The Dysregulation of Inflammatory Pathways Triggered by Copper Exposure

Toxicological responses of A549 and HCE-T cells exposed to fine particulate matter at the air-liquid interface

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can enter the human body in various ways and have adverse effects on human health. Human lungs and eyes are exposed to the air for a long time and are the first to be exposed to PM2.5. The "liquid immersion exposure method" has some limitations that prevent it from fully reflecting the toxic effects of particulate matter on the human body. In this study, the collected PM2.5 samples were chemically analyzed. An air-liquid interface (ALI) model with a high correlation to the in vivo environment was established based on human lung epithelial cells (A549) and immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-T). The VITROCELL Cloud 12 system was used to distribute PM2.5 on the cells evenly. After exposure for 6 h and 24 h, cell viability, apoptosis rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, expression of inflammatory factors, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage were measured. The results demonstrated significant dose- and time-dependent effects of PM2.5 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, ROS generation, and DNA damage at the ALI, while the inflammatory factors showed dose-dependent effects only. It should be noted that even short exposure to low doses of PM2.5 can cause cell DNA double-strand breaks and increased expression of γ-H2AX, indicating significant genotoxicity of PM2.5. Increased abundance of ROS in cells plays a crucial role in the cytotoxicity induced by PM2.5 exposure These findings emphasize the significant cellular damage and genotoxicity that may result from short-term exposure to low levels of PM2.5.

Copper Promotes LPS-Induced Inflammation via the NF-кB Pathway in Bovine Macrophages

Inflammation is a complex physiological process that enables the clearance of pathogens and repairing damaged tissues. Elevated serum copper concentration has been reported in cases of inflammation, but the role of copper in inflammatory responses remains unclear. This study used bovine macrophages to establish lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model. There were five groups in the study: a group treated with LPS (100 ng/ml), a group treated with either copper chelator (tetrathiomolybdate, TTM) (20 μmol) or CuSO4 (25 μmol or 50 μmol) after LPS stimulation, and a control group. Copper concentrations increased in macrophages after the LPS treatment. TTM decreased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2), whereas copper supplement increased them. Compared to the control group, TLP4 and MyD88 protein levels were increased in the TTM and copper groups. However, TTM treatment decreased p-p65 and increased IкB-α while the copper supplement showed reversed results. In addition, the phagocytosis and migration of bovine macrophages decreased in the TTM treatment group while increased in the copper treatment groups. Results mentioned above indicated that copper could promote the LPS-induced inflammatory response in bovine macrophages, promote pro-inflammatory factors by activating the NF-кB pathway, and increase phagocytosis capacity and migration. Our study provides a possible targeted therapy for bovine inflammation.

Construction of a Cuproptosis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Prognosis in Gastric Cancer

This study aimed to develop and validate a cuproptosis-related gene signature for the prognosis of gastric cancer. The data in TCGA GC TPM format from UCSC were extracted for analysis, and GC samples were randomly divided into training and validation groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to obtain cuproptosis-related genes co-expressed with 19 Cuproptosis genes. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses were used to obtain cuproptosis-related prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct the final prognostic risk model. The risk score curve, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and ROC curve were used to evaluate the predictive ability of Cox risk model. Finally, the functional annotation of the risk model was obtained through enrichment analysis. Then, a six-gene signature was identified in the training cohort and verified among all cohorts using Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier plots, demonstrating its independent prognostic significance for gastric cancer. In addition, ROC analysis confirmed the significant predictive potential of this signature for the prognosis of gastric cancer. Functional enrichment analysis was mainly related to cell-matrix function. Therefore, a new cuproptosis-related six-gene signature (ACLY, FGD6, SERPINE1, SPATA13, RANGAP1, and ADGRE5) was constructed for the prognosis of gastric cancer, allowing for tailored prediction of outcome and the formulation of novel therapeutics for gastric cancer patients.

