HIV-1 Nefs Are Cargo-Sensitive AP-1 Trimerization Switches in Tetherin Downregulation.

The HIV accessory protein Nef counteracts immune defenses by subverting coated vesicle pathways. The 3.7 Å cryo-EM structure of a closed trimer of the clathrin adaptor AP-1, the small GTPase Arf1, HIV-1 Nef, and the cytosolic tail of the restriction factor tetherin suggested a mechanism for inactivating tetherin by Golgi retention. The 4.3 Å structure of a mutant Nef-induced dimer of AP-1 showed how the closed trimer is regulated by the dileucine loop of Nef. HDX-MS and mutational analysis were used to show how cargo dynamics leads to alternative Arf1 trimerization, directing Nef targets to be either retained at the trans-Golgi or sorted to lysosomes. Phosphorylation of the NL4-3 M-Nef was shown to regulate AP-1 trimerization, explaining how O-Nefs lacking this phosphosite counteract tetherin but most M-Nefs do not. These observations show how the higher-order organization of a vesicular coat can be allosterically modulated to direct cargoes to distinct fates.

Structural basis for recruitment and activation of the AP-1 clathrin adaptor complex by Arf1.

AP-1 is a clathrin adaptor complex that sorts cargo between the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. AP-1 recruitment to these compartments requires Arf1-GTP. The crystal structure of the tetrameric core of AP-1 in complex with Arf1-GTP, together with biochemical analyses, shows that Arf1 activates cargo binding by unlocking AP-1. Unlocking is driven by two molecules of Arf1 that bridge two copies of AP-1 at two interaction sites. The GTP-dependent switch I and II regions of Arf1 bind to the N terminus of the ß1 subunit of one AP-1 complex, while the back side of Arf1 binds to the central part of the γ subunit trunk of a second AP-1 complex. A third Arf1 interaction site near the N terminus of the γ subunit is important for recruitment, but not activation. These observations lead to a model for the recruitment and activation of AP-1 by Arf1.

Clathrin-associated AP-1 controls termination of STING signalling.

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) functions downstream of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase in DNA sensing or as a direct receptor for bacterial cyclic dinucleotides and small molecules to activate immunity during infection, cancer and immunotherapy1-10. Precise regulation of STING is essential to ensure balanced immune responses and prevent detrimental autoinflammation11-16. After activation, STING, a transmembrane protein, traffics from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, where its phosphorylation by the protein kinase TBK1 enables signal transduction17-20. The mechanism that ends STING signalling at the Golgi remains unknown. Here we show that adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) controls the termination of STING-dependent immune activation. We find that AP-1 sorts phosphorylated STING into clathrin-coated transport vesicles for delivery to the endolysosomal system, where STING is degraded21. We identify a highly conserved dileucine motif in the cytosolic C-terminal tail (CTT) of STING that, together with TBK1-dependent CTT phosphorylation, dictates the AP-1 engagement of STING. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of AP-1 in complex with phosphorylated STING explains the enhanced recognition of TBK1-activated STING. We show that suppression of AP-1 exacerbates STING-induced immune responses. Our results reveal a structural mechanism of negative regulation of STING and establish that the initiation of signalling is inextricably associated with its termination to enable transient activation of immunity.

Friction-driven membrane scission by the human ESCRT-III proteins CHMP1B and IST1.

The endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) system is an ancient and ubiquitous membrane scission machinery that catalyzes the budding and scission of membranes. ESCRT-mediated scission events, exemplified by those involved in the budding of HIV-1, are usually directed away from the cytosol ("reverse topology"), but they can also be directed toward the cytosol ("normal topology"). The ESCRT-III subunits CHMP1B and IST1 can coat and constrict positively curved membrane tubes, suggesting that these subunits could catalyze normal topology membrane severing. CHMP1B and IST1 bind and recruit the microtubule-severing AAA+ ATPase spastin, a close relative of VPS4, suggesting that spastin could have a VPS4-like role in normal-topology membrane scission. Here, we reconstituted the process in vitro using membrane nanotubes pulled from giant unilamellar vesicles using an optical trap in order to determine whether CHMP1B and IST1 are capable of membrane severing on their own or in concert with VPS4 or spastin. CHMP1B and IST1 copolymerize on membrane nanotubes, forming stable scaffolds that constrict the tubes, but do not, on their own, lead to scission. However, CHMP1B-IST1 scaffolded tubes were severed when an additional extensional force was applied, consistent with a friction-driven scission mechanism. We found that spastin colocalized with CHMP1B-enriched sites but did not disassemble the CHMP1B-IST1 coat from the membrane. VPS4 resolubilized CHMP1B and IST1 without leading to scission. These observations show that the CHMP1B-IST1 ESCRT-III combination is capable of severing membranes by a friction-driven mechanism that is independent of VPS4 and spastin.

Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Urea: An In-depth Investigation from Material Modification to Mechanism Analysis.

Industrial urea synthesis production uses NH3 from the Haber-Bosch method, followed by the reaction of NH3 with CO2, which is an energy-consuming technique. More thorough evaluations of the electrocatalytic C-N coupling reaction are needed for the urea synthesis development process, catalyst design, and the underlying reaction mechanisms. However, challenges of adsorption and activation of reactant and suppression of side reactions still hinder its development, making the systematic review necessary. This review meticulously outlines the progress in electrochemical urea synthesis by utilizing different nitrogen (NO3 -, N2, NO2 -, and N2O) and carbon (CO2 and CO) sources. Additionally, it delves into advanced methods in materials design, such as doping, facet engineering, alloying, and vacancy introduction. Furthermore, the existing classes of urea synthesis catalysts are clearly defined, which include 2D nanomaterials, materials with Mott-Schottky structure, materials with artificially frustrated Lewis pairs, single-atom catalysts (SACs), and heteronuclear dual-atom catalysts (HDACs). A comprehensive analysis of the benefits, drawbacks, and latest developments in modern urea detection techniques is discussed. It is aspired that this review will serve as a valuable reference for subsequent designs of highly efficient electrocatalysts and the development of strategies to enhance the performance of electrochemical urea synthesis.

Additives for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Recent Progress, Mechanism Analysis, and Future Perspectives.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) stand out as a promising next-generation electrochemical energy storage technology, offering notable advantages such as high specific capacity, enhanced safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the application of aqueous electrolytes introduces challenges: Zn dendrite formation and parasitic reactions at the anode, as well as dissolution, electrostatic interaction, and by-product formation at the cathode. In addressing these electrode-centric problems, additive engineering has emerged as an effective strategy. This review delves into the latest advancements in electrolyte additives for ZIBs, emphasizing their role in resolving the existing issues. Key focus areas include improving morphology and reducing side reactions during battery cycling using synergistic effects of modulating anode interface regulation, zinc facet control, and restructuring of hydrogen bonds and solvation sheaths. Special attention is given to the efficacy of amino acids and zwitterions due to their multifunction to improve the cycling performance of batteries concerning cycle stability and lifespan. Additionally, the recent additive advancements are studied for low-temperature and extreme weather applications meticulously. This review concludes with a holistic look at the future of additive engineering, underscoring its critical role in advancing ZIB performance amidst the complexities and challenges of electrolyte additives.

Structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8, a rapidly evolving immune evasion protein.

The molecular basis for the severity and rapid spread of the COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is largely unknown. ORF8 is a rapidly evolving accessory protein that has been proposed to interfere with immune responses. The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 was determined at 2.04-Šresolution by X-ray crystallography. The structure reveals a ∼60-residue core similar to SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a, with the addition of two dimerization interfaces unique to SARS-CoV-2 ORF8. A covalent disulfide-linked dimer is formed through an N-terminal sequence specific to SARS-CoV-2, while a separate noncovalent interface is formed by another SARS-CoV-2-specific sequence, 73YIDI76 Together, the presence of these interfaces shows how SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 can form unique large-scale assemblies not possible for SARS-CoV, potentially mediating unique immune suppression and evasion activities.

