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Bardelli F, Giacobbe C, Ballirano P, Borelli V, Di Benedetto F, Montegrossi G, Bellis D, Pacella A. Closing the knowledge gap on the composition of the asbestos bodies. Environ Geochem Health 2023; 45:5039-5051. [PMID: 37058192 PMCID: PMC10310571 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01557-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos bodies (AB) form in the lungs as a result of a biomineralization process initiated by the alveolar macrophages in the attempt to remove asbestos. During this process, organic and inorganic material deposit on the foreign fibers forming a Fe-rich coating. The AB start to form in months, thus quickly becoming the actual interface between asbestos and the lung tissue. Therefore, revealing their composition, and, in particular, the chemical form of Fe, which is the major component of the AB, is essential to assess their possible role in the pathogenesis of asbestos-related diseases. In this work we report the result of the first x-ray diffraction measurements performed on single AB embedded in the lung tissue samples of former asbestos plant workers. The combination with x-ray absorption spectroscopy data allowed to unambiguously reveal that Fe is present in the AB in the form of two Fe-oxy(hydroxides): ferrihydrite and goethite. The presence of goethite, which can be explained in terms of the transformation of ferrihydrite (a metastable phase) due to the acidic conditions induced by the alveolar macrophages in their attempt to phagocytose the fibers, has toxicological implications that are discussed in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bardelli
- National Research Council, Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR-Nanotec), Rome, Italy.
- Centre for the Study of Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulate, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
| | - C Giacobbe
- Xenocs SAS, Grenoble, France
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France
| | - P Ballirano
- Department of Earth Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - V Borelli
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - F Di Benedetto
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Montegrossi
- National Research Council, Institute of Geoscience and Earth Resources (CNR-IGG), Florence, Italy
| | - D Bellis
- Centre for the Study of Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulate, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - A Pacella
- Department of Earth Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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2
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Borelli V, Zangari M, Bernareggi A, Bardelli F, Vita F, Zabucchi G. Ferruginous bodies exert a strong proinflammatory effect. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2023; 86:241-245. [PMID: 36809930 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2181899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
One of the main problems related to ferruginous-asbestos bodies (ABs) exposure is their potential pathogenetic role in asbestos-related diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether purified ABs, might stimulate inflammatory cells. ABs were isolated by exploiting their magnetic properties, therefore avoiding the strong chemical treatment usually employed for this purpose. This latter treatment, which is based upon the digestion of organic matter with concentrated hypochlorite, may markedly modify the AB structure and consequently also their "in vivo" manifestations. ABs were found to induce secretion of human neutrophil granular component myeloperoxidase, as well as stimulate rat mast cell degranulation. Data demonstrated that by triggering secretory processes in inflammatory cells, purified ABs may play a role in the pathogenesis of asbestos-related diseases by continuing and enhancing the pro-inflammatory activity of the asbestos fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Zangari
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Vita
- Pathology Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Pacella A, Ballirano P, Fantauzzi M, Rossi A, Nardi E, Capitani G, Arrizza L, Montereali MR. Surface and bulk modifications of amphibole asbestos in mimicked gamble's solution at acidic PH. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14249. [PMID: 34244595 PMCID: PMC8270982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93758-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the surface modifications occurring on amphibole asbestos (crocidolite and tremolite) during leaching in a mimicked Gamble's solution at pH of 4.5 and T = 37 °C, from 1 h up to 720 h. Results showed that the fibre dissolution starts with the release of cations prevalently allocated at the various M- and (eventually) A-sites of the amphibole structure (incongruent dissolution). The amount of released silicon, normalized to fibre surface area, highlighted a leaching faster for the crocidolite sample, about twenty times higher than that of tremolite. Besides, the fast alteration of crocidolite promotes the occurrence of Fe centres in proximity of the fibre surface, or possibly even exposed, particularly in the form of Fe(II), of which the bulk is enriched with respect to the oxidized surface. Conversely, for tremolite fibres the very slow fibre dissolution prevents the underlying cations of the bulk to be exposed on the mineral surface, and the iron oxidation, faster than the leaching process, significantly depletes the surface Fe(II) centres initially present. Results of this work may contribute to unravel possible correlations between surface properties of amphibole asbestos and its long-term toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pacella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra and Laboratorio Rettorale Fibre e Particolato Inorganico, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paolo Ballirano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra and Laboratorio Rettorale Fibre e Particolato Inorganico, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Fantauzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, INSTM Research Unit, Centro Grandi Strumenti, Università di Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, INSTM Research Unit, Centro Grandi Strumenti, Università di Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Nardi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Capitani
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente e di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 4, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Arrizza
- Centro di Microscopie, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Via Vetoio (Coppito 1, Edificio "Renato Ricamo"), 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
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Bardelli F, Brun F, De Panfilis S, Cloetens P, Capella S, Belluso E, Bellis D, Di Napoli A, Cedola A. Chemo-physical properties of asbestos bodies in human lung tissues studied at the nano-scale by non-invasive, label free x-ray imaging and spectroscopic techniques. Toxicol Lett 2021; 348:18-27. [PMID: 34023437 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In the lungs, asbestos develops an Fe-rich coating (Asbestos Body, AB) that becomes the actual interface between the foreign fibers and the host organism. Conventional approaches to study ABs require an invasive sample preparation that can alter them. In this work, a novel combination of x-ray tomography and spectroscopy allowed studying unaltered lung tissue samples with chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos. The thickness and mass density maps of the ABs obtained by x-ray tomography were used to derive a truly quantitative elemental analysis from scanning x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy data. The average mass density of the ABs is compatible with that of highly loaded ferritin, or hemosiderin. The composition of all ABs analyzed was similar, with only minor differences in the relative elemental fractions. Silicon concentration decreased in the core-to-rim direction, indicating a possible partial dissolution of the inner fiber. The Fe content in the ABs was higher than that possibly contained in chrysotile and crocidolite. This finding opens two opposite scenarios, the first with Fe coming from the fiber bulk and concentrating on the surface as long as the fiber dissolves, the second where the Fe that takes part to the formation of the AB originates from the host organism Fe-pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bardelli
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR-Nanotec, c/o Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy.
