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Medina S, Zhang QY, Lauer FT, Santos-Medina LV, Factor-Litvak P, Islam T, Eunus M, Rahman M, Uddin MN, Liu KJ, Parvez F. Arsenic exposure is associated with alterations to multiple red blood cell parameters among adults in rural Bangladesh. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116858. [PMID: 38341105 PMCID: PMC11069126 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116858] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Chronic arsenic exposures are associated with multiple hematologic disturbances, including anemia. The goal of this study was to evaluate associations between arsenic exposures and hematological parameters among men and women who are chronically exposed to elevated levels of arsenic from drinking water. Hematologic analyses were performed on blood collected from 755 participants (45% male and 54% female) in the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS) cohort, Bangladesh. Herein, we used linear regression models to estimate associations between red blood cell (RBC) parameters (i.e., RBC counts, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hgb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)) and measurements of arsenic exposure (urinary arsenic and urinary arsenic metabolites). Arsenic exposures showed trending associations with decreased RBC counts in both men and women, a positive association with MCV in males, and an inverse association with MCHC among males, but not among non-smoking females. Among men, those who smoked had stronger associations between arsenic exposures and MCHC than non-smoking males. Collectively, our results show that arsenic exposures affect multiple RBC parameters and highlight potentially important sex differences in arsenic-induced hematotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Medina
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; New Mexico Highlands University, Department of Biology, Las Vegas, NM 87701, USA
| | - Qian-Yun Zhang
- The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Laura V Santos-Medina
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; New Mexico Highlands University, Department of Biology, Las Vegas, NM 87701, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tariqul Islam
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubul Eunus
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Mizanour Rahman
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Nasir Uddin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology, Santosh, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; Stony Brook University, Department of Pathology, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Faruque Parvez
- Mailman University School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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2
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Yu YY, Jin H, Lu Q. Effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on immunity. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 5:100177. [PMID: 36561540 PMCID: PMC9763510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly a quarter of the total number of deaths in the world are caused by unhealthy living or working environments. Therefore, we consider it significant to introduce the effect of a widely distributed component of air/water/food-source contaminants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on the human body, especially on immunity in this review. PAHs are a large class of organic compounds containing two or more benzene rings. PAH exposure could occur in most people through breath, smoke, food, and direct skin contact, resulting in both cellular immunosuppression and humoral immunosuppression. PAHs usually lead to the exacerbation of autoimmune diseases by regulating the balance of T helper cell 17 and regulatory T cells, and promoting type 2 immunity. However, the receptor of PAHs, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), appears to exhibit duality in the immune response, which seems to explain some seemingly opposite experimental results. In addition, PAH exposure was also able to exacerbate allergic reactions and regulate monocytes to a certain extent. The specific regulation mechanisms of immune system include the assistance of AhR, the activation of the CYP-ROS axis, the recruitment of intracellular calcium, and some epigenetic mechanisms. This review aims to summarize our current understanding on the impact of PAHs in the immune system and some related diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus), and allergic diseases (asthma and atopic dermatitis). Finally, we also propose future research directions for the prevention or treatment on environmental induced diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-yiyi Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU027), Changsha, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU027), Changsha, China,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China,Corresponding author. Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU027), Changsha, China,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China,Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China,Corresponding author. Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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3
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Cheong A, Nagel ZD. Human Variation in DNA Repair, Immune Function, and Cancer Risk. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899574. [PMID: 35935942 PMCID: PMC9354717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage constantly threatens genome integrity, and DNA repair deficiency is associated with increased cancer risk. An intuitive and widely accepted explanation for this relationship is that unrepaired DNA damage leads to carcinogenesis due to the accumulation of mutations in somatic cells. But DNA repair also plays key roles in the function of immune cells, and immunodeficiency is an important risk factor for many cancers. Thus, it is possible that emerging links between inter-individual variation in DNA repair capacity and cancer risk are driven, at least in part, by variation in immune function, but this idea is underexplored. In this review we present an overview of the current understanding of the links between cancer risk and both inter-individual variation in DNA repair capacity and inter-individual variation in immune function. We discuss factors that play a role in both types of variability, including age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. In conclusion, we propose a research paradigm that incorporates functional studies of both genome integrity and the immune system to predict cancer risk and lay the groundwork for personalized prevention.
