Effects of swine manure and straw biochars on fluorine adsorption-desorption in soils.

With increasing global awareness of soil health, attention must be paid to fluorine exposure in soils, which poses a threat to human health. Therefore, this study aimed to study the fluorine adsorption characteristics of swine manure and straw biochars and their impact on fluorine adsorption-desorption in soil with batch experiments. The biochar samples originated from high-temperature anaerobic cracking of swine manure (350°C, 500°C, and 650°C) and straw (500°C). Results indicated that the adsorption of soil fluorine reached adsorption equilibrium at around 4 h after the mixing of swine manure and straw biochar. Fluorine adsorption kinetics using these biochars conformed to the quasi-two-stage kinetic model. The fluorine adsorption kinetics for biochar-treated soils conformed to the double-constant equation and the Elovich equation, and the soil treated with straw biochar showed the fastest fluorine adsorption rate. The adsorption isotherms of fluorine for biochars and biochar-treated soils could be fitted by the isothermal adsorption model of Langmuir and Freundlich. The maximal equilibrium quantity of fluorine was 73.66 mg/g for swine manure biochar. The soil, adding with 2% of swine manure biochar achieved with showed at 650°C had the smallest adsorption. This study also shows that the adsorption of fluorine by biochar gradually decreased with the increase of pH. Comparing with other factors, the mixture pH with biochars added had a significant effect on fluorine adsorption. The decreased fluorine adsorption capacities for soils treated with swine manure and straw biochars were closely related to the increased pH in soils after adding biochars. Considering the fluorine threat in soil, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of biochars on soil fluorine adsorption.

Screening of cadmium resistant bacteria and their growth promotion of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench under cadmium stress.

Heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils, especially from cadmium (Cd) contaminationcaused serious problems in both food security and economy. Sorghum bicolor (L.) showed a great potential in phytoremediation of Cd contamination due to its fast growth, high yield and easy harvesting. However, the growth of S. bicolor plants tends to be inhibited under Cd exposure, which limited its application for Cd remediation. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria may enhance the Cd resistance of S. bicolor and thus improve its Cd removal efficiency. In this study, three Cd-resistant bacteria were screened based on Cd and acid tolerance and identified as Bacillus velezensis QZG6, Enterobacter cloacae QZS3 and Bacillus cereus QZS8, by 16S rRNA sequencing. Inoculation of hydroponic plants with strains QZG6, QZS3 or QZS8 significantly promoted the biomass of sorghum plants by 31.52%, 50.20% and 26.93%, respectively, compared with those of uninoculated plants under Cd exposure. The activity of SOD, POD and MDA content in Cd-stressed S. bicolor plants were reduced of 65.74%, 31.52%, and 80.91%, respectively, when inoculated with the strains QZS3. For pot experiment, strains QZG6, QZS3 and QZS8 significantly promoted the biomass of sorghum plants by 47.30%, 19.27% and 58.47%, compared with those of uninoculated plants under Cd exposure. The activity of SOD, POD and MDA content in Cd-stressed S. bicolor plants were reduced of 67.20%, 22.40%, and 40.65%, respectively, when inoculated with the strains QZS3. All these three strains significantly increased the Cd removal efficiency of the plants by 42.16% (QZG6), 18.76% (QZS3) and 21.06% (QZS8). To investigate the bacterial characteristics associated with growth promotion of S. bicolor plants, the ability on nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, siderophores production, and phytohormones production were determined. All the strains were able to fix nitrogen. Phosphorus release was observed for strains QZG6 (inorganic or organic phosphorus) and QZS3 (inorganic phosphorus). Both QZG6 and QZS8 were able to produce siderophores, while only QZG6 was positive for ACC deaminase. All the strains produced IAA, SA and GA. These results indicated that the three strains promoted the plant growth under Cd stress, probably through Cd detoxification by siderophores, as well as through growth regulation by N/P nutrient supply and phytohormone. The present study showed a great potential of the three Cd-resistant strains combined with S. bicolor plants in the remediation of Cd-polluted soils, which may provide a new insight into combining the advantages of microbes and plants to improve the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

ATR induces hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in rats by activating IRE1α/XBP1 signaling pathway.

