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Niehaus P, Gonzalez de Vega R, Haindl MT, Birkl C, Leoni M, Birkl-Toeglhofer AM, Haybaeck J, Ropele S, Seeba M, Goessler W, Karst U, Langkammer C, Clases D. Multimodal analytical tools for the molecular and elemental characterisation of lesions in brain tissue of multiple sclerosis patients. Talanta 2024; 270:125518. [PMID: 38128277 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125518] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system inducing a widespread degradation of myelin and resulting in neurological deficits. Recent advances in molecular and atomic imaging provide the means to probe the microenvironment in affected brain tissues at an unprecedented level of detail and may provide new insights. This study showcases state-of-the-art spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques to compare distributions of molecular and atomic entities in MS lesions and surrounding brain tissues. MS brains underwent post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate and subsequently dissect MS lesions and surrounding white matter. Digests of lesions and unaffected white matter were analysed via ICP-MS/MS revealing significant differences in concentrations of Li, Mg, P, K, Mn, V, Rb, Ag, Gd and Bi. Micro x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μXRF) and laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - time of flight - mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-ToF-MS) were used as micro-analytical imaging techniques to study distributions of both endogenous and xenobiotic elements. The essential trace elements Fe, Cu and Zn were subsequently calibrated using in-house manufactured gelatine standards. Lipid distributions were studied using IR-micro spectroscopy and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). MALDI-MSI was complemented with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and trapped ion mobility spectroscopy for the annotation of specified phospho- and sphingolipids, revealing specific lipid species decreased in MS lesions compared to surrounding white matter. This explorative study demonstrated that modern molecular and atomic mapping techniques provide high-resolution imaging for relevant bio-indicative entities which may complement our current understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Niehaus
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Christoph Birkl
- Department of Radiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marlene Leoni
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Maria Birkl-Toeglhofer
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Ropele
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Uwe Karst
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Germany
| | | | - David Clases
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Austria.
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Armon-Omer A, Mansor T, Edelstein M, Bukovetzky E, Groisman L, Rorman E, Nov AS, Shahien R. Association between multiple sclerosis and urinary levels of toxic metals and organophosphates: A cross-sectional study in Israel. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105445. [PMID: 38242049 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105445] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease of uncertain etiology damaging myelin sheaths around axons of the central nervous system. Myelin protects the axon from potentially harmful exogenous factors. The aetiological role of environmental exposure metals and organophosphates is unclear. OBJECTIVE Identify whether urinary levels of metals and organophosphates differed in MS patients and controls. METHODS We recruited MS patients from Ziv Medical Centre and healthy controls. MS patients were evaluated according to Expanded Disability Status Scale into mild and moderate-severe conditions. Each participant provided a urine sample and completed epidemiological questionnaires. The levels of six metal (Aluminum, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel) and one metalloid (Arsenic) and common organophosphates pesticide metabolites (6 dialkylphosphates, DAP) were measured in urine using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry. We compared cases with controls in terms of urinary levels of these compounds using Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests. RESULTS Urinary cadmium and mercury levels were higher in the 49 MS patients than the 37 controls (p < 0.01). Cadmium levels were higher in moderate-severe MS patients (n = 24) than mild MS patients (n = 25) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Urinary cadmium and mercury levels were higher among MS patients than controls. Cadmium levels correlated with disease severity. Further studies are needed to explore potential causal pathways between these compounds and MS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarek Mansor
- Department of Neurology, Ziv Medical Center, Zefat, Israel
| | - Michael Edelstein
- Ziv Medical Center, Research Institute, Zefat, Israel; Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Zefat, Israel
| | | | - Luda Groisman
- National Public Health Laboratories, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Rorman
- National Public Health Laboratories, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Radi Shahien
- Department of Neurology, Ziv Medical Center, Zefat, Israel; Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Zefat, Israel.
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Bjørklund G, Đorđević AB, Hamdan H, Wallace DR, Peana M. Metal-induced autoimmunity in neurological disorders: A review of current understanding and future directions. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103509. [PMID: 38159894 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103509] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmunity is a multifaceted disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and metal exposure has been implicated as a potential catalyst, especially in autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system. Notably, metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum exhibit well-established neurotoxic effects, yet the precise mechanisms by which they elicit autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals remain unclear. Recent studies propose that metal-induced autoimmunity may arise from direct toxic effects on immune cells and tissues, coupled with indirect impacts on the gut microbiome and the blood-brain barrier. These effects can activate self-reactive T cells, prompting the production of autoantibodies, inflammatory responses, and tissue damage. Diagnosing metal-induced autoimmunity proves challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and a lack of reliable biomarkers. Treatment typically involves chelation therapy to eliminate excess metals and immunomodulatory agents to suppress autoimmune responses. Prevention strategies include lifestyle adjustments to reduce metal exposure and avoiding occupational and environmental risks. Prognosis is generally favorable with proper treatment; however, untreated cases may lead to autoimmune disorder progression and irreversible organ damage, particularly in the brain. Future research aims to identify genetic and environmental risk factors, enhance diagnostic precision, and explore novel treatment approaches for improved prevention and management of this intricate and debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | | | - Halla Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - David R Wallace
- Department of Pharmacology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy.