New Fiberoptic Choledochoscopy-guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscope Lithotomy Combined with Dual-frequency Laser Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Intractable Hepatolithiasis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of new fiberoptic cholangioscopy-guided percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscope lithotomy (PTCSL) combined with dual-frequency laser lithotripsy for the treatment of intractable hepatolithiasis. Methods: Eighty patients with intractable hepatolithiasis who received treatment in the Second Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2020 to December 2022 were grouped according to the surgical methods. Forty-two patients who received hepatectomy were divided into the control group, 38 patients who received new fiber-optic choledochoscope-guided PTCSL combined with dual-frequency laser lithotripsy were divided into the observation group, and the treatment results of the two groups were compared. Results: The operation time, postoperative pain duration, and hospital stay of the observation group were significantly shorter than those of the control group, and intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower than that of the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). Seven days after surgery, the total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and albumin (ALB) levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The stone residual rate of 7.89% in the observation group was significantly lower than that of 26.19% in the control group (χ2=4.625, P < .05). The difference in biliary bleeding rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ2=0.427, P > .05). Conclusion: Overall results of new fiber-optic choledochoscope-guided PTCSL combined with dual-frequency laser lithotripsy for the treatment of intractable hepatolithiasis.

Experimental and theoretical insight into carbamazepine degradation by chlorine-based advanced oxidation processes: Efficiency, energy consumption, mechanism and DBPs formation.

Chlorine has been widely used in different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for micropollutants removal. In this study, different chlorine-based AOPs, namely medium pressure (MP) UV/chlorine, low pressure (LP) UV/chlorine, and in-situ chlorination, were compared for carbamazepine (CBZ) removal efficiency, energy consumption, and disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation. All three processes could achieve nearly 100% CBZ removal, while the reaction time needed by in-situ chlorination was double the time required by UV/chlorine processes. The energy consumed per magnitude of CBZ removed (EE/O) of MP UV/chlorine was 13 times higher than that of LP UV/chlorine, and relative to that of in-situ chlorination process. Accordingly, MP and LP UV/chlorine processes generated one to two orders of magnitude more hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and reactive chlorine species (RCS) than in-situ chlorination. Besides, RCS were the dominant reactive species, contributing to 78.3%, 75.6%, and 71.6% of CBZ removal in MP, LP UV/chlorine, and in-situ chlorination, respectively. According to the Gibbs free energy barriers between CBZ and RCS/•OH calculated based on density functional theory (DFT), RCS had more reaction routes with CBZ and showed lower energy barrier in the main CBZ degradation pathways like epoxidation and formation of iminostilbene. When applied to secondary wastewater effluent, UV/chlorine and in-situ chlorination produced overall DBPs ranging from 104.77 to 135.41 µg/L. However, the production of chlorate during UV/chlorine processes was 15 times higher than that during in-situ chlorination.

Food Insecurity, telomere length and the potential modifying effects of social support in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Telomere length (TL) is a posited pathway through which chronic stress results in biological dysregulation and subsequent adverse health outcomes. Food insecurity is associated with shorter TL. Social support, which is defined by the size and function of an individual's social network, is associated with better health outcomes. The present study assesses whether social support modifies the relationship between food security and TL. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design. Linear regression was used to assess the association between food insecurity and TL, stratified by social support level. A multiplicative interacted model was used to formally test modification. SETTING: Data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 waves. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 60 years and older who have measurements for TL. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 2674 participants, and 63·5 % of the total sample had low social support, with 13·3 % being food insecure. In fully adjusted models, food insecurity was negatively though modestly associated (P = 0·13) with TL. Associations between food insecurity and TL were significantly modified by social support (interaction P = 0·026), whereby food insecurity had a stronger effect among individuals with high social support (coefficient = -0·099 (95 % CI: -0·161, -0·038)) compared to low social support (coefficient = -0·001, (95 % CI: -0·033, 0·032)). CONCLUSION: Food insecurity is modestly associated with shorter TL. Contrary to our hypothesis, food insecurity had more deleterious effects on TL among participants with high social support than low social support. Results may indicate that the food insecure population is a higher needs population, and increased social support reflects these needs rather than providing protective effects.

