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Tamai Y, Iwasa M, Eguchi A, Shigefuku R, Sugimoto K, Hasegawa H, Takei Y. Serum copper, zinc and metallothionein serve as potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237370. [PMID: 32857769 PMCID: PMC7455040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential nutrients and cofactors of enzymatic reactions with their binding partner. Metallothionein (MT) plays an important role in protecting against heavy metals and oxidative injury, however it may also portend drug resistance and a worse prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of Cu, Zn, Cu/Zn and MT in evaluating a group of patients with HCC, including those treated with lenvatinib. METHODS We enrolled 175 patients with HCC (139 men, 36 women; mean age 71.1 years; hepatitis C virus n = 85, hepatitis B virus n = 19, hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus n = 2, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis n = 39, alcohol n = 25, others n = 5; Child-Pugh A n = 141, Child-Pugh B n = 30, Child-Pugh C n = 4; Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage 0 n = 38, stage A n = 56, stage B n = 39, stage C n = 38, stage D n = 4). We evaluated the associations between Cu, Zn and MT. The study outcome was liver cancer-specific survival. Moreover, we treated 12 HCC patients with lenvatinib and investigated the changes in MT during lenvatinib therapy. RESULTS The serum level of Cu was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase and the BCLC stage. The serum level of Zn decreased concordant with liver disease progression. Patients with a Cu/Zn ratio≥0.999 had significantly improved rates of survival when compared to patients with a Cu/Zn ratio<0.999 (45.3 vs. 30.1 months, p<0.001). MT was significantly correlated with the Cu/Zn ratio and increased after the administration of lenvatinib. Using multivariate Cox regression analyses, it was determined that the Cu/Zn ratio (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.442, p = 0.008), alpha-fetoprotein (HR: 1.000, p<0.001) and BCLC stage (HR: 2.087, p<0.001) were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS The Cu/Zn ratio could serve as a useful predictive marker for survival in cases of HCC. MT levels increased in HCC patients receiving lenvatinib therapy, and maybe a predictor of reduced survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Tamai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Motoh Iwasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Akiko Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Ryuta Shigefuku
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Kazushi Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
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Pizent A, Lazarus M, Kovačić J, Tariba Lovaković B, Brčić Karačonji I, Živković Semren T, Sekovanić A, Orct T, Branović-Čakanić K, Brajenović N, Jurič A, Miškulin I, Škrgatić L, Stasenko S, Mioč T, Jurasović J, Piasek M. Cigarette Smoking during Pregnancy: Effects on Antioxidant Enzymes, Metallothionein and Trace Elements in Mother-Newborn Pairs. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E892. [PMID: 32532134 PMCID: PMC7356311 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of maternal smoking as a source of exposure to toxic metals Cd and Pb on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, metallothionein (MT), Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se and Zn concentrations were assessed in maternal and umbilical cord blood and placenta in 74 healthy mother-newborn pairs after term delivery. Sparse discriminant analysis (SDA) was used to identify elements with the strongest impact on the SOD, GPx and MT in the measured compartments, which was then quantified by multiple regression analysis. SOD activity was lower in maternal and cord plasma, and higher in the placenta of smokers compared to non-smokers, whereas GPx activity and MT concentration did not differ between the groups. Although active smoking during pregnancy contributed to higher maternal Cd and Pb concentrations, its contribution to the variability of SOD, GPx or MT after control for other elements identified by SDA was not significant. However, an impaired balance in the antioxidant defence observed in the conditions of relatively low-to-moderate exposure levels to Cd and Pb could contribute to an increased susceptibility of offspring to oxidative stress and risk of disease development later in life. Further study on a larger number of subjects will help to better understand complex interactions between exposure to toxic elements and oxidative stress related to maternal cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alica Pizent
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Maja Lazarus
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Jelena Kovačić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Blanka Tariba Lovaković
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Irena Brčić Karačonji
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Tanja Živković Semren
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | | | - Nataša Brajenović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Andreja Jurič
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Iva Miškulin
- University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.M.); (L.Š.)
| | - Lana Škrgatić
- University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.M.); (L.Š.)
| | - Sandra Stasenko
- Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Tatjana Mioč
- Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.S.); (T.M.)
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Martina Piasek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.P.); (J.K.); (B.T.L.); (I.B.K.); (T.Ž.S.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (J.J.); (M.P.)
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Sekovanić A, Piasek M, Orct T, Sulimanec Grgec A, Matek Sarić M, Stasenko S, Jurasović J. Mercury Exposure Assessment in Mother-Infant Pairs from Continental and Coastal Croatia. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060821. [PMID: 32471193 PMCID: PMC7355586 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The main source of mercury (Hg) exposure in the general population is fish. Another possible source is dental amalgam. Here, we compare the levels of Hg and selenium (Se) in samples of maternal and fetal origin collected shortly after childbirth of healthy postpartum women in the coastal (n = 96) and continental (n = 185) areas of Croatia related to maternal seafood/fish consumption. We also evaluated Hg concentrations and maternal serum metallothionein (MT2) concentrations in relation to the number of dental amalgam fillings, and MT2A-5A/G (rs28366003) polymorphism. The levels of Hg and Se in maternal hair and blood/serum, placenta and cord blood/serum increased in relation to increasing fish consumption with the highest values in subjects from the coast. The concentrations of each element and between elements correlated across the matrices. Increasing amalgam number correlated linearly with increased Hg levels in maternal and cord serum and was not associated with serum MT2. No association of MT2A-5A/G polymorphism and Hg or Se levels were found. The results confirmed higher fish consumption in coastal vs. continental Croatia and increases of both Hg and Se related to fish consumption in all analyzed samples. Increased blood Hg reflected the predominant MeHg share from seafood, while increased serum Hg matched exposure from dental amalgams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Martina Piasek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | - Antonija Sulimanec Grgec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
| | | | - Sandra Stasenko
- Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Merkur University Hospital, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.G.); (J.J.)
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Buenfil-Rojas AM, Alvarez-Legorreta T, Cedeño-Vazquez JR, Rendón-von Osten J, González-Jáuregui M. Distribution of metals in tissues of captive and wild Morelet's crocodiles and the potential of metallothioneins in blood fractions as a biomarker of metal exposure. Chemosphere 2020; 244:125551. [PMID: 32050345 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125551] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of Hg, Cd, Cu, and Zn in keratinized tissues, blood fractions, and excretory organs, and MTs in blood fractions and excretory organs was determined in captive, semicaptive, and wild Morelet's crocodiles and they were compared to select the most useful non-destructive tissues for the monitoring of metal exposure and to assess the potential of MTs as a biomarker. Our results indicate blood plasma, claws, and caudal scutes altogether are suitable tissues for xenobiotic metals exposure, with concentrations in blood plasma being an indicator of recent exposure, whereas concentrations in claws and caudal scutes are indicators of chronic exposure. Results in keratinized tissues suggest they are an important detoxification strategy in crocodiles, and claws presented the highest concentrations of metals in both captive (Hg = 0.44 ± 0.23 μg g-1, Cd = 11.10 ± 5.89 μg g-1, Cu = 45.98 ± 23.18 μg g-1, Zn = 124.75 ± 75.84 μg g-1) and wild populations (Hg = 1.31 ± 0.32 μg g-1, Cd = 26.47 ± 21.15 μg g-1, Cu = 191.75 ± 165.91 μg g-1, Zn = 265.81 ± 90.62 μg g-1). Thus, they are an appropriate tool for assessing metal exposure in populations where scutes clipping as a marking technique is not allowed, and their collection is less complicated than with other tissues. MTs are a suitable biomarker in blood plasma, whereas in erythrocytes detoxification processes might depend on hemoglobin, rather than MTs. Future studies should consider the implementation of these tools for the monitoring of wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Buenfil-Rojas
- Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Sustainability Sciences, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - T Alvarez-Legorreta
- Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Sustainability Sciences, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - J R Cedeño-Vazquez
- Systematics, Ecology and Management of Aquatic Resources, Department of Systematics and Aquatic Ecology, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur. Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - J Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Cssampeche, 24029, Campeche, Mexico
| | - M González-Jáuregui
- Instituto EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Cssampeche, 24029, Campeche, Mexico
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Sekovanić A, Jurasović J, Piasek M. Metallothionein 2A gene polymorphisms in relation to diseases and trace element levels in humans. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2020; 71:27-47. [PMID: 32597135 PMCID: PMC7837243 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2020-71-3349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human metallothioneins are a superfamily of low molecular weight intracellular proteins, whose synthesis can be induced by essential elements (primarily Zn and Cu), toxic elements and chemical agents, and stress-producing conditions. Of the four known isoforms in the human body MT2 is the most common. The expression of metallothioneins is encoded by a multigene family of linked genes and can be influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes. To date, 24 SNPs in the MT2A gene have been identified with the incidence of about 1 % in various population groups, and three of them were shown to affect physiological and pathophysiological processes. This review summarises current knowledge about these three SNPs in the MT2A gene and their associations with element concentrations in the body of healthy and diseased persons. The most investigated SNP is rs28366003 (MT2A -5 A/G). Reports associate it with longevity, cancer (breast, prostate, laryngeal, and in paranasal sinuses), and chronic renal disease. The second most investigated SNP, rs10636 (MT2A +838G/C), is associated with breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Both are also associated with several metal/metalloid concentrations in the organism. The third SNP, rs1610216 (MT2A -209A/G), has been studied for association with type 2 diabetes, cardiomyopathy, hyperglycaemia, and Zn concentrations. Metallothionein concentrations and MT2A polymorphisms have a potential to be used as biomarkers of metal exposure and clinical markers of a number of chronic diseases. This potential needs to be studied and verified in a large number of well-defined groups of participants (several hundreds and thousands) with a focus on particular physiological or pathological condition and taking into consideration other contributing factors, such as environmental exposure and individual genetic and epigenetic makeup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankica Sekovanić
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health,Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health,Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Piasek
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health,Zagreb, Croatia