The mediating role of accelerated biological aging in the association between blood metals and cognitive function

Aging is a key risk factor in cognitive diseases. Recently, metal exposures were found associated with both biological aging and cognitive function. Here, we aim to evaluate the associations of blood metals with cognitive function and the mediated effect of biological aging. Fourteen metals were detected and biological age was calculated through Klemera and Doubal method among 514 adults in Beijing, China. The generalized linear models indicated that the copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), and strontium (Sr) were positively associated with biological aging [βCu (95% CI): 12.76 (9.26, 16.27); βMo (95% CI): 1.50 (0.15, 2.85)], and βSr (95% CI): 1.86 (0.68, 3.03)], while vanadium (V) was inversely related to biological aging [βV (95% CI): -0.76 (-1.48, -0.05)]. Subsequently, Cu, lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and biological aging were associated with cognitive function and further mediation analyses confirmed that biological aging partially mediated (33.98%, P = 0.019) the association of Cu and cognitive function. Additionally, we constructed a lifestyle index that implied the modifiable healthy lifestyle could slow aging to attenuate the detrimental effect of metals on cognition. Our findings provide insights into the potential pathways linking multiple metals exposure to aging and cognition and underscore the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles.

Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in atherosclerosis: metabolism, mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies

Copper is an essential micronutrient that plays a pivotal role in numerous physiological processes in virtually all cell types. Nevertheless, the dysregulation of copper homeostasis, whether towards excess or deficiency, can lead to pathological alterations, such as atherosclerosis. With the advent of the concept of copper-induced cell death, termed cuproptosis, researchers have increasingly focused on the potential role of copper dyshomeostasis in atherosclerosis. In this review, we provide a broad overview of cellular and systemic copper metabolism. We then summarize the evidence linking copper dyshomeostasis to atherosclerosis and elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis development in terms of both copper excess and copper deficiency. Furthermore, we discuss the evidence for and mechanisms of cuproptosis, discuss its interactions with other modes of cell death, and highlight the role of cuproptosis-related mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis. Finally, we explore the therapeutic strategy of targeting this novel form of cell death, aiming to provide some insights for the management of atherosclerosis.

Evaluation of Micronutrients and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Levels in Nutritionally Deprived Children-A Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a significant public health problem in developing countries, including India, where a significant proportion of children suffer from malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to investigate the factors contributing to severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Additionally, the study seeks to explore the relationship between micronutrient levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in SAM children with and without clinical complications. Furthermore, the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in SAM children without complications is evaluated.

METHODS

The study involved three groups comprising 66 subjects each: a healthy control group, SAM children with complications, and SAM children without complications. Blood samples were collected, and various analyses were conducted, including biochemical, hematological, micronutrient, and pro-inflammatory marker quantification. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the levels of IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α were significantly higher in the SAM group with complications compared to both the control group and the SAM group without complications. Zinc and copper levels were significantly lower in both SAM groups compared to the control group, and a negative correlation was observed between zinc levels and inflammatory markers. The study also assessed the efficacy of antibiotic treatment in SAM children without complications by comparing their weight, height, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age at baseline and after a 15-day follow-up period. Significant improvements in these parameters were observed in both the group receiving antibiotic treatment and the group not receiving antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that a combination of antibiotic treatment and nutritional support can lead to significant clinical improvements in SAM children without complications. This study has important implications for the management and treatment of SAM in India and other developing countries.

Multifunctional modifications of polyetheretherketone implants for bone repair: A comprehensive review

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has emerged as a highly promising orthopedic implantation material due to its elastic modulus which is comparable to that of natural bone. This polymer exhibits impressive properties for bone implantation such as corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, self-lubrication and chemical stability. Significantly, compared to metal-based implants, PEEK implants have mechanical properties that are closer to natural bone, which can mitigate the "stress shielding" effect in bone implantation. Nevertheless, PEEK is incapable of inducing osteogenesis due to its bio-inert molecular structure, thereby hindering the osseointegration process. To optimize the clinical application of PEEK, researchers have been working on promoting its bioactivity and endowing this polymer with beneficial properties, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and angiogenesis-promoting capabilities. Considering the significant growth of research on PEEK implants over the past 5 years, this review aims to present a timely update on PEEK's modification methods. By highlighting the latest advancements in PEEK modification, we hope to provide guidance and inspiration for researchers in developing the next generation bone implants and optimizing their clinical applications.

Copper trafficking systems in cells: insights into coordination chemistry and toxicity

Transition metal ions, such as copper, are indispensable components in the biological system. Copper ions which primarily exist in two major oxidation states Cu(I) and Cu(II) play crucial roles in various cellular processes including antioxidant defense, biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, and energy metabolism, owing to their inherent redox activity. The disturbance in copper homeostasis can contribute to the development of copper metabolism disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the significance of understanding the copper trafficking system in cellular environments. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of copper homeostatic machinery, with an emphasis on the coordination chemistry of copper transporters and trafficking proteins. While copper chaperones and the corresponding metalloenzymes are thoroughly discussed, we also explore the potential existence of low-molecular-mass metal complexes within cellular systems. Furthermore, we summarize the toxicity mechanisms originating from copper deficiency or accumulation, which include the dysregulation of oxidative stress, signaling pathways, signal transduction, and amyloidosis. This perspective review delves into the current knowledge regarding the intricate aspects of the copper trafficking system, providing valuable insights into potential treatment strategies from the standpoint of bioinorganic chemistry.

A cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence and poor prognosis. Cuproptosis is a novel type of cell death, which differs from previously reported types of cell death such as apoptosis, autophagy, proptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, etc. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play multiple roles in HCC.

Methods

We downloaded information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and obtained cuproptosis-related genes from published studies. The cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were obtained by correlation analysis, and subsequently used to construct a prognostic cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature. Analyses of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the area under the curve (AUC) values and the index of concordance (c-index) curve were used to evaluate the signature. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was analyzed by ESTIMATE algorithm. The immune cell data was downloaded from the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0 database. Immune-related pathways were analyzed by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm. Immunophenoscore (IPS) scores from The Cancer Immunome (TCIA) database were used to evaluate immunotherapy response. The "pRRophetic" was employed to screen drugs for high-risk patients. The candidate lncRNA expression levels were detected by Real Time Quantitative PCR.

Results

We constructed a cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature containing seven lncRNAs: AC125437.1, PCED1B-AS1, PICSAR, AP001372.2, AC027097.1, LINC00479, and SLC6A1-AS1. This signature had excellent accuracy, and was independent of the stratification of clinicopathological features. Further study showed that high-risk tumors under this signature had higher TMB, fewer TME components and higher tumor purity. The tumors with high risk were not enriched in immune cell infiltration or immune process pathways, and high-risk patients had a poor response to immunotherapy. Moreover, 29 drugs such as sorafenib, dasatinib and paclitaxel were screened for high-risk HCC patients to improve their prognosis. The expression levels of the candidate lncRNAs in HCC tissue were significantly increased (except PCED1B-AS1).

Conclusions

Our prognostic cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature was accurate and effective for predicting the prognosis of HCC. The immunotherapy was unsuitable for high-risk HCC patients with this signature.

The emerging role of copper in depression

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element in the brain and serves as an important cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in a wide range of biochemical processes including neurobehavioral, mitochondrial respiration, and antioxidant effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that copper dyshomeostasis is tightly associated with the development of depression by inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. However, these findings have remained controversial so far. Cumulative studies have shown a positive association, while some other studies showed no association and even a negative association between serum/plasma copper level and depression. Based on these conflicted results, the association was speculated to be due to the clinical features of the population, stages of the disease, severity of copper excess, and types of specimens detected in these studies. In addition, there was an inverse association between dietary copper intake and depression. Furthermore, increasing copper intake could influence dietary zinc and iron intake to prevent and treat depression. Thus, copper supplementation may be a good measure to manage depression. This review provided a deeper understanding of the potential applicability of copper in the prevention and treatment of depression.

A cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response of lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Copper-induced cell death (cuproptosis) is a new regulatory cell death mechanism. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to tumor immunity and metastasis. However, the correlation of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs with the immunotherapy response and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients is not clear.

METHODS

We obtained the clinical characteristics and transcriptome data from TCGA-LUAD dataset (containing 539 LUAD and 59 paracancerous tissues). By utilizing LASSO-penalized Cox regression analysis, we identified a prognostic signature composed of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs. This signature was then utilized to segregate patients into two different risk categories based on their respective risk scores. The identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-risk groups was carried out using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. We evaluated the immunotherapy response by analyzing tumor mutational burden (TMB), immunocyte infiltration and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) web application. The "pRRophetic" R package was utilized to conduct further screening of potential therapeutic drugs for their sensitivity.

RESULTS

We ultimately identified a prognostic risk signature that includes six cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (AP003778.1, AC011611.2, CRNDE, AL162632.3, LY86-AS1, and AC090948.1). Compared with clinical characteristics, the signature was significantly correlated with prognosis following the control of confounding variables (HR = 2.287, 95% CI = 1.648-3.174, p ˂ 0.001), and correctly predicted 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates (AUC value = 0.725, 0.715, and 0.662, respectively) in LUAD patients. In terms of prognosis, patients categorized as low risk exhibited more positive results in comparison to those in the high-risk group. The enrichment analysis showed that the two groups had different immune signaling pathways. Immunotherapy may offer a more appropriate treatment option for high-risk patients due to their higher TMB and lower TIDE scores. The higher risk score may demonstrate increased sensitivity to bexarotene, cisplatin, epothilone B, and vinorelbine.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs, we constructed and validated a novel risk signature that may be used to predict immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis in LUAD patients.

