Health impact assessment from exposure to trace metals present in atmospheric PM10 at Ahmedabad, a big city in western India.

Many toxicological studies revealed the deleterious effects on human health induced by trace metals in ambient particulate matter (PM). This study reports the season-dependent water-soluble and total metal mass in PM10 collected simultaneously over five microenvironments in a semi-arid urban region, Ahmedabad, located in western India. The mineral dust fraction in PM10 over Bapunagar, Narol, Paldi, Income Tax, and Science City was estimated to be around 39, 45, 47, 44, and 31% during summer (May-June 2017) and 24, 55, 28, 27, and 28% during winter (December 2017-January 2018), respectively, corroborating mineral dust is perennial in the air over Ahmedabad. The PM2.5/PM10 mass ratios over all the sites were higher during winter (40-60%) as compared to those during summer (30-40%), indicating the contribution from the anthropogenic sources to PM mass. Among the metals monitored, the estimated considerable amount of high masses of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Sb during winter can be ascribed to the anthropogenic inputs based on the estimated enrichment factors (EF). In contrast to the crustal source, these metals might have been possibly emitted from several other man-made sources, which were found to be more water-soluble during both seasons. As per the standards of incremental excess lifetime cancer risk (IELCR), it is estimated that the atmospheric mass concentration of carcinogenic metals such as Cr, Co, and As was higher in all these sites, whereas the metals such as Pb, Ni, and Cd are also found over the industrial site (Narol) in addition to the above-said metals. Notably, people are highly susceptible to these metals, leading to the potential risk of cancer during both seasons.

Metabolic phenotyping of an adoptive transfer mouse model of experimental colitis and impact of dietary fish oil intake.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are acute and chronic disabling inflammatory disorders with multiple complex etiologies that are not well-defined. Chronic intestinal inflammation has been linked to an energy-deficient state of gut epithelium with alterations in oxidative metabolism. Plasma-, urine-, stool-, and liver-specific metabonomic analyses are reported in a naïve T cell adoptive transfer (AT) experimental model of colitis, which evaluated the impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched diet. Metabolic profiles of AT animals and their controls under chow diet or fish oil supplementation were compared to describe the (i) consequences of inflammatory processes and (ii) the differential impact of n-3 fatty acids. Inflammation was associated with higher glycoprotein levels (related to acute-phase response) and remodeling of PUFAs. Low triglyceride levels and enhanced PUFA levels in the liver suggest activation of lipolytic pathways that could lead to the observed increase of phospholipids in the liver (including plasmalogens and sphingomyelins). In parallel, the increase in stool excretion of most amino acids may indicate a protein-losing enteropathy. Fecal content of glutamine was lower in AT mice, a feature exacerbated under fish oil intervention that may reflect a functional relationship between intestinal inflammatory status and glutamine metabolism. The decrease in Krebs cycle intermediates in urine (succinate, α-ketoglutarate) also suggests a reduction in the glutaminolytic pathway at a systemic level. Our data indicate that inflammatory status is related to this overall loss of energy homeostasis.

Effects of increase in fish oil intake on intestinal eicosanoids and inflammation in a mouse model of colitis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases affecting about 1% of western populations. New eating behaviors might contribute to the global emergence of IBD. Although the immunoregulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids have been well characterized in vitro, their role in IBD is controversial. METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of increased fish oil intake on colonic gene expression, eicosanoid metabolism and development of colitis in a mouse model of IBD. Rag-2 deficient mice were fed fish oil (FO) enriched in omega-3 fatty acids i.e. EPA and DHA or control diet for 4 weeks before colitis induction by adoptive transfer of naïve T cells and maintained in the same diet for 4 additional weeks. Onset of colitis was monitored by colonoscopy and further confirmed by immunological examinations. Whole genome expression profiling was made and eicosanoids were measured by HPLC-MS/MS in colonic samples. RESULTS: A significant reduction of colonic proinflammatory eicosanoids in FO fed mice compared to control was observed. However, neither alteration of colonic gene expression signature nor reduction in IBD scores was observed under FO diet. CONCLUSION: Thus, increased intake of dietary FO did not prevent experimental colitis.

