transfer abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Guo
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zifeng Wu
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiwang Shen
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengang Zha
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Zheng
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshao Ye
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jieruo Li
- Center for Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Sun B, Zhao Y, Yang S, Li X, Li N, Wang Y, Han Q, Liu X, Tu Q, Zheng J, Zhang X. Celecoxib as a potential treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in populations exposed to high PFAS levels. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 489:137613. [PMID: 39955994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2025] [Accepted: 02/12/2025] [Indexed: 02/18/2025]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, are associated with adverse human effects. However, few studies have assessed the effects of PFAS mixtures on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we systematically investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of PFAS mixtures on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells (JHH-7 and Li-7) in vitro using a combination of biological techniques and high-coverage untargeted metabolomics. A six day exposure to a 5 μM PFAS mixture significantly enhanced the malignant progression of HCC in vitro. Metabolomic analysis identified the upregulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a key factor associated with these effects. This hypothesis was further validated using celecoxib, a PGE2 inhibitor, which reduced PGE2 levels in HCC cells, consequently slowing their migration and invasion. Additionally, mice treated with celecoxib exhibited reduced tumor volumes compared with those treated with PFAS alone. These results suggest that PFAS exposure enhances HCC malignancy through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via increased PGE2 production. In conclusion, a 5 μM PFAS mixture accelerates HCC proliferation and invasion; moreover, celecoxib demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent that inhibits these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Yuqiao Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Shifeng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Nana Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Qixiang Han
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Xuyun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Qiushi Tu
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, United States.
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 148 BaoJian-ro, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150086, China.
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3
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Omotola EO, Ohoro CR, Amaku JF, Conradie J, Olisah C, Akpomie KG, Malloum A, Akpotu SO, Adegoke KA, Okeke ES. Evidence of the occurrence, detection, and ecotoxicity studies of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in aqueous environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2025; 23:10. [PMID: 40018265 PMCID: PMC11861503 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-025-00934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
Perflorochemicals (PFCs), among which are the most commonly detected perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are persistent emergent contaminants of concern in recent times. These compounds have been reported for their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. Meanwhile, they have been detected in diverse matrices such as soil, sediment, and, surprisingly, in serum and even breastmilk. Worrisomely, these compounds are detected in drinking water across the globe, aquaculture water, and other surface waters. Thus, it was important to appraise the studies conducted on PFOS and PFOA to provide an overview of the environmental status of contamination regarding them. The present review article sought to provide insights into the occurrence patterns and ecotoxic effects of both pollutants in the water ecosystems within five continents of the world. Based on the information gathered in this article, the ∑ P F O S concentration (ng/L) within the five continents is in the order Europe > Asia > Africa > North America > South America, while the ∑ P F O A level (ng/L) is in the order Europe > Asia > South America > Africa > North America. The study also investigated the previous works that have been conducted regarding the diverse elimination technologies employed for the removal of these pollutants from the aqueous environments, with plasma combined with surfactant process being the most efficient. Generally, studies on PFOS/PFOA are still scanty when compared to those on pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), especially in North America. The information gathered in this study could be useful in establishing thresholds of PFOA and PFOS environmental levels and be adopted by appropriate authorities as safety guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chinemerem Ruth Ohoro
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Ecological and Human Sustainability, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, Roodepoort, 1710 Gauteng South Africa
| | - James F. Amaku
- Department of Chemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
- Environmental Fate of Chemicals and Remediation Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark 1911, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jeanet Conradie
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa
| | - Chijioke Olisah
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR), Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 77000, Gqeberha, 6031 South Africa
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/753, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kovo G. Akpomie
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa
- Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Alhadji Malloum
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300 South Africa
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Samson O. Akpotu
- Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, 1911 South Africa
| | - Kayode Adesina Adegoke
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, Engineering, Zhenjiang, 212013 People’s Republic of China
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Wang K, Mu X, Liu X, He L, Wang C. Broflanilide induces zebrafish neurobehavioral defects by interfering with synaptic homeostasis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2025; 283:107355. [PMID: 40209298 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2025] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/12/2025]
Abstract
Broflanilide is a novel bisamide insecticide that is extensively used. Previous study reported that broflanilide induced neurotoxicity during zebrafish embryonic development, however, its behavior impact and the involved neural cell heterogeneous mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we performed a series of neuro-behavior test for adult zebrafish that were exposed to 5 and 25 μg/L broflanilide for 30 days. We found that 25 μg/L broflanilide could induce abnormal locomotion and cognitive defect. These changes were accompanied by synaptic homeostasis inference (decreased number of synaptic knobs), and neuron loss. Simultaneously, a targeted metabolomic assay showed that the glutathione metabolism and GABAergic synapses in brain were significantly altered, indicating an altered synaptic transmission, which is consistent with the synaptic injury. Single-cell RNA sequencing of zebrafish brain showed changed cell composition after exposure, including a decreased ratio of neuron and oligodendrocyte, and an increased proportion of astrocytes. Meanwhile, genes involved in synaptic functional pathways were altered in neuron, astrocyte and oligodendrocytes, which partly explained the disruption of synaptic homeostasis. These findings reveal the long-term risk of broflanilide toward neural health of aquatic organisms and suggest an across-cell types transcriptional regulation in mediating the neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 100866, China.
| | - Xiyan Mu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 100866, China
| | - Lu He
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 100866, China
| | - Chengju Wang
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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5
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Liu Y, Hu Y, Shan ZL. Mitochondrial DNA release mediates metabolic-associated steatohepatitis via activation of inflammatory pathways. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2025; 33:344-360. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v33.i5.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2025] [Revised: 04/25/2025] [Accepted: 05/19/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Gannan Institute of Medical Innovation and Translational Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 431000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Gannan Institute of Medical Innovation and Translational Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 431000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Shan
- Gannan Institute of Medical Innovation and Translational Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 431000, Jiangxi Province, China
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6
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Haarmann-Stemmann T, Esser C. Cutaneous Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Cause for Concern? J Invest Dermatol 2025:S0022-202X(25)00397-5. [PMID: 40423600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2025] [Revised: 02/27/2025] [Accepted: 03/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Esser
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
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7
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Cheng Y, Li JR, Yu H, Li S, Tychhon B, Cheng C, Weng YL. Perfluoroalkyl substance pollutants disrupt microglia function and trigger transcriptional and epigenomic changes. Toxicology 2025; 517:154198. [PMID: 40419075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2025.154198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2025] [Revised: 05/22/2025] [Accepted: 05/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals", are widely utilized in various industries and consumer products worldwide. Their exposure has been associated with numerous diseases and malignancies, including neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PFAS-induced adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS) remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in microglia exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a prevalent PFAS compound. Our findings demonstrate that 24-hour PFOS exposure (25 and 50 µM) disrupts the microglial transcriptome and compromises their homeostatic state, marked by increased inflammation and impaired actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Comparative analysis with in vivo transcriptional states revealed that PFOS-exposed microglia exhibit gene expression profiles resembling those of aged microglia. Additionally, profiling of active chromatin regions uncovered significant alterations in the H3K27ac landscape in PFOS-exposed microglia. Notably, these epigenetic disruptions persisted even after PFOS withdrawal, with a subset of H3K27ac-enriched regions remaining altered, suggesting the presence of lasting epigenetic scars. Furthermore, transcription factor analysis implicated the AP-1 and TEAD families as potential upstream regulators connecting the altered chromatin landscape to transcriptomic changes. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into how PFOS exposure disrupts microglial function and highlight its potential role in exacerbating neurodegenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Cheng
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jian-Rong Li
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hangjin Yu
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shuang Li
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Boranai Tychhon
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yi-Lan Weng
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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8
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Chou CK, Winker R, Rebuli ME, Moran T, Rager JE. Respiratory Health Impacts from Natural Disasters and Other Extreme Weather Events: The Role of Environmental Stressors on Asthma and Allergies. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2025; 25:25. [PMID: 40397190 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-025-01206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/22/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The frequency of natural disasters, other extreme weather events, and downstream emissions of emerging contaminants is increasing. One category of health outcome that is now experiencing increased prevalence due to these environmental threats is respiratory disease, specifically asthma and allergies; though a review summarizing current knowledge and research gaps has not been synthesized on this topic in recent years despite growing evidence. RECENT FINDINGS We identified recent literature that connects allergy/asthma with environmental events that are increasing in prevalence alongside natural disasters and other extreme weather events, including algal blooms, floods, heat stress, wildfires, and thunderstorms. Coinciding emissions of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics (MPs) are also discussed as downstream outcomes of these environmental events. Available evidence ranged according to environmental event/stressor type, with over 50 papers identified as relevant to this research scope in the last five years. Narrative synthesis of these papers highlighted exposure-disease linkages for stressors related to natural disasters, other extreme weather events, and downstream emissions of emerging contaminants with pulmonary asthma and allergy outcomes. Underlying biological mechanisms are beginning to be elucidated and include widespread inflammation in the lungs and changes in immune cell signaling and function across the pulmonary system. Take home points in this review pave the way for future investigations to better understand the impacts of these environmental events amongst the complex milieu of threats becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe K Chou
