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Petrescu AD, Venter J, Danilenko DD, Medina D, Grant S, An SY, Williams E, Mireles P, Rhodes K, Tjahja M, DeMorrow S. Exposure to Gulf war illness-related chemicals exacerbates alcohol-induced liver damage in rodents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14981. [PMID: 38951546 PMCID: PMC11217429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65638-5] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) describes a series of symptoms suffered by veterans of the Gulf war, consisting of cognitive, neurological and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Two chemicals associated with GWI are the insecticide permethrin (PER) and the nerve gas prophylactic pyridostigmine-bromide (PB). In this study we assessed the effects of PER and PB exposure on the pathology and subsequent alcohol (EtOH)-induced liver injury, and the influence of a macrophage depletor, PLX3397, on EtOH-induced liver damage in PER/PB-treated mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected daily with vehicle or PER/PB for 10 days, followed by 4 months recovery, then treatment with PLX3397 and a chronic-plus-single-binge EtOH challenge for 10 days. PER/PB exposure resulted in the protracted increase in liver transaminases in the serum and induced chronic low-level microvesicular steatosis and inflammation in GWI vs Naïve mice up to 4 months after cessation of exposure. Furthermore, prior exposure to PER/PB also resulted in exacerbated response to EtOH-induced liver injury, with enhanced steatosis, ductular reaction and fibrosis. The enhanced EtOH-induced liver damage in GWI-mice was attenuated by strategies designed to deplete macrophages in the liver. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to GWI-related chemicals may alter the liver's response to subsequent ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca D Petrescu
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Juliet Venter
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Daria D Danilenko
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Daniela Medina
- Department of Health and Societies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Stephanie Grant
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Su Yeon An
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Elaina Williams
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Patrick Mireles
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Kathryn Rhodes
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
| | - Matthew Tjahja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, 76502, USA
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Liu Y, Jin R, Lv Q, Zhang Q, Zheng M. Screening and Evaluation of Children's Sensitively Toxic Chemicals in New Mosquito Repellent Products Based on a Nationwide Investigation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2704-2715. [PMID: 38286788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10510] [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: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
New mosquito repellent products (NMRPs) are emerging popular repellents among children. There are increasing reports on children's sensitization reactions caused by NMRPs, while regulations on their productions, sales, or usage are still lacking. One of the reasons could be the missing comprehensive risk assessment. We first conducted a nationwide investigation on children's NMRP usage preferences. Then, we high-throughput screened volatile or semivolatile organic chemicals (VOCs/SVOCs) in five representative NMRPs by the headspace gas chromatography-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry analytical method. After that, toxic compounds were recognized based on the toxicity forecaster (ToxCast) database. A total of 277 VOCs/SVOCs were recognized, and 70 of them were identified as toxic compounds. In a combination of concentrations, toxicities, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics in the body, 28 chemicals were finally proposed as priority-controlled compounds in NMRPs. Exposure risks of recognized toxic chemicals through NMRPs by inhalation and dermal intake for children across the country were also assessed. Average daily intakes were in the range of 0.20-7.31 mg/kg/day for children in different provinces, and the children in southeastern coastal provinces were found to face higher exposure risks. By controlling the high-priority chemicals, the risks were expected to be reduced by about 46.8% on average. Results of this study are therefore believed to evaluate exposure risks, encourage safe production, and promote reasonable management of NMRPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Liu
- 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
- College of Resource and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rong Jin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qing Lv
- Key Laboratory of Consumer Product Quality Safety Inspection and Risk Assessment for State Market Regulation, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Consumer Product Quality Safety Inspection and Risk Assessment for State Market Regulation, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Minghui Zheng
- 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
- College of Resource and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Petrescu A, Venter J, Danilenko DD, Medina D, Grant S, An SY, Williams E, Mireles P, Tjahja M, DeMorrow S. Exposure to Gulf war illness-related chemicals exacerbates alcohol- induced liver damage in rodents. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3838282. [PMID: 38313276 PMCID: PMC10836102 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3838282/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) describes a series of symptoms suffered by veterans of the Gulf war consisting of cognitive, neurological and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Two chemicals associated with GWI are the insecticide permethrin (PER) and the nerve gas prophylactic pyridostigmine-bromide (PB). In this study we assessed the effects of PER and PB exposure on pathology and subsequent alcohol (EtOH)-induced liver injury, and the influence of a macrophage depletor, PLX3397, on EtOH-induced liver damage in PER/PB- treated mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected daily with vehicle or PER/PB for 10 days, followed by 4 months recovery, then treatment with PLX3397 and a chronic-plus-single-binge EtOH challenge for 10 days. PER/PB exposure resulted in the protracted increase in liver transaminases in the serum and induced chronic low-level microvesicular steatosis and inflammation in GWI vs Naïve mice up to 4 months after cessation of exposure. Furthermore, prior exposure to PER/PB also resulted in exacerbated response to EtOH-induced liver injury, with enhanced steatosis, ductular reaction and fibrosis. The enhanced EtOH-induced liver damage in GWI-mice was attenuated by strategies designed to deplete macrophages in the liver. Taken together, these data suggest that exposure to GWI-related chemicals may alter the liver's response to subsequent ethanol exposure.
