Differential Modulatory Effects of Methylmercury (MeHg) on Ahr-regulated Genes in Extrahepatic Tissues of C57BL/6 Mice.

ABSTRACT

Methylmercury (MeHg) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) are potent environmental pollutants implicated in the modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 1 family (CYP1) which is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). However, the co-exposure to MeHg and TCDD raises concerns about their potential combined effects, necessitating thorough investigation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes in mouse extrahepatic tissues. Therefore, C57BL/6 mice were administrated with MeHg (2.5 mg/kg) in the absence and presence of TCDD (15 µg/kg) for 6 and 24 h. The AHR-regulated CYP1 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured in the heart, lung, and kidney, using RT real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Interestingly, treatment with MeHg exhibited mainly inhibitory effect, particularly, it decreased the basal level of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 mRNA and protein, and that was more evident at the 24 h time point in kidney followed by heart. Similarly, when mice were co-exposed, MeHg was able to reduce the TCDD-induced Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 expression, however, MeHg potentiated kidney Cyp1b1 mRNA expression, opposing the observed change on its protein level. Also, MeHg induced antioxidant NAD(P)Hquinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) mRNA and protein in kidney, while heme-oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA was up-regulated in heart and kidney. In conclusion, this study reveals intricate interplay between MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes, with interesting inhibitory effects observed that might be significant for procarcinogen metabolism. Varied responses across tissues highlight the potential implications for environmental health.