| | - Francesco Brun
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone De Panfilis
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Roma, Italy
| | - Peter Cloetens
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France
| | - Silvana Capella
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for the Study of Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulate "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Belluso
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for the Study of Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulate "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Donata Bellis
- Interdepartmental Centre for the Study of Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulate "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Surgery, Pathological Anatomy, Ospedale degli Infermi, Biella, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Napoli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Pathology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Cedola
- Institute of Nanotechnology - CNR-Nanotec, c/o Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
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Bardelli F, Brun F, Capella S, Bellis D, Cippitelli C, Cedola A, Belluso E. Asbestos bodies count and morphometry in bulk lung tissue samples by non-invasive X-ray micro-tomography. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10608. [PMID: 34012032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90057-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of the Asbestos Bodies (AB), i.e. asbestos that developed an iron-protein coating during its permanence in biological tissues, is one of the most accessible markers of asbestos exposure in individuals. The approaches developed to perform AB count in biological tissues are based on the manual examination of tissue digests or histological sections by means of light or electron microscopies. Although these approaches are well established and relatively accessible, manual examination is time-consuming and can be reader-dependent. Besides, approximations are applied because of the limitations of 2D readings and to speed up manual counts. In addition, sample preparation using tissue digests require an amount of tissue that can only be obtained by invasive surgery or post-mortem sampling. In this paper, we propose a new approach to AB counting based on non-destructive 3D imaging, which has the potential to overcome most of the limitations of conventional approaches. This method allows automating the AB count and determining their morphometry distribution in bulk tissue samples (ideally non-invasive needle biopsies), with minimal sample preparation and avoiding approximations. Although the results are promising, additional testing on a larger number of AB-containing biological samples would be required to fully validate the method.
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Corti A, Bonetti J, Dominici S, Piaggi S, Fierabracci V, Foddis R, Pompella A. Induction of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Activity and Consequent Pro-oxidant Reactions in Human Macrophages Exposed to Crocidolite Asbestos. Toxicol Sci 2020; 177:476-482. [PMID: 31388672 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Asbestos is the main causative agent of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The variety known as crocidolite (blue asbestos) owns the highest pathogenic potential, due to the dimensions of its fibers as well as to its content of iron. The latter can in fact react with macrophage-derived hydrogen peroxide in the so called Fenton reaction, giving rise to highly reactive and mutagenic hydroxyl radical. On the other hand, hydroxyl radical can as well originate after thiol-dependent reduction of iron, a process capable of starting its redox cycling. Previous studies showed that glutathione (GSH) is one such thiol, and that cellular gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) can efficiently potentiate GSH-dependent iron redox cycling and consequent oxidative stress. As GGT is expressed in macrophages and is released upon their activation, the present study was aimed at verifying the hypothesis that GSH/GGT-dependent redox reactions may participate in the oxidative stress following the activation of macrophages induced by crocidolite asbestos. Experiments in acellular systems confirmed that GGT-mediated metabolism of GSH can potentiate crocidolite-dependent production of superoxide anion, through the production of highly reactive dipeptide thiol cysteinyl-glycine. Cultured THP-1 macrophagic cells, as well as isolated monocytes obtained from healthy donors and differentiated to macrophages in vitro, were investigated as to their expression of GGT and the effects of exposure to crocidolite. The results show that crocidolite asbestos at subtoxic concentrations (50-250 ng/1000 cells) can upregulate GGT expression, which raises the possibility that macrophage-initiated, GSH/GGT-dependent pro-oxidant reactions may participate in the pathogenesis of tissue damage and inflammation consequent to crocidolite intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Corti
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Dominici
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Simona Piaggi
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Vanna Fierabracci
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Rudy Foddis
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Alfonso Pompella
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa 56126, Italy
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Gualtieri AF, Andreozzi GB, Tomatis M, Turci F. Iron from a geochemical viewpoint. Understanding toxicity/pathogenicity mechanisms in iron-bearing minerals with a special attention to mineral fibers. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 133:21-37. [PMID: 30071299 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Iron and its role as soul of life on Earth is addressed in this review as iron is one of the most abundant elements of our universe, forms the core of our planet and that of telluric (i.e., Earth-like) planets, is a major element of the Earth's crust and is hosted in an endless number of mineral phases, both crystalline and amorphous. To study iron at an atomic level inside the bulk of mineral phases or at its surface, where it is more reactive, both spectroscopy and diffraction experimental methods can be used, taking advantage of nearly the whole spectrum of electromagnetic waves. These methods can be successfully combined to microscopy to simultaneously provide chemical (e.g. iron mapping) and morphological information on mineral particles, and shed light on the interaction of mineral surfaces with organic matter. This review describes the crystal chemistry of iron-bearing minerals of importance for the environment and human health, with special attention to iron in toxic minerals, and the experimental methods used for their study. Special attention is devoted to the Fenton-like chain reaction involving Fe2+ in the formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. The final part of this review deals with release and adsorption of iron in biological fluids, coordinative and oxidative state of iron and in vitro reactivity. To disclose the very mechanisms of carcinogenesis induced by iron-bearing toxic mineral particles, crystal chemistry and surface chemistry are fundamental for a multidisciplinary approach which should involve geo-bio-scientists, toxicologists and medical doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro F Gualtieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, I-41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Giovanni B Andreozzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy; CNR-IGAG, U.O. Roma, at Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maura Tomatis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 7, I-10125 Torino, Italy; "G. Sca nsetti" Interdepartmen tal Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 9, I-10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Turci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 7, I-10125 Torino, Italy; "G. Sca nsetti" Interdepartmen tal Centre for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 9, I-10125 Torino, Italy