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Forcada S, Menéndez Miranda M, Stevens F, Royo LJ, Fernández Pierna JA, Baeten V, Soldado A. Industrial impact on sustainable dairy farms: Essential elements, hazardous metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in forage and cow's milk. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20977. [PMID: 37886788 PMCID: PMC10597811 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable dairy farms are characterised by the self-production of forage for animal feed. These farms are sometimes located near industrial areas, entailing a risk of food chain contamination with hazardous metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Accordingly, evaluating the impact of pollution on forage and milk is of great interest. In this study, the effects of industrial factors on sustainable forage from 43 dairy farms and possible correlations between inorganic elements and PAHs were studied. Spearman's correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed for the forage and milk. Most of the inorganic elements in the forage were below the maximum residual limits for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), established in EU 2013/1275 and EU 2019/1869, respectively. However, arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) levels were above their respective limits in the forage (EU 2019/1869). No milk samples exceeded the maximum residual limits for Pb (EU 488/2014) or Cd (EU 1881/2006) in dairy products. Heavy-weight PAHs (HW-PAHs, four or more aromatic rings) were detected in forage but not in milk. In the forage samples, HW-PAHs were positively correlated with Zn and Cd. In addition, some hazardous metals (chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), As, Hg, and Pb) also were positively correlated with Zn and Cd. Interestingly, no correlations were found between forage pollutants and milk, suggesting that these pollutants have a low transfer rate to milk. The PCA results highlighted the predominant contribution of PAHs to the global variance in forage samples collected at different distances from industrial areas. In milk, the contributions of hazardous metals and PAHs were more balanced than in forages. Finally, when distances to potential pollution sources were included in the PCA of forage samples, a negative correlation was observed between the former and the concentrations of HW-PAHs, Cd, and Zn, suggesting that thermal power plants and steel factory emissions were the main sources of polluting forage in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Forcada
- Regional Service for Agrofood Research and Development (SERIDA), PO Box 13, 33300, Asturias, Spain
| | - Mario Menéndez Miranda
- Regional Service for Agrofood Research and Development (SERIDA), PO Box 13, 33300, Asturias, Spain
| | - François Stevens
- Department of Knowledge and Valorization of Agricultural Products, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Chaussée de Namur 24, 5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Luis J. Royo
- Regional Service for Agrofood Research and Development (SERIDA), PO Box 13, 33300, Asturias, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Fernández Pierna
- Department of Knowledge and Valorization of Agricultural Products, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Chaussée de Namur 24, 5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Vincent Baeten
- Department of Knowledge and Valorization of Agricultural Products, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Chaussée de Namur 24, 5030, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Ana Soldado
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Avda. Julián Clavería 8, 33006, Asturias, Spain
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Pamphlett R, Bishop DP. The toxic metal hypothesis for neurological disorders. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1173779. [PMID: 37426441 PMCID: PMC10328356 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1173779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis and the major sporadic neurogenerative disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease, and Alzheimer disease are considered to have both genetic and environmental components. Advances have been made in finding genetic predispositions to these disorders, but it has been difficult to pin down environmental agents that trigger them. Environmental toxic metals have been implicated in neurological disorders, since human exposure to toxic metals is common from anthropogenic and natural sources, and toxic metals have damaging properties that are suspected to underlie many of these disorders. Questions remain, however, as to how toxic metals enter the nervous system, if one or combinations of metals are sufficient to precipitate disease, and how toxic metal exposure results in different patterns of neuronal and white matter loss. The hypothesis presented here is that damage to selective locus ceruleus neurons from toxic metals causes dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier. This allows circulating toxicants to enter astrocytes, from where they are transferred to, and damage, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. The type of neurological disorder that arises depends on (i) which locus ceruleus neurons are damaged, (ii) genetic variants that give rise to susceptibility to toxic metal uptake, cytotoxicity, or clearance, (iii) the age, frequency, and duration of toxicant exposure, and (iv) the uptake of various mixtures of toxic metals. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is presented, concentrating on studies that have examined the distribution of toxic metals in the human nervous system. Clinicopathological features shared between neurological disorders are listed that can be linked to toxic metals. Details are provided on how the hypothesis applies to multiple sclerosis and the major neurodegenerative disorders. Further avenues to explore the toxic metal hypothesis for neurological disorders are suggested. In conclusion, environmental toxic metals may play a part in several common neurological disorders. While further evidence to support this hypothesis is needed, to protect the nervous system it would be prudent to take steps to reduce environmental toxic metal pollution from industrial, mining, and manufacturing sources, and from the burning of fossil fuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Pamphlett
- Department of Pathology, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David P. Bishop
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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