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Raquel Winker
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Meghan E Rebuli
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Timothy Moran
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- , 135 Dauer Dr, CB 7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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9
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Wu LY, He WT, Zeeshan M, Zhou Y, Zhang YT, Liang LX, Huang JW, Zhou JX, Zhao K, Bao WW, Lin LZ, Gui ZH, Liu RQ, Hu LW, Wang Z, Dong GH. Incidence of respiratory diseases associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in PM 2.5: New evidence from a population-based survey of Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 494:138485. [PMID: 40319854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2025] [Accepted: 05/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have evinced that particulate matter (PM) is linked to respiratory diseases, but the relationship between the specific constituents of PM and respiratory diseases remains scarce. Here, we evaluated the relationship between PFAS in PM2.5 with respiratory diseases. In this study, from May 2016 to May 2018, we recruited 131,346 school-aged children and adolescents living in Pearl River Delta, Guangdong Province, China. Participants self-reported the respiratory diseases, including asthma, wheezing, phlegm, cough and rhinitis. Logistic regression and qg-comp models were used to analyze the relationship between PFAS exposure and respiratory diseases. We found several PFAS were significantly associated with higher prevalence of respiratory diseases. For instance, higher quintiles of PFSA exposure (Q2-Q4), as compared to Q1, were associated with greater odds of respiratory diseases: 1.35 (95 %CI: 1.23, 1.48) in Q2, 1.95 (95 %CI: 1.78, 2.14) in Q3 and 2.83 (95 %CI: 2.76, 3.11) in Q4. Furthermore, qg-comp model analysis revealed PFCA as the most important weight in respiratory diseases. Moreover, the effect estimates were higher in boys, older children (>12 years old) and overweight/obesity, indicating the vulnerability of these subpopulations. In summary, exposure to PFAS, a specific PM2.5 constituent, potentially increases the risk of respiratory diseases among school-aged children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510620, China
| | - Wan-Ting He
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Ting Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Xia Liang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing-Wen Huang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen-Wen Bao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhao-Huan Gui
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510620, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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10
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Zhou JX, Qin XD, Liu X, He WT, Zeeshan M, Dharmage SC, Perret J, Bui D, Zhang YT, Sun MK, Huang JW, Liang LX, Dong GH, Zhou Y. Exposure-effect of PFOS and PFOA on lung function: An integrated approach with epidemiological, cellular, and animal studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 272:121175. [PMID: 39983955 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2025] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 02/23/2025]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are increasingly recognized for their adverse impact on human health, particularly on lung function. However, current research results are inconsistent and molecular mechanisms remain unclear, with no studies combining epidemiological, in vivo and in vitro investigations. Our population-based study revealed that PFOS and PFOA exposure is negatively associated with lung function. In vitro, PFOS and PFOA exposure significantly downregulated SP-B mRNA and protein levels, and SP-B expression was restored by overexpression of HSD17B1. PFOS induced hypermethylation and downregulated expression of HSD17B1 in tandem with SP-B. Notably, expression of SP-B was restored after treatment with demethyltransferase inhibitor. In vivo studies corroborated these findings, where PFOS exposure resulted in impaired lung function, histopathological changes, and decreased expression of SP-B and HSD17B1 in lung tissues. Our research demonstrates that PFOS downregulates SP-B expression by inducing hypermethylation and downregulating expression of HSD17B1, leading to impaired lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Di Qin
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- West China School of PublicHealth and West China FourthHospital, Chengdu, 610041.China
| | - Wan-Ting He
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- University of texas health science center at San Antonio, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, 7703 Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Dinh Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Yun-Ting Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ming-Kun Sun
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jing-Wen Huang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li-Xia Liang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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11
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Pattarawat P, Zhan T, Fan Y, Zhang J, Yang H, Zhang Y, Moyd S, Douglas NC, Urbanek M, Buckley B, Burdette J, Zhang Q, Kim JYJ, Xiao S. Exposure to Long- and Short-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Mice and Ovarian-Related Outcomes: An in Vivo and in Vitro Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2025; 133:57024. [PMID: 40194260 PMCID: PMC12120842 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extensive use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to environmental contamination and bioaccumulation of these substances. Previous research linked PFAS exposure to female reproductive disorders, but the mechanism remains elusive. Further, most studies focused on legacy long-chain PFOA and PFOS, yet the reproductive impacts of other long-chain PFAS and short-chain alternatives are rarely explored. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of long- and short-chain PFAS on the mouse ovary and further evaluated the toxic mechanisms of long-chain perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). METHODS A 3D in vitro mouse ovarian follicle culture system and an in vivo mouse model were used, together with approaches of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), pharmacological treatments, in situ zymography, histology, in situ hybridization, analytical chemistry, and benchmark dose modeling (BMD). Using these approaches, a wide range of exposure levels (1 - 250 μ M ) of long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA) and short-chain PFAS (PFHpA, PFBS, GenX) were first tested in cultured follicles to examine their effects on follicle growth, hormone secretion, and ovulation. We identified 250 μ M as the most effective concentration for further investigation into the toxic mechanisms of PFNA, followed by an in vivo mouse exposure model to verify the accumulation of PFNA in the ovary and its ovarian-disrupting effects. RESULTS In vitro cultured ovarian follicles exposed to long- but not short-chain PFAS showed poorer gonadotropin-dependent follicle growth, ovulation, and hormone secretion in comparison with control follicles. RT-qPCR and RNA-seq analyses revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes involved in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-dependent follicle growth, luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated ovulation, and associated regulatory pathways in the PFNA-exposed group in comparison with the control group. The PPAR agonist experiment demonstrated that a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ ) antagonist could reverse both the phenotypic and genotypic effects of PFNA exposure, restoring them to levels comparable to the control group. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed that PFNA could accumulate in ovarian tissues and validated the in vitro findings. The BMD, in vitro, and in vivo extrapolation analyses estimated follicular rupture as the most sensitive end point and that observed effects occurred in the range of human exposure to long-chain PFAS. DISCUSSION Our study demonstrates that long-chain PFAS, particularly PFNA, act as a PPAR γ agonist in granulosa cells to interfere with gonadotropin-dependent follicle growth, hormone secretion, and ovulation; and exposure to high levels of PFAS may cause adverse ovarian outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14876.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawat Pattarawat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tingjie Zhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yihan Fan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiyang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hilly Yang
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sarahna Moyd
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nataki C. Douglas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Margrit Urbanek
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joanna Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Center for Biomolecular Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ji-Yong Julie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shuo Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease (CEED), Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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12
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Han P, Xue Y, Sun Z, Liu X, Miao L, Yuan M, Wang X. The toxicological effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea): exploring the relationship between liver damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 278:121683. [PMID: 40280390 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2025] [Revised: 04/16/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic organofluorine compounds characterized by their persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulative properties, rendering them substantial environmental contaminants. However, limited research has investigated the effects of a short-term low-concentration PFAS exposure on the hepatic and intestinal systems of marine fish. In this study, large yellow croaker was selected as the experimental subject to explore the toxic effects of exposure to 1000 ng/L PFOA after 3, 7, and 14 days, with a focus on liver and gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that a short-term exposure to PFOA induced significant histopathological damage in both liver and gut, with cumulative effects becoming more pronounced over time. Moreover, transcriptome analysis of the liver revealed that PFOA exposure significantly altered the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, and cellular apoptosis. GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed significant enrichment in the P53, NF-κB, MAPK, and PPAR signaling pathways. On the other hand, 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that PFOA exposure resulted in a decline in gut microbiota diversity, an increase in the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Proteobacteria), and a significant reduction in beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). These changes indicated gut microbiota dysbiosis. Correlation analysis between gut microbiota changes and potential liver damage indicators suggested an association between liver damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Furthermore, we propose a hypothetical model involving lipid accumulation-mediated mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation pathway activation, triggered by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) resulting from PFOA exposure. These findings offered valuable insights into the toxic effects of a short-term low-concentration PFOA on the hepatic and intestinal systems of large yellow croaker, and establish a connection between liver damage to gut microbiota dysbiosis after PFOA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Han
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yadong Xue
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhennan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiumei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
| | - Liang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Mingzhe Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xubo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquacultural Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China; National Engineering Research Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Green Mariculture (Co-construction By Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural, Ningbo University, China.