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4
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Parvez F, Lauer FT, Factor-Litvak P, Islam T, Eunus M, Horayara MA, Rahman M, Sarwar G, Ahsan H, Graziano JH, Burchiel SW. Exposure to arsenic and level of Vitamin D influence the number of Th17 cells and production of IL-17A in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adults. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266168. [PMID: 35404942 PMCID: PMC9000092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited evidence on the effects of environmental exposure to arsenic (As) on the immune system in adults. In a population-based study, we have found that urinary As (UAs), and its metabolites [inorganic As (InAs), monomethylated arsenicals (MMA+3/+5), and dimethylated arsenicals (DMA+3/+5)] modulate or influence the number of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and IL-17A cytokine production. In non-smoking women, we observed that UAs and DMA+3/+5 were associated with changes in Th17 cell numbers in a nonlinear fashion. In smoking males, we found that UAs was associated with a significant decrease of Th17 cell numbers. Similar association was observed among non-smoking males. Likewise, UAs, DMA+3/+5 and MMA+3/+5 were associated with diminished production of IL-17A among non-smoking males. When stratified by Vitamin D levels defined as sufficient (≥20 ng/ml) and insufficient (<20 ng/ml), we found a substancial decrease in Th17 cell numbers among those with insufficient levels. Individuals with sufficient VitD levels demonstrated significant inhibition of IL-17A production in non-smoking males. Collectively, we find that exposure to As via drinking water is associated with alterations in Th17 numbers and IL-17A production, and that these associations may be modified by Vitamin D status. Our findings have significance for health outcomes associated with As exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruque Parvez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Fredine T. Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tariqul Islam
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubul Eunus
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M. Abu Horayara
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mizanour Rahman
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Golam Sarwar
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Joseph H. Graziano
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Scott W. Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
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5
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Xi X, Ye Q, Fan D, Cao X, Wang Q, Wang X, Zhang M, Xu Y, Xiao C. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. Front Immunol 2022; 13:797815. [PMID: 35392076 PMCID: PMC8981517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.797815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common autoimmune disease, is characterized by symmetrical synovial inflammation of multiple joints with the infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells and increased cytokines (CKs) levels. In the past few years, numerous studies have indicated that several factors could affect RA, such as mutations in susceptibility genes, epigenetic modifications, age, and race. Recently, environmental factors, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have attracted increasing attention in RA pathogenesis. Therefore, exploring the specific mechanisms of PAHs in RA is vitally critical. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of PAHs and aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs) in RA. Additionally, the development of therapeutic drugs that target AHR is also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives on AHR application in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qinbin Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danping Fan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxue Cao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxiao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Emergency, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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6
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Huang CH, Hsieh CY, Wang CW, Tu HP, Chen SC, Hung CH, Kuo CH. Associations and Interactions between Heavy Metals with White Blood Cell and Eosinophil Count. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:331-337. [PMID: 35165518 PMCID: PMC8795800 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.68945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of heavy metals in the body has been associated with an elevated immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations among heavy metals and white blood cell (WBC) and eosinophil count in the general population in southern Taiwan. We also explored the interactions and synergetic effects of heavy metals on WBC and eosinophil count. We conducted a health survey in the general population living in southern Taiwan between June 2016 and September 2018. Seven heavy metals were measured: blood lead (Pb), and urine cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel, arsenic (As), chromium and manganese (Mn). A total of 2,447 participants were enrolled. In multivariable analysis, high concentrations of Pb (log per 1 mg/L; coefficient β, 0.332; p = 0.005) and Cu (log per 1 μg/dL; coefficient β, 0.476; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a high WBC count. In addition, high concentrations of Pb (log per 1 mg/L; coefficient β, 0.732; p < 0.001), As (log per 1 μg/L; coefficient β, 0.133; p = 0.015), Cu (log per 1 μg/dL; coefficient β, 0.181; p = 0.018), and Cd (log per 1 μg/L; coefficient β, 0.139; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with a high eosinophil count. Further, the effect of interactions between Pb and As (coefficient β, 0.721; p = 0.029) and Mn and Cu (coefficient β, 0.482; p = 0.018) on WBC count, and As and Cu (unstandardized coefficient β, 0.558; p = 0.002) on eosinophil count were statistically significant. In conclusion, the heavy metals Pb, As, Cu, and Cd were associated with WBC and eosinophil count. In addition, synergistic effects of heavy metal poisoning on the association with WBC and eosinophil count were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Hsin Huang