Comparative study of serine-plasmalogens in human retina and optic nerve: identification of atypical species with odd carbon chains.

The objective of this work was to detect and identify phosphatidylserine plasmalogen species in human ocular neurons represented by the retina and the optic nerve. Plasmalogens (vinyl-ether bearing phospholipids) are commonly found in the forms of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in numerous mammalian cell types, including the retina. Although their biological functions are unclear, the alteration of cellular plasmalogen content has been associated with several human disorders such as rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata Type 2 and primary open-angle glaucoma. By using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution and tandem mass spectrometry, we have identified for the first time several species of phosphatidylserine plasmalogens, including atypical forms having moieties with odd numbers of carbons and unsaturation in sn-2 position. Structural elucidation of the potential phosphatidylserine ether linked species was pursued by performing MS(3) experiments, and three fragments are proposed as marker ions to deduce which fatty acid is linked as ether or ester on the glycerol backbone. Interpretation of the fragmentation patterns based on this scheme enabled the assignment of structures to the m/z values, thereby identifying the phosphatidylserine plasmalogens.

Metabolic phenotyping of the Crohn's disease-like IBD etiopathology in the TNF(ΔARE/WT) mouse model.

The underlying biochemical consequences of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the systemic and gastrointestinal metabolism have not yet been fully elucidated but could help to better understand the disease pathogenesis and to identify tissue-specific markers associated with the different disease stages. Here, we applied a metabonomic approach to monitor metabolic events associated with the gradual development of Crohn's disease (CD)-like ileitis in the TNF(ΔARE/WT) mouse model. Metabolic profiles of different intestinal compartments from the age of 4 up to 24 weeks were generated by combining proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). From 8 weeks onward, mice developed CD similar to the immune and tissue-related phenotype of human CD with ileal involvement, including ileal histological abnormalities, reduced fat mass and body weight, as well as hallmarks of malabsorption with higher energy wasting. The metabonomic approach highlighted shifts in the intestinal lipid metabolism concomitant to the histological onset of inflammation. Moreover, the advanced disease status was characterized by a significantly altered metabolism of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, plasmalogens, and sphingomyelins in the inflamed tissue (ileum) and the adjacent intestinal parts (proximal colon). These results describe different biological processes associated with the disease onset, including modifications of the general cell membrane composition, alteration of energy homeostasis, and finally the generation of inflammatory lipid mediators. Taken together, this provides novel insights into IBD-related alterations of specific lipid-dependant processes during inflammatory states.

{Omega}-oxidation of {alpha}-chlorinated fatty acids: identification of {alpha}-chlorinated dicarboxylic acids.

Myeloperoxidase-derived HOCl targets tissue- and lipoprotein-associated plasmalogens to generate α-chlorinated fatty aldehydes, including 2-chlorohexadecanal. Under physiological conditions, 2-chlorohexadecanal is oxidized to 2-chlorohexadecanoic acid (2-ClHA). This study demonstrates the catabolism of 2-ClHA by ω-oxidation and subsequent ß-oxidation from the ω-end. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed that 2-ClHA is ω-oxidized in the presence of liver microsomes with initial ω-hydroxylation of 2-ClHA. Subsequent oxidation steps were examined in a human hepatocellular cell line (HepG2). Three different α-chlorinated dicarboxylic acids, 2-chlorohexadecane-(1,16)-dioic acid, 2-chlorotetradecane-(1,14)-dioic acid, and 2-chloroadipic acid (2-ClAdA), were identified. Levels of 2-chlorohexadecane-(1,16)-dioic acid, 2-chlorotetradecane-(1,14)-dioic acid, and 2-ClAdA produced by HepG2 cells were dependent on the concentration of 2-ClHA and the incubation time. Synthetic stable isotope-labeled 2-ClHA was used to demonstrate a precursor-product relationship between 2-ClHA and the α-chlorinated dicarboxylic acids. We also report the identification of endogenous 2-ClAdA in human and rat urine and elevations in stable isotope-labeled urinary 2-ClAdA in rats subjected to intraperitoneal administration of stable isotope-labeled 2-ClHA. Furthermore, urinary 2-ClAdA and plasma 2-ClHA levels are increased in LPS-treated rats. Taken together, these data show that 2-ClHA is ω-oxidized to generate α-chlorinated dicarboxylic acids, which include α-chloroadipic acid that is excreted in the urine.

