TFEB/LAMP2 contributes to PM0.2-induced autophagy-lysosome dysfunction and alpha-synuclein dysregulation in astrocytes.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) exacerbates the risk factor for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (PD) by promoting the alpha-synuclein (α-syn) pathology in the brain. However, the molecular mechanisms of astrocytes involvement in α-syn pathology underlying the process remain unclear. This study investigated PM with particle size <200 nm (PM0.2) exposure-induced α-syn pathology in ICR mice and primary astrocytes, then assessed the effects of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (PP242) in vitro studies. We observed the α-syn pathology in the brains of exposed mice. Meanwhile, PM0.2-exposed mice also exhibited the activation of glial cell and the inhibition of autophagy. In vitro study, PM0.2 (3, 10 and 30 µg/mL) induced inflammatory response and the disorders of α-syn degradation in primary astrocytes, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2)-mediated autophagy underlies α-syn pathology. The abnormal function of autophagy-lysosome was specifically manifested as the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3II), cathepsin B (CTSB) and lysosomal abundance increased first and then decreased, which might both be a compensatory mechanism to toxic α-syn accumulation induced by PM0.2. Moreover, with the transcription factor EB (TFEB) subcellular localization and the increase in LC3II, LAMP2, CTSB, and cathepsin D proteins were identified, leading to the restoration of the degradation of α-syn after the intervention of PP242. Our results identified that PM0.2 exposure could promote the α-syn pathological dysregulation in astrocytes, providing mechanistic insights into how PM0.2 increases the risk of developing PD and highlighting TFEB/LAMP2 as a promising therapeutic target for antagonizing PM0.2 toxicity.

Organic extracts in PM2.5 are the major triggers to induce ferroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.

As a major air pollutant, PM2.5 can induce apoptosis of nerve cells, causing impairment of the learning and memory capabilities of humans and animals. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered way of programmed cell death. It is unclear whether the neurotoxicity induced by PM2.5 is related to the ferroptosis of nerve cells. In this study, we observed the changes in ferroptosis hallmarks of SH-SY5Y cells after exposure to various doses (40, 80, and 160 µg/mL PM2.5) for 24 h, exposure to 40 µg/mL PM2.5 for various times (24, 48, and 72 h), as well as exposure to various components (Po, organic extracts; Pw, water-soluble extracts; Pc, carbon core component). The results showed that PM2.5 reduced the cell viability, the content of GSH, and the activity of GSH-PX and SOD in SH-SY5Y cells with exposure dose and duration increasing. On the other hand, PM2.5 increased the content of iron, MDA, and the level of lipid ROS in SH-SY5Y cells with exposure dose and duration increasing. Additionally, PM2.5 reduced the expression levels of HO-1, NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. The ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 and DFO significantly increase the cells viabilities and significantly reversed the changes of other above ferroptosis hallmarks. We also observed the different effects on ferroptosis hallmarks in the SH-SY5Y cells exposed to PM2.5 (160 µg/mL) and its various components (organic extracts, water-soluble extracts, and carbon core) for 24 h. We found that only the organic extracts shared similar results with PM2.5 (160 µg/mL). This study demonstrated that PM2.5 induced ferroptosis of SH-SY5Y cells, and organic extracts might be the primary component that caused ferroptosis.

Co-exposure to arsenic and fluoride to explore the interactive effect on oxidative stress and autophagy in myocardial tissue and cell.

Co-contamination of arsenic and fluoride is widely distributed in groundwater. However, little is known about the interactively influence of arsenic and fluoride, especially the combined mechanism in cardiotoxicity. Cellular and animal models exposure to arsenic and fluoride were established to assess the oxidative stress and autophagy mechanism of cardiotoxic damage using the factorial design, a widely used statistical method for assessing two factor interventions. In vivo, combined exposure to high arsenic (50 mg/L) and high fluoride (100 mg/L) induced myocardial injury. The damage is accompanied by accumulation of myocardial enzyme, mitochondrial disorder, and excessive oxidative stress. Further experiment identified that arsenic and fluoride induced the accumulation of autophagosome and increased expression level of autophagy related genes during the cardiotoxicity process. These findings were further demonstrated through the in vitro model of arsenic and fluoride-treated the H9c2 cells. Additionally, combined of arsenic-fluoride exposure possesses the interactively influence on oxidative stress and autophagy, contributing to the myocardial cell toxicity. In conclusion, our data suggest that oxidative stress and autophagy are involved in the process of cardiotoxic injury, and that these indicators showed interaction effect in response to the combined exposure of arsenic and fluoride.