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13
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Lyu Y, Zhang T, Zhong W, Yi S, Zhu L. Exposure to Sodium p-Perfluorous Nonenoxybenzenesulfonate Induces Renal Fibrosis in Mice by Disrupting Lysine Metabolism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:7461-7473. [PMID: 40116701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c10724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2025]
Abstract
Environmental exposure is one driving factor of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet the intrinsic molecular mechanisms are largely unexplored. As a persistent chemical, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is regulated due to a great potential to induce multiple diseases, including renal fibrosis, a major pathological characteristic of CKD. It is hypothesized that sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), a typical alternative to PFOS, may also induce renal fibrosis. We observed distinct renal fibrosis in mice exposed to OBS. Metabolomics analysis showed that Nα-acetyllysine was the primary metabolite biomarker, whose level decreased greatly due to its excessive consumption by lysyloxidase (LOX). This suppressed the miR-140-5p expression, promoting upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), which activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), thereby enhancing proliferation and activation of fibroblasts. Supplement of Nα-acetyllysine upregulated miR-140-5p expression, reduced expressions of FGF9 and FGFR3, and eventually ameliorated OBS-induced renal fibrosis. Similarly, treatment with miR-140-5p agomir and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002 attenuated OBS-induced renal fibrosis. Taken together, OBS caused renal fibrosis through the LOX-Nα-acetyllysine-miR-140-5p-FGF9-FGFR3-PI3K/Akt-Bad-Bcl-2-fibroblast axis. The results of this study reveal a specific molecular axis for OBS to induce renal fibrosis and call for concerns in supervising the application of OBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering of Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tianxu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering of Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wenjue Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering of Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shujun Yi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering of Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria of Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering of Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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14
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Wang Z, He Z, Chang X, Xie L, Song Y, Wu H, Zhang H, Wang S, Zhang X, Bai Y. Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns: New perspectives for mitochondria and inflammatory bowel diseases. Mucosal Immunol 2025; 18:290-298. [PMID: 39920995 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2025.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2024] [Revised: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/10/2025]
Abstract
Mitochondria are key regulators of inflammatory responses and mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to various inflammatory diseases. Increasing genetic and experimental evidence suggests that mitochondria play a critical role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the complex environment of the intestinal tract, intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and their mitochondria possess unique phenotypic features, shaping each other and regulating intestinal homeostasis and inflammation through diverse mechanisms. Here, we focus on intestinal inflammation in IBD induced by mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), which comprise mitochondrial components and metabolic products. The pathogenic mechanisms of mtDAMP signaling pathways mediated by two major mtDAMPs, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zixuan He
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin Chang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lu Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yihang Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Haicong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- The Sixth Student Team, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yu Bai
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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15
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Wen X, Fan J, Duan X, Zhu X, Bai J, Zhang T. Mitochondrial DNA in Exercise-Mediated Innate Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:3069. [PMID: 40243714 PMCID: PMC11988935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26073069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2025] [Revised: 03/25/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are considered as "the plant of power" with cells for a long time. However, recent researches suggest that mitochondria also take part in innate immune response to a great extent. Remarkably, mtDNA was reported to have immunnostimulatory potential in 2004. Since then, there has been rapid growth in understanding the role of mtDNA in innate immune. The mtDNA is released into cytosol, extracellular environment, or circulating blood through BAK/BAX pore, mPTP, and GSDMD pore upon mitochondrial damage, where it is recognized by PRRs including TLR9, cGAS, and NLRP3, thereby triggering innate immune response. On the other hand, regular exercise has been recognized as an effective intervention strategy for innate immune response. Some studies show that chronic moderate-intensity endurance exercise, resistance training, HIIT, and moderate-intensity acute exercise enhance mitochondrial function by promoting mtDNA transcription and replication, thus blunting the abnormal release of mtDNA and excessive innate immune response. On the contrary, high-intensity acute exercise elicits the opposite effect. Nevertheless, only a very small body of research by far has been performed to illustrate the impact of exercise on mtDNA-driven innate immune response, and an overall review is lacking. In light of these, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanism mediating the release of mtDNA, the role of mtDNA in innate immune response and the influence of exercise on mtDNA leakage, hoping to pave the way to investigate new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for immunopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tan Zhang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
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16
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LEE WK, WAN HT, CHENG Z, CHAN WY, LAM TKY, LAI KP, WANG J, CAI Z, WONG CKC. Impact of PFOS Exposure on Murine Fetal Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Associated with Intrauterine Metabolic Perturbation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:5496-5509. [PMID: 40082253 PMCID: PMC11948485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c02623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2025] [Revised: 03/06/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/16/2025]
Abstract
This study hypothesized that perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) exposure disrupts maternal-fetal metabolism, affecting fetal liver hematopoietic stem cell (FL-HSC) development. Pregnant mice received PFOS (0.3 and 3 μg/g bw) and were sacrificed on gestation day 14.5. Metabolomic analysis of maternal plasma revealed disruptions in steroid hormone, purine, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism, which aligned with the enriched pathways in amniotic fluid (AF). FL analysis indicated increased purine metabolism and disrupted glucose and amino acid metabolism. FL exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, glycolytic and TCA metabolites, and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23, crucial for hematopoiesis regulation. Transcriptomic analysis of FL-HSCs revealed disturbances in the PPAR signaling pathway, pyruvate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and amino acid metabolism, correlating with FL metabolic changes. Metabolomic analysis indicated significant rises in glycerophospholipid and vitamin B6 metabolism related to HSC expansion and differentiation. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed increased HSC populations and progenitor activation for megakaryocyte, erythrocyte, and lymphocyte lineages. The CFU assay showed a significant increase in BFU-E and CFU-G, but a decrease in CFU-GM in FL-HSCs from the H-PFOS group, indicating altered differentiation potential. These findings provide for the first time insights into the effects of PFOS on maternal-fetal metabolism and fetal hematopoiesis, highlighting implications for pollution-affected immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Ka LEE
- Croucher
Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hin Ting WAN
- Croucher
Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zheyu CHENG
- Croucher
Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wing Yee CHAN
- Croucher
Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Thomas Ka Yam LAM
- State
Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Keng Po LAI
- Department
of Applied Science, Hong Kong Metropolitan
University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jianing WANG
- State
Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zongwei CAI
- State
Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chris Kong Chu WONG
- Croucher
Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
- State
Key Laboratory in Environmental and Biological Analysis, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR
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17
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Li H, Yang M, Zhao J, Tan Z, Li L, An Z, Liu Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Lu J, Li A, Guo H. Association of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure with Coronary Stenosis and Prognosis in Acute Coronary Syndrome. ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2025; 3:291-307. [PMID: 40144317 PMCID: PMC11934203 DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.4c00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 11/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2025]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), but the influence on the degree of coronary stenosis and prognosis is unclear. This study enrolled 571 newly diagnosed ACS cases and investigated the association of 12 PFAS with coronary stenosis severity and prognosis. Coronary stenosis was assessed via Gensini score (GS) and number of lesioned vessels (LVN). Prognosis was estimated by tracking major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Statistical analyses included ordered logistic regression, Cox regression, threshold effect models, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile g-computation models. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework was applied to reveal the underlying mechanism. The results showed positive association between perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and coronary stenosis, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1.33 (1.06, 1.67) for GS and 1.36 (1.08, 1.71) for LVN. PFOS significantly increased the incidence of poor prognosis, with hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.96 (1.34, 2.89) for MACE. Threshold effects were observed for PFAS on coronary stenosis and prognosis, with PFOS thresholds of 4.65 ng/mL for GS, 4.54 ng/mL for LVN, and 5.14 ng/mL for MACE, and 5.03 ng/mL for nonfatal myocardial infarction. PFAS mixture exposure increased the occurrence of MACE and nonfatal myocardial infarction. The AOP framework shows that PFAS may impact protein binding, the cytoskeleton, multicellular biological processes, and heart function. In summary, our study revealed the adverse effects of PFAS on the degree of coronary stenosis and prognosis in ACS and identified potentially relevant molecular loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Li
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
- Department
of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Hebei
Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department
of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School
of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Center
of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhao
- Department
of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School
of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Center
of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhenzhen Tan
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Ziwen An
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- Hebei
Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Core
Facilities
and Centers of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Jingchao Lu
- Department
of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei
Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department
of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School
of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Center
of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department
of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
- Hebei
Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
- The
Key Laboratory
of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry
of Education, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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18
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Du X, Li DL, Xu X, Wu Y, Du Z, Liang G, Li YZ, Zheng YJ, Qin Y, Qian K, Xu J, Gao L, Tao G, Pan CW, Zheng W. Effects of mixed exposure to PFAS on adolescent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Integrating evidence from human cohorts, toxicogenomics, and animal models to uncover mechanisms and potential target sites. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 485:136854. [PMID: 39706014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 11/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024]
Abstract
Extensive evidence suggests a correlation between environmental pollutants, specifically perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to investigate the association and underlying mechanisms of PFAS-induced NAFLD in adolescents by employing a comprehensive approach of population-based studies, toxicogenomics, and animal models. A total of 2014 freshmen from Dali University were recruited for this study, with 1694 participants undergoing serum testing for PFAS exposure. Additionally, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database analysis and PFAS exposure experiments were conducted by orally administering PFAS to 8-week-old adult C57/6 J mice for 28 days. Epidemiological analysis of the adolescent cohort revealed that perfluorohexanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid are significant risk factors for NAFLD in adolescents. Toxicogenomic analysis revealed that the negative regulation of gap junction assembly and glutathione derivative biosynthesis contributes to NAFLD development. Animal model studies further demonstrated that combined PFAS exposure led to pathological changes in hepatocytes, including inflammation and steatosis, elevated liver enzymes, cholestasis, and bile canalicular blockage. This study reveals that PFAS exposure serves as a significant risk factor for hepatic steatosis/NAFLD in adolescents. The activation of cytochrome P4502E1 and glutathione S-transferase A1 signaling highlights new molecular targets for PFAS-induced disruptions in hepatic lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiushuai Du
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dan-Lin Li
