Impact of baseline steroids on the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Immunochemotherapy involving the combination of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors with chemotherapy has advanced the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The use of corticosteroids as pretreatment might reduce immunotherapy efficacy. AIM: To investigate the impact of baseline corticosteroid use on neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nIC) outcomes in locally advanced ESCC patients. METHODS: Patients with locally advanced ESCC who received nIC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included. Patients were divided into dexamethasone and antihistamine groups on the basis of the administered pretreatment. Antiallergic efficacy and safety were evaluated, as well as its impact on short-term efficacy [complete pathological response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR)] and long-term efficacy [overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS)] of nIC. RESULTS: From September 2019 to September 2023, 142 patients were analyzed. No severe treatment-related adverse events or deaths were observed. Allergy occurrence was greater in the antihistamine group (P = 0.014). Short-term efficacy was not significantly different: The pCR rates were 29.9% and 40.0%, and the MPR rates were 57.9% and 65.7% in the dexamethasone and antihistamine groups, respectively. The long-term efficacy was not significantly different: The 2 years OS rates were 95.2% and 93.5%, and the 2 years PFS rates were 90.3% and 87.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in OS between the 20 mg dexamethasone group and the < 20 mg dexamethasone group, but PFS was significantly greater in the 20 mg dexamethasone group (93.9% vs 56.4%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone or antihistamines can be used before nIC in locally advanced ESCC without affecting short- or long-term efficacy. Administering 20 mg dexamethasone before nIC may improve PFS in ESCC.

Reduction of eEF2 kinase alleviates the learning and memory impairment caused by acrylamide.

BACKGROUND: The impact of acrylamide (ACR) on learning and memory has garnered considerable attention. However, the targets and mechanisms are still unclear. RESULTS: Elongation factor 2 (eEF2) was significantly upregulated in the results of serum proteomics. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated a notable upregulation of Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), the sole kinase responsible for eEF2 phosphorylation, following exposure to ACR (P < 0.05). Subsequent in vitro experiments using eEF2K siRNA and in vivo experiments with eEF2K-knockout mice demonstrated significant improvements in abnormal indicators related to ACR-induced learning and memory deficits (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis of the hippocampus revealed Lpcat1 as a crucial downstream protein regulated by eEF2K. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses indicated that eEF2K may play a role in the process of ACR-induced learning and memory impairment by affecting ether lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, eEF2K as a pivotal treatment target in the mechanisms underlying ACR-induced learning and memory impairment, and studies have shown that it provides robust evidence for potential clinical interventions targeting ACR-induced impairments.

Protective effect of resveratrol on nickel-refining fumes-induced inflammatory damage.

Nickel (Ni), a ductile and hard silver-white transition metal, is commonly found in occupational environments and can harm the human body. Since it is a toxic compound, long-term Ni exposure can cause pneumonia, rhinitis, and other types of respiratory inflammatory diseases. Resveratrol (Res) is a plant antitoxin polyphenol, which also has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In this report, the toxicity of Ni-refining fumes on the human lung bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells, as well as the protective effects of Res were investigated in vitro, and the specific mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect was explained. The experimental observations of this study revealed that Ni-refining fumes induce BEAS-2B cell damage, increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, activate NLRP3 (LRR-, NOD-, and pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome, and promote the secretion of the cytokine Interleukin (IL)-1ß, leading to cellular inflammation and reducing cell activity. Resveratrol (20 µmol/L) activated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in BEAS-2B cells to increase protein and mRNA expression. SIRT1 was observed to inhibit the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), reduced the expression of NLRP3 protein and mRNA, and inhibited NLRP3 inflammation. The level of inflammasome activation and IL-1ß overexpression could reduce the inflammatory damage caused by the Ni-refining fume particles on the BEAS-2B cells and exert anti-inflammatory protective effects. In vivo experiments further confirmed that resveratrol could effectively alleviate the acute inflammatory injuries caused due to exposure to the Ni-refining fume particles in the lung tissues of the Wistar rats, and verified that resveratrol could exert its anti-inflammatory impact through the SIRT1-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway. These results provide an important theoretical basis for developing novel protective drugs and investigating the mechanism of action for inflammatory injury in occupational populations caused by exposure to nickel and other heavy metals.