Mechanism of subchronic vinyl chloride exposure combined with a high-fat diet on hepatic steatosis.

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a common industrial organic chlorine and environmental pollutant. In recent years, the dietary structure of residents especially Chinese has gradually shifted to western dietary patterns. VC aggravates dietary fatty acid-induced hepatic steatosis, but its mechanism is still unclear. And if the risk factors for steatosis persist, more severe diseases such as fibrosis and cirrhosis will occur. Therefore, we studied the effects and mechanisms of VC (160 and 800 mg/m3 ) and its metabolite (chloroacetaldehyde, 2.25, 4.5, and 9 µM) on hepatic steatosis of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and palmitic acid (PA, 100 µM) treated HepG2 cells. Liver and serum biochemical indicators and pathological staining of the liver showed that the hepatic steatosis of VC combined with HFD groups was more severe than that of single-exposure groups (HFD group, low-dose VC group, and high-dose VC group). Moreover, VC enhanced HFD-induced oxidative stress (OS) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and further upregulated the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and FAS. Besides, antioxidants and ERS inhibitors reduced the steatosis of HepG2 cells induced by VC metabolites and PA. These results suggest that VC exposure can enhance the degree of hepatic steatosis in HFD-fed mice. VC combined with HFD led to OS and ERS and upregulated the expression of de novo lipogenesis-related proteins, which may be related to the occurrence of hepatic steatosis. And the increased expression of CYP2E1 induced by VC combined with HFD may be the cause of OS.

Co-exposure to fluoride and arsenic disrupts intestinal flora balance and induces testicular autophagy in offspring rats.

While numerous studies have shown that fluoride or arsenic exposure may damage the reproductive system, there are few reports of co-exposure to fluoride and arsenic. In addition, the literature on autophagy and intestinal flora composition in reproductive toxicity studies of co-exposure to fluoride and arsenic is insufficient. In this study, we developed a rat model of fluoride and arsenic exposure via drinking water from pre-pregnancy to 90 days postnatal. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sterile water control group, fluoride group (100 mg/L NaF), arsenic group (50 mg/L NaAsO2) and combined exposure group (100 mg/L NaF+50 mg/L NaAsO2). Our results showed that fluoride and arsenic exposure caused a reduction in testicular weight and significant pathological damage to tissue. We found that the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were reduced to varying degrees. Meanwhile experiments showed that fluoride and arsenic exposure can modulate autophagic flux, causing increased levels of Beclin1 and LC3 expression and decreased p62 expression. Analogously, by performing 16S sequencing of rat feces, we found 24 enterobacterial genera that differed significantly among the groups. Furthermore, the flora associated with testicular injury were identified by correlation analysis of hormonal indices and autophagy alterations with intestinal flora composition at the genus level, respectively. In summary, our study shows that fluoride and arsenic co-exposure alters autophagic flux in the testis, causes testicular injury, and reveals an association between altered intestinal flora composition and testicular injury.

Proteomics and transcriptomics jointly identify the key role of oxidative phosphorylation in fluoride-induced myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction in rats.

The regulation of mitochondrial function, which is dominated by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOs), is important in fluoride induced cardiovascular disease. Based on the previous study of fluoride-induced mitochondrial structure and membrane potential abnormalities, this study integrated ITRAQ protein quantification and RNA-Seq methods to analyze the sequencing data of rat myocardial tissue under fluoride exposure (0, 30, 60 and 90 mg/L). A total of 22 differentially expressed genes associated with the OXPHOs pathway were screened by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) co-enrichment analysis, and were localizated by Interaction Network and calculated inter-genes and inter-omics correlations by Pearson correlation. In general, fluoride exposure can down-regulate genes related OXPHOs, particularly affecting the assembly of the complex I including Ndufa10, resulting in abnormal mitochondrial ATP synthesis and reduced myocardial energy supply. Most importantly, this study shows that the enriched information from the proteomics can explain the change process of energy production, but the specific molecules involved in energy supply cannot be obtained via transcriptomics information alone. Based on the results of transcriptional and protein analysis, our findings contribute to an innovative understanding of the pathways and molecular changes of myocardial injury induced by fluorosis.

