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Jin H, Zhao C, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Yong Z, Lei Y, Li Q, Yao X, Zhao M, Lu Q. Environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: An underestimated risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus onset and progression. Sci Total Environ 2024; 926:171841. [PMID: 38513863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171841] [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] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incidence and exposure to environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). METHODS A case-control study (ChiCTR2000038187) involving 316 SLE patients and 851 healthy controls (HCs) was executed. Environmental exposure was assessed via a questionnaire, stratified by gender and age (females <35 and ≥35 years, males). Blood samples collected from 89 HCs, 85 inactive, and 95 active SLE patients were used to measure serum benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide -albumin (BPDE-Alb) adducts and PAH concentrations, indicating long-term and short-term exposure respectively. Intergroup comparisons and statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.3.1. RESULTS Diverse patterns were found in how environmental factors affect SLE onset across different demographics. Lifestyle exposure factors were found to be a stronger determinant of SLE onset than occupational exposure factors in women under 35. Indoor air pollution had a significant impact on SLE incidence, potentially comparable to outdoor air pollution. Lifestyle-related PAH exposure had a greater impact on SLE than occupational PAH exposure. PAH exposure levels progressively increase from HCs to inactive and active SLE patients. Active SLE patients show markedly higher BPDE-Alb levels than HCs. CONCLUSIONS Environmental PAH, particularly lifestyle-related, are significant, yet under-recognized, risk factors for SLE. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION We examined the relationship between exposure to environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PAH, prevalent in sources such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and charred food, pose significant health hazards. This study is the first to investigate specific PAH exposure levels in SLE patients. We determined actual PAH exposure levels in both SLE patients and healthy individuals and indicated that long-term PAH exposure biomarker is more reliable for evaluating exposure in non-occupationally exposed groups like SLE, compared to short-term markers. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on similar non-occupationally exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jin
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiran Chen
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeng Yong
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qilin Li
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Yao
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China; Research Unit of Key Technologies of Immune-related Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China.
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Daems C, Sékulic M, Vulsteke V, van Loo G, D’Hooge R, Callaerts-Végh Z, Callaerts P. A20/ TNFAIP3 heterozygosity predisposes to behavioral symptoms in a mouse model for neuropsychiatric lupus. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 2:100018. [PMID: 38377433 PMCID: PMC8474646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100018] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) refers to the neurological and psychiatric manifestations that are commonly observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An important question regarding the pathogenesis of NPSLE is whether the symptoms are caused primarily by CNS-intrinsic mechanisms or develop as a consequence of systemic autoimmunity. Currently used spontaneous mouse models for SLE have already contributed significantly to unraveling how systemic immunity affects the CNS. However, they are less suited when interested in CNS primary mechanisms. In addition, none of these models are based on genes that are associated with SLE. In this study, we evaluate the influence of A20, a well-known susceptibility locus for SLE, on behavior and CNS-associated changes in inflammatory markers. Furthermore, given the importance of environmental triggers for disease onset and progression, the influence of an acute immunological challenge was evaluated. Methods Female and male A20 heterozygous mice (A20+/-) and wildtype littermates were tested in an extensive behavioral battery. This was done at the age of 10±2weeks and 24 ± 2 weeks to evaluate the impact of aging. To investigate the contribution of an acute immunological challenge, LPS was injected intracerebroventricularly at the age of 10±2weeks followed by behavioral analysis. Underlying molecular mechanisms were evaluated in gene expression assays on hippocampus and cortex. White blood cell count and blood-brain barrier permeability were analyzed to determine whether peripheral inflammation is a relevant factor. Results A20 heterozygosity predisposes to cognitive symptoms that were observed at the age of 10 ± 2 weeks and 24 ± 2 weeks. Young A20+/- males and females showed a subtle cognitive phenotype (10±2weeks) with distinct neuroinflammatory phenotypes. Aging was associated with clear neuroinflammation in female A20+/- mice only. The genetic predisposition in combination with an environmental stimulus exacerbates the behavioral impairments related to anxiety, cognitive dysfunction and sensorimotor gating. This was predominantly observed in females. Furthermore, signs of neuroinflammation were solely observed in female A20+/- mice. All above observations were made in the absence of peripheral inflammation and of changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, thus consistent with the CNS-primary hypothesis. Conclusions We show that A20 heterozygosity is a predisposing factor for NPSLE. Further mechanistic insight and possible therapeutic interventions can be studied in this mouse model that recapitulates several key hallmarks of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Daems