Recent Advances of CeO2-Based Composite Materials for Photocatalytic Applications.

Photocatalysis has the advantages of practical, sustainable and environmental protection, so it plays a significant role in energy transformation and environmental utilization. CeO2 has attracted widespread attention for its unique 4 f electrons, rich defect structures, high oxygen storage capacity and great chemical stability. In this paper, we review the structure of CeO2 and the common methods for the preparation of CeO2-based composites in the first part. In particular, we highlight the co-precipitation method, template method, and sol-gel method methods. Then, in the second part, we introduce the application of CeO2-based composites in photocatalysis, including photocatalytic CO2 reduction, hydrogen production, degradation, selective organic reaction, and photocatalytic nitrogen fixation. In addition, we discuss several modification techniques to improve the photocatalytic performance of CeO2-based composites, such as elemental doping, defect engineering, constructing heterojunction and morphology regulation. Finally, the challenges faced by CeO2-based composites are analyzed and their development prospects are prospected. This review provides a systematic summary of the recent advance of CeO2-based composites in the field of photocatalysis, which can provide useful references for the rational design of efficient CeO2-based composite photocatalysts for sustainable development.

A systematic review: on the mercaptoacid metabolites of acrylamide, N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine.

Acrylamide is widely found in a variety of fried foods and cigarettes and is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but also has many potential toxic effects. The current assessment of acrylamide intake through dietary questionnaires is confounded by a variety of factors, which poses limitations to safety assessment. In this review, we focus on the levels of AAMA, the urinary metabolite of acrylamide in humans, and its association with other diseases, and discuss the current research gaps in AAMA and the future needs. We reviewed a total of 25 studies from eight countries. In the general population, urinary AAMA levels were higher in smokers than in non-smokers, and higher in children than in adults; the highest levels of AAMA were found in the population from Spain, compared with the general population from other countries. In addition, AAMA is associated with several diseases, especially cardiovascular system diseases. Therefore, AAMA, as a biomarker of internal human exposure, can reflect acrylamide intake in the short term, which is of great significance for tracing acrylamide-containing foods and setting the allowable intake of acrylamide in foods.

Constructing a prognostic risk model for Alzheimer's disease based on ferroptosis.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to establish a prognostic risk model based on ferroptosis to prognosticate the severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through gene expression changes. Methods: The GSE138260 dataset was initially downloaded from the Gene expression Omnibus database. The ssGSEA algorithm was used to evaluate the immune infiltration of 28 kinds of immune cells in 36 samples. The up-regulated immune cells were divided into Cluster 1 group and Cluster 2 group, and the differences were analyzed. The LASSO regression analysis was used to establish the optimal scoring model. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Real Time Quantitative PCR were used to verify the effect of different concentrations of Aß1-42 on the expression profile of representative genes in vitro. Results: Based on the differential expression analysis, there were 14 up-regulated genes and 18 down-regulated genes between the control group and Cluster 1 group. Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 groups were differentially analyzed, and 50 up-regulated genes and 101 down-regulated genes were obtained. Finally, nine common differential genes were selected to establish the optimal scoring model. In vitro, CCK-8 experiments showed that the survival rate of cells decreased significantly with the increase of Aß1-42 concentration compared with the control group. Moreover, RT-qPCR showed that with the increase of Aß1-42 concentration, the expression of POR decreased first and then increased; RUFY3 was firstly increased and then decreased. Discussion: The establishment of this research model can help clinicians make decisions on the severity of AD, thus providing better guidance for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Stimulating the expression of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is beneficial to reduce acrylamide-induced nerve cell damage.

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is an important signaling molecule for cell proliferation and survival. However, the role of SphK1 in acrylamide (ACR)-induced nerve injury remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and potential mechanism of SphK1 in ACR-induced nerve injury. Liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) content in serum and SphK1 content in whole blood from an occupational work group exposed to ACR compared to a non-exposed group. For in vitro experiments, SphK1 in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells was activated using SphK1-specific activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Our research also utilized cell viability assays, flow cytometry, western blots, RT-qPCR and related protein detection to assess activity of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The results of the population study showed that the contents of SphK1 and S1P in the ACR-exposed occupational contact group were lower than in the non-exposed group. The results of in vitro experiments showed that expression of SphK1 decreased with the increase in ACR concentration. Activating SphK1 improved the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells and decreased the apoptosis rate. Activating SphK1 in SH-SY5Y cells also regulated MAPK signaling, including enhancing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) and inhibiting the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. These results suggest that activating SphK1 can protect against nerve cell damage caused by ACR.