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Bhatti G, Villalon A, Li R, Elammari M, Price A, Steele L, Garcia JM, Marcelli M, Jorge R. Hormonal changes in veterans with Gulf War Illness. Life Sci 2023; 328:121908. [PMID: 37406768 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121908] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a multi-system condition of complex etiology and pathophysiology without specific treatment. There is an overlap between the symptoms of GWI and endocrinopathies. This study aimed to identify hormonal alterations in 1990-91 Gulf War (GW) veterans and the relationship between GWI and hormonal dysregulation. MAIN METHODS Data from 81 GW veterans (54 with GWI and 27 controls without GWI) was analyzed in a cross-sectional, case-control observational study. Participants completed multiple questionnaires, neuropsychiatric assessments, and a comprehensive set of hormone assays including a glucagon stimulation test (GST) for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) and a high-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test for adrenal insufficiency. KEY FINDINGS The GWI group had lower quality of life and greater severity of all symptoms compared to controls. Pain intensity and pain-related interference with general activity were also higher in the GWI group. AGHD was observed in 18 of 51 veterans with GWI (35.3 %) and 2 of 26 veterans without GWI (7.7 %) (p = 0.012 for interaction). Veterans with GWI also exhibited reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and IGF-1 Z-scores compared to controls. One participant with GWI met the criteria for adrenal insufficiency. No significant changes were observed in other hormonal axes. SIGNIFICANCE The frequency of AGHD was significantly higher in veterans with GWI compared to controls. Recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) may become a breakthrough therapeutic option for this subgroup. A large clinical trial is needed to evaluate the efficacy of GHRT in patients with GWI and AGHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gursimrat Bhatti
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Beth K and Stuart C Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Audri Villalon
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Beth K and Stuart C Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ruosha Li
- UT Health Science Center School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mohamed Elammari
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Beth K and Stuart C Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexandra Price
- Beth K and Stuart C Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lea Steele
- Beth K and Stuart C Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jose M Garcia
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine-Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Jorge
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Beth K and Stuart C Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Ruíz-Arias MA, Medina-Díaz IM, Bernal-Hernández YY, Agraz-Cibrián JM, González-Arias CA, Barrón-Vivanco BS, Herrera-Moreno JF, Verdín-Betancourt FA, Zambrano-Zaragoza JF, Rojas-García AE. Hematological indices as indicators of inflammation induced by exposure to pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:19466-19476. [PMID: 36239889 PMCID: PMC9561311 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide toxicity, both acute and chronic, is a global public health concern. Pesticides are involved in abnormal inflammatory responses by interfering with the normal physiology and metabolic status of cells. In this regard, inflammatory indices aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune inflammation index, and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) have been used as predictive markers of inflammatory status in several diseases and also in acute poisoning events. This study aimed to determine systemic inflammation indices and their relationship with pesticide exposure from urban sprayers in 302 individuals categorized into three groups (reference group and moderate and high exposure groups). The data suggest that the AISI, MLR, NLPR, and SIRI indices were significantly higher in the exposed groups compared with the reference group. In conclusion, this study proposes that inflammation indices warrant further attention in order to assess their value as early biomarkers of acute and chronic pesticide intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alfonso Ruíz-Arias
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológico Agropecuarias. Área de Ciencias Ambientales. Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Km. 9 Carretera Tepic-Compostela, Xalisco, Nayarit, México
| | - Irma Martha Medina-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - Yael Yvette Bernal-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - Juan Manuel Agraz-Cibrián
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - Cyndia Azucena González-Arias
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - Briscia Socorro Barrón-Vivanco
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - José Francisco Herrera-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - Francisco Alberto Verdín-Betancourt
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - José Francisco Zambrano-Zaragoza
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México
| | - Aurora Elizabeth Rojas-García
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Ciudad de La Cultura S/N. Col. Centro, Tepic, 63000, Nayarit, México.