- School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xueming Xu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yitian Wu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Zhiyuan Du
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Gang Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yue-Zu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Ya-Jie Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, China; Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Kelei Qian
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Liping Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Gonghua Tao
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Chen-Wei Pan
- School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Water and Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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19
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Shin MW, Kim SH. Hidden link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pediatric obesity. Clin Exp Pediatr 2025; 68:199-222. [PMID: 39608365 PMCID: PMC11884955 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2024.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern. Among various contributing factors, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has gained recognition for its potential role. EDCs, including bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organochlorines, disrupt hormonal regulation and metabolic processes, contributing to alterations in fat storage, appetite regulation, and insulin sensitivity. This study offers a comprehensive review of the current research linking EDC exposure to pediatric obesity by integrating the findings from experimental and epidemiological studies. It also addresses the complexities of interpreting this evidence in the context of public health, highlighting the urgent need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Won Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin-Hye Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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20
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Wei Z, Chen J, Mei X, Yu Y. Association Between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and All-Cause Mortality in Diabetic Patients: Insights from a National Cohort Study and Toxicogenomic Analysis. TOXICS 2025; 13:168. [PMID: 40137495 PMCID: PMC11945897 DOI: 10.3390/toxics13030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2025] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of environmental contaminants associated with various health risks; however, their relationship with all-cause mortality in individuals with diabetes remains unclear. A total of 1256 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included to explore the association between seven PFAS compounds and all-cause mortality in diabetic patients. Preliminary logistic regression identified three PFAS compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS], and 2-(N-methyl-PFOSA) acetate acid [MPAH]) as significantly associated with mortality in the diabetic population. The optimal cut-off values for PFOS, PFOA, and MPAH were determined using the X-tile algorithm, and participants were categorized into high- and low-exposure groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationship between PFAS levels and mortality risk. The results showed that high levels of PFOS were significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality risk in diabetic patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.29), while PFOA and MPAH showed no significant associations. To explore mechanisms underlying the PFOS-mortality link, toxicogenomic analysis identified 95 overlapping genes associated with PFOS exposure and diabetes-related mortality using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and GeneCards. Functional enrichment analysis revealed key biological processes, such as glucose homeostasis and response to peptide hormone, with pathways including the longevity regulating pathway, apoptosis, and p53 signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction network analysis identified 10 hub genes, and PFOS was found to upregulate or downregulate their mRNA expression, protein activity, or protein expression, with notable effects on mRNA levels. These findings suggest that PFOS exposure contributes to increased mortality risk in diabetic patients through pathways related to glucose metabolism, apoptosis, and cellular signaling. Our study provides new insights into the association between PFAS and all-cause mortality in diabetes, highlighting the need for large-scale cohort studies and further in vivo and in vitro experiments to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxiao Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu 610061, China;
| | - Jinyu Chen
- Department of Tuberculosis, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu 610061, China;
| | - Xue Mei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu 610061, China;
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
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21
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Li Y, Guo B. GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis: molecular mechanisms, diseases and therapeutic targets. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2025; 6:11. [PMID: 39994107 PMCID: PMC11850691 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-025-00249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a regulated form of inflammatory cell death in which Gasdermin D (GSDMD) plays a central role as the key effector molecule. GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis is characterized by complex biological features and considerable heterogeneity in its expression, mechanisms, and functional outcomes across various tissues, cell types, and pathological microenvironments. This heterogeneity is particularly pronounced in inflammation-related diseases and tumors. In the context of inflammatory diseases, GSDMD expression is typically upregulated, and its activation in macrophages, neutrophils, T cells, epithelial cells, and mitochondria triggers both pyroptotic and non-pyroptotic pathways, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exacerbation of tissue damage. However, under certain conditions, GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis may also serve a protective immune function. The expression of GSDMD in tumors is regulated in a more complex manner, where it can either promote immune evasion or, in some instances, induce tumor cell death. As our understanding of GSDMD's role continues to progress, there have been advancements in the development of inhibitors targeting GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis; however, these therapeutic interventions remain in the preclinical phase. This review systematically examines the cellular and molecular complexities of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis, with a particular emphasis on its roles in inflammation-related diseases and cancer. Furthermore, it underscores the substantial therapeutic potential of GSDMD as a target for precision medicine, highlighting its promising clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Li
- Medical College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China.
| | - Bin Guo
- Medical College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Shandong Academy of Eye Disease Prevention and Therapy, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250002, China
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22
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Ye X, Zhong P, Chen Q, Zhou D, Luo J, Liang Y, Zhang J, Zhao L. PFOS-Induced Perturbations in Trophoblast Functions through the Oip5os1/miR-155/Rnd3 Axis in PE. Chem Res Toxicol 2025; 38:236-251. [PMID: 39807729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
The widespread use of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) has raised concerns regarding its potential on pregnant women, particularly in relation to the development of pre-eclampsia (PE). This study investigates the impact of PFOS exposure on the LncRNA/Rnd3 axis in pregnant mice and its association with trophoblast cell functions in PE. Bioinformatics analysis revealed PFOS-related gene alterations in PE, with pathways enriched in apoptotic signaling and cytokine interactions. Experimental findings showed the downregulation of Oip5os1 and Rnd3, along with the upregulation of miR-155, affecting trophoblast behavior. Animal experiments confirmed that PFOS-induced gene expression changes are linked to PE progression. PFOS exposure impairs trophoblast proliferation and migration via the Oip5os1/miR-155/Rnd3 axis, contributing to PE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Peiqu Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Qiongfang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Jieyu Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Youcai Liang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Jiayuan Zhang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
| | - Lijian Zhao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524000, China
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23
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Zhang G, Wei H, Zhao A, Yan X, Zhang X, Gan J, Guo M, Wang J, Zhang F, Jiang Y, Liu X, Yang Z, Jiang X. Mitochondrial DNA leakage: underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications in neurological disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2025; 22:34. [PMID: 39920753 PMCID: PMC11806845 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-025-03363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2025] [Indexed: 02/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a pivotal instigator of neuroinflammation, with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage as a critical intermediary. This review delineates the intricate pathways leading to mtDNA release, which include membrane permeabilization, vesicular trafficking, disruption of homeostatic regulation, and abnormalities in mitochondrial dynamics. The escaped mtDNA activates cytosolic DNA sensors, especially cyclic gmp-amp synthase (cGAS) signalling and inflammasome, initiating neuroinflammatory cascades via pathways, exacerbating a spectrum of neurological pathologies. The therapeutic promise of targeting mtDNA leakage is discussed in detail, underscoring the necessity for a multifaceted strategy that encompasses the preservation of mtDNA homeostasis, prevention of membrane leakage, reestablishment of mitochondrial dynamics, and inhibition the activation of cytosolic DNA sensors. Advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between mtDNA leakage and neuroinflammation is imperative for developing precision therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Huayuan Wei
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Anliu Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xu Yan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jiali Gan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Maojuan Guo
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Fayan Zhang
- Heart Disease Department, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yifang Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xinxing Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 10, Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New City West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China.
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24
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Li X, Hou M, Zhang F, Ji Z, Cai Y, Shi Y. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Female Health Concern: Gender-based Accumulation Differences, Adverse Outcomes, and Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:1469-1486. [PMID: 39803974 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c08701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2025]
Abstract
The deleterious health implications of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely recognized. Females, in contrast to males, exhibit unique pathways for PFAS exposure and excretion, leading to complex health outcomes. The health status of females is largely influenced by hormone-related processes. PFAS have been reported to be associated with various aspects of female health, including reproductive system disorders and pregnancy-related diseases. In this article, we provide insights into the correlations between PFAS and female-prevalent diseases. Current epidemiological and toxicological evidence has demonstrated that the adverse effects of PFAS on the health of the female reproductive system are primarily attributed to the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and hormonal homeostasis. However, these findings do not sufficiently elucidate the intricate associations between PFAS and specific diseases. Furthermore, autoimmune disorders, another category that is more prevalent in women compared to men, require additional investigation. Immune biomarkers pertinent to autoimmune disorders have been observed to be influenced by PFAS exposure, although epidemiological evidence is insufficient to substantiate these relations. Further thorough exploration encompassing epidemiological and toxicological studies is essential to elucidating the inherent influence of PFAS on human pathologies. Additionally, comprehensive investigations into female health issues beyond their reproductive functions is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Minmin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Environmental Science Research & Design Institute of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, HangzhouZhejiang310007, China
| | - Zhengquan Ji
- Environmental Science Research & Design Institute of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Technology of Zhejiang Province, HangzhouZhejiang310007, China
| | - Yaqi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yali Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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25
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Gao J, Li T, Guo W, Yan M, Liu J, Yao X, Lv M, Ding Y, Qin H, Wang M, Liu R, Liu J, Shi C, Shi J, Qu G, Jiang G. Arginine Metabolism Reprogramming in Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)-Induced Liver Injury. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:1506-1518. [PMID: 39792631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent pollutant that has gained worldwide attention, owing to its widespread presence in the environment. Previous studies have reported that PFOA upregulates lipid metabolism and is associated with liver injury in humans. However, when the fatty acid degradation pathway is activated, lipid accumulation still occurs, suggesting the presence of unknown pathways and mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. In this study, adult C57BL/6N mice were exposed to PFOA at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg/day. Using integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics, it was uncovered that arginine metabolism was differentially downregulated in all three groups. In vitro studies confirmed the downregulation of arginine metabolism in MIHA cell lines treated with PFOA. Supplementation of arginine could effectively rescue liver injury and downregulate the chemokine levels caused by PFOA. This finding highlights the contribution of arginine metabolism in maintaining liver health following PFOA exposure and suggests potential mechanisms of metabolic and immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Meilin Yan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Junran Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Xiaolong Yao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Meilin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Yun Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266237, China