- Department of post baccalaureate medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Yu Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Hepatobiliary, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Pin Tu
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chia Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsing Hung
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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7
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Schilz JR, Dashner-Titus EJ, Luo L, Simmons KA, MacKenzie DA, Hudson LG. Co-exposure of sodium arsenite and uranyl acetate differentially alters gene expression in CD3/CD28 activated CD4+ T-cells. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1917-1929. [PMID: 34926170 PMCID: PMC8649082 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.019] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Communities in the western region of the United States experience environmental exposure to metal mixtures from living in proximity to numerous unremediated abandoned uranium mines. Metals including arsenic and uranium co-occur in and around these sites at levels higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels. To address the potential effect of these metals on the activation of CD4+ T-cells, we used RNA sequencing methods to determine the effect of exposure to sodium arsenite (1 μM and 10 μM), uranyl acetate (3 μM and 30 μM) or a mixture of sodium arsenite and uranyl acetate (1 μM sodium arsenite + 3 μM uranyl acetate). Sodium arsenite induced a dose dependent effect on activation associated gene expression; targeting immune response genes at the lower dose. Increases in oxidative stress gene expression were observed with both sodium arsenite doses. While uranyl acetate alone did not significantly alter activation associated gene expression, the mixture of uranyl acetate with sodium arsenite demonstrated a combined effect relative to sodium arsenite alone. The results demonstrate the need to investigate metal and metalloid mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations to better understand the toxicological impact of these mixtures on T-cell activation, function and immune dysregulation.
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Key Words
- APC, antigen presenting cell
- AUM, abandoned uranium mine
- Arsenic
- DEG, differentially expressed gene
- GCLM, glutamate-cysteine ligase
- HMOX1, heme oxygenase 1
- IFNγ, interferon gamma
- IL-2, interleukin 2
- MHC, major histone compatibility complex
- Mixture toxicology
- NQO1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase
- PCA, principal component analysis
- SOD1, super oxide dismutase 1
- T-lymphocytes
- TCR, T-cell receptor
- Th, T-helper
- Uranium
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi R. Schilz
- Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Erica J. Dashner-Titus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Li Luo
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Karen A. Simmons
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Debra A. MacKenzie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Laurie G. Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Chen G, Huo X, Luo X, Cheng Z, Zhang Y, Xu X. E-waste polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure leads to child gut-mucosal inflammation and adaptive immune response. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:53267-53281. [PMID: 34031825 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure alters immunological responses. Research concerning PAH exposure on intestinal immunity of children in electronic waste (e-waste) areas is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants on intestinal mucosal immunity of children in e-waste areas. Results showed higher hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) concentrations in e-waste-exposed children, accompanied with higher sialyl Lewis A (SLA) level, absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts, decreased of percentage of CD4+ T cells, and had a higher risk of diarrhea. OH-PAH concentrations were negative with child growth. 1-OHNap mediated through WBCs, along with 1-OHPyr, was correlated with an increase SLA concentration. 2-OHFlu, 1-OHPhe, 2-OHPhe, 1-OHPyr, and 6-OHChr were positively correlated with secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration. Our results indicated that PAH pollutants caused inflammation, affected the intestinal epithelium, and led to transformation of microfold cell (M cell). M cells initiating mucosal immune responses and the subsequent increasing sIgA production might be an adaptive immune respond of children in the e-waste areas. To our knowledge, this is the first study of PAH exposure on children intestinal immunity in e-waste area, showing that PAH exposure plays a negative role in child growth and impairs the intestinal immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangcan Chen