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Cui Q, Zhu X, Guan G, Hui R, Zhu L, Wang J. Association of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) with obesity among adult participants: Results from NHANES 2007-2016. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135669. [PMID: 35835239 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135669] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) exposure and obesity-related outcomes in the general adult population using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS This cross-sectional study examined the data from the NHANES from 2007 to 2016 and totally evaluated 8,770 individuals. DEET's primary oxidative metabolite, 3-(diethylcarbamoyl) benzoic acid (DCBA), is a sensitive and specific indicator of DEET exposure. DCBA was divided into three groups based on the interquartile range. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used to define obesity and abdominal obesity, respectively. The association among DCBA and obesity-related outcomes was evaluated using a multivariable linear and logistic regression model. RESULTS Overall, median age of participants was 46.0 (IQR 31.0, 59.0) years, with 4295 (49.2%) men, while median BMI and WC were 27.8 (24.0, 32.0) and 29.6 (86.6, 108.1) kg/m2, respectively. Approximately 3,251 (35.9%) cases of obesity and 4,778 cases (54.4%) of abdominal obesity were observed. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, as the tertiles of DCBA increased, BMI and WC monotonically increased regardless of the adjustments (all p for trend <0.01). By referring the lowest tertile of DCBA, the highest tertile was associated with a higher BMI (β = 0.83, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.45, 1.21]; p < 0.001) and WC (β = 1.59, 95% CI [0.59, 2.60]; p = 0.002). The multivariate odds ratios (95% CI) for obesity increased monotonically as 1.18 (0.97-1.44) and 1.36 (1.15-1.61) (p for trend 0.001). Similar associations between DCBA and the prevalence of abdominal obesity were observed across increasing DCBA tertiles compared with the reference tertile (OR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.02, 1.44]; OR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.08-1.54]; p for trend = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that higher DCBA concentrations are positively associated with the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity in the general adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China
| | - Xu Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China
| | - Gongchang Guan
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China
| | - Rutai Hui
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China; Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China.
| | - Junkui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China; Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China.
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Ribeiro ACR, Deshpande LS. A review of pre-clinical models for Gulf War Illness. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 228:107936. [PMID: 34171340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptomatic disorder that afflicts over 1/3rd of the 1991 GW veterans. It spans multiple bodily systems and presents itself as a syndrome exhibiting diverse symptoms including fatigue, depression, mood, and memory and concentration deficits, musculoskeletal pain and gastrointestinal distress in GW veterans. The etiology of GWI is complex and many factors, including chemical, physiological, and environmental stressors present in the GW arena, have been implicated for its development. It has been over 30 years since the end of the GW but, GWI has been persistent in suffering veterans who are also dealing with paucity of effective treatments. The multifactorial aspect of GWI along with genetic heterogeneity and lack of available data surrounding war-time exposures have proved to be challenging in developing pre-clinical models of GWI. Despite this, over a dozen GWI animal models exist in the literature. In this article, following a brief discussion of GW history, GWI definitions, and probable causes for its pathogenesis, we will expand upon various experimental models used in GWI laboratory research. These animal models will be discussed in the context of their attempts at mimicking GW-related exposures with regards to the variations in chemical combinations, doses, and frequency of exposures. We will discuss their advantages and limitations in modeling GWI followed by a discussion of behavioral and molecular findings in these models. The mechanistic data obtained from these preclinical studies have offered multiple molecular pathways including chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, lipid disturbances, calcium homeostatic alterations, changes in gut microbiota, and epigenetic modifications, amongst others for explaining GWI development and its persistence. Finally, these findings have also informed us on novel druggable targets in GWI. While, it has been difficult to conceive a single pre-clinical model that could express all the GWI signs and exhibit biological complexity reflective of the clinical presentation in GWI, animal models have been critical for identifying molecular underpinnings of GWI and evaluating treatment strategies for GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C R Ribeiro
- Departments of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Laxmikant S Deshpande