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8
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Bardelli F, Veronesi G, Capella S, Bellis D, Charlet L, Cedola A, Belluso E. New insights on the biomineralisation process developing in human lungs around inhaled asbestos fibres. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44862. [PMID: 28332562 PMCID: PMC5362951 DOI: 10.1038/srep44862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Once penetrated into the lungs of exposed people, asbestos induces an in vivo biomineralisation process that leads to the formation of a ferruginous coating embedding the fibres. The ensemble of the fibre and the coating is referred to as asbestos body and is believed to be responsible for the high toxicological outcome of asbestos. Lung tissue of two individuals subjected to prolonged occupational exposure to crocidolite asbestos was investigated using synchrotron radiation micro-probe tools. The distribution of K and of elements heavier than Fe (Zn, Cu, As, and Ba) in the asbestos bodies was observed for the first time. Elemental quantification, also reported for the first time, confirmed that the coating is highly enriched in Fe (~20% w/w), and x-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated that Fe is in the 3+ oxidation state and that it is present in the form of ferritin or hemosiderin. Comparison of the results obtained studying the asbestos bodies upon removing the biological tissue by chemical digestion and those embedded in histological sections, allowed unambiguously distinguishing the composition of the asbestos bodies, and understanding to what extent the digestion procedure altered their chemical composition. A speculative model is proposed to explain the observed distribution of Fe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bardelli
- CNR-Nanotec - Soft and Living matter Lab (S.Li.M. Lab) c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Veronesi
- CNRS/CEA/University of Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire Chimie et Biologie des Métaux (CBM-UMR 5249), 17, avenue des Martyrs, 38054, Grenoble, France.,European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71, avenue des Martyrs, 38043, Grenoble, France
| | - Silvana Capella
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Torino, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125, Torino, Italy.,Centre for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Donata Bellis
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, ASL-TO1, Martini Hospital, via Tofane 71, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Laurent Charlet
- Institute of Earth Science (ISTerre-OSUG UMR 5275), University of Grenoble Alpes, 1381, rue de la Piscine, 38400, Grenoble, France
| | - Alessia Cedola
- CNR-Nanotec - Soft and Living matter Lab (S.Li.M. Lab) c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Belluso
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Torino, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125, Torino, Italy.,Centre for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates "G. Scansetti", University of Torino, via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125, Turin, Italy.,CNR IGG - Torino Unit, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125, Torino, Italy
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Gandolfi NB, Gualtieri AF, Pollastri S, Tibaldi E, Belpoggi F. Assessment of asbestos body formation by high resolution FEG-SEM after exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to chrysotile, crocidolite, or erionite. J Hazard Mater 2016; 306:95-104. [PMID: 26705886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a comparative FEG-SEM study of the morphological and chemical characteristics of both asbestos bodies and fibres found in the tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to intraperitoneal or intrapleural injection of UICC chrysotile, UICC crocidolite and erionite from Jersey, Nevada (USA), with monitoring up to 3 years after exposure. Due to unequal dosing based on number of fibres per mass for chrysotile with respect to crocidolite and erionite, excessive fibre burden and fibre aggregation during injection that especially for chrysotile would likely not represent what humans would be exposed to, caution must be taken in extrapolating our results based on instillation in experimental animals to human inhalation. Notwithstanding, the results of this study may help to better understand the mechanism of formation of asbestos bodies. For chrysotile and crocidolite, asbestos bodies are systematically formed on long asbestos fibres. The number of coated fibres is only 3.3% in chrysotile inoculated tissues. In UICC crocidolite, Mg, Si, and Fe are associated with the fibres whereas Fe, P and Ca are associated with the coating. Even for crocidolite, most of the observed fibres are uncoated as coated fibres are about 5.7%. Asbestos bodies do not form on erionite fibres. The crystal habit, crystallinity and chemistry of all fibre species do not change with contact time, with the exception of chrysotile which shows signs of leaching of Mg. A model for the formation of asbestos bodies from mineral fibres is postulated. Because the three fibre species show limited signs of dissolution in the tissue, they cannot act as source of elements (primarily Fe, P and Ca) promoting nucleation and growth of asbestos bodies. Hence, the limited number of coated fibres should be due to the lack of nutrients or organic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Bursi Gandolfi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, I-41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro F Gualtieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, I-41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Simone Pollastri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, I-41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Eva Tibaldi
- Cancer Research Centre, European Ramazzini Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences, Castello di Bentivoglio, Via Saliceto 3, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fiorella Belpoggi
- Cancer Research Centre, European Ramazzini Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences, Castello di Bentivoglio, Via Saliceto 3, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Abstract