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Li Y, Huang YS, He B, Liu R, Qu G, Yin Y, Shi J, Hu L, Jiang G. Cadmium-binding proteins in human blood plasma. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 188:109896. [PMID: 31704329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Blood is the transmission medium for metal contaminants to and from bodily organs; as such, it can provide useful and reliable information about their bio-kinetics as they're distributed throughout the body. Metals can interact with endogenous proteins present in the blood, and these metal-protein complexes often dictate the fates of the introduced metals. The aim of this study was to investigate cadmium-binding protein characteristics in normal human plasma. Cadmium-binding plasma proteins in two different groups: normal human plasma (n = 29), and normal paired maternal and fetal umbilical cord plasmas (n = 3), were analyzed. In order to detect cadmium-binding plasma proteins present in low concentrations, blood plasma samples were first depleted of their two most abundant proteins - albumin and immunoglobulin G. Both the crude and depleted plasma samples were analyzed using column gel electrophoresis in conjunction with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). One cadmium-binding protein was detected in 11 of 29 normal plasma samples and all three paired maternal and cord plasma samples. This protein was further identified as apolipoprotein A-I by high-resolution mass spectrometry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal cadmium-binding proteins in real human blood plasma, which is extremely critical to our understanding of cadmium transportation and accumulation in human blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yong-Shun Huang
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510300, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Runzeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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Meguid NA, Bjørklund G, Gebril OH, Doşa MD, Anwar M, Elsaeid A, Gaber A, Chirumbolo S. The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder. Acta Neurol Belg 2019; 119:577-583. [PMID: 31302864 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-019-01181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The present research was carried out to elucidate the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation on the plasma concentration and gene expression, as well as the effects on cognitive-motor performance, in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study was performed on a cohort of 30 pediatric subjects with ASD, encompassing an age range of 3-8 years. The impact of Zn supplementation was investigated in 3 months (or 12 weeks) on the ASD children. Each daily dosage of Zn was calculated as being equal to the body weight in kg plus 15-20 mg. The effect of Zn was also evaluated on the serum level of metallothionein 1 (MT-1A), and the severity of autism via scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The effect of Zn was investigated on the gene expression of MT1-A before and after Zn supplementation. The data of the present study showed an increase in cognitive-motor performance and an increased serum metallothionein concentration, as well as a significant lowering in the circulating serum levels of copper (Cu) following Zn supplementation. In the cohort of ASD patients, the genetic expression of MT-1 was higher after Zn therapy than before the treatment. In conclusion, Zn supplementation might be an important factor in the treatment of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa A Meguid
- Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo I Rana, Norway.
| | - Ola H Gebril
- Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Monica Daniela Doşa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanţa, Romania
| | - Mona Anwar
- Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Basic Sciences and Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Elsaeid
- Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Gaber
- Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
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Milnerowicz H, Wrześniak M, Królik M, Kowalska K. Influence of tobacco smoke on zinc, cadmium, iron, iron-binding proteins, and low-weight anti-oxidant status in pregnancy. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 30:534-541. [PMID: 30794012 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2019.1576805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy and tobacco smoking (TS) each can cause increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; this, in turn, can lead to disorders in iron management and disruption of the pro- and anti-oxidant balance. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of TS and Cd on Fe, Zn, and anti-oxidant levels (i.e. glutathione [GSH], metallothionein [MT]) in the blood of pregnant women. The study reported here evaluated 110 blood samples from pregnant women in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. Concentrations of ferritin and transferrin were measured in the serum; Zn, Fe and cotinine in the plasma, that of Cd in whole blood, that for glutathione in red blood cell lysates, and levels of metallothionein both in the plasma and in lysates prepared from isolated erythrocytes. The results indicated there was a decrease in Zn and increase in Cd and metallothionein levels in pregnant women smokers as compared to in nonsmoking counterparts. Differences in intracellular MT concentration were noted both in smoking and nonsmoking women during pregnancy while there were no changes in extracellular MT level. A decline in circulating ferritin and a rise in transferrin during pregnancy was observed in all groups. Based on the results, it was concluded that exposure to TS-associated xenobiotics like Cd could result in higher MT levels in erythrocytes and in pregnant smokers, the major anti-oxidant mechanism that is in place is one being mediated by MT and not by reduced GSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Milnerowicz
- a Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
| | - Marta Wrześniak
- a Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
- b Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
| | - Małgorzata Królik
- c Early Pregnancy Pathology Clinic , Centre of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology , Opole , Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kowalska
- a Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy , Wroclaw Medical University , Wrocław , Poland
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Buenfil-Rojas AM, Alvarez-Legorreta T, Cedeño-Vázquez JR. Mercury and metallothioneins in blood fractions and tissues of captive Morelet's crocodiles in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Chemosphere 2018; 199:630-636. [PMID: 29459354 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Even though studies of heavy metals and their relation with metallothioneins (MTs) in reptile tissues have been conducted, research on heavy metals and MTs in organs and blood fractions of crocodylians is limited. To date there are no studies on the distribution of MTs in organs and their relation with mercury (Hg), or the concentration of MTs in plasma and erythrocytes of crocodylians. In order to understand the role of MTs in crocodiles, our aim was to assess the detoxification mechanisms for exposure to metals in Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) by using two biomarkers (Hg and MTs) in blood fractions and tissues, and comparing them with concentrations between two populations of crocodiles, one previously wild and currently captive (Theme Park) and another raised in a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). The caudal scutes from the Theme Park showed higher concentrations of Hg than those from the skin in the WMU samples, and significant negative relationships were observed between the total length (TL) and Hg in the scutes. The significant negative relationship between Hg and hemoglobin (Hb) may be due to disorders in the oxidation process and even denature of this protein, while the positive trend observed between MTs and Hb is consistent with the detoxifying functions and the protection against oxidative damage. This study is the first to report Hg in the erythrocytes of crocodylians and the use of MTs for testing the potential of these biomarkers as a tool to assess Hg exposure in crocodile's habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Buenfil-Rojas
- Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Sustainability Sciences, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - T Alvarez-Legorreta
- Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Sustainability Sciences, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - J R Cedeño-Vázquez
- Systematics, Ecology and Management of Aquatic Resources, Department of Systematics and Aquatic Ecology, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, 77014 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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10
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Polizzi P, Romero MB, Chiodi Boudet LN, Ponce de León A, Medici S, Costas A, Rodríguez D, Gerpe M. Blood cadmium and metallothionein concentrations in females of two sympatric pinnipeds species. Mar Pollut Bull 2017; 122:446-449. [PMID: 28576598 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.049] [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: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Otaria flavescens (SASL) and Arctocephalus australis (SAFS) are endemic of South America. The aims were to assess Cd concentrations in red blood cells (RBC) and plasma from free living females of both species; and to establish metallothioneins (MT) levels in blood fractions and the possible relationship between MTs and Cd. Blood of fifteen SASL and eight SAFS females from Isla de Lobos were analyzed (years 2010-2011). All animals showed Cd levels above the detection limit. Cd concentrations on SAFS were higher than those of SASL, however, no significant differences were observed on metal concentrations between cell fractions by species. Metal levels were associated with a natural presence and ecological-trophic habits of the prey items. On SASL the MT concentrations between fractions were similar; whereas, SAFS plasma concentrations were higher than RBC. The results reported constitute the first information on Cd and MT blood levels in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Polizzi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - M B Romero
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L N Chiodi Boudet
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - A Ponce de León
- Departamento Mamíferos Marinos, Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos (DI.NA.R.A.), Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca (M.G.A.P.), CP 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - S Medici
- Laboratorio de Análisis Fares Taire, División de Análisis medioambientales, Magallanes 3019, 1er piso, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - A Costas
- Laboratorio de Análisis Fares Taire, División de Análisis medioambientales, Magallanes 3019, 1er piso, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - D Rodríguez
- Biología, Ecología y Conservación de Mamíferos Marinos, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - M Gerpe
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC-CONICET), Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CP 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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11
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Hu B, Wu Y, Tong F, Liu J, Shen X, Shen R, Xu G. Apocynin Alleviates Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Regulating the Level of Zinc and Metallothionen. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 178:71-78. [PMID: 27909865 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0904-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the protective effects of apocynin on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (RI/RI) in rats. Rats preconditioned with apocynin were subjected to renal I/R. Zinc levels in serum and renal tissues, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr) were detected. We further measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD); the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α; and the expression of metallothionein (MT) in the renal tissues. Results indicated that the levels of MDA, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MT in the kidney tissue and serum BUN and Scr levels in RI/RI group were significantly higher than those in sham-operated group, while the levels of serum Zn and kidney Zn and SOD were reduced in RI/RI group. Apocynin treatment further decreased the levels of MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, and serum BUN and Scr, whereas it significantly increased the levels of Zn, SOD, IL-4, IL-10, and MT in the kidney tissue and serum Zn. These findings suggest that apocynin might play a protective role against RI/RI in rats through regulating zinc level and MT expression involving in oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Department of Pathology and Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Tong