Effects of arsenic exposure on lipid metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lipid metabolism dysfunction is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Reportedly, arsenic exposure could affect lipid metabolism, but this finding remains controversial. Herein, we updated and reevaluated evidence regarding the relationship between arsenic exposure and lipid metabolism. Electronic and manual searches were performed to determine the effect of arsenic exposure on lipid metabolism from inception up to 30 November 2019. Overall, five studies were included in our meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted information. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to analyze the combined effects of four indicators related to lipid metabolism (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL]). Afterwards, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was tested using funnel plots and Begg's test. In this study, we observed that arsenic exposure can affect lipid metabolism by reducing serum HDL levels and increasing serum LDL levels. Following subgroup analysis, the arsenic concentration appeared to affect lipid metabolism. Funnel plot and Begg's test suggested no asymmetry. In conclusion, we recommend that potential influencing factors, including age, exposure time, and multiple concentration gradients, should be considered to further explore the relationship between arsenic exposure and lipid metabolism.

Deregulation of autophagy is involved in nephrotoxicity of arsenite and fluoride exposure during gestation to puberty in rat offspring.

Exposure to fluoride (F) or arsenite (As) through contaminated drinking water has been associated with chronic nephrotoxicity in humans. Autophagy is a regulated mechanism ubiquitous for the body in a toxic environment with F and As, but the underlying mechanisms of autophagy in the single or combined nephrotoxicity of F and As are unclear. In the present study, we established a rat model of prenatal and postnatal exposure to F and As with the aim of investigating the mechanism underlying nephrotoxicity of these pollutants in offspring. Rats were randomly divided into four groups that received NaF (100 mg/L), NaAsO2 (50 mg/L), or NaF (100 mg/L) with NaAsO2 (50 mg/L) in drinking water or clean water during pregnancy and lactation; after weaning, pups were exposed to the same treatment as their mothers until puberty. The results revealed that F and As exposure (alone or combined) led to significant increases of arsenic and fluoride levels in blood and bone, respectively. In this context, F and/or As disrupted histopathology and ultrastructure in the kidney, and also altered creatinine (CRE), urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid (UA) levels. Intriguingly, F and/or As uptake induced the formation of autophagosomes in kidney tissue and resulted in the upregulation of genes encoding autophagy-related proteins. Collectively, these results suggest that nephrotoxicity of F and As for offspring exposed to the pollutants from in utero to puberty is associated with deregulation of autophagy and there is an antagonism between F and As in the toxicity autophagy process.

Sub-chronic administration of benzo[a]pyrene disrupts hippocampal long-term potentiation via inhibiting CaMK II/PKC/PKA-ERK-CREB signaling in rats.

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is recognized as a neurotoxic pollutant to mammals, which could impair learning and memory function. Although there is some evidence to suggest that N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a glutamate receptor and ion channel protein in nerve cells, is involved into the B[a]P induced neurotoxicity, the exact molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated, particularly the effects of B[a]P on the NMDAR downstream signaling transduction pathways. In the present study, we examined the neurotoxicity of sub-chronic administrated B[a]P on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Our data suggested that B[a]P exposure caused significant deficits in learning and memory function and the impairment of hippocampal LTP in rats. Further mechanistic studies indicate that B[a]P-induced learning and memory deficits are associated with the inhibition of NMDAR NR1 subunit transcription and protein phosphorylation. More importantly, the inactivation of CaMK II/PKC/PKA-ERK-CREB signaling pathways in hippocampus was detected at both the 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P-treated groups, indicating that multiple targets in NMDAR and downstream signaling pathways are involved in the B[a]P-induced neurotoxicity.