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M. Sékulic
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - V. Vulsteke
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G. van Loo
- VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - R. D’Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - P. Callaerts
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Stouffer K, Nahorski M, Moreno P, Sarveswaran N, Menon D, Lee M, Geoffrey Woods C. Functional SNP allele discovery (fSNPd): an approach to find highly penetrant, environmental-triggered genotypes underlying complex human phenotypes. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:944. [PMID: 29202707 PMCID: PMC5716007 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4325-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant human diseases/phenotypes exist which require both an environmental trigger event and a genetic predisposition before the disease/phenotype emerges, e.g. Carbamazepine with the rare SNP allele of rs3909184 causing Stevens Johnson syndrome, and aminoglycosides with rs267606617 causing sensory neural deafness. The underlying genotypes are fully penetrant only when the correct environmental trigger(s) occur, otherwise they are silent and harmless. Such diseases/phenotypes will not appear to have a Mendelian inheritance pattern, unless the environmental trigger is very common (>50% per lifetime). The known causative genotypes are likely to be protein-altering SNPs with dominant/semi-dominant effect. We questioned whether other diseases and phenotypes could have a similar aetiology. METHODS We wrote the fSNPd program to analyse multiple exomes from a test cohort simultaneously with the purpose of identifying SNP alleles at a significantly different frequency to that of the general population. fSNPd was tested on trial cohorts, iteratively improved, and modelled for performance against an idealised association study under mutliple parameters. We also assessed the seqeuncing depath of all human exons to determine which were sufficiently well sequenced in an exome to be sued by fSNPd - by assessing forty exomes base by base. RESULTS We describe a simple methodology for the detection of SNPs capable of causing a phenotype triggered by an environmental event. This uses cohorts of relatively small size (30-100 individuals) with the phenotype being investigated, their exomes, and thence seeks SNP allele frequencies significantly different from expected to identify potentially clinically important, protein altering SNP alleles. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach for discovering significant genetic causes of human disease are comparable to Mendelian disease mutation detection and Association Studies. CONCLUSIONS The fSNPd methodology is another approach, and has potentially significant advantage over Association studies in needing far fewer individuals, to detect genes involved in the pathogenesis of a diseases/phenotypes. Furthermore, the SNP alleles identified alter amino acids, potentially making it easier to devise functional assays of protein function to determine pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Stouffer
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust and MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Nahorski
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust and MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pablo Moreno
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust and MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nivedita Sarveswaran
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust and MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Menon
- Department of Academic Anesthesiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Academic Anesthesiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Geoffrey Woods
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust and MRC Building, Addenbrooke's Hospital campus, Cambridge, UK.
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Balaraman Y, Lahiri DK, Nurnberger JI. Variants in Ion Channel Genes Link Phenotypic Features of Bipolar Illness to Specific Neurobiological Process Domains. Mol Neuropsychiatry 2015; 1:23-35. [PMID: 27602355 DOI: 10.1159/000371886] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in genome-wide association studies are pointing towards a major role for voltage-gated ion channels in neuropsychiatric disorders and, in particular, bipolar disorder (BD). The phenotype of BD is complex, with symptoms during mood episodes and deficits persisting between episodes. We have tried to elucidate the common neurobiological mechanisms associated with ion channel signaling in order to provide a new perspective on the clinical symptoms and possible endophenotypes seen in BD patients. We propose a model in which the multiple variants in genes coding for ion channel proteins would perturb motivational circuits, synaptic plasticity, myelination, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, circadian neuronal rhythms, and energy regulation. These changes in neurobiological mechanisms would manifest in endophenotypes of aberrant reward processing, white matter hyperintensities, deficits in executive function, altered frontolimbic connectivity, increased amygdala activity, increased melatonin suppression, decreased REM latency, and aberrant myo-inositol/ATP shuttling. The endophenotypes result in behaviors of poor impulse control, motivational changes, cognitive deficits, abnormal stress response, sleep disturbances, and energy changes involving different neurobiological process domains. The hypothesis is that these disturbances start with altered neural circuitry during development, following which multiple environmental triggers may disrupt the neuronal excitability balance through an activity-dependent molecular process, resulting in clinical mood episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yokesh Balaraman
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind., USA
| | - Debomoy K Lahiri
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind., USA
| | - John I Nurnberger
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind., USA
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