- Departments of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Dickey B, Madhu LN, Shetty AK. Gulf War Illness: Mechanisms Underlying Brain Dysfunction and Promising Therapeutic Strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 220:107716. [PMID: 33164782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI), a chronic multisymptom health problem, afflicts ~30% of veterans served in the first GW. Impaired brain function is among the most significant symptoms of GWI, which is typified by persistent cognitive and mood impairments, concentration problems, headaches, chronic fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. This review aims to discuss findings from animal prototypes and veterans with GWI on mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology and emerging therapeutic strategies for alleviating brain dysfunction in GWI. Animal model studies have linked brain impairments to incessantly elevated oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, inhibitory interneuron loss, altered lipid metabolism and peroxisomes, mitochondrial dysfunction, modified expression of genes relevant to cognitive function, and waned hippocampal neurogenesis. Furthermore, the involvement of systemic alterations such as the increased intensity of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines in the blood, transformed gut microbiome, and activation of the adaptive immune response have received consideration. Investigations in veterans have suggested that brain dysfunction in GWI is linked to chronic activation of the executive control network, impaired functional connectivity, altered blood flow, persistent inflammation, and changes in miRNA levels. Lack of protective alleles from Class II HLA genes, the altered concentration of phospholipid species and proinflammatory factors in the circulating blood have also been suggested as other aiding factors. While some drugs or combination therapies have shown promise for alleviating symptoms in clinical trials, larger double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed to validate such findings. Based on improvements seen in animal models of GWI, several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, reliable blood biomarkers that facilitate an appropriate screening of veterans for brain pathology need to be discovered. A liquid biopsy approach involving analysis of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the blood appears efficient for discerning the extent of neuropathology both before and during clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Dickey
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
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9
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Environmental Chemicals Altered in Association With Deployment for High Risk Areas. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 61 Suppl 12:S15-S24. [PMID: 31800447 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A study was conducted using serum samples and high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) to test for changes in abundance of environmental chemicals in deployment in high-risk areas (Balad, Iraq; Bagram, Afghanistan). METHODS Pre and Post-deployment serum samples for deployment (cases) and matched controls stationed domestically were analyzed by HRM and bioinformatics for the relative abundance of 271 environmental chemicals. RESULTS Of the 271 chemicals, 153 were measurable in at least 80% of the samples in one of the pre- or post-deployment groups. Several pesticides and other chemicals were modestly elevated post-deployment in the Control as well as the Bagram and Balad samples. Similarly, small decreases were seen for some chemicals. CONCLUSION These results using serum samples show that for the 271 environmental chemicals studied, 56% were detected and small differences occurred with deployment to high-risk areas.
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10
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Karvar S, Ansa-Addo EA, Suda J, Singh S, Zhu L, Li Z, Rockey DC. Moesin, an Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin Family Member, Regulates Hepatic Fibrosis. Hepatology 2020; 72:1073-1084. [PMID: 31860744 PMCID: PMC7437180 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Moesin, an ezrin/radixin/moesin family member, is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, polarity, and migration by cross-linking between the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane. The primary effector cell in hepatic fibrosis is the hepatic stellate cell (HSC), which undergoes activation during liver injury leading to increased extracellular matrix production. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we have hypothesized that moesin plays a critical role in linking the HSC cytoskeleton to the fibrogenic cascade during HSC activation. Moesin phosphorylation was up-regulated during HSC activation and fibrogenesis. Using moesin wild-type (WT) and mutant constructs (phosphomimicking T558D and nonphosphorylatable T558A), we found that cellular motility and contraction were increased in moesin WT-infected and T558D-infected cells, paralleled by an increase in smooth muscle α-actin and collagen 1 expression. In contrast, overexpression of nonphosphorylatable moesin and moesin knockout (KO) decreased cellular motility and contraction. Most importantly, moesin KO led to abrogation of liver fibrosis. The mechanism of moesin's effect was a reduction in myocardin-related transcription factor-A and serum-response factor (SRF)-mediated changes in the actin cytoskeleton, which in turn modulated the expression of matrix genes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings suggest that the linkage between cytoskeletal dynamics and the correlated MRTF/SRF signaling pathway has a pivotal role in HSC activation and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhan Karvar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Jo Suda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Lixin Zhu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Department of
Colorectal Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University,
Guangzhou, China. Department of Biochemistry and Department of Pediatrics,
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer
Center
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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11