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in vinyl chloride-induced hepatic steatosis in mice.

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a common industrial organochlorine, shown to cause hepatic angiosarcoma and hepatic steatosis. However, the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and oxidative stress (OS) in hepatic steatosis after subchronic exposure to VC in mice, is unclear. Based on body weight, forty healthy SPF male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into a control group and three VC exposure groups (57.3, 286.7, and 1433.6 ppm) (n = 10 each). VC was administered by static inhalation in a 50 L sealed plexiglass inhalation chamber for 2 h per day, five days per week for 16 weeks. Serum and liver tissues were analyzed for liver enzymes and lipids. Hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and OS related indicators malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. The mRNA expressions of ERS downstream genes, including glycoregulatory protein-78 (GRP-78), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and their protein levels examined by western blotting. The CYP2E1 levels increased after VC administration in a dose-dependent manner. MDA levels increased (P < .05) and SOD and GSH levels decreased (P < .05) in the liver of each group with the increase in the dose of VC. ERS and expressions of downstream genes (GRP-78, SREBP-1, ACC, and FAS) were enhanced after VC administration. These results suggested that OS and ERS could be induced by VC, which may lead to an increase in fatty acid synthesis in the liver, further aggravating hepatic steatosis.

Interaction of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) polymorphisms and occupational hazards increases the risk of hypertension in coke oven workers.

OBJECTIVES: The interaction between genetic, epigenetic inheritance and environmental factors determines susceptibility to hypertension. Previous epidemiology studies have shown that coke oven workers who are frequently exposed to various occupational hazards have remarkable increase in the risk for hypertension. Among many genetic variants identified in hypertension, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was found to play important roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension and associated diseases. We therefore explore the possible role of HSP70 polymorphisms and their interaction with occupational environment in hypertension risk. METHODS: We carried out a case-control study among 367 coke oven workers in northwest China, focused on three common HSP70 polymorphisms (HSP70-1 G190C, HSP70-2 A1267G and HSP70-hom T2437C), and evaluated the association of HSP70 gene polymorphisms with work sites for high risk of hypertension. RESULTS: The results indicated that HSP70-1 GC and CC genotype had 2.73-fold and 4.26-fold increased relative risk (95% CI 1.33 to 5.55 and 1.17 to 15.53), respectively, comparing with HSP70-1 GG genotype. HSP70-2 AG and GG conferred a 47% and 36% reduced risk (95% CI 0.23 to 0.99 and 0.14 to 0.92) comparing with HSP70-2 AA genotype. Further analysis of the interaction of HSP70 polymorphisms with occupational environment indicated a strong positive interaction between HSP70 genotype (HSP70-1 GC+CC, HSP70-2 AA and HSP70-hom TC+CC) and oven top workplace. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data indicate that HSP70 polymorphisms interact with occupational hazards might increase the risk of hypertension in coke oven workers.

[Investigation of the arsenic levels in ecosystem aspect in water type of endemic arsenicosis area in Datong City].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the arsenic levels in endemic arsenism in Datong City, Shanxi Province. METHODS: A total of 85 inhabitants from one village in endemic arsenism area in Datong City, Shanxi Province were collected as research subjects. The People's Republic of China health industry standard for endemic arsenism was used to identify and diagnosis the patients. Daily drinking water and soil were collected and detected by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The content of vegetables were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: In the study, 85 samples were collected. Arsenic concentration in the daily drinking water were 14.41 - 90.34 µg/L, and the median value was 43.88 µg/L. The arsenic concentration of vegetables were 0.001 - 0.771 mg/kg, and 43.04% of samples, were higher than the maximal permissible limit of As in food. The results that the arsenic concentration of vegetables constant changes in the leaf vegetables > tubers > fruit vegetables. The health risk of intaking arsenic pollution in vegetables up to 71.77%. The arsenic levels in village of four directions were not exceeded the Chinese standards. CONCLUSIONS: Arsenic concentration in drinking water and vegetables are high in waterborn endemic arsenicosis area of Shanxi province. Arsenic in drinking water has been considered as a primary cause of arsenism, but direct intake of arsenic from vegetables can not be ignored.