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuli Luo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiheng Cheng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Rd, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Chan TK, Bramono D, Bourokba N, Krishna V, Wang ST, Neo BH, Lim RYX, Kim H, Misra N, Lim S, Betts RJ. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons regulate the pigmentation pathway and induce DNA damage responses in keratinocytes, a process driven by systemic immunity. J Dermatol Sci 2021; 104:83-94. [PMID: 34690024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2021.09.003] [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: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban pollution is correlated with an increased prevalence of skin pigmentation disorders, however the physiological processes underlying this association are unclear. OBJECTIVES To delineate the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a key constituent of atmospheric pollution, and immunity/skin pigmentation pathways. METHODS We exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to PAHs and performed cytokines/chemokine profiling. We then examined the effect of immune activation on pigmentation by co-culturing PBMC and Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with reconstructed human pigmented epidermis (RHPE). To study the mechanism, we treated keratinocytes with conditioned medium from BaP-exposed PBMC and studied DNA damage responses, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and pro-pigmentation factor, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) secretion. RESULTS PAHs induced up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines/chemokine in PBMC. Co-culturing of RHPE with PBMC+BaP resulted in increased melanin content and localization. BaP-conditioned medium significantly increased DNA damage, p53 stabilization, AhR activation and POMC secretion in keratinocytes. We found that IFNγ induced DNA damage, while TNFα and IL-8 potentiated POMC secretion in keratinocytes. Importantly, BaP-conditioned medium-induced DNA damage and POMC secretion is prevented by antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and sulforaphane, as well as the prototypical corticosteroid dexamethasone. Finally, vitamin C and sulforaphane enhanced the genome protective and depigmentation effects of dexamethasone, providing proof-of-concept for a combinatorial approach for the prevention and/or correction of PAH-induced pigment spots formation. CONCLUSION Our study reveals the importance of systemic immunity in regulating PAH-induced skin pigmentation, and provide a new keratinocyte DNA damage response mechanistic target for the prevention or reversal of pollution-associated skin pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hyoju Kim
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, Singapore
| | - Namita Misra
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, Aulnay sous Bois, France
| | - Shawn Lim
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, Singapore
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10
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Lombard MA, Bryan MS, Jones DK, Bulka C, Bradley PM, Backer LC, Focazio MJ, Silverman DT, Toccalino P, Argos M, Gribble MO, Ayotte JD. Machine Learning Models of Arsenic in Private Wells Throughout the Conterminous United States As a Tool for Exposure Assessment in Human Health Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:5012-5023. [PMID: 33729798 PMCID: PMC8852770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic from geologic sources is widespread in groundwater within the United States (U.S.). In several areas, groundwater arsenic concentrations exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level of 10 μg per liter (μg/L). However, this standard applies only to public-supply drinking water and not to private-supply, which is not federally regulated and is rarely monitored. As a result, arsenic exposure from private wells is a potentially substantial, but largely hidden, public health concern. Machine learning models using boosted regression trees (BRT) and random forest classification (RFC) techniques were developed to estimate probabilities and concentration ranges of arsenic in private wells throughout the conterminous U.S. Three BRT models were fit separately to estimate the probability of private well arsenic concentrations exceeding 1, 5, or 10 μg/L whereas the RFC model estimates the most probable category (≤5, >5 to ≤10, or >10 μg/L). Overall, the models perform best at identifying areas with low concentrations of arsenic in private wells. The BRT 10 μg/L model estimates for testing data have an overall accuracy of 91.2%, sensitivity of 33.9%, and specificity of 98.2%. Influential variables identified across all models included average annual precipitation and soil geochemistry. Models were developed in collaboration with public health experts to support U.S.-based studies focused on health effects from arsenic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Lombard
- New England Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 331 Commerce Way, Pembroke, New Hampshire 03275, United States
| | - Molly Scannell Bryan
- Institute for Minority Health Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1819 W. Polk, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Daniel K Jones
- Utah Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 2329 West Orton Circle, West Valley City, Utah 84119, United States
| | - Catherine Bulka
- University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Paul M Bradley
- South Atlantic Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, United States
| | - Lorraine C Backer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Chamblee, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Michael J Focazio
- Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192 United States
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, 9606 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Patricia Toccalino
- Northwest-Pacific Islands Region, U.S. Geological Survey, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232, United States
| | - Maria Argos