| | - Hua Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Minghao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Sino-Danish College, Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, UCAS, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Runzeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266237, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Chunzhen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environment Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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26
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Bai M, Lei J, Li F, Wang X, Fu H, Yan Z, Zhu Y. Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins May Induce Ovarian Damage in Mice via AIM2- and NLRP12-PANoptosome. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:163-176. [PMID: 39754571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c08622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2025]
Abstract
Humans may intake 0.02 mg/kg/day of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and no study is available on mammalian ovarian damage caused by low-level SCCPs. In this study, four groups of 5-week-old female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were orally administered 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/kg/day SCCPs for 21 consecutive days, and serum and ovaries were collected 20 h after the last SCCPs-administration. SCCPs at ≥0.1 mg/kg/day were found to reduce follicle counts at each stage, induce dose-dependent oxidative stress in mice, and lower serum E2 and ovarian anti-Müllerian hormone levels. The data indicated that cellular PANoptosis increased in the ovaries of all SCCP-treated mice. Furthermore, AIM2- and NLRP12-PANoptosome gene and protein levels were considerably elevated. Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) in the cortical portion of the ovary exhibited substantial damage in all SCCP groups, additionally, the expression of FGSC marker genes and major marker proteins was diminished in the ovaries. Oral administration of SCCPs with 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/kg/day to mice resulted in PANoptosis of the ovaries. Therefore, it was suggested that the oral administration of ≥0.1 mg/kg/day of SCCPs suppressed ovarian function, which may be attributed to the fact that SCCPs induced the generation of AIM2- and NLRP12-PANoptosome in ovary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Bai
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jiawei Lei
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Fan Li
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xuning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Hu Fu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Zhengli Yan
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yongfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical school, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Fish Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
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Pandey A, Li Z, Gautam M, Ghosh A, Man SM. Molecular mechanisms of emerging inflammasome complexes and their activation and signaling in inflammation and pyroptosis. Immunol Rev 2025; 329:e13406. [PMID: 39351983 PMCID: PMC11742652 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2025]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes that assemble within the cytoplasm of mammalian cells in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), driving the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and pyroptosis. The best-characterized inflammasome complexes are the NLRP3, NAIP-NLRC4, NLRP1, AIM2, and Pyrin canonical caspase-1-containing inflammasomes, and the caspase-11 non-canonical inflammasome. Newer inflammasome sensor proteins have been identified, including NLRP6, NLRP7, NLRP9, NLRP10, NLRP11, NLRP12, CARD8, and MxA. These inflammasome sensors can sense PAMPs from bacteria, viruses and protozoa, or DAMPs in the form of mitochondrial damage, ROS, stress and heme. The mechanisms of action, physiological relevance, consequences in human diseases, and avenues for therapeutic intervention for these novel inflammasomes are beginning to be realized. Here, we discuss these emerging inflammasome complexes and their putative activation mechanisms, molecular and signaling pathways, and physiological roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanu Pandey
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Zheyi Li
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Manjul Gautam
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Aritra Ghosh
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Si Ming Man
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, The John Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
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28
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Sandys O, Stokkers PCF, Te Velde AA. DAMP-ing IBD: Extinguish the Fire and Prevent Smoldering. Dig Dis Sci 2025; 70:49-73. [PMID: 38963463 PMCID: PMC11761125 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08523-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the most promising therapies targeting cytokines or immune cell trafficking demonstrate around 40% efficacy. As IBD is a multifactorial inflammation of the intestinal tract, a single-target approach is unlikely to solve this problem, necessitating an alternative strategy that addresses its variability. One approach often overlooked by the pharmaceutically driven therapeutic options is to address the impact of environmental factors. This is somewhat surprising considering that IBD is increasingly viewed as a condition heavily influenced by such factors, including diet, stress, and environmental pollution-often referred to as the "Western lifestyle". In IBD, intestinal responses result from a complex interplay among the genetic background of the patient, molecules, cells, and the local inflammatory microenvironment where danger- and microbe-associated molecular patterns (D/MAMPs) provide an adjuvant-rich environment. Through activating DAMP receptors, this array of pro-inflammatory factors can stimulate, for example, the NLRP3 inflammasome-a major amplifier of the inflammatory response in IBD, and various immune cells via non-specific bystander activation of myeloid cells (e.g., macrophages) and lymphocytes (e.g., tissue-resident memory T cells). Current single-target biological treatment approaches can dampen the immune response, but without reducing exposure to environmental factors of IBD, e.g., by changing diet (reducing ultra-processed foods), the adjuvant-rich landscape is never resolved and continues to drive intestinal mucosal dysregulation. Thus, such treatment approaches are not enough to put out the inflammatory fire. The resultant smoldering, low-grade inflammation diminishes physiological resilience of the intestinal (micro)environment, perpetuating the state of chronic disease. Therefore, our hypothesis posits that successful interventions for IBD must address the complexity of the disease by simultaneously targeting all modifiable aspects: innate immunity cytokines and microbiota, adaptive immunity cells and cytokines, and factors that relate to the (micro)environment. Thus the disease can be comprehensively treated across the nano-, meso-, and microscales, rather than with a focus on single targets. A broader perspective on IBD treatment that also includes options to adapt the DAMPing (micro)environment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Sandys
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AmsterdamUMC, AGEM, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter C F Stokkers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLVG West, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anje A Te Velde
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, AmsterdamUMC, AGEM, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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29
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Mei J, Jiang J, Li Z, Pan Y, Xu K, Gao X, Yuan J, Li L, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhao A, Jiang S, Wang X, Yi S, Li S, Xue Y, Ma Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Li J, Chen C, Liu Y. Increased perfluorooctanoic acid accumulation facilitates the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells via remodeling cell mechanics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2408575121. [PMID: 39665760 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2408575121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/11/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in industrial and household products, raising serious concerns due to their environmental persistence and mobility. Epidemiological studies have reported potential carcinogenic risks of PFAS based on their widespread occurrence and population exposure. In this study, we observed that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a common PFAS, functions as a mechanical regulator in lung cancer cells. PFOA exposure reduces cell stiffness, thereby decreasing cell adhesion and enhancing immune evasion, ultimately exacerbating tumor metastasis. In various lung cancer models, more aggressive tumor metastases have been observed in the PFOA exposure group. Additionally, serum PFOA levels in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than those in patients with early-stage disease. Mechanistically, the interaction between PFOA and transmembrane integrins in cancer cells triggers changes in cellular mechanical properties, leading to the reorganization of the cytoskeleton, and activation of the intracellular FAK-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Our findings demonstrate that in individuals with lung adenocarcinoma, PFOA can increase the risk of cancer metastasis even at daily exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Mei
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Nano Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jipeng Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yue Pan
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ke Xu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Nano Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinglong Gao
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Nano Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Pathology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lili Li
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Liuxiang Wang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ailin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Shasha Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xinlian Wang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Nano Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaoqiong Yi
- National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shilin Li
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yueguang Xue
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yongfu Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Nano Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Liu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Nano Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Gómez-Olarte S, Mailänder V, Castro-Neves J, Stojanovska V, Schumacher A, Meyer N, Zenclussen AC. The ENDOMIX perspective: how everyday chemical mixtures impact human health and reproduction by targeting the immune system†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:1170-1187. [PMID: 39446589 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are natural and synthetic compounds found ubiquitously in the environment that interfere with the hormonal-immune axis, potentially impacting human health and reproduction. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been associated with numerous health risks, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, infertility, and cancers. Nevertheless, the current approach to establishing causality between these substances and disease outcomes has limitations. Epidemiological and experimental research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals faces challenges in accurately assessing chemical exposure and interpreting non-monotonic dose response curves. In addition, most studies have focused on single chemicals or simple mixtures, overlooking complex real-life exposures and mechanistic insights, in particular regarding endocrine-disrupting chemicals' impact on the immune system. The ENDOMIX project, funded by the EU's Horizon Health Program, addresses these challenges by integrating epidemiological, risk assessment, and immunotoxicology methodologies. This systemic approach comprises the triangulation of human cohort, in vitro, and in vivo data to determine the combined effects of chemical mixtures. The present review presents and discusses current literature regarding human reproduction in the context of immunotolerance and chemical disruption mode of action. It further underscores the ENDOMIX perspective to elucidate the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on immune-reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Gómez-Olarte
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Verena Mailänder
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Júlia Castro-Neves
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Violeta Stojanovska
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Perinatal Immunology, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Meyer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Perinatal Immunology, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Perinatal Immunology, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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31
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Phelps DW, Connors AM, Ferrero G, DeWitt JC, Yoder JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances alter innate immune function: evidence and data gaps. J Immunotoxicol 2024; 21:2343362. [PMID: 38712868 PMCID: PMC11249028 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2024.2343362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of compounds used in a variety of processes and consumer products. Their unique chemical properties make them ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants while also making them economically viable and socially convenient. To date, several reviews have been published to synthesize information regarding the immunotoxic effects of PFASs on the adaptive immune system. However, these reviews often do not include data on the impact of these compounds on innate immunity. Here, current literature is reviewed to identify and incorporate data regarding the effects of PFASs on innate immunity in humans, experimental models, and wildlife. Known mechanisms by which PFASs modulate innate immune function are also reviewed, including disruption of cell signaling, metabolism, and tissue-level effects. For PFASs where innate immune data are available, results are equivocal, raising additional questions about common mechanisms or pathways of toxicity, but highlighting that the innate immune system within several species can be perturbed by exposure to PFASs. Recommendations are provided for future research to inform hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk management practices for PFASs to protect the immune systems of exposed organisms as well as environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W. Phelps
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Ashley M. Connors
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Giuliano Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