Mesothelioma, a rare tumor, is highly correlated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, similar to all asbestos-related diseases, is dose/intensity dependent to some degree, and studies showed the risk of mesothelioma rises with cumulative exposures. Multiple processes occur in an individual before mesothelioma occurs. The impact of mesothelioma in the United States has been continuous over the last half century, claiming between 2,000 and 3,000 lives each year. Mesothelioma is a preventable tumor that is more frequently reported as associated with asbestos exposure among men than women. However, the rate of asbestos-associated mesothelioma is on the rise among women due to better investigation into their histories of asbestos exposure. It is of interest that investigators detected asbestos-associated cases of mesothelioma in women from nonoccupational sources-that is, bystander, incidental, or take-home exposures. It is postulated that asbestos-associated mesotheliomas, in both men and women, are likely underreported. However, with the implementation of the most recent ICD-10 coding system, the correlation of mesothelioma with asbestos exposure is expected to rise to approximately 80% in the United States. This study examined the demographic and etiological nature of asbestos-related mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Lemen
- a Department of Environmental Health , Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia , USA
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11
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Bernareggi A, Ren E, Borelli V, Vita F, Constanti A, Zabucchi G. Xenopus laevis Oocytes as a Model System for Studying the Interaction Between Asbestos Fibres and Cell Membranes. Toxicol Sci 2015; 145:263-72. [PMID: 25745069 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mode of interaction of asbestos fibres with cell membranes is still debatable. One reason is the lack of a suitable and convenient cellular model to investigate the causes of asbestos toxicity. We studied the interaction of asbestos fibres with Xenopus laevis oocytes, using electrophysiological and morphological methods. Oocytes are large single cells, with a limited ability to endocytose molecular ligands; we therefore considered these cells to be a good model for investigating the nature of asbestos/membrane interactions. Electrophysiological recordings were performed to compare the passive electrical membrane properties, and those induced by applying positive or negative voltage steps, in untreated oocytes and those exposed to asbestos fibre suspensions. Ultrastructural analysis visualized in detail, any morphological changes of the surface membrane caused by the fibre treatment. Our results demonstrate that Amosite and Crocidolite-type asbestos fibres significantly modify the properties of the membrane, starting soon after exposure. Cells were routinely depolarized, their input resistance decreased, and the slow outward currents evoked by step depolarizations were dramatically enhanced. Reducing the availability of surface iron contained in the structure of the fibres with cation chelators, abolished these effects. Ultrastructural analysis of the fibre-exposed oocytes showed no evidence of phagocytic events. Our results demonstrate that asbestos fibres modify the oocyte membrane, and we propose that these cells represent a viable model for studying the asbestos/cell membrane interaction. Our findings also open the possibly for finding specific competitors capable of hindering the asbestos-cell membrane interaction as a means of tackling the long-standing asbestos toxicity problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bernareggi
- *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX
| | - Elisa Ren
- *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX
| | - Violetta Borelli
- *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX
| | - Francesca Vita
- *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX
| | - Andrew Constanti
- *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX
| | - Giuliano Zabucchi
- *Department of Life Sciences; Centre for Neuroscience B.R.A.I.N., University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK WC1N 1AX
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Borelli V, Trevisan E, Vita F, Bottin C, Melato M, Rizzardi C, Zabucchi G. Peroxidase-like activity of ferruginous bodies isolated by exploiting their magnetic property. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2012; 75:603-623. [PMID: 22712847 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2012.688478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ferruginous bodies (FB) are polymorphic structures whose formation is macrophage dependent, and are composed of a core, which may consist of an asbestos fiber coated with proteins, among which ferritin is the main component. Within ferritin, the ferric and ferrous ions are coordinated as ferrihydrite, which is the main iron (Fe) storage compound. However, when ferritin accumulates in some tissues following Fe overload it also contains magnetite along with ferrihydrite, which endows it with magnetic properties. Recently studies showed that magnetite exerts peroxidase-like activity, and since ferruginous bodies display magnetic properties, it was postulated that these particular structures may also contain magnetite within the ferritin coating, and thus may also exert peroxidase-like activity. Histochemical analysis for peroxidase of isolated FB smears demonstrated positive staining. Samples isolated from 4 different autopsy lung fragments were also able to oxidize 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-benzidine to a blue colored compound that absorbs at 655 nm. This activity was (1) azide and heat insensitive with optimal pH from 5 to 6, and (2) highly variable, changing more than 25-fold from one sample to another. These findings, together with evidence that the peroxidase-like activity of ferruginous bodies has a hydrogen peroxide and substrate requirement different from that of human myeloperoxidase, can exclude that this enzyme gives a significant contribution to the formation of FB. Standard Fe-rich asbestos fibers also express a peroxidase-like activity, but this appears negligible compared to that of ferruginous bodies. Strong acidification of standard Fe-containing asbestos fibers or magnetically isolated ferruginous bodies liberates a high amount of peroxidase-like activity, which is probably accounted for by the release of Fe ions. Further, FB also damage mesothelial cells in vitro. Data suggest that FB exert peroxidase-like activity and cytotoxic activity against mesothelial cells, and hence may be an important factor in pathogenesis of asbestos-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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13
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Abstract