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Key Discipline of Pharmacology, Jiaxing University Medical College, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pathology and Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Shen
- Department of Pathology and Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruilin Shen
- Department of Pathology and Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangtao Xu
- Department of Pathology, Provincial Key Discipline of Pharmacology, Jiaxing University Medical College, 314001, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Zyba SJ, Shenvi SV, Killilea DW, Holland TC, Kim E, Moy A, Sutherland B, Gildengorin V, Shigenaga MK, King JC. A moderate increase in dietary zinc reduces DNA strand breaks in leukocytes and alters plasma proteins without changing plasma zinc concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr 2017; 105:343-351. [PMID: 28003206 PMCID: PMC5267297 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.135327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food fortification has been recommended to improve a population's micronutrient status. Biofortification techniques modestly elevate the zinc content of cereals, but few studies have reported a positive impact on functional indicators of zinc status. OBJECTIVE We determined the impact of a modest increase in dietary zinc that was similar to that provided by biofortification programs on whole-body and cellular indicators of zinc status. DESIGN Eighteen men participated in a 6-wk controlled consumption study of a low-zinc, rice-based diet. The diet contained 6 mg Zn/d for 2 wk and was followed by 10 mg Zn/d for 4 wk. To reduce zinc absorption, phytate was added to the diet during the initial period. Indicators of zinc homeostasis, including total absorbed zinc (TAZ), the exchangeable zinc pool (EZP), plasma and cellular zinc concentrations, zinc transporter gene expression, and other metabolic indicators (i.e., DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress), were measured before and after each dietary-zinc period. RESULTS TAZ increased with increased dietary zinc, but plasma zinc concentrations and EZP size were unchanged. Erythrocyte and leukocyte zinc concentrations and zinc transporter expressions were not altered. However, leukocyte DNA strand breaks decreased with increased dietary zinc, and the level of proteins involved in DNA repair and antioxidant and immune functions were restored after the dietary-zinc increase. CONCLUSIONS A moderate 4-mg/d increase in dietary zinc, similar to that which would be expected from zinc-biofortified crops, improves zinc absorption but does not alter plasma zinc. The repair of DNA strand breaks improves, as do serum protein concentrations that are associated with the DNA repair process. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02861352.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Zyba
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Swapna V Shenvi
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - David W Killilea
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Tai C Holland
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Elijah Kim
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Adrian Moy
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Barbara Sutherland
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Virginia Gildengorin
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Mark K Shigenaga
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
| | - Janet C King
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, CA
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13
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Youssof AL, Kassim NLA, Rashid SA, De Ley M, Rahman MT. Zinc Content in Cord Blood Is Associated with Maternal Age and Parity. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 175:17-26. [PMID: 27250493 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
At childbirth (parturition), zinc (Zn) homeostasis in cord blood (CB) can be affected by a number of factors: Zn in maternal blood, parturition related stress as well as metallothionein (MT). Both Zn and stress are known inducers of MT which is primarily involved in Zn homeostasis. This study analyzed Zn concentration [Zn], in CB components and MT-2A transcription in CB mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to primiparous and multiparous childbirth. [Zn] in CB (n = 47) plasma, erythrocytes, and MNCs were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (λ = 213.9 nm). The MT-2A transcription in CB-MNC was quantified using real-time PCR. Significant correlations (Pearson r) were found between: plasma-[Zn] and erythrocyte-[Zn] (p = 0.002); [Zn] and MT-2A messenger RNA (mRNA) (p = 0.000) in CB-MNC. Student's t tests showed higher levels of MT-2A mRNA and MNC-[Zn] in CB of older (≥25 years) compared to younger mothers (≤24 years) (p = 0.043 and p = 0.016, respectively). Significantly higher [Zn] was found in CB plasma (p = 0.017) and MNC (p = 0.041) of older primiparous compared to the younger primiparous and older multiparous mothers respectively. MT-2A mRNA in CB-MNC was significantly lower in CB of younger primiparous mothers compared to their older counterparts (p = 0.001). Path analysis showed that MNC-[Zn] (β = 0.83; p = 0.000) had a greater influence on MT-2A mRNA expression, compared to parity (β = -0.14; p = 0.033). Higher [Zn] in CB of primiparous mothers could be linked to higher stress during parturition, however, might be beneficial for the growth and development of the child. Together MNC-[Zn] and parity contributed ~70 % of the MT-2A transcription in CB-MNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Lee Youssof
- Faculty of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Noor Lide Abu Kassim
- Faculty of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia.
- Faculty of Nursing, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Siti Aishah Rashid
- Faculty of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Istana, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Marc De Ley
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, Box 2413, B-3001, Heverlee, Belgium
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14
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Abstract
Toxic heavy metals, toxic organic compounds, reactive oxygen species (ROS), infections, and temperature are well-known metallothionein (MT) inducers in human blood. The current review aims to summarize synthesis, function, and fate of human blood MT in response to the known MT inducers. Part of the MTs that are synthesized in different organs such as the liver, kidney, and spleen is transported and stored in different blood cells and in plasma. Cells of the circulatory system also synthesize MT. From the circulation, MT returns to the kidney where the metal-bound MTs are degraded to release the metal ion that in turn induces MT expression therein. The blood MTs play important roles in metal detoxification, transportation, and storage. By neutralizing ROS, MTs protect blood cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Arguably, MTs are also involved in immune suppression. Given the permeating distribution of blood MT throughout the body as well as its diverse role in the protection against harmful environmental factors and in metal homeostasis, MT could be better recognized as a major public health protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nazmul Haque
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Regenerative Dentistry Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Hayaty Abu Kasim
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Regenerative Dentistry Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marc De Ley
- Laboratorium voor Biochemie, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, Postbus 2413, Heverlee, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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Hattori Y, Naito M, Satoh M, Nakatochi M, Naito H, Kato M, Takagi S, Matsunaga T, Seiki T, Sasakabe T, Suma S, Kawai S, Okada R, Hishida A, Hamajima N, Wakai K. Metallothionein MT2A A-5G Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes: Cross-Sectional and Cohort Studies. Toxicol Sci 2016; 152:181-93. [PMID: 27122239 PMCID: PMC4922544 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are proteins that protect cells from toxic agents such as heavy metal ions or reactive oxygen species. MT2A A-5G is a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the MT2A gene, and the minor G allele results in lower transcription efficiency. We aimed to elucidate associations between MT2A A-5G and risks of 2 diseases potentially related to lowered MT expression, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes mellitus (DM), in a community-dwelling population. Study subjects were Nagoya city residents participating in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study (J-MICC) Daiko Study, comprised 749 men and 2,025 women, aged 39-75 years. CKD (>stage 3) and DM were defined by standard guidelines. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression models with adjustments for age, sex and potential confounders in a cross-sectional study, and verified in a 5-year longitudinal study. Odds ratios (OR [95% confidence interval]) were calculated relative to the AA genotype. Serum MT (I + II), Cd and zinc levels were also determined by genotype. The OR of the GG genotype for CKD risk was 3.98 (1.50, 10.58) in the cross-sectional study and 5.17 (1.39, 19.28) in the longitudinal study. The OR of the GA genotype for DM was 1.86 (1.26, 2.75) in the cross-sectional study and 2.03 (1.19, 3.46) in the longitudinal study. MT2A A-5G may be associated with CKD and DM risks. This polymorphism is a promising target for evaluations of CKD and DM risks with possible involvement of low-dose chronic exposure to environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Hattori
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mariko Naito
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masahiko Satoh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8650, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakatochi
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Section, Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hisao Naito
- Department of Public Health, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Masashi Kato
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Sahoko Takagi
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsunaga
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Toshio Seiki
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tae Sasakabe
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shino Suma
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan Department of Oral Disease Research, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan
| | - Sayo Kawai
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Rieko Okada
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Asahi Hishida
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hamajima
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kenji Wakai
- *Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
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16
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Bizoń A, Antonowicz-Juchniewicz J, Milnerowicz M, Śliwińska-Mossoń M, Milnerowicz H. The effect of occupational exposure on pro/antioxidant balance in the blood of non-smoking and smoking smelters with diabetes. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 44:99-106. [PMID: 27137107 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic, lead and cadmium, potent environmental toxicants have been reported to induce diabetes mellitus, but their potential biological mechanism(s) have not been much investigated. The present study was designed to correlate parameters of pro/antioxidant balance with occupational exposure on heavy metals and smoking in smelters with diabetes compared on control group. The results showed a significant increase in the concentration of arsenic, cadmium and lead in the blood and urine of smelters, while smoking caused a further increase in the concentration of these metals. Increasing γ-glutamyltransferase activity and lead concentration due to occupational exposure in copper foundry, tobacco smoke and co-existing diabetes were observed. Also these factors have synergistic effects on metallothionein and glutathione concentrations as well as glutathione dependent enzymes activities. Our data suggests that sub-chronic arsenic, lead and cadmium exposure induces diabetic condition which may be mediated due to increased oxidative stress in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bizoń
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - J Antonowicz-Juchniewicz
- Professor Emeritus from Department and Clinic of Internal and Occupational Diseases and Hypertension, Wroclaw Medical Uniwersity, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - M Milnerowicz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - M Śliwińska-Mossoń
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - H Milnerowicz
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland.