Proteins modified by the lipid peroxidation aldehyde 9,12-dioxo-10(E)-dodecenoic acid in MCF7 breast cancer cells.

The hydroperoxide of linoleic acid (13-HPODE) degrades to 9,12-dioxo-10(E)-dodecenoic acid (DODE), which readily modifies proteins. This study identified the major proteins in MCF7 cells modified by DODE. To reduce false positives, three methods were used to identify DODE-modified proteins. First, cells were treated with a synthetically biotinylated 13-HPODE (13-HPODE-biotin). Modified proteins were enriched by neutravidin affinity and identified by two-dimensional liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS). Second, cells were treated with native 13-HPODE. Protein carbonyls were biotinylated with an aldehyde reactive probe, and modified proteins were enriched by neutravidin affinity and identified by 2D LC-MS/MS. Third, using a newly developed DODE antibody, DODE-modified proteins were located by 2D sodium dodecyl sulfate--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot and identified by in-gel digestion and LC-MS/MS. Analysis of the proteins characterized by all three methods revealed a significant overlap and identified 32 primary proteins modified by DODE in MCF7 cells. These results demonstrated the feasibility for the cellular formation of DODE protein-carbonyl adducts that may be future indicators of oxidative stress.

Quantification of pentafluorobenzyl oxime derivatives of long chain aldehydes by GC-MS analysis.

Negative ion mass spectrometric techniques, for compounds having good ionization properties, such as pentafluorobenzyl derivatives, are believed to be more sensitive than positive ion methods. Preparation of PFB oximes of fatty aldehydes from crude lipid extracts is problematic due to the release of free aldehydes from plasmalogens during derivatization. Accordingly, in these studies plasmalogens were removed by silicic acid column chromatography prior to pentafluorobenzyl derivatization. This simple purification step to remove plasmalogens is shown to facilitate the quantification of long-chain aldehydes by analysis of their pentafluorobenzyl oxime derivatives utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the negative ion chemical ionization mode. The limit of detection for long chain fatty aldehydes using this method is 0.5 pmol and it is linear over two orders of magnitude. Silicic acid column chromatography followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry demonstrated that plasmalogens were removed (the detection limit for this analyses was

Novel carbonyl and nitrile products from reactive chlorinating species attack of lysosphingolipid.

Lysosphingolipids are important lipid signaling molecules that are associated predominantly with high density lipoproteins (HDL) in human plasma. Further, HDL has been shown to be a target for the reactive chlorinating species (RCS) produced by myeloperoxidase (MPO). Accordingly, RCS attack of lysosphingolipids was characterized in these studies. It was shown that RCS attack of sphingosylphosphorylcholine results in the formation of 2-hexadecenal and 1-cyano methano phosphocholine. The structures were identified and confirmed predominantly using mass spectrometric analyses. Further, it was demonstrated that RCS attack of another bioactive lysosphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate also results in the formation of 2-hexadecenal from its sphingosine base. Using a synthetically prepared, deuterated 2-hexadecenal internal standard, it was determined that 2-hexadecenal quickly accumulated in HDL treated with MPO/RCS generating system. Thus, the present studies characterize the formation of a novel group of lipid products generated following RCS attack of lysosphingolipids.

Protective effects of dietary EPA and DHA on ischemia-reperfusion-induced intestinal stress.