Asbestos is a potent carcinogen associated with increased risks of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer in humans. Although the mechanism of carcinogenesis remains elusive, the physicochemical characteristics of asbestos play a role in the progression of asbestos-induced diseases. Among these characteristics, a high capacity to adsorb and accommodate biomolecules on its abundant surface area has been linked to cellular and genetic toxicity. Several previous studies identified asbestos-interacting proteins. Here, with the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, we systematically identified proteins from various lysates that adsorbed to the surface of commercially used asbestos and classified them into the following groups: chromatin/nucleotide/RNA-binding proteins, ribosomal proteins, cytoprotective proteins, cytoskeleton-associated proteins, histones and hemoglobin. The surfaces of crocidolite and amosite, two iron-rich types of asbestos, caused more protein scissions and oxidative modifications than that of chrysotile by in situ-generated 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. In contrast, we confirmed the intense hemolytic activity of chrysotile and found that hemoglobin attached to chrysotile, but not silica, can work as a catalyst to induce oxidative DNA damage. This process generates 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and thus corroborates the involvement of iron in the carcinogenicity of chrysotile. This evidence demonstrates that all three types of asbestos adsorb DNA and specific proteins, providing a niche for oxidative modification via catalytic iron. Therefore, considering the affinity of asbestos for histones/DNA and the internalization of asbestos into mesothelial cells, our results suggest a novel hypothetical mechanism causing genetic alterations during asbestos-induced carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Nagai
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Shannahan JH, Ghio AJ, Schladweiler MC, McGee JK, Richards JH, Gavett SH, Kodavanti UP. The role of iron in Libby amphibole-induced acute lung injury and inflammation. Inhal Toxicol 2011; 23:313-23. [PMID: 21605006 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2011.569587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Complexation of host iron (Fe) on the surface of inhaled asbestos fibers has been postulated to cause oxidative stress contributing to in vivo pulmonary injury and inflammation. We examined the role of Fe in Libby amphibole (LA; mean length 4.99 µm ± 4.53 and width 0.28 µm ± 0.19) asbestos-induced inflammogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. LA contained acid-leachable Fe and silicon. In a cell-free media containing FeCl(3), LA bound #17 µg of Fe/mg of fiber and increased reactive oxygen species generation #3.5 fold, which was reduced by deferoxamine (DEF) treatment. In BEAS-2B cells exposure to LA, LA loaded with Fe (FeLA), or LA with DEF did not increase HO-1 or ferritin mRNA expression. LA increased IL-8 expression, which was reduced by Fe loading but increased by DEF. To determine the role of Fe in LA-induced lung injury in vivo, spontaneously hypertensive rats were exposed intratracheally to either saline (300 µL), DEF (1 mg), FeCl(3) (21 µg), LA (0.5 mg), FeLA (0.5 mg), or LA + DEF (0.5 mg). LA caused BALF neutrophils to increase 24 h post-exposure. Loading of Fe on LA but not chelation slightly decreased neutrophilic influx (LA + DEF > LA > FeLA). At 4 h post-exposure, LA-induced lung expression of MIP-2 was reduced in rats exposed to FeLA but increased by LA + DEF (LA + DEF > LA > FeLA). Ferritin mRNA was elevated in rats exposed to FeLA compared to LA. In conclusion, the acute inflammatory response to respirable fibers and particles may be inhibited in the presence of surface-complexed or cellular bioavailable Fe. Cell and tissue Fe-overload conditions may influence the pulmonary injury and inflammation caused by fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H Shannahan
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, UNC School of Medicine, Curriculum in Toxicology, USA
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Shannahan J, Schladweiler M, Padilla-Carlin D, Nyska A, Richards J, Ghio A, Gavett S, Kodavanti U. The role of cardiovascular disease-associated iron overload in Libby amphibole-induced acute pulmonary injury and inflammation. Inhal Toxicol 2011; 23:129-41. [DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2011.551850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Sureshbabu A, Tonner E, Allan GJ, Flint DJ. Relative Roles of TGF-β and IGFBP-5 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Pulm Med 2011; 2011:517687. [PMID: 21637366 DOI: 10.1155/2011/517687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most evident in the skin, the process of scarring, or fibrosis, occurs in all major organs because of impaired epithelial self-renewal. No current therapy exists for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The major profibrotic factor is TGF-β1 and developing inhibitors is an area of active research. Recently, IGFBP-5 has also been identified as a profibrotic factor, and studies suggest that, while both TGF-β1 and IGFBP-5 activate mesenchymal cells to increase collagen and fibronectin production, their effects on epithelial cells are distinct. TGF-β1 induces cell death and/or EMT in the epithelial cells, exacerbating the disruption of tissue architecture. In contrast, IGFBP-5 induces epithelial cell spreading over collagen or fibronectin matrices, increases secretion of laminin, the epithelial basement membrane, and enhances the survival of epithelial cells in nutrient-poor conditions, as exists in scar tissue. Thus, IGFBP-5 may enhance repair and may be an important target for antifibrotic therapies.
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Kell DB. Towards a unifying, systems biology understanding of large-scale cellular death and destruction caused by poorly liganded iron: Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's, prions, bactericides, chemical toxicology and others as examples. Arch Toxicol 2010; 84:825-89. [PMID: 20967426 PMCID: PMC2988997 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-010-0577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to a variety of toxins and/or infectious agents leads to disease, degeneration and death, often characterised by circumstances in which cells or tissues do not merely die and cease to function but may be more or less entirely obliterated. It is then legitimate to ask the question as to whether, despite the many kinds of agent involved, there may be at least some unifying mechanisms of such cell death and destruction. I summarise the evidence that in a great many cases, one underlying mechanism, providing major stresses of this type, entails continuing and autocatalytic production (based on positive feedback mechanisms) of hydroxyl radicals via Fenton chemistry involving poorly liganded iron, leading to cell death via apoptosis (probably including via pathways induced by changes in the NF-κB system). While every pathway is in some sense connected to every other one, I highlight the literature evidence suggesting that the degenerative effects of many diseases and toxicological insults converge on iron dysregulation. This highlights specifically the role of iron metabolism, and the detailed speciation of iron, in chemical and other toxicology, and has significant implications for the use of iron chelating substances (probably in partnership with appropriate anti-oxidants) as nutritional or therapeutic agents in inhibiting both the progression of these mainly degenerative diseases and the sequelae of both chronic and acute toxin exposure. The complexity of biochemical networks, especially those involving autocatalytic behaviour and positive feedbacks, means that multiple interventions (e.g. of iron chelators plus antioxidants) are likely to prove most effective. A variety of systems biology approaches, that I summarise, can predict both the mechanisms involved in these cell death pathways and the optimal sites of action for nutritional or pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- School of Chemistry and the Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK.