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17
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Rezk NA, Zidan HE, Riad M, Mansy W, Mohamad SA. Metallothionein 2A expression and its relation to different clinical stages and grades of breast cancer in Egyptian patients. Gene 2015; 571:17-22. [PMID: 26093198 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relation of blood MT-2A expression, serum zinc, copper, Cu/Zn ratio, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidant status index (OSI) with benign and malignant breast tumors, also, their relation to different clinical stages and grades of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Unrelated 199 female patients with breast tumor and 120 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Metallothionein-2A (MT-2A) expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum MT-2A levels were measured by ELISA. Serum copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum TOS and TAS levels were measured colorimetrically. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that blood metallothionein-2A mRNA level, serum MT-2A, copper, Cu/Zn ratio, total oxidant status and oxidant status index were significantly increased, while, serum zinc level and total antioxidant status were significantly decreased in patients with breast cancer and benign breast disease as compared to controls and in breast cancer group as compared to the benign one. CONCLUSIONS Blood metallothionein-2A expression and serum MT-2A levels could be important prognostic indices of less differentiated, more aggressive breast cancer phenotype. Disturbance of copper, zinc and oxidative stress status might contribute to the pathogenesis of breast tumor and could be useful biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring such disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha A Rezk
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Haidy E Zidan
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Riad
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Wael Mansy
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Samya A Mohamad
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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18
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Tariba B, Živković T, Krasnići N, Marijić VF, Erk M, Gamulin M, Grgić M, Pizent A. Serum metallothionein in patients with testicular cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2015; 75:813-20. [PMID: 25700685 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-015-2702-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metallothioneins (MTs) have been disclosed as a useful diagnostic factor for tumour progression and drug resistance in a variety of malignancies. Increased levels of MT in blood serum have been found in patients with several types of cancer, but there is no available information on serum MT levels in patients with testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT). The aim of the study was to determine MT levels in serum of patients with TGCT and to evaluate the portion of platinum (Pt) that binds to MT after cisplatin administration since MTs could be involved in drug resistance. METHODS Concentration of total MT was determined in serum of 25 men with newly diagnosed TGCT by differential pulse voltammetry. The fractionation of serum was carried out by size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC), while concentration of Pt in collected fractions was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS Concentration of serum MT was significantly higher in TGCT patients than in healthy volunteers. The results of SE-HPLC analysis showed that only a small amount of Pt was bound to proteins in the area of MT elution. CONCLUSIONS Significant increase in MT levels in individuals with TGCT indicates certain health problem and, in combination with other commonly used diagnostic tools, could improve early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Tariba
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, POB 291, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia,
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Kowalska K, Bizoń A, Zalewska M, Milnerowicz H. The influence of biological and environmental factors on metallothionein concentration in the blood. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 29:99-103. [PMID: 24912972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of metallothionein (MT), a low-molecular-weight protein, is regulated by many factors, primarily metals (zinc, cadmium, copper), cytokines, glucocorticoides and free radicals. These factors are determined by such aspects of human biology as gender, pregnancy and age, as well as by environmental factors including the use of oral contraceptives and cigarette smoking, all which may affect MT levels in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these biological and environmental factors on MT concentrations in erythrocyte lysate and in plasma. MT concentrations were determined by a two-step direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Evaluation of exposure to cigarette smoking was performed by checking cotinine levels in the plasma of subjects. The studies showed higher MT concentrations in both the erythrocyte lysate and plasma of women when compared to men. Furthermore, pregnancy causes an increase of MT concentration in plasma, while oral contraceptives cause an elevated concentration of MT in erythrocyte lysate. Age impacts plasma MT concentrations in men, whereas it does not affect concentrations of MT in erythrocyte lysate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kowalska
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, Wrocław 50-556, Poland.
| | - Anna Bizoń
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, Wrocław 50-556, Poland
| | - Marta Zalewska
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, Wrocław 50-556, Poland
| | - Halina Milnerowicz
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, Wrocław 50-556, Poland
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Milnerowicz-Nabzdyk E, Bizoń A. Effect of cigarette smoking on vascular flows in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 50:27-35. [PMID: 25461903 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy may result in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In the study, the effect of tobacco smoke on vascular flows in the middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery, ductus venosus in fetuses and uterine artery in pregnancies complicated by IUGR was investigated. The study subjects were divided into three groups: smoking women with IUGR (n=31), women with idiopathic IUGR (n=28) and healthy controls (n=50). Fetal biometry and flow parameters were measured. Concentration of heavy metals and antioxidants was tested in maternal blood and fetal umbilical cord blood. The Student t test and multiple regression analysis were used. Cotinine and cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in smokers (55.23±54.23, 1.52±0.9), while metallothionein was significantly higher (22.94±8.64) in the idiopathic IUGR group. Strong correlations between cotinine and cadmium concentrations and cerebral-umbilical index were found. Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke deteriorates flows in vital fetal vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Milnerowicz-Nabzdyk
- 2nd Department and Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Anna Bizoń
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analysis, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
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21
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Nicosia A, Celi M, Vazzana M, Damiano MA, Parrinello N, D'Agostino F, Avellone G, Indelicato S, Mazzola S, Cuttitta A. Profiling the physiological and molecular response to sulfonamidic drug in Procambarus clarkii. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 166:14-23. [PMID: 24999064 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) is one of the most widely employed sulfonamides. Because of the widespread use of SMZ, a considerable amount is indeed expected to be introduced into the environment. The cytotoxicity of SMZ relies mainly on arylhydroxylamine metabolites (S-NOH) of SMZ and it is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). There is limited information about the toxic potential of SMZ at the cellular and molecular levels, especially in aquatic and/or non-target organisms. In the present study, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), being tolerant to extreme environmental conditions and resistant to disease, was used as a model organism to profile the molecular and physiological response to SMZ. Haemolymphatic-immunological parameters such as glucose serum levels and total haemocyte counts were altered; moreover, a significant increase in Hsp70 plasma levels was detected for the first time. Variations at the transcriptional level of proinflammatory genes (cyclooxygenase-1, COX 1, and cyclooxygenase-2, COX 2), antioxidant enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase, GST and manganese superoxide dismutase MnSOD), stress response and Fenton reaction inhibitor genes (heat-shock protein 70 HSP70, metallothionein, MT and ferritin, FT) were evaluated, and alterations in the canonical gene expression patterns emerged. Considering these results, specific mechanisms involved in maintaining physiological homeostasis and adaptation in response to perturbations are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Nicosia
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero UOS Capo Granitola, Via del Faro n.3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Italy
| | - Monica Celi
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, v.le delle Scienze 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, v.le delle Scienze 90128 Palermo Italy.
| | - Maria Alessandra Damiano
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, v.le delle Scienze 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Nicolò Parrinello
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, v.le delle Scienze 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Fabio D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero UOS Capo Granitola, Via del Faro n.3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Avellone
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, v.le delle Scienze 90128 Palermo Italy
| | - Serena Indelicato
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, v.le delle Scienze 90128 Palermo Italy; Centro Grandi Apparecchiature, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mazzola
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero UOS Capo Granitola, Via del Faro n.3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Italy
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, National Research Council-Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero UOS Capo Granitola, Via del Faro n.3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Italy
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Nakazato K, Tomioka S, Nakajima K, Saito H, Kato M, Kodaira T, Yatsuzuka SI, Shimomura Y, Hiroki T, Motoyama K, Kodama H, Nagamine T. Determination of the serum metallothionein (MT)1/2 concentration in patients with Wilson's disease and Menkes disease. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2014; 28:441-7. [PMID: 25172214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We have developed an easy and specific enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for the simultaneous determination of serum metallothinein-1 (MT-1) and 2 (MT-2) in both humans and experimental animals. A competitive ELISA was established using a specific polyclonal antibody against rat MT-2. The antibody used for this ELISA had exhibited the same cross-reactivity with MT in humans and experimental animals. The NH2 terminal peptide of MT containing acetylated methionine was shown to be the epitope of this antibody. The reactivity of this ELISA system with the liver, kidney and brain in MT1/2 knock-out mice was significantly low, but was normal in an MT-3 knock-out mouse. The lowest detection limit of this ELISA was 0.6ng/ml and the spiked MT-1was fully recovered from the plasma. We investigated the normal range of MT1/2 (25-75%tile) in 200 healthy human serum and found it to be 27-48ng/ml, and this was compared with the serum levels in various liver diseases. The serum MT1/2 levels in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients were significantly lower than healthy controls and also other liver diseases. In the chronic hepatitis cases, the MT1/I2 levels increased gradually, followed by the progression of the disease to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, we found significantly elevated MT1/2 plasma levels in Wilson's disease patients, levels which were very similar to those in the Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat (model animal of Wilson's disease). Furthermore, a significantly elevated MT1/2 level was found in patients with Menkes disease, an inborn error of copper metabolism such as Wilson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoumi Nakazato
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Satoru Tomioka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Nakajima
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | | | - Mihoko Kato
- Frontier Institute, Ishikari, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Shin-ichi Yatsuzuka
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Center, Hidaka Hospital, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Younosuke Shimomura
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Center, Hidaka Hospital, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hiroki
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Center, Hidaka Hospital, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Kahoko Motoyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Kodama
- Department of Pediatrics, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeaki Nagamine
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
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Ji XF, Fan YC, Gao S, Yang Y, Zhang JJ, Wang K. MT1M and MT1G promoter methylation as biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:4723-4729. [PMID: 24782625 PMCID: PMC4000509 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i16.4723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the potential of promoter methylation of two tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) as biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS: A total of 189 subjects were included in this retrospective cohort, which contained 121 HCC patients without any history of curative treatment, 37 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and 31 normal controls (NCs). DNA samples were extracted from 400 μL of serum of each subject and then modified using bisulfite treatment. Methylation of the promoters of the TSGs (metallothionein 1M, MT1M; and metallothionein 1G, MT1G) was determined using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of combined MT1M and MT1G promoter methylation was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves.