IP3R-mediated activation of BK channels contributes to mGluR5-induced protection against spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) can cause dramatic neuron loss and lead to paraplegia in patients. In this research, the role of mGluR5, a member of the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) family, was investigated both in vitro and in vivo to explore a possible method to treat this complication. In vitro experiment, after activating mGluR5 via pretreating cells with (RS)-2-Chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) and 3-cyano-N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl) benzamide (CDPPB), excitotoxicity induced by glutamate (Glu) was attenuated in primary spinal cord neurons, evidenced by higher neuron viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and less detected TUNEL-positive cells. According to Western Blot (WB) results, Glu treatment resulted in a high level of large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channels, with activation relying on the mGluR5-IP3R (inositol triphosphate) pathway. In vivo part, a rat model of SCIRI was built to further investigate the role of mGluR5. After pretreating them with CHPG and CDPPB, the rats showed markedly lower spinal water content, attenuated motor neuron injury in the spinal cord of L4 segments, and better neurological function. This effect could be partially reversed by paxilline, a blocker of BK channels. In addition, activating BK channels alone using specific openers: NS1619 or NS11021 can protect spinal cord neurons from injury induced by either SCIRI or Glu. In conclusion, in this research, we proved that mGluR5 exerts a protective role in SCIRI, and this effect partially works via IP3R-mediated activation of BK channels.

Primary small cell esophageal carcinoma, chemotherapy sequential immunotherapy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary small cell esophageal carcinoma (PSCEC) is aggressive and rare, with a worse prognosis than other subtypes esophageal carcinoma. No definitive and optimum standard guidelines are established for treating it. Herein, we report a case of PSCEC, including a current literature review of PSCEC. CASE SUMMARY: A 79-year-old male was diagnosed PSCEC with multiple lymph node metastasis thorough computed tomography, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, endoscopy and pathology. Surgery was not suitable for this patient. He was treated with etoposide 100 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on days 1-3, every 3 wk for 4 cycles. The tumor and lymph nodes became smaller and dysphagia and vomiting symptoms improved. The patient could not tolerate subsequent chemotherapy (CT) because of hematological toxicity; therefore, we performed immunotherapy (durvalumab, 1500 mg) every 4 wk. At present the patient has received 12 cycles immunotherapy over about 1 year. He is still receiving treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSION: PSCEC with multiple lymph nodes metastasis does not always indicate surgery. CT may extend survival time and improve the quality of life in the absence of surgery. Immunotherapy or immunotherapy plus CT may also work as a treatment for PSCEC.

The Warburg effect promoted the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by Ni-refining fumes in BEAS-2B cells.

Nickel (Ni) is a known human carcinogen that has an adverse effect on various human organs in occupational workers during Ni refinement and smelting. In the present study, we used real-time polymerase chain reactions, Western blot analysis, and a lactate production assay to investigate whether an increase in the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by Ni-refining fumes was associated with the Warburg effect in BEAS-2B cells, a nonmalignant pulmonary epithelial line. Exposure to Ni-refining fumes suppressed cell proliferation and increased lactate production compared with those in an untreated control group in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ni-refining fumes induced the Warburg effect, which was observed based on increases in the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, hexokinase 2, pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2, and lactate dehydrogenase A. In addition, Ni-refining fumes promoted increased expression of NLRP3 at both the gene and protein levels. Furthermore, inhibition of the Warburg effect by 2-Deoxy-d-glucose reversed the increased expression of NLRP3 induced by Ni-refining fumes. Collectively, our data demonstrated that the Warburg effect can promote the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome induced by the Ni-refining fumes in BEAS-2B cells. This indicates a new phenomenon in which alterations in energy production in human cells induced by Ni-refining fumes regulate the inflammatory response.