Concanamycin A counteracts HIV-1 Nef to enhance immune clearance of infected primary cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Nef is an HIV-encoded accessory protein that enhances pathogenicity by down-regulating major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) expression to evade killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). A potent Nef inhibitor that restores MHC-I is needed to promote immune-mediated clearance of HIV-infected cells. We discovered that the plecomacrolide family of natural products restored MHC-I to the surface of Nef-expressing primary cells with variable potency. Concanamycin A (CMA) counteracted Nef at subnanomolar concentrations that did not interfere with lysosomal acidification or degradation and were nontoxic in primary cell cultures. CMA specifically reversed Nef-mediated down-regulation of MHC-I, but not CD4, and cells treated with CMA showed reduced formation of the Nef:MHC-I:AP-1 complex required for MHC-I down-regulation. CMA restored expression of diverse allotypes of MHC-I in Nef-expressing cells and inhibited Nef alleles from divergent clades of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus, including from primary patient isolates. Lastly, we found that restoration of MHC-I in HIV-infected cells was accompanied by enhanced CTL-mediated clearance of infected cells comparable to genetic deletion of Nef. Thus, we propose CMA as a lead compound for therapeutic inhibition of Nef to enhance immune-mediated clearance of HIV-infected cells.

Urinary microbiota and metabolic signatures associated with inorganic arsenic-induced early bladder lesions.

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) contamination in drinking water is a global public health problem, and exposure to iAs is a known risk factor for bladder cancer. Perturbation of urinary microbiome and metabolome induced by iAs exposure may have a more direct effect on the development of bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of iAs exposure on urinary microbiome and metabolome, and to identify microbiota and metabolic signatures that are associated with iAs-induced bladder lesions. We evaluated and quantified the pathological changes of bladder, and performed 16S rDNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics profiling on urine samples from rats exposed to low (30 mg/L NaAsO2) or high (100 mg/L NaAsO2) iAs from early life (in utero and childhood) to puberty. Our results showed that iAs induced pathological bladder lesions, and more severe effects were noticed in the high-iAs group and male rats. Furthermore, six and seven featured urinary bacteria genera were identified in female and male offspring rats, respectively. Several characteristic urinary metabolites, including Menadione, Pilocarpine, N-Acetylornithine, Prostaglandin B1, Deoxyinosine, Biopterin, and 1-Methyluric acid, were identified significantly higher in the high-iAs groups. In addition, the correlation analysis demonstrated that the differential bacteria genera were highly correlated with the featured urinary metabolites. Collectively, these results suggest that exposure to iAs in early life not only causes bladder lesions, but also perturbs urinary microbiome composition and associated metabolic profiles, which shows a strong correlation. Those differential urinary genera and metabolites may contribute to bladder lesions, suggesting a potential for development of urinary biomarkers for iAs-induced bladder cancer.

Establishment of LC-MS/MS Method for Determination of GMDTC in Rat Plasma and Its Application in Preclinical Pharmacokinetics.

Sodium (S)-2-(dithiocarboxylato((2S,3R,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexyl)amino)-4(methylthio)butanoate (GMDTC) is the first compound to use cadmium repellent as an indication. In this paper, we established and validated a bioanalytical method for the determination of GMDTC in rat plasma, and used it to determine the drug concentrations in the plasma of rats after intravenous dosing in different genders and dosages. After pretreating the plasma samples with an acetonitrile-water-ammonia solution (70:30:1.25, v/v/v), liquid chromatographic separations were efficiently achieved with a XBridge C18 column using a 5 min gradient system of aqueous ammonium bicarbonate and 95% acetonitrile-water solution (95:5, v/v) as the eluent. The GMDTC and metolazone (internal standard, IS) detection were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), monitored at m/z 390.06-324.1 (for the GMDTC, tR: 2.03 min) and m/z 366.0-259.2 (for IS, tR: 3.88 min). The GMDTC was stable under various testing conditions, and this analytical method conforms to the verification standard of biological analysis methods. The half-life (t1/2) was determined to be 0.54-0.65 h for the intravenous, mean distribution volume and clearances were 1.08-2.08 L/kg and 1-3 L/h/kg, respectively. The AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ found after increasing the dosage exhibited a linear relationship with the administered dose. There were no statistically significant differences in the values obtained for the different genders at dosages of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg, respectively (p > 0.05). This is the first report of a bioanalytical method to quantify GMDTC in rat plasma using LC-MS/MS, which provides useful information for the study of its pharmacological effects and clinical applications.