Association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms in the US adult population, NHANES (2011-2016)

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that alterations in serum trace element concentrations are closely associated with mental illness. However, ​studies on the relationship between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms are limited and with controversial results. We aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of these trace elements and depressive symptoms in US adults.

METHODS

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011-2016) were used in this cross-sectional study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9) was employed to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between the serum concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 4552 adults were included. Subjects with depressive symptoms had higher serum copper concentrations (123.88 ± 1.87) than those without depressive symptoms (116.99 ± 0.86) (p < 0.001). In Model 2, weighted logistic regression analysis showed that the second (Q2) quartile of zinc concentrations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.534, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.018 to 2.313) were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartiles of copper concentrations (Q3: OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 1.285 to 5.667; Q4: OR = 2.490, 95% CI: 1.026 to 6.046) were also positively associated with depressive symptoms in obese individuals after controlling for all confounders. However, no significant relationship between serum selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese US adults with high serum copper concentrations, as well as US adults in general with low serum zinc concentrations, were susceptible to depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the causal mechanisms underlying these relationships need to be further explored.

Combining Copper and Zinc into a Biosensor for Anti-Chemoresistance and Achieving Osteosarcoma Therapeutic Efficacy

Due to its built-up chemoresistance after prolonged usage, the demand for replacing platinum in metal-based drugs (MBD) is rising. The first MBD approved by the FDA for cancer therapy was cisplatin in 1978. Even after nearly four and a half decades of trials, there has been no significant improvement in osteosarcoma (OS) therapy. In fact, many MBD have been developed, but the chemoresistance problem raised by platinum remains unresolved. This motivates us to elucidate the possibilities of the copper and zinc (CuZn) combination to replace platinum in MBD. Thus, the anti-chemoresistance properties of CuZn and their physiological functions for OS therapy are highlighted. Herein, we summarise their chelators, main organic solvents, and ligand functions in their structures that are involved in anti-chemoresistance properties. Through this review, it is rational to discuss their ligands' roles as biosensors in drug delivery systems. Hereafter, an in-depth understanding of their redox and photoactive function relationships is provided. The disadvantage is that the other functions of biosensors cannot be elaborated on here. As a result, this review is being developed, which is expected to intensify OS drugs with higher cure rates. Nonetheless, this advancement intends to solve the major chemoresistance obstacle towards clinical efficacy.

A Novel Cuproptosis-Associated Gene Signature to Predict Prognosis in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PAAD) is a malignant tumor with a poor prognosis and lacks sensitive biomarkers for diagnosis and targeted therapy. Cuproptosis, a recently proposed form of cell death based on cellular copper ion concentration, plays a key role in cancer biology. This study is aimed at constructing a risk model for predicting the prognosis of PAAD patients based on cuproptosis-related genes.

Methods

Pancreatic-related data from UCSC-TCGA and UCSC-GTEx databases were extracted for analysis, and TCGA-PAAD samples were randomly divided into the training and validation groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to obtain cuproptosis-related genes coexpressed with 19 copper death genes. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses were used to obtain cuproptosis-related prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct the final prognostic risk model. The risk score curve, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and ROC curve were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the Cox risk model. Finally, the functional annotation of the risk model was obtained through enrichment analysis.

Results

The Cox risk model has an eight prognostic cuproptosis-related gene signature. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the high-risk group had a shorter survival time. The ROC curve of the risk score was well created to predict one-, three-, and five-year survival rates, and AUC of the risk score was higher than other clinical characteristics. Cox regression analysis revealed that the risk score has an independent prognostic value for PAAD. GSEA reveals specific tumor pathways associated with the risk model (Myc targets v1, mTORC1 signaling, and E2F targets).

Conclusions

We constructed a prognostic model containing eight cuproptosis-related genes (AKR1B10, KLHL29, PROM2, PIP5K1C, KIF18B, AMIGO2, MRPL3, and PI4KB) that can accurately predict the prognosis of PAAD patients. The results will provide new perspectives for individualized outcome prediction and new therapy development for PAAD patients.