RESULTS: Our results indicated that the methylation status of serum MT1M (48.8%, 59/121) and MT1G (70.2%, 85/121) promoters in the HCC group was significantly higher than that in the CHB group (MT1M 5.4%, 2/37, P < 0.001; MT1G 16.2%, 6/37, P < 0.001) and NC group (MT1M 6.5%, 2/31, P < 0.001; MT1G 12.9%, 4/27, P < 0.001). Aberrant serum MT1M promoter methylation gave higher specificity to discriminate HCC from CHB (94.6%) and NCs (93.5%), whereas combined methylation of serum MT1M and MT1G promoters showed higher diagnostic sensitivity (90.9%), suggesting that they are potential markers for noninvasive detection of HCC. Furthermore, MT1M promoter methylation was positively correlated with tumor size (rs = 0.321, P < 0.001), and HCC patients with both MT1M and MT1G promoter methylation tended to show a higher incidence of vascular invasion or metastasis (P = 0.018).
CONCLUSION: MT1M and MT1G promoter methylation may be used as serum biomarkers for noninvasive detection of HCC.
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Gonzalez-Mejia ME, Torres-Rasgado E, Porchia LM, Salgado HR, Totolhua JL, Ortega A, Hernández-Kelly LCR, Ruiz-Vivanco G, Báez-Duarte BG, Pérez-Fuentes R. Metallothionein-1 and nitric oxide expression are inversely correlated in a murine model of Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 109:174-81. [PMID: 24676665 PMCID: PMC4015253 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276140339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, represents an endemic among Latin America countries. The participation of free radicals, especially nitric oxide (NO), has been demonstrated in the pathophysiology of seropositive individuals with T. cruzi. In Chagas disease, increased NO contributes to the development of cardiomyopathy and megacolon. Metallothioneins (MTs) are efficient free radicals scavengers of NO in vitro and in vivo. Here, we developed a murine model of the chronic phase of Chagas disease using endemic T. cruzi RyCH1 in BALB/c mice, which were divided into four groups: infected non-treated (Inf), infected N-monomethyl-L-arginine treated (Inf L-NAME), non-infected L-NAME treated and non-infected vehicle-treated. We determined blood parasitaemia and NO levels, the extent of parasite nests in tissues and liver MT-I expression levels. It was observed that NO levels were increasing in Inf mice in a time-dependent manner. Inf L-NAME mice had fewer T. cruzi nests in cardiac and skeletal muscle with decreased blood NO levels at day 135 post infection. This affect was negatively correlated with an increase of MT-I expression (r = -0.8462, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we determined that in Chagas disease, an unknown inhibitory mechanism reduces MT-I expression, allowing augmented NO levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonardo M Porchia
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de Enfermedades Crónicas, Centro de
Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla,
México
| | - Hilda Rosas Salgado
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de Enfermedades Crónicas, Centro de
Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla,
México
| | - José-Luis Totolhua
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de Enfermedades Crónicas, Centro de
Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla,
México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y
de Estudios Avanzados, Unidad Zacatenco, México DF,México
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Pérez-Fuentes
- Facultad de Medicina, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla,
México
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de Enfermedades Crónicas, Centro de
Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Puebla,
México
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Huang M, Choi SJ, Kim DW, Kim NY, Bae HS, Yu SD, Kim DS, Kim H, Choi BS, Yu IJ, Park JD. Evaluation of factors associated with cadmium exposure and kidney function in the general population. Environ Toxicol 2013; 28:563-70. [PMID: 21786387 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 12/17/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential toxic metal which is widely distributed in the environment. The general population is exposed to low levels of Cd and the kidney is the organ most sensitive to Cd toxicity. This study was performed to simultaneously evaluate Cd exposure, kidney function, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the general population. A total of 643 adults were interviewed to document demographic characteristics, lifestyles, past-medical history, and diet during the last 24 h. We estimated daily Cd intake based on the diet of study subjects who had not been exposed to Cd occupationally. Whole blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed to determine Cd concentrations and kidney function indices (β₂ -microglobulin [β₂-MG], N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase [NAG], metallothionein [MT]). The oxidative stress index (malondialdehyde [MDA]) was determined from the urine. The daily Cd intake from diet was established as 7.07 μg/day. The mean concentration of Cd measured in the blood was 1.22 μg/L and urine was 0.95 μg/g creatinine. The concentrations of Cd in blood and urine were higher in females than in males. The blood levels of Cd were affected by sex, age, and smoking, and urine Cd was influenced by sex, age, and blood Cd. The urine Cd was positively correlated with MT, NAG activity, and MDA in females, but with NAG only in males. The blood Cd was associated with MT in males. Increased NAG activity was observed when Cd in urine reached 1.0 μg Cd/g creatinine and was also affected by age, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Urinary MT only responded to Cd in urine or blood. In summary, exposure to Cd in the general population was influenced by various factors including sex, age, and smoking habits. Such exposure might eventually cause tubular damage in the kidneys through the oxidative stress mechanism, and females might be more susceptible than males to Cd exposure under the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingai Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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Houde M, Douville M, Despatie SP, De Silva AO, Spencer C. Induction of gene responses in St. Lawrence River northern pike (Esox lucius) environmentally exposed to perfluorinated compounds. Chemosphere 2013; 92:1195-200. [PMID: 23453599 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.01.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Municipal waste water effluents (MWWEs) are important sources of chemical contamination for aquatic environments. This study investigated the presence and effects of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in environmentally exposed northern pike (Esox lucius) collected upstream and downstream a major municipal waste water treatment plant (WWTP) in the St. Lawrence River, Canada. Twelve PFCs, including the newly detected perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), were quantified in fish muscle, liver, and plasma. Additionally, the expression of eight genes and the activity of three biomarkers were analyzed in fish tissues at both sites. Mean ∑PFC concentration in fish plasma collected upstream the WWTP was 185ng/g w.w. compared to 545ng/g w.w. downstream the point of release. PFECHS was quantified for the first time in St. Lawrence River fish (mean plasma concentration in MWWE fish: 5.07±4.72ng/g w.w.). Results of transcriptomic responses were tissue-specific and indicated significant up-regulation for metallothionein (MT) in blood and MT, glutathion-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and cytochromes P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) in gill tissue of fish collected in the MWWE suggesting greater stress responses for organisms at this location. Significant relationships were found between vitellogenin (Vtg) gene expression in liver, Vtg activity in plasma and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrA), perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeA), and perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS) plasma concentrations. The possible endocrine effects of these PFCs should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Houde
- Environment Canada, Centre Saint-Laurent, 105 McGill Street, Montreal, QC, Canada H2Y 2E7.
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Kruseova J, Hynek D, Adam V, Kizek R, Prusa R, Hrabeta J, Eckschlager T. Serum metallothioneins in childhood tumours-a potential prognostic marker. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:12170-85. [PMID: 23743828 PMCID: PMC3709780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140612170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MT) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins maintaining metal ions homeostasis. They play a role in carcinogenesis and may also cause chemoresistance. The aim of the study was to explore the importance of MT serum levels in children suffering from malignant tumours. This prospective study involves examination of 865 samples from 172 patients with malignant tumours treated from 2008 to 2011 at University Hospital Motol. MT serum levels were determined using differential pulse voltammetry-Brdicka reaction. Mean MT level was 2.7 ± 0.5 μM. There was no statistically significant difference between MT levels in different tumours. We also did not find any correlation between MT levels and response to therapy or clinical stages. However, we found a positive correlation between MT levels and age (p = 0.009) and a negative correlation with absolute lymphocyte number (p = 0.001). The fact that patients who had early disease recurrence had lower MT levels during the treatment (complete remission 2.67 vs. recurring 2.34, p = 0.001) seems to be important for clinical practice. Accordingly we believe that there is benefit in further studies of serum MT levels in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmila Kruseova
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Medical Faculty and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague CZ 150 06, Czech Republic; E-Mails: (J.K.); (J.H.)
| | - David Hynek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno CZ 613 00, Czech Republic; E-Mails: (D.H.); (V.A.); (R.K.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, Brno CZ 616 00, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno CZ 613 00, Czech Republic; E-Mails: (D.H.); (V.A.); (R.K.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, Brno CZ 616 00, Czech Republic
| | - Rene Kizek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno CZ 613 00, Czech Republic; E-Mails: (D.H.); (V.A.); (R.K.)
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, Brno CZ 616 00, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Prusa
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, 2nd Medical Faculty and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague CZ 150 06, Czech Republic; E-Mail:
| | - Jan Hrabeta
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Medical Faculty and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague CZ 150 06, Czech Republic; E-Mails: (J.K.); (J.H.)
| | - Tomas Eckschlager
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, 2nd Medical Faculty and University Hospital Motol, V Uvalu 84, Prague CZ 150 06, Czech Republic; E-Mails: (J.K.); (J.H.)