Synthesis, Properties, and Application of Small-Molecule Hole-Transporting Materials Based on Acetylene-Linked Thiophene Core.

Three small molecule organic compounds based on conjugated acetylene-linked methoxy triphenylamine terminal groups with different substituted thiophene cores were synthesized and firstly applied as hole-transporting materials (HTMs). The electron-deficient acetylene linkers can tune the energy levels of frontier molecular orbitals. The physical property measurements show that the HTMs (CJ-05, CJ-06, and CJ-07) possess good stability, hydrophobicity, and film-forming ability. Further, the HTMs were applied in the MAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.04%, 6.77%, and 6.48% was achieved, respectively, which implies that they exhibit great potential in photovoltaic applications.

Enhancing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Performance by MXene, Graphene, and Ionic Liquids: A DFT Investigation.

The efficacy of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries crucially hinges on the sulfur immobilization process, representing a pivotal avenue for bolstering their operational efficiency and durability. This dissertation primarily tackles the formidable challenge posed by the high solubility of polysulfides in electrolyte solutions. Quantum chemical computations were leveraged to scrutinize the interactions of MXene materials, graphene (Gr) oxide, and ionic liquids with polysulfides, yielding pivotal binding energy metrics. Comparative assessments were conducted with the objective of pinpointing MXene materials, with a specific focus on d-Ti3C2 materials, evincing augmented binding energies with polysulfides and ionic liquids demonstrating diminished binding energies. Moreover, a diverse array of Gr oxide materials was evaluated for their adsorption capabilities. Scrutiny of the computational outcomes unveiled an augmentation in the solubility of selectively screened d-Ti3C2 MXene and ionic liquids-vis à vis one or more of the five polysulfides. Therefore, the analysis encompasses an in-depth comparative assessment of the stability of polysulfide adsorption by d-Ti3C2 MXene materials, Gr oxide materials, and ionic liquids across diverse ranges.

Systemic inflammatory markers of persistent cerebral edema after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral edema (CE) at admission is a surrogate marker of 'early brain injury' (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Only recently has the focus on the changes in CE after SAH such as delayed resolution or newly developed CE been examined. Among several factors, an early systemic inflammatory response has been shown to be associated with CE. We investigate inflammatory markers in subjects with early CE which does not resolve, i.e., persistent CE after SAH. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of SAH patients were graded at admission and at 7 days after SAH for CE using the 0-4 'subarachnoid hemorrhage early brain edema score' (SEBES). SEBES ≤ 2 and SEBES ≥ 3 were considered good and poor grade, respectively. Serum samples from the same subject cohort were collected at 4 time periods (at < 24 h [T1], at 24 to 48 h [T2]. 3-5 days [T3] and 6-8 days [T4] post-admission) and concentration levels of 17 cytokines (implicated in peripheral inflammatory processes) were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were step-wisely performed to identify cytokines independently associated with persistent CE adjusting for covariables including age, sex and past medical history (model 1), and additional inclusion of clinical and radiographic severity of SAH and treatment modality (model 2). RESULTS: Of the 135 patients enrolled in the study, 21 of 135 subjects (15.6%) showed a persistently poor SEBES grade. In multivariate model 1, higher Eotaxin (at T1 and T4), sCD40L (at T4), IL-6 (at T1 and T3) and TNF-α (at T4) were independently associated with persistent CE. In multivariate model 2, Eotaxin (at T4: odds ratio [OR] = 1.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.002-1.035) and possibly PDGF-AA (at T4), sCD40L (at T4), and TNF-α (at T4) was associated with persistent CE. CONCLUSIONS: We identified serum cytokines at different time points that were independently associated with persistent CE. Specifically, persistent elevations of Eotaxin is associated with persistent CE after SAH.