Combining surgery with 125I brachytherapy for recurrent mediastinal dedifferentiated liposarcoma: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the mediastinum is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm. A few previous case reports indicate that surgical resection is the major treatment, but frequent recurrence occurs locally. Due to its rarity, its clinical characteristics, optimal treatment and clinical outcomes remain unclear. Here, we report a case of multifocal recurrent dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the posterior mediastinum treated by combining surgery with 125I brachytherapy, and summarize its clinical features, treatment and prognosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a history of gradual dysphagia for one year and aggravated dysphagia for 3 mo. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed several large cystic-solid masses with lipomatous density, and calcification in the posterior-inferior mediastinum. The patient received a wide excision by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Pathological analysis confirmed the tumors were dedifferentiated liposarcomas. The tumor locally relapsed 24 mo later, and another operation was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Fifteen months after the second surgery, the tumor recurred again, and the patient received CT-guided radioactive seeds 125I implantation. After 8 mo, follow-up chest CT showed an enlarged tumor. Finally, his condition exacerbated with severe dysphagia and dyspnea, and he died of respiratory failure in July 2018. CONCLUSION: We reviewed the literature, and suggest that surgical resection provides beneficial effects for dedifferentiated liposarcoma in the mediastinum, even in cases with local recurrence. 125I brachytherapy may be beneficial for recurrent unresectable patients.

A urinary metabolomic study from subjects after long-term occupational exposure to low concentration acrylamide using UPLC-QTOF/MS.

Because long-term occupational exposure to low concentrations of acrylamide (ACR) has the potential to cause neurological damage, it is important to identify biomarkers that can be used to evaluate this risk. In the present study, urine metabolomics of the ACR-exposed and non-exposed groups to identify potential metabolites was carried out using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Serum biochemical indexes of the exposed and non-exposed groups were also determined. Principal component analysis showed a differential separation between exposed group and non-exposed group and a total of 7 metabolites were identified in positive and negative ionization modes; Area under curve of anthranilic acid, ß-guanidinopropionic acid and mesobilirubinogen were 0.980, 0.843 and 0.801 respectively and these metabolites showed high sensitivity and specificity. The 13 biochemical indexes were divided into three classes based on physiological functions. Only biomarkers of dysregulated liver function including alanine aminotransferase, aspartic transaminase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and triglyceride were significantly higher in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group. This study identifies important related metabolic changes in the bodies of workers after long-term occupational exposure to low concentration ACR and suggests new biomarkers of nervous system injury caused by ACR. The study also provides a sound basis for exploring the biochemical mechanisms and metabolic pathways of nervous system toxicity caused by ACR.

Salvianolic acid a inhibits platelet activation and aggregation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Platelets in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are characterized by increased activation and aggregation, which tends to be associated with a high morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, a large proportion of DM2 patients show an inadequate response to standard antiplatelet treatments, contributing to recurrent cardiovascular events. In our previous study, we indicated that Salvianolic acid A (SAA) presents an antiplatelet effect in healthy volunteers. However, whether it can inhibit "activated platelets" with a pathologic status has not been explored. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the antiplatelet effect of SAA and its diabetic complication-related difference in DM2. METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed with DM2 from January 2018 to April 2018 were recruited. Fibrinogen-binding (PAC-1) and P-selectin (CD62p) flow cytometry reagents were measured under resting and stimulated conditions by flow cytometry, while agonist-induced platelet aggregation was conducted by light transmission aggregometry. Before all these measurements were conducted, all platelet samples were preincubated with a vehicle or SAA for 10 min. Additionally, the diabetic complication-related difference in the antiplatelet effect of SAA was further studied in enrolled patients. RESULTS: The expressions of PAC-1 and CD62p were elevated in DM2, as well as the maximal platelet aggregation. In addition, SAA decreased the expressions of PAC-1 and CD62p, which were enhanced by ADP and thrombin (all P < 0.01). It also reduced the platelet aggregation induced by ADP (P < 0.001) and thrombin (P < 0.05). Comparing the antiplatelet effect of SAA on DM2, with and without diabetic complications, no statistically significant difference was found (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that SAA can inhibit platelet activation and aggregation in patients with DM2, and the inhibition did not abate for the existence of diabetic complications.