Contributions of intestine and plasma to the presystemic bioconversion of vicagrel, an acetate of clopidogrel.

PURPOSE: To investigate the contributions of intestine and plasma to the presystemic bioconversion of vicagrel, and track its subsequent bioconversion to 2-oxo-clopidogrel in vivo and in vitro to rationalize the design of vicagrel, an acetate analogue of clopidogrel. METHODS: The concentration-time profiles of 2-oxo-clopidogrel and active metabolite (AM) in presystem and circulation system was determined in the cannulated rats. Also, the rat intestinal S9 and human intestinal microsomes were conducted to examine the formation of 2-oxo-clopidogrel and AM. Meanwhile, the esterases in plasma and intestinal fractions responsible for the bioconversion of vicagrel to 2-oxo-clopidogrel were screened by the esterase inhibition and recombinant esterases. RESULTS: The intestine was responsible for the formation of 2-oxo-clopidogrel and AM in vivo and in vitro, where carboxylesterases 2 (CE2) contributed greatly to the vicagrel cleavage during absorption. Other related esterases in plasma were paraoxonases (PON), carboxylesterases 1 (CE1) and butyrylcholine esterases (BChE). CONCLUSION: The findings rationalized the prodrug design hypothesis that vicagrel could overcome the extensive invalid hydrolysis of clopidogrel by the hepatic CE1 but experience the extensive hydrolysis to 2-oxo-clopidogrel and subsequent oxidation to AM in the intestine. This also supported the theory of improved pharmacological activity through facilitated formation of 2-oxo-clopidogrel, thus warranting much needed future clinical pharmacokinetic studies of vicagrel.

In vitro cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in rats of MXN-004, a novel conjugate of polyethylene glycol and SN38.

1. MXN-004 is a water-soluble PEGylated 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN38). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of MXN-004 and investigate pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of MXN-004 and its active metabolite SN38 in rats. 2. In vitro cytotoxicity of MXN-004 was tested in A549, HepG2 and Caco-2 cancer cell lines by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and compared with irinotecan. The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of MXN-004, irinotecan and their identical active metabolite SN38 were investigated after intravenous administration of MXN-004 and irinotecan at a same dose level of 16 µmol/kg in rats. 3. In vitro cytotoxicity study showed that MXN-004 was more potent in comparison with irinotecan. In rats, MXN-004 exhibited a longer half-life (sixfold) and much greater Vss as compared with irinotecan. The AUC0-∞, T1/2 and Cmax of SN38 after intravenous administration of MXN-004 were higher than those of irinotecan (3.5-, 1.92- and 10.6-fold, respectively). In addition, the concentrations of SN38 released from MXN-004 were significantly higher in all tissues than those from irinotecan, especially in the lung. 4. These results suggested that MXN-004 might be a more potential water-soluble antitumor agent with prolonged half-life of SN38 compared to irinotecan.

Efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of thermosensitive chitosan/ß-glycerophosphate hydrogel loaded with docetaxel.

Docetaxel (DTX) is a widely used anticancer drug for various solid tumors. However, its poor solubility in water and lack of specification are two limitations for clinical use. The aim of the study was to develop a thermosensitive chitosan/ß-glycerophosphate (C/GP) hydrogel loaded with DTX for intratumoral delivery. The in vitro release profiles, in vivo antitumor efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of DTX-loaded C/GP hydrogel (DTX-C/GP) were evaluated. The results of in vitro release study demonstrated that DTX-C/GP had the property of controlled delivery for a reasonable time span of 3 weeks and the release period was substantially affected by initial DTX strength. The antitumor efficacy of DTX-C/GP was observed at 20 mg/kg in H22 tumor-bearing mice. It was found that the tumor volume was definitely minimized by intratumoral injection of DTX-C/GP. Compared with saline group, the tumor inhibition rate of blank gel, intravenous DTX solution, intratumoral DTX solution, and DTX-C/GP was 2.3%, 29.8%, 41.9%, and 58.1%, respectively. Further, the in vivo pharmacokinetic characteristics of DTX-C/GP correlated well with the in vitro release. DTX-C/GP significantly prolonged the DTX retention and maintained a high DTX concentration in tumor. The amount of DTX distributed to the normal tissues was minimized so that the toxicity was effectively reduced. In conclusion, DTX-C/GP demonstrated controlled release and significant efficacy and exhibited potential for further clinical development.