Atrazine (ATR) is a widely used herbicide and due to its persistence in environment and bioaccumulation, it can cause harmful impacts on human health. ATR exposure can lead to disorders of lipid metabolism in the liver, but its underlying mechanism is still unclear. 40 eight-week-old rats were given different doses of ATR (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg/d) for 90 days. The liver tissue and serum were collected for histological observation and biochemical analysis. The levels of lipid and oxidative stress were assessed using colorimetry. Changes in MMP and ROS of liver cells were observed through flow cytometry. The expression of mRNA and protein was detected using Real-Time PCR and western blot. The results showed that TC and HDL-C levels in both the liver and serum were increased in the ATR-treated groups. The levels of MDA were accumulated, while the levels of SOD and GSH were depleted in the liver with ATR exposure. The expression of liver lipid metabolism related genes (SCD1, DGAT2, ACC1, PPARγ) was elevated. The liver ERS was activated and the gene expression of IRE1α/XBP1 signal pathway and GRP78, GRP94 in the liver was increased. There was a correlation between the levels of ERS and the levels of lipid metabolism. These results suggested that ATR can activate ERS and promote the expression of IRE1α/XBP1 signaling pathway, and further lead to lipid metabolism disorders in rat liver. This study can provide valuable insights as a reference for the prevention and control of hazards associated with agricultural residues.

Responses of aquatic vegetables to biochar amended soil and water environments: a critical review.

Aquatic vegetables, including lotus root, water spinach, cress, watercress and so on, have been cultivated as commercial crops for a long time. Though aquatic vegetables have great edible and medicinal values, the increasing demands for aquatic vegetables with high quality have led to higher requirements of their soil and water environments. Unfortunately, the soil and water environment often face many problems such as nutrient imbalance, excessive fertilization, and pollution. Therefore, a new cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for addressing the above issues is urgently required. Biochars, one type of pyrolysis product obtained from agricultural and forestry waste, show great potential in reducing fertilizer application, upgrading soil quality and remediating pollution. Application of biochars in aquatic vegetable cultivation would not only improve the yield and quality, but also reduce its edible risk. Biochars can improve the soil micro-environment, soil microorganism and soil enzyme activities. Furthermore, biochars can remediate the heavy metal pollution, organic pollution and nitrogen and phosphorus non-point source pollution in the water and soil environments of aquatic vegetables, which promotes the state of cultivation conditions and thereby improves the yield and quality of aquatic vegetables. However, the harmful substances such as heavy metals, PAHs, etc. derived from biochars can cause environmental risks, which should be seriously considered. In this review, the application of biochars in aquatic vegetable cultivation is briefly summarized. The changes of soil physicochemical and biological properties, the effects of biochars in remediating water and soil environmental pollution and the impacts of biochars on the yield and quality of aquatic vegetables are also discussed. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress on the effects of biochars on soil and water environments for aquatic vegetable cultivation.

The associations of urinary DEHP metabolite levels, serum thyroid hormones, and thyroid-related genes among the adolescent students from China: a cross-sectional study.

Our study aimed to investigate the associations between DEHP exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels in 347 adolescents and young adults. We measured DEHP metabolites including mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), and mono(2-carboxymethyl)hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) in their urine. Total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone and the mRNA levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (TG), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), and paired box gene 8 (PAX-8) in serum were measured. The results of statistical analysis showed that urinary DEHP metabolites were generally negatively associated with TT4 levels in serum. In the males, the FT4 levels showed positive associations with urinary MEHP, MECPP, MCMHP, and ∑DEHP. The mRNA level of TG was significantly positively correlated with the levels of MECPP, MCMHP, and ∑DEHP, while the levels of TTF-1 and PAX-8 mRNA were significantly positively correlated with the levels of DEHP metabolites. Taken together, DEHP may affect the synthesis of TG by altering the normal transcription of TTF-1 and PAX-8, leading to decreased TT4 levels in Chinese adolescents.

Corrigendum: A Novel Variation in the Mitochondrial Complex I Assembly Factor NDUFAF5 Causes Isolated Bilateral Striatal Necrosis in Childhood.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.675616.].

Effects of Biochar Application on Enzyme Activities in Tea Garden Soil.

Animal-manure biochar used as a sustainable amendment to garden soil has been widely applied, and the animal-manure pyrolysis temperatures would also have a regulatory effect on soil functions because of their affections on biochar physio-chemical properties. Here we studied the effects of different dosages of swine-manure biochar on tea garden soil functions, with the swine-manure pyrolysis temperature differed at 350 and 500°C. The results showed that the improvement of soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and enzyme activities was closely related to the addition of 0.5-2% (biochar wt/soil wt) swine-manure biochar. Under different conditions of different carbon application rates and carbon type, the addition of 2% swine-manure biochar pyrolyzed at 350°C showed the best effects on soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents. Compared to the control, after the addition of 2% swine-manure biochar, sucrase, phosphatase, catalase, and urease activities increased by 63.3, 23.2, 50.3, and 27.9%, respectively. Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents also increased by 36.4 and 34.3%, respectively. Our study indicated that the effectiveness of using animal-manure swine-manure biochar as a sustainable amendment to soil would provide evidence of tea garden soil improvement and the environmental response to the usage of biochars.

A Novel Variation in the Mitochondrial Complex I Assembly Factor NDUFAF5 Causes Isolated Bilateral Striatal Necrosis in Childhood.