Nickel-refining fumes induce NLRP3 activation dependent on mitochondrial damage and ROS production in Beas-2B cells.

Nickel (Ni) is a silver-white transition metal that is widely used in the production field due to its unique physical and chemical properties. As a toxicant, long-term exposure to Ni can cause rhinitis, pneumonia and other respiratory inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of particles extracted from Ni-refining fumes on cell viability, inflammation-related proteins and mitochondrial damage in human lung epithelial Beas-2B cells. The cells were exposed to Ni-refining fume particles for 24 h at concentrations of 0, 6.25, 12.50 and 25.00 µg/mL. The expression levels of the NACHT-LRR-PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α protein in Beas-2B cells exposed to Ni-refining fume particles increased significantly. Downregulation of NLRP3 expression by siRNA decreased the content of IL-1ß. During activation of NLRP3, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decreased, the opening rate of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) increased, and the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intervention as the positive control group, N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an effective ROS remover) acted as an inhibitor. After NAC reduced the level of ROS, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly inhibited. Ni-refining fumes caused significant cytotoxicity, inflammation and mitochondrial damage in Beas-2B cells. The present study thus provides experimental support for the hypothesis that Ni-refining fumes cause inflammation by inducing ROS production in Beas-2B cells.

Beta-ionone-inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells by inhibited COX-2 activity.

As one of the isoprenoids and widely derived from many fruits and vegetables, ß-ionone (BI) has a potent inhibitory proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. However, its exact mechanism is still uncompleted understood and needs to be further verified. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as a potential target of cancer chemoprevention, has been played pivotal roles in proliferation of tumor cells and carcinogenesis. Thus, the objective of present study was to determine that BI inhibited the activity of COX-2 in breast cancer and related to cancer cell models. Cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, the distribution of cell cycle, apoptosis induction and the expression of P38-MAPK protein were determined in MCF-7 cells by methylene blue, 3H-thymidine (TdR) incorporation, flow cytometry, TUNEL and Western blotting assays. Quinone reductase (QR) activity was determined in murine hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of COX-2 in a phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced cell model and mammary tumor tissues was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that BI significantly inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis, arrested the distribution of cell cycle at the S phase or decreased proteins related to cell cycle such as cyclin D1 and CDK4, induced apoptosis and increased the expression of p-P38 in MCF-7 cells. BI at low doses (< 50 µmol/L) significantly increased QR activity, decreased the expression of COX-2 protein and prostaglandin E2 (PEG2) release in cell models. In addition, BI also significantly decreased the expression of COX-2 protein in rat mammary tumor tissues. Therefore, our findings indicate that BI possesses inhibitory proliferation of breast cancer cells through down-regulation of COX-2 activity.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery vs. intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,684 cases.

BACKGROUND: Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS) has been increasingly used in lobectomy, bullectomy, wedge resection, lung volume reduction, sympathectomy and talc pleurodesis, which may reduce postoperative complications. However, the benefits of non-intubated and intubated methods of VATS remain controversial. METHODS: We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library, and performed a systematic review to assess the two techniques. Random and fixed-effects meta-analytical models were used based on the low between-study heterogeneity. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed. RESULTS: Compared to intubated methods, NIVATS had a lower postoperative complications rate [odds ratio (OR): 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46-0.86; P<0.01], shorter global in-operating time [weighted mean difference (WMD): -35.96 min; 95% CI, -48.00 to -23.91; P<0.01], shorter hospital stay (WMD: -1.35 days; 95% CI, -1.72 to -0.98; P<0.01), shorter anesthesia time (WMD: -7.29 min; 95% CI, -13.30 to -1.29; P<0.01), shorter chest-tube placement time (WMD: -1.04 days; 95% CI, -1.75 to -0.33; P<0.01), less chest pain (WMD: -1.31; 95% CI, -2.45 to -0.17; P<0.05) and lower perioperative mortality rate (OR: 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.99; P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NIVATS is a safe, efficient and feasible technique for thoracic surgery and may be a better alternative procedure owing to its advantage in reducing postoperative complications rate, hospital stay, and chest pain.

Nickel-smelting fumes induce mitochondrial damage and apoptosis, accompanied by decreases in viability, in NIH/3T3 cells.