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Tomza-Marciniak A, Pilarczyk B, Bąkowska M, Pilarczyk R, Wójcik J, Marciniak A, Hendzel D. Relationship between selenium and selected heavy metals concentration in serum of cattle from a non-polluted area. Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 144:517-24. [PMID: 21603865 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the concentration of selenium and selected heavy metals and their possible relationship in serum of 25 healthy lactating cows (Montbéliarde) reared in a non-polluted area, in the western part of Poland. Cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and Se concentration was determined fluorimetrically. The content of Se, Zn, and Cu was 0.083 ± 0.026, 0.629 ± 0.413, and 0.152 ± 0.042 μg/mL, respectively. The presence of the Cd and Pb was found in all serum samples. The mean concentration of these metals was 0.0009 ± 0.0008 and 0.018 ± 0.016 μg/mL, respectively. Analysis of correlations between Se and toxic metals showed a negative and significant (P < 0.05) relationship between selenium concentration and lead and cadmium concentration in the serum of the animals studied, with correlation coefficients of r = -0.595 and r = -0.618, respectively. For copper and zinc, this relationship was also negative but not significant (r = -0.255 and r = -0.203). Our study demonstrated that the level of toxic metals decreased as serum selenium concentration increased. It seems necessary to conduct further research on the interactions between these elements in blood, serum, and target organs concomitantly with the determination of their intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Tomza-Marciniak
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Judyma 6 Street, 71-466, Szczecin, Poland.
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dos Santos Rocha PBK, de Castro Amorim A, de Sousa AF, do Monte SJH, da Mata Sousa LCD, do Nascimento Nogueira N, Neto JMM, do Nascimento Marreiro D. Expression of the zinc transporters genes and metallothionein in obese women. Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 143:603-11. [PMID: 21053094 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-010-8887-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Research has investigated the participation of zinc transport proteins and metallothionein in the metabolism of this mineral. However, studies about the genetic expression of these proteins in obese patients are scarce. The study determined the expression of zinc transporter protein codifying genes (ZnT-1, Zip-1 and Zip-3) and of metallothionein in 55 obese women, aged between 20 and 56 years. The assessment of body composition was carried out using anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance. Zinc intake was obtained by recording diet over a 3-day period, and the nutritional analysis was carried out using NutWin software version 1.5. The plasmatic and erythrocytary zinc were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (λ=213. 9 nm). The determination of mRNA expression of the zinc transporter proteins and metallothionein was carried out using blood, using the RT-PCR method. The mean values of body mass index were 37.9±5.5 kg/m2. The average intake of zinc was 9.4±2.3 mg/day. The analysis of the zinc plasma concentrations showed values of 58.4±10.9 μg/dL. The mean values of zinc in the erythroytes were 38.7±9.1 μg/g Hb. The metallothionein gene had a higher expression in the blood, when compared to zinc transporters ZnT-1, Zip-1, and Zip-3 (p=0.01). The study shows that there are alterations in the biochemical parameters of zinc in obese patients assessed, as well as higher expression of the codifying gene metallothionein, when compared to the investigated zinc transporters.
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Arnal N, Astiz M, de Alaniz MJT, Marra CA. Clinical parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress in agricultural workers who applied copper-based pesticides. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2011; 74:1779-1786. [PMID: 21700338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2011.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Copper based-pesticides are widely used in agricultural practice throughout the world. We studied the (i) concentration of Cu and proteins involved in Cu homeostasis, (ii) plasma redox status, and (iii) biomarkers of exposure in Cu-based pesticide applicators in order to compare them with clinical biochemical tests. Thirty-one professional applicators and 32 control subjects were recruited. Oxidative stress biomarkers, ceruloplasmin (CRP), metallothioneins (MTs), copper, hematological parameters, and biochemical markers for pancreatic, hepatic and renal function were measured in plasma. Copper was increased in the exposed group compared to the control group concomitantly with TBARS, protein carbonyls, and nitrate+nitrite levels. In the exposed group, α-tocopherol and the FRAP assay were lower and LDH, transaminases, GGT, ALP, urea, creatinine, CRP and MTs were higher than in the control group. The relative leukocyte subclasses were also different between the two groups. Clinical chemistry tests did not surpass the upper reference limit. Our results suggest that the incorporation of oxidative stress biomarkers to biochemical/clinical tests should be considered for validation and included in the human health surveillance protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Arnal
- INIBIOLP (Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata), CCT La Plata, CONICET-UNLP, Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 120, (1900) La Plata, Argentina
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Krizkova S, Masarik M, Majzlik P, Kukacka J, Kruseova J, Adam V, Prusa R, Eckschlager T, Stiborova M, Kizek R. Serum metallothionein in newly diagnosed patients with childhood solid tumours. Acta Biochim Pol 2010; 57:561-566. [PMID: 21060896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Tumour markers are substances produced by malignant cells or by the organism as a response to cancer development. Determination of their levels can, therefore, be used to monitor the risk, presence and prognosis of a cancer disease or to monitor the therapeutic response or early detection of residual disease. Time-consuming imaging methods, examination of cerebrospinal fluid or tumour tissue and assays for hormones and tumour markers have been used for cancer diagnosis. However, no specific marker for diagnosis of childhood solid tumours has been discovered yet. In this study, metallothionein (MT) was evaluated as a prospective marker for such diseases. Serum metallothionein levels of patients with childhood solid tumours were determined using differential pulse voltammetry - Brdicka reaction. A more than 5-fold increase in the amount of metallothionein was found in sera of patients suffering from cancer disease, compared with those in sera of healthy donors. The average metallothionein level in the sera of healthy volunteers was 0.5 ± 0.2 μmol · dm⁻³ and was significantly different (p<0.05, determined using the Schefe test) from the average MT level found in serum samples of patients suffering from childhood solid tumours (3.4 ± 0.8 μmol · dm⁻³). Results found in this work indicate that the MT level in blood serum can be considered as a promising marker for diagnostics, prognosis and estimation of therapy efficiency of childhood tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Krizkova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
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Milnerowicz H, Bizoń A. Determination of metallothionein in biological fluids using enzyme-linked immunoassay with commercial antibody. Acta Biochim Pol 2010; 57:99-104. [PMID: 20349027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) is a low molecular weight cysteine-rich protein with a number of roles in the pro/antioxidant balance and homeostasis of essential metals, such as zinc and copper, and in the detoxification of heavy metals, such as cadmium and mercury. Until now, detection of metallothionein in biological fluids remained difficult because of a lack of a broadly reactive commercial test. Meaningful comparison of the values of metallothionein concentrations reported by different authors using their specific isolation procedures and different conditions of enzyme-linked immunoassay is difficult due to the absence of a reference material for metallothionein. Therefore in the present study, we describe a quantitative assay for metallothionein in biological fluids such as plasma and urine performed by a direct enzyme-linked immunoassay using a commercially available monoclonal mouse anti-metallothionein clone E9 antibody and commercial standards of metallothionein from rabbit liver and a custom preparation of metallothionein from human liver. The sensitivity of the assay for the standard containing two isoforms MT-I and MT-II from human liver was 140 pg/well. The reactivity of the commercial standards and standards containing two isoforms MT-I and MT-II isolated from human liver in our laboratory with a commercial monoclonal mouse anti-metallothionein clone E9 antibody were similar. This suggests that the described ELISA test can be useful for determination of metallothionein concentration in biological fluids. The concentrations of metallothionein in human plasma, erythrocyte lysate and in urine of smoking and non-smoking healthy volunteers are reported. Tobacco smoking increases the extracellular metallothionein concentration (plasma and urine) but does not affect the intracellular concentration (erythrocyte lysate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Milnerowicz
- Department of Biomedical and Environmental Analyses, Wrocław University of Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland
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Martín Mateo MC, Herreros C, Melero R, Bustamante J. Isolation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Metallothionein in Renal Transplant Patients. Ren Fail 2009; 25:719-25. [PMID: 14575280 DOI: 10.1081/jdi-120024287] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma metallothionein concentration was studied in renal transplant patients. These patients are submitted to an attack of free radicals catalyzed by metals such as copper, zinc, cadmium, and others. The function of metallothionein is to bind toxic metals inhibiting the attack of free radicals and oxidative stress that patients receiving renal transplants are submitted to. This is the reason for studying this protein in this work. The metalloprotein was separated from the plasma by thermoprecipitation and molecular exclusion chromatography with Sephadex G-75 followed by anionic-ionic exchange chromatographic purification with a CINa gradient. Identification was done by SDS electrophoresis in acrylamide gel with markers and commercial protein. Finally, determinations were made by atomic absorption, silver saturation method. In this work, determinations were made in the plasma of 11 patients before and 48 h and 1 and 2 weeks after renal transplantation. The same study was carried out in parallel in a control group of 11 blood donors. The results obtained show the existence in the plasma of metallothionein, with lower concentrations in patients than in controls (19 +/- 1.2 mg vs. 12 +/- 1.2 mg). The levels were lowest in the patient group analyzed 48 h after having received the transplant (6.34 mg) and had recovered slightly one and two weeks later.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Martín Mateo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valladolid, Spain.