How HIV Nef Proteins Hijack Membrane Traffic To Promote Infection.

The accessory protein Nef of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a primary determinant of viral pathogenesis. Nef is abundantly expressed during infection and reroutes a variety of cell surface proteins to disrupt host immunity and promote the viral replication cycle. Nef counteracts host defenses by sequestering and/or degrading its targets via the endocytic and secretory pathways. Nef does this by physically engaging a number of host trafficking proteins. Substantial progress has been achieved in identifying the targets of Nef, and a structural and mechanistic understanding of Nef's ability to command the protein trafficking machinery has recently started to coalesce. Comparative analysis of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Nef proteins in the context of recent structural advances sheds further light on both viral evolution and the mechanisms whereby trafficking is hijacked. This review describes how advances in cell and structural biology are uncovering in growing detail how Nef subverts the host immune system, facilitates virus release, and enhances viral infectivity.

Telomeres as targets for the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in rats.

Telomere length (TL) can be affected by various factors, including age and oxidative stress. Changes in TL have been associated with chronic disease, including a higher risk for several types of cancer. Environmental exposure of humans to PCBs and dioxins has been associated with longer or shorter leukocyte TL. Relative telomere length (RTL) may serve as a biomarker associated with neoplastic and/or non-neoplastic responses observed with chronic exposures to TCDD and PCBs. RTL was measured in DNA isolated from archived frozen liver and lung tissues from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) studies conducted in female Harlan Sprague Dawley rats exposed for 13, 30, and 52 weeks to TCDD, dioxin-like (DL) PCB 126, non-DL PCB 153, and a mixture of PCB 126 and PCB 153. RTL was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Consistent with literature, decreased liver and lung RTL was seen with aging. Relative to time-matched vehicle controls, RTL was increased in both the liver and lung tissues of rats exposed to TCDD, PCB 126, PCB 153, and the mixture of PCB 126 and PCB 153, which is consistent with most epidemiological studies that found PCB exposures were associated with increased leukocyte RTL. Increased RTL was observed at doses and/or time points where little to no pathology was observed. In addition to serving as a biomarker of exposure to these compounds in rats and humans, increases in RTL may be an early indicator of neoplastic and non-neoplastic responses that occur following chronic exposure to TCDD and PCBs.

Exposure to Aluminum, Cadmium, and Mercury and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that is believed to be multifactorial in origin. As the incidence of ASD is rising along with industrialization, and because certain metals have been linked to neurological problems, it is important to consider whether such metals may play a role in the development of ASD. Previously, we performed a meta-analysis of existing literature to examine the potential link between inorganic arsenic and lead exposure and ASD. This is a continuation of that study investigating the association of the exposure to aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) and ASD. These metals were chosen because they are abundant in our environment, are known to cause neurological problems in humans, and have multiple published studies examining their potential links with ASD. Following the same approach as our previous paper, we conducted a systematic review of the existing literature and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the current evidence regarding these metals and their potential relationship with autism. We reviewed 18 studies on Al, 18 on Cd, and 23 on Hg, and the individual studies showed inconsistent results. When the measurements were integrated into the meta-analysis, we found significant associations between all the metals and ASD, but the associations were not always in the same direction. Levels of Hg in hair, urine, and blood were all positively associated with ASD. Levels of Al in hair and urine were positively associated with ASD, while levels of Al in blood were negatively associated. In comparison, levels of Cd in hair and urine were negatively associated with ASD. These results imply that, while these metals are all neurotoxic, their impact on the development of ASD and their modes of action could be different. Further research is warranted to examine the longitudinal effects of these toxic metals on the risk of ASD, to assess the critical period when exposure may affect development, and to investigate potential factors that may enhance or ameliorate the effect of metals. Overall, these findings support policies that advocate limiting exposure to neurotoxic metals, particularly for pregnant women and young children, in order to help reduce the rising incidence of ASD.

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.