Nickel (Ni) is widely present in the occupational environment and causes various adverse effects on the human body. Apoptosis induced by Ni2+ may be a key mechanism underlying its toxic effect. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Ni-smelting fumes on cell viability, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis-related proteins in NIH/3T3 cells. The effects of Ni-smelting fumes at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL were tested. Treatment with Ni-smelting fumes for 24 h and 48 h significantly decreased cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared with the blank control group. Exposure to Ni-smelting fumes increased mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in a dose-dependent manner and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II, and IV. The fumes significantly downregulated Bcl-2, procaspase-9, and procaspase-3 and upregulated Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 (P < 0.05). Ni-smelting fumes caused significant cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway in mammalian cells. The present paper provides hypotheses and experimental support for these hypotheses that Ni-smelting fumes cause cytotoxicity through the mechanism of inducing mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in NIH/3T3 cells.

Metabolomics analysis of serum from subjects after occupational exposure to acrylamide using UPLC-MS.

Since occupational exposure to acrylamide (ACR) may cause nerve damage, sensitive biomarkers to evaluate the early effects of ACR on human health are needed. In the present study, we have compared a group of individuals with occupational exposure to ACR (contact group, n = 65) with a group of individuals with no exposure (non-contact group, n = 60). Serum metabolomics analysis of the contact and non-contact groups was carried out using ultra performance liquid chromatograph/time of flight mass spectrometry, combined with multivariate analysis, to identify potential metabolites. Serum biochemical indexes of the contact and non-contact groups were also determined using an automatic biochemistry analyzer. There was a clear separation between the contact group and the non-contact group; receiver operator characteristic curve analysis suggested that phytosphingosine, 4E,15Z-bilirubin IXa and tryptophan were the best metabolites to use as biomarkers. Liver function was also found to be abnormal in the contact group. Important, ACR-related, metabolic changes were seen in the contact group and new biomarkers for assessing the toxicity of ACR on the central nervous system have been proposed. This study will provide a sound basis for exploring the toxic mechanisms and metabolic pathways of ACR.

Aniline Induces Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis of Primary Cultured Hepatocytes.

The toxicity and carcinogenicity of aniline in humans and animals have been well documented. However, the molecular mechanism involved in aniline-induced liver toxicity and carcinogenesis remains unclear. In our research, primary cultured hepatocytes were exposed to aniline (0, 1.25, 2.50, 5.0 and 10.0 µg/mL) for 24 h in the presence or absence of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, cell viability, and apoptosis were detected. Levels of ROS and MDA were significantly increased and levels of GSH and CAT, activity of SOD, and mitochondrial membrane potential in hepatocytes were significantly decreased by aniline compared with the negative control group. The tail moment and DNA content of the tail in exposed groups were significantly higher than those in the negative control group. Cell viability was reduced and apoptotic death was induced by aniline in a concentration-dependent manner. The phenomena of ROS generation, oxidative damage, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage and apoptosis could be prevented if ROS inhibitor NAC was added. ROS generation is involved in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA injury, which may play a role in aniline-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. Our study provides insight into the mechanism of aniline-induced toxicity and apoptosis of hepatocytes.

Nickel-smelting fumes increased the expression of HIF-1α through PI3K/ERK pathway in NIH/3T3 cells.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nickel (Ni) -smelting fumes on oncogenic proteins in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Ni fallout beside a Ni smelting furnace in a factory was sampled to study its toxic effect. The effects of Ni-smelting fumes on the regulation of PI3K and ERK signaling pathways and the important downstream hypoxia inducible factor, HIF-1α, were studied both in NIH/3T3 cells and in the lung tissue of rats. NIH/3T3 cell transformation induced by Ni-smelting fumes was also observed. RESULTS: Ni-smelting fumes activated PI3K, p-AKT, p70S6K1, and ERK proteins and increased HIF-1α expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, activation was suppressed when NIH/3T3 cells were pretreated with PI3K/AKT or ERK inhibitors. Ni-smelting fumes caused malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ni-smelting fumes increased the expression of HIF-1α through the PI3K/ERK pathway in NIH/3T3 cells and induced malignant transformation in these cells indicating that Ni-smelting fumes may be a potential carcinogen in mammalian cells.