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Krizkova S, Fabrik I, Adam V, Hrabeta J, Eckschlager T, Kizek R. Metallothionein--a promising tool for cancer diagnostics. BRATISL MED J 2009; 110:93-97. [PMID: 19408840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The latest research outcomes indicate that metallothionein (MT) levels in peripheral blood and serum from cancer patients can provide many interesting information about type or clinical stage of the disease, or response to therapy. MT plays a key role in transport of essential heavy metals, detoxification of toxic metals and protection of cells against oxidation stress. Serum MT levels of cancer patients are three times higher than control patients (0.5 microM). The elevated MT levels in cancer cells are probably related to their increased proliferation and protection against apoptosis. Automated electrochemical detection of MT allows its serial analysis in a very small volume with excellent sensitivity, reliability and reproducibility and therefore it can be considered as a new tool for cancer diagnosis (Fig. 4, Ref. 55). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Krizkova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry, Brno, Czech Republic
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35
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Wang L, Song L, Ni D, Zhang H, Liu W. Alteration of metallothionein mRNA in bay scallop Argopecten irradians under cadmium exposure and bacteria challenge. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2009; 149:50-7. [PMID: 18662805 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2008] [Revised: 06/29/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) is a superfamily of cysteine-rich proteins contributing to metal metabolism, detoxification of heavy metals, and immune response such as protecting against ionizing radiation and antioxidant defense. A metallothionein (designated AiMT2) gene was identified and cloned from bay scallop, Argopecten irradians. The full length cDNA of AiMT2 consisted of an open reading frame (ORF) of 333 bp encoding a protein of 110 amino acids, with nine characteristic Cys-X-Cys, five Cys-X-X-Cys, five Cys-X-X-X-Cys and two Cys-Cys motif arrangements and a conserved structural pattern Cys-x-Cys-x(3)-Cys-Tyr-x(3)-Cys-x-Cys-x(3)-Cys-x-Cys-Arg at the C-terminus. The cloned AiMT showed about 50% identity in the deduced amino acid sequence with previously published MT sequences of mussels and oysters. The conserved structural pattern and the close phylogenetic relationship of AiMT2 shared with MTs from other mollusc especially bivalves indicated that AiMT2 was a new member of molluscan MT family. The mRNA transcripts in hemolymph of AiMT2 under cadmium (Cd) exposure and bacteria challenge were examined by real-time RT-PCR. The mRNA expression of AiMT2 was up-regulated to 3.99-fold at 2 h after Listonella anguillarum challenge, and increased drastically to 66.12-fold and 126.96-fold at 16 and 32 h post-challenge respectively. Cadmium ion exposure could induce the expression of AiMT2, and the expression level increased 2.56-fold and 6.91-fold in hemolymph respectively after a 10-day exposure of 100 microg L(- 1) and 200 microg L(- 1) CdCl(2). The sensitivity of AiMT2 to bacteria challenge and cadmium stress indicated it was a new Cd-dependent MT in bay scallop and also regulated by an immune challenge. The changes in the expression of AiMT2 could be used as an indicator of exposure to metals in pollution monitoring programs and oxidative stress, and bay scallop as a potential sentinel organism for the cadmium contamination in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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Vanparys C, Dauwe T, Van Campenhout K, Bervoets L, De Coen W, Blust R, Eens M. Metallothioneins (MTs) and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAd) as biomarkers of metal pollution in great tits (Parus major) along a pollution gradient. Sci Total Environ 2008; 401:184-193. [PMID: 18499231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Revised: 04/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring allows an integrated evaluation of different aspects of exposure, accumulation and effects to environmental pollution, simultaneously accounting for the natural variety between individuals in an ecosystem. In this study, the effects of increased metal accumulation were evaluated at the biochemical level in terms of two biomarker responses in the great tit (Parus major), a small insectivorous songbird, along an established metal pollution gradient. Metal concentrations in internal tissues (liver and kidney) and blood indicated that lead and cadmium were the most important metals in the pollution gradient under study. At the biochemical level, induction of metal binding protein metallothionein (MT) in liver and kidney reflected cadmium concentrations in these tissues (R(2)=0.42 and R(2)=0.94 respectively, n=19), although in kidney, MT induction was not sufficient to complex all cadmium present. Secondly, the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAd) in blood decreased exponentially in response to increased lead accumulation (R(2)=0.70, n=18) and represents therefore a specific effect marker for lead exposure. In the highest polluted area, an ALAd inhibition of 85% was reported. Since a higher metal exposure resulted in an increased metal accumulation and subsequent biomarker responses in a dose-dependent way, this study indicates the applicability of ALAd and MT levels in great tits for biomonitoring responses to heavy metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Vanparys
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
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Berzina N, Markovs J, Isajevs S, Apsite M, Smirnova G. Cadmium-induced enteropathy in domestic cocks: a biochemical and histological study after subchronic exposure. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2007; 101:29-34. [PMID: 17577313 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00072.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical and histological sequelae resulting from a diet containing 50.20 mg cadmium/kg were studied in Lohmann brown cockerels from hatching until 30 days of age. The additional cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) to the diet induced the formation of lipid peroxides, which via a chain reaction led to accumulation of malondialdehyde in intestinal mucosa. At the end of the study (after 30 days of cadmium exposure) total protein and metallothionein levels in the intestinal mucosa and the relative ileal and duodenal weight increased. Histological data show that CdCl(2) causes an increase in number of goblet cells and granular lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa. Down-regulation of the serotonin-positive cells in the cadmium-treated animals was observed. Growth retardation (by 27%) occurred in chicken fed the cadmium-enriched diet for 30 days. Cadmium accumulation in the intestine was markedly higher (154 times) in the cadmium-treated animals compared to the control group. Cadmium induced a decrease in zinc (but not copper) content in intestinal mucosa. We suggest that cadmium uptake triggers an inflammatory and secretory response in chicken small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Berzina
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Physiology of Animals, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia, Salaspils, Latvia.
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Kukacka J, Vajtr D, Huska D, Průsa R, Houstava L, Samal F, Diopan V, Kotaska K, Kizek R. Blood metallothionein, neuron specific enolase, and protein S100B in patients with traumatic brain injury. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2006; 27 Suppl 2:116-20. [PMID: 17159794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Accepted: 11/02/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of neuron specific enolase (NSE), protein S100B and time-profile of Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) development with metallothionein (MT) blood levels in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during 10 days of hospitalization. Patients were divided into 2 groups with respect to NSE and S100B levels - with (group I) and without (group II) GCS improvement. METHODS Serum NSE and S100B concentrations were measured by immunochemical methods; serum metallothionein concentration by electrochemical technique. Cortical biopsies were investigated immunohistochemically and by electron microscope. A cDNA microarray containing 700 gene probes was used to study the changes in gene expression in the ipsilateral cortex. RESULTS Values of MT in the blood of group I showed a non-significant decrease compared to group II during 1-3 days after admission. There was an increase of MT during 4-8 days in comparison with values of 1-3 days. The highest value of MT during hospitalization was found in a patient with diffuse axonal injury (group II). The data of cDNA microarray suggested an increase in expression of gene transcripts for oxygen free radical scavenger proteins corresponding with the increase of MT during 4-8 days in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The experimental data indicate that monitoring the content of MT in patients with trauma brain injury would be a suitable approach to evaluate the degree of injury or duration of prolonging unconsciousness, particularly in diagnosis of diffuse axonal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirí Kukacka
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charles University, 2nd Medical School and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Oudinet JP, Méline J, Chełmicki W, Sanak M, Magdalena DW, Besancenot JP, Wicherek S, Julien-Laferrière B, Gilg JP, Geroyannis H, Szczeklik A, Krzemień K. Towards a multidisciplinary and integrated strategy in the assessment of adverse health effects related to air pollution: the case study of Cracow (Poland) and asthma. Environ Pollut 2006; 143:278-84. [PMID: 16427169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2005] [Revised: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 11/25/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Complex interaction between anthropogenic activities, air quality and human health in urban areas, such as in Cracow sustains the need for the development of an interdisciplinary and integrated risk-assessment methodology. In such purpose, we propose a pilot study performed on asthmatics and based on a combined use of a biomarker, such as metallothionein 2A (MT-2A) in the characterization of human exposure to one or a mixture of pollutants and of Geographical Information Systems (G.I.S.) which integrates climatic and urban anthropogenic parameters in the assessment of spatio-temporal dispersion of air pollutants. Considering global incidence of air pollution on asthma and on peripheral blood lymphocytes MT-2A expression should provide a complementary information on biological risks linked to urban anthropogenic activities. Such study would help for the establishment of a sustainable development in urban areas that can maintain the integrity of air quality and preserve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Oudinet
- Centre de Biogéographie-Ecologie FRE 2545 CNRS, Maison de la recherche, Université Paris-Sorbonne, Paris IV, 28 rue Serpente, 75006 Paris, France.
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Singh VK, Hanson J. Assessment of metallothionein and antibodies to metallothionein in normal and autistic children having exposure to vaccine-derived thimerosal. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2006; 17:291-6. [PMID: 16771783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2005.00348.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Allergic autoimmune reaction after exposure to heavy metals such as mercury may play a causal role in autism, a developmental disorder of the central nervous system. As metallothionein (MT) is the primary metal-detoxifying protein in the body, we conducted a study of the MT protein and antibodies to metallothionein (anti-MT) in normal and autistic children whose exposure to mercury was only from thimerosal-containing vaccines. Laboratory analysis by immunoassays revealed that the serum level of MT did not significantly differ between normal and autistic children. Furthermore, autistic children harboured normal levels of anti-MT, including antibodies to isoform MT-I (anti-MT-I) and MT-II (anti-MT-II), without any significant difference between normal and autistic children. Our findings indicate that because autistic children have a normal profile of MT and anti-MT, the mercury-induced autoimmunity to MT may not be implicated in the pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijendra K Singh
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA.