Oxidative DNA damage of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes, selectively induced by chronic arsenic exposure, is associated with extent of arsenic-related skin lesions.

There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress is an important risk factor for arsenic-related diseases. Peripheral blood leukocytes constitute an important defense against microorganisms or pathogens, while the research on the impact of chronic arsenic exposure on peripheral blood leukocytes is much more limited, especially at low level arsenic exposure. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether chronic arsenic exposure affects oxidative stress of peripheral blood leukocytes and possible linkages between oxidative stress and arsenic-induced skin lesions. 75 male inhabitants recruited from an As-endemic region of China were investigated in the present study. The classification of arsenicosis was based on the degree of skin lesions. Arsenic levels were measured in drinking water and urine by Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. 8-OHdG of peripheral blood leukocytes was evaluated using immunocytochemical staining. 8-OHdG-positive reactions were only present in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), but not in monocytes (MNs). The 8-OHdG staining of PMN cytoplasm was observed in all investigated populations, while the 8-OHdG staining of PMN nuclei was frequently found along with the elevated amounts of cell debris in individuals with skin lesion. Urinary arsenic levels were increased in the severe skin lesion group compared with the normal group. No relationship was observed between drinking water arsenic or urine 8-OHdG and the degree of skin lesions. These findings indicated that the target and persistent oxidative stress in peripheral blood PMNs may be employed as a sensitive biomarker directly to assess adverse health effects caused by chronic exposure to lower levels of arsenic.

[The modification of apoptosis correlated gene, protein and protein activity in rat hippocampus induced by benzo[a] pyrene sub-chronic exposure].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of subchronic exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) on the mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (bax, bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-9) and the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 in the hippocampal neurons of rats and to investigate the neurotoxic mechanism by which B[a]P induces the apoptosis of neurons. METHODS: Fifty-two healthy SD rat were randomly divided into five groups according to preliminary neurobehavioral test results: blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0, 2.5, and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups; the rats in exposure groups were intraperitoneally injected with B[a]P every other day for 90 days. The Morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats; flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptosis ratio of hippocampal neurons; real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related genes; spectrophotometry was used to measure the activities of their en-coded proteins. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group, the 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups hada significantly longer mean escape latency period (P < 0.05) and a significantly increased number of times of platform crossing (P < 0.05), and the 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group had significantly lower length and percentage of time spent in the platform quadrant (P < 0.05). The early apoptosis ratio rose as the dose of B[a]P increased (P trend < 0.05); the early apoptosis ratios of 1.0, 2.5, and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups were significantly higher than those of blank control group and solvent control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups, the 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group had significantly increased Bax expression (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased Bcl-2 expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P < 0.05). The 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups had significantly higher expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-6 than the blank control group, solvent control group, and 1.0 mg/kg B[a]P exposure group (P < 0.05). The activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 were significantly higher in the 2.5 and 6.25 mg/kg B[a]P exposure groups than in the blank control group and solvent control group (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 and early apoptosis ratio of hippocampal neurons in rats (r = 0.793, P = 0.019; r = 0.886, P = 0.006; r = 0.773, P = 0.025). There were no significant differences in the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 among these groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Subchronic exposure to B[a]P can induce apoptosis of hippocampal neurons; its mechanism may be related to the fact that B[a]P can induce upregulated expression of Bax, inhibit expression of Bcl-2, lead to decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, induce upregulated expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-6, and cause increase in the activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9.

Meta-analysis of TLR4 pathway-related protein alterations induced by arsenic exposure.