| | - Jeffrey A. Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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32
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Gu F, Wang Z, Ding H, Tao X, Zhang J, Dai K, Li X, Shen H, Li H, Chen Z, Wang Z. Microglial mitochondrial DNA release contributes to neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage through activating AIM2 inflammasome. Exp Neurol 2024; 382:114950. [PMID: 39278588 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe disease that often leads to disability and death. Neuroinflammatory response is a key causative factor of early secondary brain injury after ICH. AIM2 is a DNA-sensing protein that recognizes cytosolic double-stranded DNA and take a significant part in neuroinflammation. Mitochondrial DNA participates in the translation of proteins such as the respiratory chain in the mitochondria. Whether mtDNA is involved in forming AIM2 inflammasome after ICH remains unclear. We used mice to construct ICH model in vivo and we used BV2 microglial cells treated with oxyhemoglobin to simulate ICH in vitro. Following lentiviral transfection to overexpress AIM2 antagonist P202, a notable decrease was observed in the levels of AIM2 inflammasome-associated proteins, leading to a reduction in dead neurons surrounding the hematoma and an enhancement in long-term and short-term behavior of neurological deficits. We further explored whether mtDNA took part in the AIM2 activation after ICH. The cytosolic mtDNA level was down-regulated by the mitochondrial division protector Mdivi-1 and up-regulated by transfection of mtDNA into cytoplasm. We found the expression level of AIM2 inflammasome-related proteins and inflammatory cytokines release were regulated by the cytosolic mtDNA level. In conclusion, after ICH, the mtDNA content in the cytoplasm of microglia around the hematoma rises, causing AIM2 inflammation leading to neuronal apoptosis, which leads to neurological deficits in mice. On the other hand, P202 was able to block inflammatory vesicle activation and improve neurological function by preventing the interaction between AIM2 protein and mitochondrial DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Zongqi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xinyu Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Juyi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Kun Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Zhouqing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
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Shang Q, Wu H, Wang K, Zhang M, Dou Y, Jiang X, Zhao Y, Zhao H, Chen ZJ, Wang J, Bian Y. Exposure to polystyrene microplastics during lactational period alters immune status in both male mice and their offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175371. [PMID: 39137849 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of microplastics and their harmful effects on the environment have emerged as serious concerns. However, the effect of microplastics on the immune system of mammals, particularly their offspring, has received little attention. In this study, polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) were orally administered to male mice during lactation. Flow cytometry was used to assess the immune cells in the spleens of both adult male mice and their offspring. The results showed that mice exposed to PS-MPs exhibited an increase in spleen weight and an elevated number of B and regulatory T cells (Tregs), irrespective of dosage. Furthermore, the F1 male offspring of the PS-MPs-exposed group had enlarged spleens; an increased number of B cells, T helper cells (Th cells), and Tregs; and an elevated ratio of T helper cells 17 (Th17 cells) to Tregs and T helper cells 1 (Th1 cells) to T helper cells 2 (Th2 cells). These results suggested a pro-inflammatory state in the spleen. In contrast, in the F1 female offspring exposed to PS-MPs, the changes in splenic immune cells were less pronounced. In the F2 generation of mice with exposed to PS-MPs, minimal alterations were observed in spleen immune cells and morphology. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that exposure to real human doses of PS-MPs during lactation in male mice altered the immune status, which can be passed on to F1 offspring but is not inherited across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Han Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ke Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Mengge Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yunde Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yueran Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Han Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Yuehong Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, 250012, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001), Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Li L, Ren J, Guo M, An Z, Duan W, Lv J, Tan Z, Yang J, Zhu Y, Yang H, Liu Y, Ma Y, Guo H. SAP130 mediates crosstalk between hepatocyte ferroptosis and M1 macrophage polarization in PFOS-induced hepatotoxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175612. [PMID: 39163934 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant widely utilized in industrial manufacturing and daily life, leading to significant environmental accumulation and various public health issues. This study aims to characterize spliceosome-associated protein 130 (SAP130) as a key mediator of crosstalk between hepatocytes and macrophages, elucidating its role in PFOS-induced liver inflammation. The data demonstrate that PFOS exposure induces ferroptosis in mouse liver and AML12 cells. During ferroptosis, SAP130 is released from injured hepatocytes into the microenvironment, binding to macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) and activating the Mincle/Syk signaling pathway in macrophages, ultimately promoting M1 polarization and exacerbating liver injury. Treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 reduces SAP130 release, inhibits Mincle/Syk signaling activation, and mitigates inflammatory response. Furthermore, siSAP130 suppresses the activation of the Mincle signaling pathway and M1 polarization in BMDM cells. Conversely, treatment with the ferroptosis agonist Erastin enhances paracrine secretion of SAP130 and exacerbates inflammation. These findings emphasize the significance of hepatocyte-macrophage crosstalk as a critical pathway for PFOS-induced liver injury in mice while highlighting SAP130 as a pivotal regulator of ferroptosis and inflammation, thereby elucidating the potential mechanism of PFOS-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Jingyi Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Mingmei Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Ziwen An
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Wenjing Duan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Junli Lv
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Tan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Yiming Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Huiling Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Yuxia Ma
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, PR China.
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Hao Y, Wang W, Zhang L, Li W. Pyroptosis in asthma: inflammatory phenotypes, immune and non-immune cells, and novel treatment approaches. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1452845. [PMID: 39611173 PMCID: PMC11603363 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1452845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory programmed cell death, and is activated by pathogen infections or endogenous danger signals. The canonical pyroptosis process is characterized by the inflammasome (typically NLRP3)-mediated activation of caspase-1, which in turn cleaves and activates IL-1β and IL-18, as well as gasdermin D, which is a pore-forming executor protein, leading to cell membrane rupture, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. Pyroptosis is considered a part of the innate immune response. A certain level of pyroptosis can help eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, but excessive pyroptosis can lead to persistent inflammatory responses, and cause tissue damage. In recent years, pyroptosis has emerged as a crucial contributor to the development of chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases, such as asthma. The present study reviews the involvement of pyroptosis in the development of asthma, in terms of its role in different inflammatory phenotypes of the disease, and its influence on various immune and non-immune cells in the airway. In addition, the potential therapeutic value of targeting pyroptosis for the treatment of specific phenotypes of asthma is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiu Hao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenrui Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, Digestive Diseases Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Hanvoravongchai J, Laochindawat M, Kimura Y, Mise N, Ichihara S. Clinical, histological, molecular, and toxicokinetic renal outcomes of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure: Systematic review and meta-analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 368:143745. [PMID: 39542374 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 11/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals present in the environment that can negatively affect health. Kidney is the major target organ of PFAS exposure, yet the renal impact of PFAS is not completely understood. Here we review the effects of PFAS exposure on kidney health to identify gaps in our understanding and mark potential avenues for future research. METHODS PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies that examined the association between PFAS exposure and kidney-related outcomes. We included all epidemiological, animal, and cell studies and categorized outcomes into four categories: clinical, histological, molecular and toxicokinetic. RESULTS We identified 169 studies, including 51 on clinical outcomes, 28 on histological changes, 42 on molecular mechanisms, and 68 on toxicokinetics. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure were associated with kidney dysfunction, chronic kidney diseases, and increased risk of kidney cancer. Various histological changes were reported, especially in tubular epithelial cells, and the etiology of PFAS-induced kidney injury included various molecular mechanisms. Although PFOA and PFOS are not considered genotoxic, they exhibit several characteristics of carcinogens. Toxicokinetics of PFOA and PFOS differed significantly between species, with renal elimination influenced by various factors such as sex, age, and structure of the compound. CONCLUSION Evidence suggests that PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, negatively affects kidney health, though gaps in our understanding of such effects call for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jidapa Hanvoravongchai
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Methasit Laochindawat
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yusuke Kimura
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Nathan Mise
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Sahoko Ichihara
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan.
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Xu T, Zhong X, Luo N, Ma W, Hao P. Review of Excessive Cytosolic DNA and Its Role in AIM2 and cGAS-STING Mediated Psoriasis Development. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2024; 17:2345-2357. [PMID: 39464745 PMCID: PMC11512523 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s476785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
In psoriasis, keratinocytes are triggered by factors, such as infection or tissue damage, to release DNA, which thereby activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells and macrophages to induce inflammation, thickened epidermis, and parakeratosis. The recognition of double-stranded (ds)DNA facilitates the activation of cytoplasmic DNA sensors absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome assembly and cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) - stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway, both of which play a pivotal role in mediating the inflammatory response and driving the progression of psoriasis. Additionally, secreted proinflammatory cytokines can stimulate further DNA release from keratinocytes. Notably, the activation of AIM2 and cGAS-STING signaling pathways also mediates programmed cell death, potentially enhancing DNA overproduction. As a result, excessive DNA can activate these pathways, amplifying persistent inflammatory responses that contribute to the maintenance of psoriasis. Several studies have validated that targeting DNA and its mediated activation of AIM2 and cGAS-STING offers promising therapeutic strategies for psoriasis. Here, we postulate a hypothesis that excessive cytosolic DNA can activate AIM2 and cGAS-STING, mediating inflammation and programmed cell death, ultimately fostering DNA accumulation and contributing to the development of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Zhong
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nana Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenyi Ma
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pingsheng Hao
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
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Aker A, Courtemanche Y, Ayotte P, Robert P, Gaudreau É, Lemire M. Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and respiratory health in an Inuit community. Environ Health 2024; 23:83. [PMID: 39394583 PMCID: PMC11470554 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concentrations of plasma per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are elevated in the Inuit population of Nunavik and may be causing adverse health effects. Respiratory health outcomes have been associated with PFAS, but have not been explored in Inuit communities. The aim of the study was to examine the association between PFAS and respiratory health outcomes, and the moderating role of nutritional biomarkers. METHODS We included up to 1298 participants of the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 survey aged 16-80 years. Generalized regression models were used to estimate the associations between six individual PFAS congeners and four self-reported symptoms, four spirometry measures, and physician-diagnosed asthma. Outcomes associated with PFAS from single chemical models were further explored using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). The modifying effect of n-3 PUFA in red blood cell quartiles and vitamin D deficiency were examined on the associations between PFAS and respiratory outcomes. RESULTS PFNA and PFOS were associated with asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 2.32; OR 1.45 95% CI 1.04, 2.03). PFOA, PFNA, PFDA and PFHxS were associated with a decrease in the ratio between the forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). No associations were observed with self-reported respiratory symptoms. No associations were observed between a PFAS mixture and asthma. Some associations were modified by nutritional factors, namely, stronger associations between PFOA and PFHxS and asthma with lower n-3 PUFA levels and stronger associations between PFDA, PFUnDA and PFOS and FEV1/FVC with vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSION These findings add to the growing literature on the impacts of PFAS on respiratory health, and the importance of their global regulation. Associations were modified by nutritional factors pointing to the nutritional value of traditional Inuit foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Aker
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, US.