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Matthew O Gribble
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Joseph D Ayotte
- New England Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 331 Commerce Way, Pembroke, New Hampshire 03275, United States
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11
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Medina S, Lauer FT, Castillo EF, Bolt AM, Ali AMS, Liu KJ, Burchiel SW. Exposures to uranium and arsenic alter intraepithelial and innate immune cells in the small intestine of male and female mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 403:115155. [PMID: 32710956 PMCID: PMC7490749 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human exposures to environmental metals, including uranium (U) and arsenic (As) are a global public health concern. Chronic exposures to U and As are linked to many adverse health effects including, immune suppression and autoimmunity. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to many immune cells vital in the maintenance of systemic immune health. However, very little is known about the immunotoxicity of U and As at this site. The present study examined the burden of U and As exposure in the GI tract as well as the resultant immunotoxicity to intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and innate immune cells of the small intestine following chronic drinking water exposures of male and female mice to U (in the form of uranyl acetate, UA) and As (in the form of sodium arsenite, As3+). Exposure to U or As3+ resulted in high levels of U or As in the GI tract of male and female mice, respectively. A reduction of small intestinal CD4+ IELs (TCRαβ+, CD8αα+) was found following As3+ exposure, whereas U produced widespread suppression of CD4- IEL subsets (TCRαβ+ and TCRγδ+). Evaluation of innate immune cell subsets in the small intestinal lamina propria revealed a decrease in mature macrophages, along with a corresponding increase in immature/proinflammatory macrophages following As3+ exposures. These data show that exposures to two prevalent environmental contaminants, U and As produce significant immunotoxicity in the GI tract. Collectively, these findings provide a critical framework for understanding the underlying immune health issues reported in human populations chronically exposed to environmental metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Medina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eliseo F Castillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alicia M Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ke Jian Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Scott W Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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12
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Ma Y, Ye Y, Liu Y, Chen J, Cen Y, Chen W, Yu C, Zeng Q, Zhang A, Yang G. DNMT1-mediated Foxp3 gene promoter hypermethylation involved in immune dysfunction caused by arsenic in human lymphocytes. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:519-529. [PMID: 32905139 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that arsenic can cause long-lasting and irreversible damage to the function of the human immune system. It is known that forkhead box protein 3(Foxp3), which is specifically expressed in regulatory T cells (Tregs), plays a decisive role in immunoregulation and is regulated by DNA methylation. While evidence suggests that epigenetic regulated Foxp3 is involved in the immune disorders caused by arsenic exposure, the specific mechanism remains unclear. In this study, after primary human lymphocytes were treated with different doses of NaAsO2, our results showed that arsenic induced the high expression of DNMT1 and Foxp3 gene promoter methylation level, thereby inhibiting the expression levels of Foxp3, followed by decreasing Tregs and reducing related anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 10 (IL-35), and increasing the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells in lymphocytes. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR can notably inhibit the expression of DNMT1, effectively restoring the hypermethylation of the Foxp3 promoter region in primary human lymphocytes and upregulating the expression levels of Foxp3, balancing the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells in lymphocytes. It also activates the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and restores the immune regulatory functions of Tregs. In conclusion, our study provides limited evidence that DNMT1-mediated Foxp3 gene promoter hypermethylation is involved in immune dysfunction caused by arsenic in primary human lymphocytes. The study can provide a scientific basis for further understanding the arsenic-induced immune dysfunction in primary human lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yemei Ma
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ying Ye
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yining Liu
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yanli Cen
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenyan Chen
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chun Yu
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qibing Zeng
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guanghong Yang
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
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13