Arsenic is a toxic metal, which ultimately leads to cell apoptosis. TLR4 signaling pathway played a key role in immunomodulatory. Therefore, alterations in related proteins on the TLR4 signaling pathway induced by arsenic exposure was systematically reviewed and analyzed by meta-analysis. Some databases were searched including PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WANFANG MED ONLINE. The results of NF-κB, IKK, NF-κBp65, phospho-NF-κBp65, and TLR4 expressions were analyzed by Review Manage 5.3. In the arsenic intervention group, NF-κB, phospho-NF-κBp65, and TLR4 expression levels were higher than the control group, respectively. SMD and 95%CI were 11.29 (6.34, 16.24), 4.71(1.73, 7.68), and 5.79 (-4.22, 15.80). Compared to controls, in the exposed group, IKK levels were found to be 38.11-fold higher (Z = 0.97; P = 0.33); NF-κBp65 levels were found to be 0.92-fold higher (Z = 3.33; P = 0.0009) for normal cells and tissue, while IKK levels were found to be 5.18-fold lower (Z = 5.34; P < 0.0001); NF-κBp65 levels were found to be 2.01-fold lower (Z = 3.87; P = 0.0001) for abnormal cells. With comparing of low dose, high dose of arsenic exposure was found to reduce the expression of NF-κB, but increase the expression of NF-κBp65. This review supports the alterations in related proteins on the TLR4 signaling pathway induced by arsenic exposure, which is helpful to provide theoretical basis for the mechanism of toxicity of arsenic-induced immune system damage.

Mitigation of maternal fecal microbiota transplantation on neurobehavioral deficits of offspring rats prenatally exposed to arsenic: Role of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

It is established that gut microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in arsenic (As)-induced neurotoxic process, however, the underlying mode of action remains largely unclear. Here, through remodeling gut microbiota on As-intoxicated pregnancy rats using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Control rats, neuronal loss and neurobehavioral deficits in offspring prenatally exposed to As were significantly alleviated after maternal FMT treatment. In prenatal As-challenged offspring after maternal FMT treatment, remarkably, suppressed expression of inflammatory cytokines in tissues (colon, serum, and striatum) were observed along with reversed mRNA and protein expression of tight junction related molecules in intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier (BBB); Further, expression of serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88) and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) in colonic and striatal tissues were repressed with activation of astrocytes and microglia inhibited. In particular, tightly correlated and enriched microbiomes were identified such as higher-expressed g_Prevotella, g_UCG_005, and lower-expressed p_Desulfobacterota, g_Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group. Collectively, our results first demonstrated that reconstruction of normal gut microbiota by maternal FMT treatment alleviated prenatal As-induced overall inflammatory state and impairments of intestinal barrier and BBB integrity by impeding LPS-mediated TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway through microbiota-gut-brain axis, which provides a novel therapeutic avenue for developmental arsenic neurotoxicity.

ASC/Caspase-1-activated endothelial cells pyroptosis is involved in vascular injury induced by arsenic combined with high-fat diet.

Environmental arsenic (As) or high-fat diet (HFD) exposure alone are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). However, the effects and mechanisms of co-exposure to As and HFD on the cardiovascular system remain unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the combined effects of As and HFD on vascular injury and shed some light on the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that co-exposure to As and HFD resulted in a significant increase in serum lipid levels and significant lipid accumulation in the aorta of rats compared with exposure to As or HFD alone. Meanwhile, the combined exposure altered blood pressure and disrupted the morphological structure of the abdominal aorta in rats. Furthermore, As combined with HFD exposure upregulated the expression of vascular endothelial cells pyroptosis-related proteins (ASC, Pro-caspase-1, Caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1ß), as well as the expression of vascular endothelial adhesion factors (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1). More importantly, we found that with increasing exposure time, vascular injury-related indicators were significantly higher in the combined exposure group compared with exposure to As or HFD alone, and the vascular injury was more severe in female rats compared with male rats. Taken together, these results suggested that the combination of As and HFD induced vascular endothelial cells pyroptosis through activation of the ASC/Caspase-1 pathway. Therefore, vascular endothelial cells pyroptosis may be a potential molecular mechanism for vascular injury induced by As combined with HFD exposure.