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Kell DB. Iron behaving badly: inappropriate iron chelation as a major contributor to the aetiology of vascular and other progressive inflammatory and degenerative diseases. BMC Med Genomics 2009; 2:2. [PMID: 19133145 PMCID: PMC2672098 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The production of peroxide and superoxide is an inevitable consequence of aerobic metabolism, and while these particular 'reactive oxygen species' (ROSs) can exhibit a number of biological effects, they are not of themselves excessively reactive and thus they are not especially damaging at physiological concentrations. However, their reactions with poorly liganded iron species can lead to the catalytic production of the very reactive and dangerous hydroxyl radical, which is exceptionally damaging, and a major cause of chronic inflammation. REVIEW We review the considerable and wide-ranging evidence for the involvement of this combination of (su)peroxide and poorly liganded iron in a large number of physiological and indeed pathological processes and inflammatory disorders, especially those involving the progressive degradation of cellular and organismal performance. These diseases share a great many similarities and thus might be considered to have a common cause (i.e. iron-catalysed free radical and especially hydroxyl radical generation).The studies reviewed include those focused on a series of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases, where iron can be found at the sites of plaques and lesions, as well as studies showing the significance of iron to aging and longevity. The effective chelation of iron by natural or synthetic ligands is thus of major physiological (and potentially therapeutic) importance. As systems properties, we need to recognise that physiological observables have multiple molecular causes, and studying them in isolation leads to inconsistent patterns of apparent causality when it is the simultaneous combination of multiple factors that is responsible.This explains, for instance, the decidedly mixed effects of antioxidants that have been observed, since in some circumstances (especially the presence of poorly liganded iron) molecules that are nominally antioxidants can actually act as pro-oxidants. The reduction of redox stress thus requires suitable levels of both antioxidants and effective iron chelators. Some polyphenolic antioxidants may serve both roles.Understanding the exact speciation and liganding of iron in all its states is thus crucial to separating its various pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. Redox stress, innate immunity and pro- (and some anti-)inflammatory cytokines are linked in particular via signalling pathways involving NF-kappaB and p38, with the oxidative roles of iron here seemingly involved upstream of the IkappaB kinase (IKK) reaction. In a number of cases it is possible to identify mechanisms by which ROSs and poorly liganded iron act synergistically and autocatalytically, leading to 'runaway' reactions that are hard to control unless one tackles multiple sites of action simultaneously. Some molecules such as statins and erythropoietin, not traditionally associated with anti-inflammatory activity, do indeed have 'pleiotropic' anti-inflammatory effects that may be of benefit here. CONCLUSION Overall we argue, by synthesising a widely dispersed literature, that the role of poorly liganded iron has been rather underappreciated in the past, and that in combination with peroxide and superoxide its activity underpins the behaviour of a great many physiological processes that degrade over time. Understanding these requires an integrative, systems-level approach that may lead to novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- School of Chemistry and Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess St, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
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Borelli V, Brochetta C, Melato M, Rizzardi C, Polentarutti M, Busatto C, Vita F, Abbate R, Gotter R, Zabucchi G. A procedure for the isolation of asbestos bodies from lung tissue by exploiting their magnetic properties: a new approach to asbestos body study. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2007; 70:1232-40. [PMID: 17573637 DOI: 10.1080/15287390701380906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The role of asbestos bodies (and associated proteinacious coating) in asbestos associated diseases is not well understood. Currently employed methods of isolation of these bodies employ harsh chemicals that lead to destruction of their proteinacious coating. In this work a method was developed that enabled the purification of whole, integral, unmodified asbestos bodies (AB) by exploiting their magnetic properties. Albumin and ferritin were found to be the major proteins associated with AB isolated from lung tissue of mesothelioma patients. Magnetically isolated AB were shown to be cytotoxic and to activate free radical production from inflammatory cells at a higher extent than that induced by bodies obtained by chemical digestion. The finding that hypochlorite-treated AB induce DNA damage, while AB obtained by the method described in this article failed to do so, together with the differential behavior of these bodies toward inflammatory cells, suggests that native asbestos bodies should be used to investigate the pathogenetic role of these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Borelli
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, University of Trieste, Italy.