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Michalovicz LT, Kelly KA, Sullivan K, O'Callaghan JP. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor exposures as an initiating factor in the development of Gulf War Illness, a chronic neuroimmune disorder in deployed veterans. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108073. [PMID: 32247728 PMCID: PMC7398580 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi-symptom disorder, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, pain, cognitive and memory impairment, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal problems, that is experienced by approximately one-third of 1991 Gulf War veterans. Over the nearly three decades since the end of the war, investigators have worked to elucidate the initiating factors and underlying causes of GWI. A significant portion of this research has indicated a strong correlation between GWI and exposure to a number of different acetycholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) in theater, such as sarin and cyclosarin nerve agents, chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos pesticides, and the anti-nerve agent prophylactic pyridostigmine bromide. Through studying these exposures and their relationship to the symptoms presented by ill veterans, it has become increasingly apparent that GWI is the likely result of an underlying neuroimmune disorder. While evidence indicates that AChEIs are a key exposure in the development of GWI, particularly organophosphate AChEIs, the mechanism(s) by which these chemicals instigate illness appears to be related to "off-target", non-cholinergic effects. In this review, we will discuss the role of AChEI exposure in the development and persistence of GWI; in particular, how these chemicals, combined with other exposures, have led to a chronic neuroimmune disorder. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: From Bench to Bedside to Battlefield'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay T Michalovicz
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kimberly A Kelly
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - James P O'Callaghan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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12
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Vilas-Boas V, Gijbels E, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Gustafson E, Leroy K, Vinken M. Industrial, Biocide, and Cosmetic Chemical Inducers of Cholestasis. Chem Res Toxicol 2019; 32:1327-1334. [PMID: 31243985 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A frequent side effect of many drugs includes the occurrence of cholestatic liver toxicity. Over the past couple of decades, drug-induced cholestasis has gained considerable attention, resulting in a plethora of data regarding its prevalence and mechanistic basis. Likewise, several food additives and dietary supplements have been reported to cause cholestatic liver insults in the past few years. The induction of cholestatic hepatotoxicity by other types of chemicals, in particular synthetic compounds, such as industrial chemicals, biocides, and cosmetic ingredients, has been much less documented. Such information can be found in occasional clinical case reports of accidental intake or suicide attempts as well as in basic and translational study reports on mechanisms or testing of new therapeutics in cholestatic animal models. This paper focuses on such nonpharmaceutical and nondietary synthetic chemical inducers of cholestatic liver injury, in particular alpha-naphthylisocyanate, 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine, methylenedianiline, paraquat, tartrazine, triclosan, 2-octynoic acid, and 2-nonynoic acid. Most of these cholestatic compounds act by similar mechanisms. This could open perspectives for the prediction of cholestatic potential of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia Vilas-Boas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Emma Gustafson
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
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13
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Michalovicz LT, Locker AR, Kelly KA, Miller JV, Barnes Z, Fletcher MA, Miller DB, Klimas NG, Morris M, Lasley SM, O'Callaghan JP. Corticosterone and pyridostigmine/DEET exposure attenuate peripheral cytokine expression: Supporting a dominant role for neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness. Neurotoxicology 2019; 70:26-32. [PMID: 30339781 PMCID: PMC6533534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi-symptom disorder experienced by as many as a third of the veterans of the 1991 Gulf War; the constellation of "sickness behavior" symptoms observed in ill veterans is suggestive of a neuroimmune involvement. Various chemical exposures and conditions in theater have been implicated in the etiology of the illness. Previously, we found that GW-related organophosphates (OPs), such as the sarin surrogate, DFP, and chlorpyrifos, cause neuroinflammation. The combination of these exposures with exogenous corticosterone (CORT), mimicking high physiological stress, exacerbates the observed neuroinflammation. The potential relationship between the effects of OPs and CORT on the brain versus inflammation in the periphery has not been explored. Here, using our established GWI mouse model, we investigated the effects of CORT and DFP exposure, with or without a chronic application of pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), on cytokines in the liver and serum. While CORT primed DFP-induced neuroinflammation, this effect was largely absent in the periphery. Moreover, the changes found in the peripheral tissues do not correlate with the previously reported neuroinflammation. These results not only support GWI as a neuroimmune disorder, but also highlight the separation between central and peripheral effects of these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay T Michalovicz
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Alicia R Locker
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kimberly A Kelly
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Julie V Miller
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Zachary Barnes
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Diane B Miller
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA; Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mariana Morris
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Stephen M Lasley
- Department of Cancer Biology & Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - James P O'Callaghan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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