The immunoregulatory effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids are still not fully characterized. The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake limits intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. To test this, rats were fed either control or EPA/DHA supplemented diet for 3 weeks following which they underwent either a sham or an IR surgical protocol. A significant reduction in mucosal damage was observed after EPA/DHA supplemented diet as reflected by maintenance of total protein content. To address the underlying mechanisms of protection, we measured parameters of oxidative stress, intestinal and serological cytokines and intestinal eicosanoids. Interestingly, EPA/DHA fed animals displayed a higher activity of oxidative stress enzyme machinery, i.e., superoxide dismutase and catalase in addition to a reduction in total nitrate/nitrite content. While no changes in cytokines were observed, eicosanoid analyses of intestinal tissue revealed an increase in metabolites of the 12-lipoxygenase pathway following IR. Further, IR in EPA/DHA fed animals was accompanied by a significant increase of 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 8-Iso prostaglandin F(3α) and thromboxane B(3), by more than 12-, 6-, 3-fold, respectively. Thus, the data indicate that EPA/DHA supplementation may be able to reduce early intestinal IR injury by anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Lacto-Wolfberry in a mouse model of experimental colitis.

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Lacto-Wolfberry (LWB), both in vitro and using a mouse model of experimental colitis. METHODS: The effects of LWB on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interleukin (IL)-6 secretion were assessed in a murine macrophage cell line. in vitro assessment also included characterizing the effects of LWB on the activation of NF-E2 related 2 pathway and inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, utilizing reporter cell lines. Following the in vitro assessment, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of an oral intervention with LWB was tested in vivo using a preclinical model of intestinal inflammation. Multiple outcomes including body weight, intestinal histology, colonic cytokine levels and anti-oxidative measures were investigated. RESULTS: LWB reduced the LPS-mediated induction of ROS production [+LPS vs 1% LWB + LPS, 1590 ± 188.5 relative luminescence units (RLU) vs 389 ± 5.9 RLU, P < 0.001]. LWB was more effective than wolfberry alone in reducing LPS-induced IL-6 secretion in vitro (wolfberry vs 0.5% LWB, 15% ± 7.8% vs 64% ± 5%, P < 0.001). In addition, LWB increased reporter gene expression via the anti-oxidant response element activation (wolfberry vs LWB, 73% ± 6.9% vs 148% ± 28.3%, P < 0.001) and inhibited the TNF-α-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway (milk vs LWB, 10% ± 6.7% vs 35% ± 3.3%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, oral supplementation with LWB resulted in a reduction of macroscopic (-LWB vs +LWB, 5.39 ± 0.61 vs 3.66 ± 0.59, P = 0.0445) and histological scores (-LWB vs +LWB, 5.44 ± 0.32 vs 3.66 ± 0.59, P = 0.0087) in colitic mice. These effects were associated with a significant decrease in levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß (-LWB vs +LWB, 570 ± 245 µg/L vs 89 ± 38 µg/L, P = 0.0106), keratinocyte-derived chemokine/growth regulated protein-α (-LWB vs +LWB, 184 ± 49 µg/L vs 75 ± 20 µg/L, P = 0.0244), IL-6 (-LWB vs +LWB, 318 ± 99 µg/L vs 117 ± 18 µg/L, P = 0.0315) and other pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 (-LWB vs +LWB, 0.95 ± 0.12 AU vs 0.36 ± 0.11 AU, P = 0.0036) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (-LWB vs +LWB, 0.51 ± 0.15 AU vs 0.1 ± 0.04 AU, P = 0.057). Moreover, antioxidant biomarkers, including expression of gene encoding for the glutathione peroxidase, in the colon and the plasma anti-oxidant capacity were significantly increased by supplementation with LWB (-LWB vs +LWB, 1.2 ± 0.21 mmol/L vs 2.1 ± 0.19 mmol/L, P = 0.0095). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of LWB and suggest that the underlying mechanism is at least in part due to NF-κB inhibition and improved anti-oxidative capacity.