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Gulumian M. An update on the detoxification processes for silica particles and asbestos fibers: successess and limitations. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev 2005; 8:453-83. [PMID: 16188731 DOI: 10.1080/10937400590952547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of asbestos fibers and crystalline silica produces a number of diseases including fibrosis and cancer. Investigations into the mechanisms involved in mineral particle-induced toxicity indicated the importance of their surfaces in the pathological consequences. Masking of the surface sites has therefore featured prominently in a number of detoxification processes that have been investigated. The majority of the detoxification processes were, however, conducted to elucidate the involvement of a particular surface site in the toxicity of a specific mineral. Others were investigated with the aim of large industrial applications to be applied during mining, handling, processing, transporting, and disposing of minerals. It can be concluded that, to date, there is no single detoxification process that could be applied universally to all different types of mineral particles. Those that have shown some success could not completely abolish all adverse effects. Further elucidation of mechanisms of particle-induced toxicity may open new possibilities for detoxification processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gulumian
- National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) and Department of Hematology and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Turci F, Tomatis M, Gazzano E, Riganti C, Martra G, Bosia A, Ghigo D, Fubini B. Potential toxicity of nonregulated asbestiform minerals: balangeroite from the western Alps. Part 2: Oxidant activity of the fibers. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2005; 68:21-39. [PMID: 15739802 DOI: 10.1080/15287390590523911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The asbestiform mineral balangeroite [(Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+,Mn2+)42Si16O54(OH)36], whose toxic potential is unknown, is associated with chrysotile asbestos in the western Alps (Balangero mine, Piedmont, Italy). In order to examine whether such fibers may contribute to the oxidative damage produced by local asbestos dusts when inhaled, balangeroite was studied by means of both cell-free and cellular tests, comparing the results with those concerning the most pathogenic asbestos form, crocidolite. Similarly to the crocidolite surface, iron was mobilized from balangeroite by chelators, to a different extent: deferoxamine > ascorbic acid > ferrozine. Poorly coordinated surface ions, as evaluated from the adsorption of NO as a probe molecule (by both calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy), are even more abundant on balangeroite than on crocidolite. The spin trapping technique shows that surface iron-derived Fenton activity (HO* from H2O2) is similar for the two fiber types, while a pretreatment in ascorbic acid, by reducing previously oxidized surface iron, activates the potential to cleave a C-H bond (yielding *CO2- from formate anion). Balangeroite, like crocidolite, produces nitrite accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and NO synthase activation in a human lung epithelial cell line (A549). All these findings, regarded as features related to the toxic potential of asbestos, suggest that balangeroite may be a potentially hazardous fiber per se and could be partly responsible for lung diseases reported in epidemiological studies in exposed miners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Turci
- Interdepartmental Center G. Scansetti for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates, Department of Chemistry IFM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Gazin V, Kerdine S, Grillon G, Pallardy M, Raoul H. Uranium induces TNFα secretion and MAPK activation in a rat alveolar macrophage cell line. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2004; 194:49-59. [PMID: 14728979 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2003.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Uranium is a toxic heavy metal found mainly in the nuclear industry, but it is also used in the manufacturing of military munitions. Inhalation studies using animal models have demonstrated that long-term exposure to uranium can lead to the development of neoplasia and fibrosis at the pulmonary level. Because it has been demonstrated that such effects are often associated with inflammation, the effect of uranium on TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and IL-10 synthesis by macrophages was assessed in vitro using the NR8383 cell line. Our results show that a significant TNFalpha secretion was induced by uranium but not by other metals such as gadolinium. However, IL-1beta and IL-10 secretions were unaffected by uranium treatment. TNFalpha secretion was detectable since 50 microM of uranium and was maximal after 24 h of exposure. Determination of the mechanisms of uranium-induced TNFalpha production was assessed through the evaluation of protein kinases activation. Our results showed that uranium treatment induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation. The use of pharmacological inhibitors suggested that both p38 MAPK and protein kinase C (PKC) participate in the signal transduction of uranium-induced TNFalpha secretion. The regulation of TNFalpha secretion involves TNFalpha mRNA accumulation at least through the stabilization of TNFalpha mRNA, but p38 MAPK did not appear to be involved in this stabilization. However, this observation does not exclude regulation of TNFalpha synthesis at the transcriptional level, which remains to be demonstrated. Taking together, these results suggest that uranium can induce TNFalpha secretion by macrophages, thus contributing to a better understanding of the pathological effect of uranium on the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gazin
- Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, DSV/DRR, Bruyères le Châtel, France
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Paustenbach DJ, Finley BL, Lu ET, Brorby GP, Sheehan PJ. Environmental and occupational health hazards associated with the presence of asbestos in brake linings and pads (1900 to present): a "state-of-the-art" review. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev 2004; 7:25-80. [PMID: 14681081 DOI: 10.1080/10937400490231494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the history of automobile development, chrysotile asbestos has been an essential component of vehicle brake linings and pads. Acceptable alternatives were not fully developed until the 1980s, and these were installed in vehicles produced over the past decade. This article presents a "state-of-the-art" analysis of what was known over time about the potential environmental and occupational health hazards associated with the presence of chrysotile asbestos in brake linings and pads. As part of this analysis, the evolution of automobile brakes and brake friction materials, beginning with the early 1900s, is described. Initial concerns regarding exposures to asbestos among workers involved in the manufacture of friction products were raised as early as 1930. Between 1930 and 1959, eight studies were conducted for which friction product manufacturing workers were part of the population assessed. These studies provided evidence of asbestosis among highly exposed workers, but provided little information on the magnitude of exposure. The U.S. Public Health Service proposed the first occupational guideline for asbestos exposure in 1938. The causal relationship between asbestos exposure and lung cancer was confirmed in 1955 in asbestos textile workers in the United Kingdom, and later, in 1960, in South Africa, mesothelioma was attributed to asbestos exposure to even relatively low airborne concentrations of crocidolite. Between 1960 and 1974, five epidemiology studies of friction product manufacturing workers were conducted. During this same time period, the initial studies of brake lining wear (dust or debris) emissions were conducted showing that automobile braking was not a substantial contributor of asbestos fibers greater than 5 microm in length to ambient air. The first exposure surveys, as well as preliminary health effects studies, for brake mechanics were also conducted during this period. In 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration promulgated the first national standards for workplace exposure to asbestos. During the post-1974 time period, most of the information on exposure of brake mechanics to airborne asbestos during brake repair was gathered, primarily from a series of sampling surveys conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the United States. These surveys indicated that the time-weighted average asbestos