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, US.
| | - Yohann Courtemanche
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philippe Robert
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Gaudreau
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec- Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
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Lucas JH, Wang Q, Pang C, Rahman I. Developmental perfluorooctane sulfonic acid exposure exacerbates house dust mite induced allergic responses in adult mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:173768. [PMID: 38844226 PMCID: PMC11260234 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), a persistent organic pollutant, which has been used in aqueous film-forming foams. Emerging epidemiological evidence indicates a significant body burden of PFOS is observed in the lungs. Furthermore, developmental PFOS exposure dysregulates lung development and exacerbates eosinophilic inflammation, which are critical risk factors for asthma. However, it is unknown whether PFOS exerts sex-dependent effects on house dust mite (HDM) induced asthmatic progression and allergic inflammation. In this study, timed pregnant Balb/cJ dams were dosed orally via PFOS (1.0 mg/kg/d) spiked or vehicle control mealworms from gestational day (GD) 0.5 to postnatal day (PND) 21. Subsequently, HDM (30 μg/day) was administered starting at PND 77-82 for 10 days, and the mice were sacrificed 48 h after their final treatment. The serum and lung PFOS concentrations were 3.391 ± 0.189 μg/mL and 3.567 ± 0.1676 μg/g in the offspring, respectively. Male mice exposed to PFOS + HDM showed higher total cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), macrophage counts, and eosinophil counts compared to mice exposed to HDM alone. Female mice exposed to PFOS + HDM had increased BALF eosinophil percentage, mucous production, alternatively activated (M2) macrophage polarization, and M2-associated gene expression compared to female mice exposed to HDM alone. PFOS exposure had no significant effect on HDM-induced IL-4, IL-5, or IL-13, but RANTES was further elevated in female mice. Overall, our data suggest that developmental PFOS exposure increased the risk of exacerbated eosinophilic inflammation and M2 polarization, which were more severe in female mice, suggesting sex-dependent developmental effects of PFOS on allergic airway responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Lucas
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Qixin Wang
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Cortney Pang
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Yao D, Shao J, Jia D, Sun W. Immunotoxicity of legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on zebrafish larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124511. [PMID: 38977121 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS) are increasingly used as alternatives for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). However, their immunotoxicity and underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, to assess immunotoxic effects, zebrafish embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, HFPO-DA, and PFECHS for four days. Results revealed that all four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) resulted in decreased heart rate and spontaneous movement, and induced oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae. Notably, HFPO-DA exhibited more severe oxidative stress than PFOA. Immune dysfunction was observed, characterized by elevated cytokine, complement factor, nitric oxide, and neutrophil content, along with a significant decrease in lysozyme content. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)/NOD-like receptor (NLR)/RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) and associated downstream genes, indicating their pivotal role in PFAS-induced immunomodulation. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated stable interactions between PFAS and key receptors (TLR2, NOD2 and RIG-I). Overall, HFPO-DA and PFECHS exhibited immunotoxic effects in zebrafish larvae similar to legacy PFAS, providing important information for understanding the toxic mode of action of these emerging alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdiao Yao
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, The Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China.
| | - Jian Shao
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, The Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Dantong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Ren S, Liang P, Feng R, Yang W, Qiu T, Zhang J, Li Q, Yang G, Sun X, Yao X. The phosphorylation of Smad3 by CaMKIIγ leads to the hepatocyte pyroptosis under perfluorooctane sulfonate exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116924. [PMID: 39181077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant and accumulated in the liver of mammals. PFOS exposure is closely associated with the development of pyroptosis. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We found here that PFOS induced pyroptosis in the mice liver and L-02 cells as demonstrated by activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, gasdermin D cleavage and increased release of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. The level of cytoplasmic calcium was accelerated in hepatocytes upon exposure to PFOS. The phosphorylated/activated form of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was augmented by PFOS in vivo and in vitro. PFOS-induced pyroptosis was relieved by CaMKII inhibitor. Among various CaMKII subtypes, we identified that CaMKIIγ was activated specifically by PFOS. CaMKIIγ interacted with Smad family member 3 (Smad3) under PFOS exposure. PFOS increased the phosphorylation of Smad3, and CaMKII inhibitor or CaMKIIγ siRNA alleviated PFOS-caused phosphorylation of Smad3. Inhibiting Smad3 activity was found to alleviate PFOS-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis. This study puts forward that CaMKIIγ-Smad3 is the linkage between calcium homeostasis disturbance and pyroptosis, providing a mechanistic explanation for PFOS-induced pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Ren
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Peiyao Liang
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Ruzhen Feng
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Tianming Qiu
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China.
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Qiujuan Li
- Department of Nutrition, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Nutrition, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Xiance Sun
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yao
- Department of Occupation and Environment Health, Dalian Medical University, 9 Lvshun South Road, Dalian, China.
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McCall JR, Sausman KT, Brown AP, Mead RN. In vitro cytotoxicity of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human immune cell lines. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 100:105910. [PMID: 39047989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent long-lived chemicals with global environmental contamination. The published literature is rife with confusing and sometimes contradictory effects of PFAS on animal and cell models, as well as epidemiological studies. Cytotoxicity studies are often used as an early indicator to guide safety requirements, regulation, and further studies and thus can be useful to understand important toxicity differences by various PFAS. Recent studies have found that PFAS are not equivalently toxic on all cell types, and that not all cell types exhibit the same sensitivity to individual PFAS. However, immune cells have not been well studied. As immune cells are important for regulating responses to environmental toxins, infection, and cancer, we sought to discover the sensitivity of these cells to various PFAS, including legacy and replacement compounds. We assessed a range of concentrations and found that immune cells are generally more robust when exposed to PFAS, and that Jurkat T-cells were more sensitive than THP-1 monocytes. As monocytes are critical for coordinating inflammatory responses to external threats with cell death cascades, we further investigated these cells. We discovered that THP-1 cells do not undergo organized or programmed death, such as apoptosis or pyroptosis, and instead PFAS exposure results in a more necrotic/lytic and unorganized death, likely contributing to potential inflammatory effects downstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R McCall
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA.
| | - Kathryn T Sausman
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
| | - Ariel P Brown
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
| | - Ralph N Mead
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA; Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
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Liu Y, Pan R, Ouyang Y, Gu W, Xiao T, Yang H, Tang L, Wang H, Xiang B, Chen P. Pyroptosis in health and disease: mechanisms, regulation and clinical perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:245. [PMID: 39300122 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01958-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by cell swelling and osmotic lysis, resulting in cytomembrane rupture and release of immunostimulatory components, which play a role in several pathological processes. Significant cellular responses to various stimuli involve the formation of inflammasomes, maturation of inflammatory caspases, and caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermin. The function of pyroptosis in disease is complex but not a simple angelic or demonic role. While inflammatory diseases such as sepsis are associated with uncontrollable pyroptosis, the potent immune response induced by pyroptosis can be exploited as a therapeutic target for anti-tumor therapy. Thus, a comprehensive review of the role of pyroptosis in disease is crucial for further research and clinical translation from bench to bedside. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in understanding the role of pyroptosis in disease, covering the related development history, molecular mechanisms including canonical, non-canonical, caspase 3/8, and granzyme-mediated pathways, and its regulatory function in health and multiple diseases. Moreover, this review also provides updates on promising therapeutic strategies by applying novel small molecule inhibitors and traditional medicines to regulate pyroptosis. The present dilemmas and future directions in the landscape of pyroptosis are also discussed from a clinical perspective, providing clues for scientists to develop novel drugs targeting pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87th Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan province, China
| | - Renjie Pan
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yuzhen Ouyang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87th Xiangya road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan province, China
| | - Wangning Gu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Tengfei Xiao
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Hongmin Yang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Ling Tang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Hui Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China.
| | - Pan Chen
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China.