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Burchiel SW, Lauer FT, Factor-Litvak P, Liu X, Islam T, Eunus M, Abu Horayara M, Islam MT, Rahman M, Ahmed A, Cremers S, Nandakumar R, Ahsan H, Olopade C, Graziano J, Parvez F. Arsenic exposure associated T cell proliferation, smoking, and vitamin D in Bangladeshi men and women. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234965. [PMID: 32574193 PMCID: PMC7310686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There are limited data examining the consequences of environmental exposure to arsenic on the immune system in adults, particularly among smokers. Smoking has been shown to exacerbate or contribute to impaired immune function in men chronically exposed to arsenic. In contrast, vitamin D (VitD) is known to have a positive influence on innate and adaptive immune responses. The effect of circulating VitD on arsenic-associated immune dysfunction is not known. Here we examine the relationship of arsenic exposure and T cell proliferation (TCP), a measure of immune responsiveness, and circulating VitD among adult men and women in Bangladesh. Arsenic exposure was assessed using total urinary arsenic as well as urinary arsenic metabolites all adjusted for urinary creatinine. TCP was measured ex vivo in cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 614 adult participants enrolled in the Bangladesh Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study; serum VitD was also evaluated. The influence of cigarette smoking on arsenic-induced TCP modulation was assessed only in males as there was an inadequate number of female smokers. These studies show that arsenic suppressed TCP in males. The association was significantly strong in male smokers and to a lesser extent in male non-smokers. Interestingly, we found a strong protective effect of high/sufficient serum VitD levels on TCP among non-smoking males. Furthermore, among male smokers with low serum VitD (⊔20 ng/ml), we found a strong suppression of TCP by arsenic. On the other hand, high VitD (>20 ng/ml) was found to attenuate effects of arsenic on TCP among male-smokers. Overall, we found a strong protective effect of VitD, when serum levels were >20 ng/ml, on arsenic-induced inhibition of TCP in men, irrespective of smoking status. To our knowledge this is the first large study of immune function in healthy adult males and females with a history of chronic arsenic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W. Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Fredine T. Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Tariqul Islam
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubul Eunus
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M. Abu Horayara
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Tariqul Islam
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mizanour Rahman
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Alauddin Ahmed
- University of Chicago and Columbia University Field Research Office, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Serge Cremers
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Renu Nandakumar
- Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Christopher Olopade
- University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Joseph Graziano
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Faruque Parvez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
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14
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Burchiel SW, Lauer FT, Factor-Litvak P, Liu X, Santella RM, Islam T, Eunus M, Alam N, Islam T, Rahman M, Ahmed A, Ahsan H, Graziano J, Parvez F. An increase in circulating B cells and B cell activation markers in peripheral blood is associated with cigarette smoking in a male cohort in Bangladesh. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 384:114783. [PMID: 31669812 PMCID: PMC6886671 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In a cohort of approximately 200 Bangladeshi men, equally divided into smokers and non-smokers and equally divided by exposure to high and low levels of drinking water arsenic, we examined ex vivo a series of immune markers and immune function tests in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These immune parameters included PBMC cell surface markers (CSM) for B, T, monocytes, and NK cells, activated T and B cell markers, cytokine production in vitro, and analysis of CD4 subsets (Th1, Th2, Treg, and Th17 cells). We found that the effects of cigarette smoke were quite different than those associated with arsenic or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-DNA adducts. Cigarette smoking was associated with a significant increase in the number of PAH-DNA adducts as well as an increase in urinary levels of 1-hydropxypyrene (1-OHP). After correcting for arsenic exposure and PAH-DNA adducts, we found that cigarette smoking was associated with an increase in the percentage of CD19+ B cells, as well as the percentage of activated B cells (CD19+, HLA-DRbright cells) found in PBMC. These findings demonstrate activation of the immune system during chronic exposure to cigarette smoke, which is a known risk factor for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Burchiel
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America.
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Regina M Santella
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Tariqul Islam
- University of Chicago Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubul Eunus
- University of Chicago Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Nur Alam
- University of Chicago Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Tariqul Islam
- University of Chicago Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Mizanour Rahman
- University of Chicago Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Alauddin Ahmed
- University of Chicago Field Research Office, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Department of Health Studies, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America
| | - Joseph Graziano
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Faruque Parvez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
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