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Chen L, Jin T, Huang B, Chang X, Lei L, Nordberg GF, Nordberg M. Plasma Metallothionein Antibody and Cadmium-Induced Renal Dysfunction in an Occupational Population in China. Toxicol Sci 2005; 91:104-12. [PMID: 16322080 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfj053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that anti-metallothionein (a metallothionein antibody) is present in the circulation of healthy subjects and in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cadmium-induced renal dysfunction is related to the presence of the plasma metallothionein antibody (MT-Ab) in workers exposed to cadmium (Cd) occupationally. Plasma metallothionein antibody was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques, and both exposure assessment and risk assessment were conducted in cadmium-exposed workers in China. We demonstrate that there is a significantly increased prevalence of renal dysfunction with respect to the level of urinary cadmium in a dose-dependent manner. We found no significant correlations between the levels of MT-Ab and the external or internal exposure doses of cadmium (p > 0.05), but the levels of MT-Ab did correlate positively with two biomarkers of renal dysfunction-urinary beta2-microglobulin (UB2M; r = 0.218, p < 0.05) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG; r = 0.302, p < 0.001)-in the cadmium-exposed workers. Workers who have high levels of MT-Ab display cadmium-induced tubular nephrotoxicity more frequently than those possessing low levels of MT-Ab; odds ratio (OR) 4.2; 95% confidence intervals 1.2-14.5 (p < 0.05). This study suggests that subjects that have higher MT-Ab levels more readily develop cadmium-induced renal dysfunction. Thus, the levels of plasma MT-Ab can be used as a biomarker of susceptibility to renal dysfunction in occupational cadmium exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Department of Occupational Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Petrlová J, Blastík O, Průsa R, Kukacka J, Potĕsil D, Mikelová R, Adam V, Zehnálek J, Kizek R. Using of electrochemical methods for studying of metallothionein content in the human blood serum of a patient poisoned by lead and treated by platinum. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2005; 149:485-8. [PMID: 16601816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins belong to the group of intracellular, high molecular and cysteine-rich proteins whose content increase with increasing concentration of a heavy metal. Here we applied the adsorptive transfer stripping differential pulse voltammetry Brdicka reaction for the determination of metallothionein in human blood serum of patient poisoned by lead and/or treated by platinum. The increased metallothionein concentrations in both cases were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Petrlová
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry, Zemedelská 1, Brno, CZ-613 00, Czech Republic.
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Erikson KM, Dorman DC, Lash LH, Aschner M. Persistent alterations in biomarkers of oxidative stress resulting from combined in utero and neonatal manganese inhalation. Biol Trace Elem Res 2005; 104:151-63. [PMID: 15894815 DOI: 10.1385/bter:104:2:151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2004] [Accepted: 08/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal female and male rats were exposed to airborne manganese sulfate (MnSO4) during gestation and postnatal d 1-18. Three weeks postexposure, rats were killed and we assessed biochemical end points indicative of oxidative stress in five brain regions: cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, olfactory bulb, and striatum. Glutamine synthetase (GS) protein levels, metallothionein (MT) and GS mRNA levels, and total glutathione (GSH) levels were determined for all five regions. Overall, there was a statistically significant effect of manganese exposure on decreasing brain GS protein levels (p=0.0061), although only the highest dose of manganese (1 mg Mn/m3) caused a significant increase in GS messenger RNA (mRNA) in both the hypothalamus and olfactory bulb of male rats and a significant decrease in GS mRNA in the striatum of female rats. This highest dose of manganese had no effect on MT mRNA in either males or females; however, the lowest dose (0.05 mg Mn/m3) decreased MT mRNA in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum in males. The median dose (0.5 mg Mn/m3) led to decreased MT mRNA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of the males and olfactory bulb of the females. Overall, manganese exposure did not affect total GSH levels, a finding that is contrary to those in our previous studies. Only the cerebellum of manganese-exposed young male rats showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in total GSH levels compared to control levels. These data reveal that alterations in biomarkers of oxidative stress resulting from in utero and neonatal exposures of airborne manganese remain despite 3 wk of recovery; however, it is important to note that the doses of manganese utilized represent levels that are 100-fold to a 1000-fold higher than the inhalation reference concentration set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Erikson
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA
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Sun HC, Qian XM, Nie SN, Wu XH. Serial analysis of gene expression in mice with lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. Chin J Traumatol 2005; 8:67-73. [PMID: 15769302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To monitor the systemic gene expression profile in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. METHODS Acute lung injury was induced by intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide in 3 mice. Another 3 normal mice receiving same volume of normal saline were taken as the controls. The comprehensive gene expression profile was monitored by the recently modified long serial analysis of gene expression. RESULTS A total of 24,670 tags representing 12,168 transcripts in the control mice and 26,378 tags representing 13,397 transcripts in the mice with lung injury were identified respectively. There were 11 transcripts increasing and 7 transcripts decreasing more than 10 folds in the lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. The most overexpressed genes in the mice with lung injury included serum amyloid A3, metallothionein 2, lipocalin 2, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, lactate dehydrogenase 1, melatonin receptor, S100 calcium-binding protein A9, natriuretic peptide precursor, etc. Mitogen activated protein kinase 3, serum albumin, complement component 1 inhibitor, and ATP synthase were underexpressed in the lung injury mice. CONCLUSIONS Serial analysis of gene expression provides a molecular characteristic of acute lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-chen Sun
- Center of Emergency Medicine, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, Nanjing 210002, China.
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Li H, Bai XJ, Chen XM. [Progress on the study of mechanism and biomarkers of arterial and cardiac aging]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2005; 85:212-5. [PMID: 15854473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Circulation Internal Medicine, Affiliated First Hospital, China Medical University, Beijing 110001, China
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Cignarelli M, Picca G, Campo M, Margaglione M, Marino A, Logoluso F, Giorgino F. A six month mitotane course induced sustained correction of hypercortisolism in a young woman with PPNAD and Carney complex. J Endocrinol Invest 2005; 28:54-60. [PMID: 15816372 DOI: 10.1007/bf03345530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A low-dose mitotane (MT) regimen was evaluated as a pharmacological approach for correcting the severe hypercortisolism in a young woman affected by Carney complex (CNC) and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). In the first 12 week period, the MT daily dose was progressively increased from 0.5 to 4.0 g/day. This dosage was maintained for an additional 16 weeks (cumulative dose 602 g, plasma MT maximum level 12 microg/ml), and then stopped because of sustained signs of hypoadrenalism requiring prednisone replacement. Complete regression of seborrhea, acne, and plethora was observed after 8 weeks of treatment (cumulative dose 95 g). Regular menses returned after 13 weeks (cumulative dose 197 g, plasma MT 8 microg/ml). Profound decrease of both serum cortisol (from 615 to 220 nmol/l) and urinary free cortisol (UFC) values (from 1498 to 477 nmol/day) was noted after 16 weeks of treatment (cumulative dose 314 g, plasma MT 8 microg/ml). MT treatment was associated with mild gastric discomfort and reversible increase of cholesterol plasma levels. Low serum cortisol and UFC were still observed 41 weeks after MT was discontinued (plasma MT 0.2 microg/ml). Our report demonstrates that low dose MT treatment may be a safe and effective modality for a sustained correction of hypercortisolism by PPNAD in subjects with CNC waiting for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cignarelli
- Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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Lu J, Jin T, Nordberg GF, Nordberg M. The application of metallothionein (MT) gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) as a biomarker of cadmium exposure. Biometals 2004; 17:569-70. [PMID: 15688866 DOI: 10.1023/b:biom.0000045834.10415.f0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lu
- Department of Occupational Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Leung KMY, Ibrahim H, Dewhurst RE, Morley NJ, Crane M, Lewis JW. Concentrations of metallothionein-like proteins and heavy metals in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis exposed to different levels of waterborne cadmium. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2003; 71:1084-1090. [PMID: 14705673 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-003-8856-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K M Y Leung
- Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Relevant biological effects associated with mild to moderate copper deficiency and copper excess are unknown. It is difficult to identify markers of these early changes because limits of the homeostatic range are still undefined and early changes may represent adaptive responses that do not imply necessarily risk of damage. We report here a series of studies carried out to shed light on the responses within the homeostatic range, by assessing classic parameters of copper status in humans at different copper exposure. In adult healthy volunteers that had an estimated daily intake of 0.9 mg Cu/day (approximately 15 microg/kg/d), exposure to additional 50-60 microg of copper/kg/day for three months or up to 150 microg/kg/d for two months resulted in no significant changes of SOD activity in erythrocytes, of copper concentration (in serum, erythrocytes and mononuclear cells) and of serum ceruloplasmin (ANOVA). Neither were found differences by gender or age. As in previous studies in infants, the non-ceruloplasmin copper fraction was positively correlated to serum copper (r = 0.58). Assessing variations on copper absorption, infants supplemented/not supplemented with oral copper (80 ug/kg/14 days), at age 1 and 3 months, showed copper absorption close to 80% at both ages; no effect was observed for age or supplementation, suggesting that either these concentrations do not elicit regulatory mechanisms or that at this age down regulation for copper absorption is not efficient. These studies indicate that in the range of the copper homeostasis area the markers tested are not suitable to detect mild changes (within the homeostatic range) of copper metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Araya
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Jose Pedro Alessandri 5540, Macul, Santiago II, Chile.
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