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Qu R, Wang J, Li X, Zhang Y, Yin T, Yang P. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Affect Female Reproductive Health: Epidemiological Evidence and Underlying Mechanisms. TOXICS 2024; 12:678. [PMID: 39330606 PMCID: PMC11435644 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12090678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been extensively used across numerous industries and consumer goods. Due to their high persistence and mobility, they are ubiquitous in the environment. Exposure to PFAS occurs in people via multiple pathways such as dermal contact, water supply, air inhalation, and dietary intake. Even if some PFAS are being phased out because of their persistent presence in the environment and harmful impacts on human health, mixes of replacement and legacy PFAS will continue to pollute the ecosystem. Numerous toxicological investigations have revealed harmful effects of PFAS exposure on female reproductive health, e.g., polycystic ovaries syndrome, premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, reproductive system tumors, pregnancy complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite extensive epidemiological studies on the reproductive toxicity of PFAS, research findings remain inconsistent, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this review, we give an in-depth description of the sources and pathways of PFAS, and then review the reproductive toxicity of PFAS and its possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Jinan University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Li Y, Tian L, Li S, Chen X, Lei F, Bao J, Wu Q, Wen Y, Jie Y. Disrupted mitochondrial transcription factor A expression promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and enhances ocular surface inflammation by activating the absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 222:106-121. [PMID: 38797339 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Severe dry eye disease causes ocular surface damage, which is highly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is essential for packaging mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and is crucial for maintaining mitochondrial function. Herein, we aimed to explore the effect of a decreased TFAM expression on ocular surface damage. METHODS Female C57BL/6 mice were induced ocular surface injury by topical administrating benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were stimulated by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to create oxidative stress damage. HCECs with TFAM knockdown were established. RNA sequencing was employed to analyze the whole-genome expression. Mitochondrial changes were measured by transmission electron microscopy, Seahorse metabolic flux analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mtDNA copy number. TFAM expression and inflammatory cytokines were determined using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. RESULTS In both the corneas of BAC-treated mice and t-BHP-induced HCECs, we observed impaired TFAM expression, accompanied by mitochondrial structure and function defects. TFAM downregulation in HCECs suppressed mitochondrial respiratory capacity, reduced mtDNA content, induced mtDNA leakage into the cytoplasm, and led to inflammation. RNA sequencing revealed the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome was activated in the corneas of BAC-treated mice. The AIM2 inflammasome activation was confirmed in TFAM knockdown HCECs. TFAM knockdown in t-BHP-stimulated HCECs aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction and the AIM2 inflammasome activation, thereby further triggering the secretion of inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL) -1β and IL-18. CONCLUSIONS TFAM reduction impaired mitochondrial function, activated AIM2 inflammasome and promoted ocular surface inflammation, revealing an underlying molecular mechanism for ocular surface disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Lei Tian
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Siyuan Li
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Xiaoniao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Fengyang Lei
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Jiayu Bao
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Qianru Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Ya Wen
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Ying Jie
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100005, China.
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Taylor BD, Noah AI, Adekanmbi V, Zhang Y, Berenson AB. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances May Be Correlated With Chlamydia trachomatis: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2016. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:750-756. [PMID: 38752649 PMCID: PMC11371533 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alter immune function increasing infectious diseases risk. We examined the relationship between PFAS and chlamydia. METHODS A total of 3965 nonpregnant adults ages 18-39 years from the National Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2016 cycles were included. Poisson regression with robust error variance estimated the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals for the association between PFAS and chlamydia. A g computation model was used to examine PFAS mixtures and chlamydia. RESULTS In adjusted age and sex-stratified models, an increase in PFAS mixtures by one quintile was associated with chlamydia in older males and younger females. Associations were not observed before stratification. CONCLUSIONS PFAS exposure associated with higher chlamydia prevalence, but only in stratified models suggesting biological differences by gender and age. However, small sample sizes could have affected the precision of our models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandie DePaoli Taylor
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (B.D.T., A.N., V.A., A.B.); Department of Population Health and Health Disparities, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (B.D.T.); Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (B.D.T., V.A., A.B.); and Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas (Y.Z.)
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Wu LY, Zhang JL, Zeeshan M, Zhou Y, Zhang YT, He WT, Jin N, Dai Y, Chi W, Ou Z, Dong GH, Lin LZ. Caspase-8 promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates eye development defects in zebrafish larvae exposed to perfulorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124252. [PMID: 38815886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence showed that serum high perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels are associated with multiple eye related diseases, but the potential underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Zebrafish and photoreceptor cell (661w) models were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of PFOS induced eye development defects. Our results showed a novel molecular mechanism of PFOS-induced inflammation response-mediated photoreceptor cell death associated with eye development defects. Inhibition of Caspase-8 activation significantly decreased photoreceptor cell death in PFOS exposure. Mechanistically, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mediates activation of Caspase-8 promote activation of NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to elicit maturation of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) via Caspase-1 activation, facilitating photoreceptor cell inflammation damage in PFOS exposure. In addition, we also made a novel finding that Caspase-3 activation was increased via Caspase-8 activation and directly intensified cell death. Our results show the important role of Caspase-8 activation in PFOS induced eye development defects and highlight Caspase-8 mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammation triggers activation of Caspase-1 and promote the maturation of IL-1β in retinal inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yin Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jing-Lin Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yun-Ting Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wan-Ting He
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Nanxiang Jin
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ye Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zejin Ou
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Zhao L, Liao M, Li L, Chen L, Zhang T, Li R. Cadmium activates the innate immune system through the AIM2 inflammasome. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 399:111122. [PMID: 38944328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widely used heavy metal and has recently been recognized as a possible source of human toxicity due to its ability to accumulate in organs. Accumulation of heavy metals has several adverse effects, including inducing inflammation, in multiple organs, such as the testis. However, how Cd ions are sensed by host cells and how tissue inflammation eventually occurs remains unclear. Here, we show that Cd activates the AIM2 inflammasome by mediating genomic DNA release into the cytoplasm after DNA damage via oxidative stress, to trigger IL-1β secretion and pyroptosis. Specifically, the toxicity effects induced by Cd in cells were prevented by melatonin, which served as an antagonist of oxidative stress. Accordingly, in a mouse model, Cd-induced inflammation in the testis and consequential male reproductive dysfunction were effectively reversed by melatonin. Thus, our results suggest a function of AIM2 in Cd-mediated testis inflammation and identify AIM2 as a major pattern recognition receptor in response to heavy metal Cd ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Mingxing Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Lianbing Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Linbo Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 401120, China
| | - Tianfeng Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 401120, China.
| | - Renyan Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Agricultural Biogenomics, Changsha Medical University, Hunan, 410219, China.
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Li H, Wang XR, Hu YF, Xiong YW, Zhu HL, Huang YC, Wang H. Advances in immunology of male reproductive toxicity induced by common environmental pollutants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108898. [PMID: 39047547 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to an ever-increasing number of environmental toxicants, some of which have gradually been identified as major risk factors for male reproductive health, even associated with male infertility. Male infertility is usually due to the reproductive system damage, which may be influenced by the exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals, plasticizers, along with genetics and lifestyle. Testicular immune microenvironment (TIM) is important in maintaining normal physiological functions of the testis, whether disturbed TIM after exposure to environmental toxicants could induce reproductive toxicity remains to be explored. Therefore, the current review aims to contribute to the further understanding of exposure and male infertility by characterizing environmental exposures and the effect on TIM. We first summarized the male reproductive toxicity phenotypes induced by common environmental pollutants. Contaminants including heavy metals and plastic additives and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), have been repetitively associated with male infertility, whereas emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl substances and micro(nano)plastics have also been found to disrupt TIM and lead to male reproductive toxicity. We further reviewed the importance of TIM and its homeostasis in maintaining the normal physiological functions of the testis. Most importantly, we discussed the advances in immunology of male reproductive toxicity induced by metals and metalloids, plastic additives, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), micro(nano)plastic and PM2.5 to suggest the importance of reproductive immunotoxicology in the future study of environmental toxicants, but also contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for mitigating adverse effects of environmental pollutants on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Xin-Run Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yi-Fan Hu
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yi-Chao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230000, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230000, China.
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Wang Y, Fang N, Wang Y, Geng Y, Li Y. Activating MC4R Promotes Functional Recovery by Repressing Oxidative Stress-Mediated AIM2 Activation Post-spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6101-6118. [PMID: 38277117 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03936-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive neurological trauma that induces permanent sensory and motor impairment as well as a deficit in autonomic physiological function. Melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) is a G protein-linked receptor that is extensively expressed in the neural system and contributes to inhibiting inflammation, regulating mitochondrial function, and inducing programmed cell death. However, the effect of MC4R in the modulation of oxidative stress and whether this mechanism is related to the role of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) in SCI are not confirmed yet. In the current study, we demonstrated that MC4R is significantly increased in the neurons of spinal cords after trauma and oxidative stimulation of cells. Further, activation of MC4R by RO27-3225 effectively improved functional recovery, inhibited AIM2 activation, maintained mitochondrial homeostasis, repressed oxidative stress, and prevented Drp1 translocation to the mitochondria. Meanwhile, treating Drp1 inhibitors would be beneficial in reducing AIM2 activation, and activating AIM2 could abolish the protective effect of MC4R on neuron homeostasis. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MC4R protects against neural injury through a novel process by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, as well as AIM2 activation, which may serve as an available candidate for SCI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Huzhou Central Hospital, Huzhou Basic and Clinical Translation of Orthopaedics Key Laboratory, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nongtao Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yikang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yibo Geng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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