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Elias Z, Poirot O, Danière MC, Terzetti F, Binet S, Tomatis M, Fubini B. Surface reactivity, cytotoxicity, and transforming potency of iron-covered compared to untreated refractory ceramic fibers. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2002; 65:2007-2027. [PMID: 12490045 DOI: 10.1080/00984100290071360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Untreated and iron-coated refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs) 1, 3, and 4 were examined for their potential to generate free radicals and to catalyze hydrogen peroxide decomposition in cell-free assays and were compared for cytotoxic and transforming potencies in Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell system. Coating with a high quantity of iron increased the capability of RCFs to generate hydroxyl radicals and to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. In the SHE cells, the untreated RCFs had varying ability to induce inhibition of cell proliferation, cytotoxicity (as measured by the colony-forming efficiency, CE) and morphological transformation, in a concentration-dependent manner. According to cytotoxic and transforming potencies, they ranged as follows: RCF3 > RCF1 > RCF4. The lethal concentration 50 (LC50; decrease of CE to 50% of controls after 7 d of treatment) expressed per number of RCF3 and RCF1/cm(2) of culture dish was 2.5 x 10(4) and 3.7 x 10(4), respectively, whereas RCF4 was not cytotoxic up to the highest concentration tested (23.7 x 10(4) fibers/cm(2)). At LC50, RCF3 was 1.4-fold more transforming than RCF1, and the weakest, RCF4, induced less than 1% transformation. Iron coating of RCF1 and RCF3 markedly attenuated their cytostatic, cytotoxic, and transforming potencies without a linear concentration-transformation relationship. In contrast, iron coating of RCF4 affected slightly its low transforming potency, although the growth inhibitory effect was reduced. The observed decrease rather than increase in the cytotoxic and transforming potencies of the active samples RCF1 and RCF3 by their coating with large amounts of ferric iron suggests that it is not the quantity or any form of iron on the surface of fibers but the iron, even in trace, in a particular redox and coordinate state that might play a role in the fiber's surface reactivity with regard to the biological material. Surface chemical functions involved in the interaction with the cell could be inactivated by the deposition of a high quantity of Fe(III) on the surface of fibers. Physicochemical studies correlated to biological effects is an approach for understanding the properties of solids related to a given biological response and for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoé Elias
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Dodson RF, Williams MG, Satterley JD. Asbestos burden in two cases of mesothelioma where the work history included manufacturing of cigarette filters. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2002; 65:1109-1120. [PMID: 12167211 DOI: 10.1080/152873902760125354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Asbestos has been used in many applications, but possibly one of the more unique was in the manufacturing of filters for cigarettes. The type of asbestos used in this application was crocidolite. Data from several resources indicate that crocidolite was one of the least utilized types of commercial asbestos in the United States. The present study provides quantitative tissue burden analysis data for two mesothelioma cases where the work histories included manufacturing of cigarette filters that contained crocidolite. The data include the number of asbestos bodies and uncoated fibers per gram of tissue, as well as the dimensions of these structures. The conclusion of the findings indicates that the individuals had an appreciable homogeneous exposure to crocidolite asbestos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald F Dodson
- University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, 11937 U.S. Highway 21, Tyler, TX 75708, USA.
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Minakata K, Suzuki O, Saito SI, Kawai K, Horio F. Effects of paraquat on essential antioxidant elements in osteogenic disorder Shionogi rat. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2002; 65:143-147. [PMID: 11820502 DOI: 10.1080/152873902753396776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the effect of paraquat (PQ) on concentrations of four elements (Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn) in lung, kidney, spleen, liver, and heart of male osteogenic disorder Shionogi (ODS) rats, a strain not able to synthesize vitamin C. PQ significantly increased the Cu concentrations in lung, liver, and plasma, accompanied by a fall in renal levels. Fe levels were elevated in liver and spleen but lowered in plasma. PQ produced an increase in kidney Mg and a rise in liver Mg and Zn levels. Cardiac elemental levels were not affected by PQ treatment. PQ, a known oxidant, produced changes in tissue elements involved in antioxidant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Minakata
- Department of Legal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan.
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Hetland RB, Myhre O, Låg M, Hongve D, Schwarze PE, Refsnes M. Importance of soluble metals and reactive oxygen species for cytokine release induced by mineral particles. Toxicology 2001; 165:133-44. [PMID: 11522371 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-483x(01)00418-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms for particle-induced health effects are not well understood, but inflammation seems to be of importance. Previously, we have shown that stone quarry particles with various mineral and metal content differed widely in potency to induce inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) in different types of lung cells. In this study we investigated if the observed cytokine responses were associated with the soluble or insoluble components of the stone particles and if there was a relationship between the differential cytokine release and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure of the human alveolar cell line A549 to the different particle leachates (pH 7.4 and 4.0) did not induce corresponding differential increases in the IL-8 release as observed with whole particles. Increase in ROS production, measured as dichlorofluorescein-fluorescence, was only demonstrated after exposure of A549 cells to the pH 4.0 extract from basalt. Furthermore, generation of ROS was found in neutrophils but not in A549 cells and primary macrophages after exposure to suspensions of the solid particles. However, no obvious differences in potency among the different particles were demonstrated. In summary, other mechanisms than particle-induced ROS formation seem to be responsible for the differential induction of IL-8. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the differential ability to induce IL-8 release in lung cells is attributed to the solid components of the stone particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Hetland
- Department of Environmental Medicine, National Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.
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