Background: Bilateral striatal necrosis (BSN) is characterized by symmetrical degeneration, predominantly of the caudate and putamen nucleus, in the basal ganglia. It is associated with numerous acquired and hereditary neuro-developmental and motor dysfunction-related pathological conditions. BSN results in high morbidity and mortality among infants and children, and its diagnosis is clinically challenging due to several overlapping disease phenotypes. Therefore, a precise genetic diagnosis is urgently needed for accurate genetic counseling and improved prognostic outcomes as well. Objective: To identify novel missense mutations in the NDUFAF5 gene as a cause of childhood BSN in members of a Chinese family and summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with the NDUFAF5 gene mutations. Methods: This study included a large family living in a remote northwestern area of China. Three siblings developed a neurological disorder characterized by generalized dystonia within the first decade of their lives. Cerebral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral lesions of the putamen. Biochemical and genetic approaches were used to identify the cause of BSN. Results: Sequence analysis showed no pathogenic variation in PANK2, SLC25A19, SLC19A3, and NUP62 genes and in the entire mitochondrial genome as well. Whole-exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations consisting of NDUFAF5:c.425A > C(p.E142A) and c.836T > G (p.M279R). The father, a healthy sister, and a healthy brother of the affected siblings carried the c.836T > G mutation, and the mother carried the c.425A > C mutation. These variants were absent in 100 ethnically matched non-BSN controls. In silico analysis demonstrated that the E142A and M279R mutations in NDUFAF5 protein significantly perturbed the normal conformation of the protein due to alterations in the hydrogen bonding patterns around the evolutionarily conserved catalytic domains, leading to its loss of function in the early stage of mitochondrial complex I assembly. Conclusions: We identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.425A > C and c.836T > G) in the NDUFAF5 gene as the potential cause of autosomal recessive childhood BSN, which extended the pathogenic variation spectrum of the NDUFAF5 gene. This study provides substantial evidence for further improvement of genetic counseling and better clinical management of BSN affected individuals.

Cell-Autonomous Autophagy Protects Against Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induced Sensory Nerves and Endothelial Dysfunction of the Soft Palate.

BACKGROUND Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a key feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. The pathogenesis of CIH-induced soft palate lesion is not well understood. Understanding the mechanisms of CIH-induced soft palate damage could provide new strategies for clinical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty male Sprague­Dawley rats were randomized into a control group (n=10) and experimental group (n=10). The experimental group were exposed to CIH for 28 days. The control experiments were run in parallel. Morphological changes of CIH-induced soft palate were examined by hematoxylin and eosin. Peripheral nerves and vascular associated markers were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemical staining. LC3B expression and transmission electron microscopy analysis was detected to investigate the destiny of cells in CIH-induced soft palate. RESULTS Histological studies demonstrated the thicken mucosal layer, muscular changes consistent with glands hyperplasia, and loose connective tissues of the soft palate in CIH induced rat models. CIH exposure significantly decreased the expression of annexin V but did not change argin level, suggesting that sensory nerves not motor nerves were damaged when exposed to intermittent hypoxia. Moreover, in response to CIH, the vascular vessel around the nerves and muscles became enlarged and caveolin-1 was overexpressed. Autophagy occurs in response to CIH-induced neuromuscular and vascular endothelial injury. CONCLUSIONS Sensory nerves and endothelial dysfunction contributed to the morphological damage of soft palate under intermittent hypoxia. Autophagy as a compensatory mechanism protects against CIH-induced injury. These findings have important implications for understanding mechanisms contributing to the increased soft palate lesion in patients with OSA.

Simultaneous measurement of acoustic pressure and temperature using a Fabry-Perot interferometric fiber-optic cantilever sensor.

A Fabry-Perot (F-P) interferometric fiber-optic cantilever sensor is presented for simultaneous measurement of acoustic pressure and temperature, which are demodulated by a single high-speed spectrometer. The acoustic pressure wave pushes the cantilever to produce periodic deflection, while the temperature deforms the sensor and causes the F-P cavity length to change slowly. The absolute length of the F-P cavity of the fiber-optic cantilever sensor is calculated rapidly by using a spectral demodulation method. The acoustic pressure and temperature are obtained by high-pass filtering and averaging the continuously measured absolute cavity length value, respectively. The experimental results show that the acoustic pressure can be detected with an ultra-high sensitivity of 198.3 nm/Pa at 1 kHz. In addition, an increase in temperature reduces the resonant frequency of the acoustic response and increases the static F-P cavity length. The temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency shift and the temperature response of the sensor are -0.49 Hz/°C and 83 nm/°C, respectively. Furthermore, through temperature compensation, the measurement error of acoustic pressure reaches ± 3%. The proposed dual parameter measurement scheme greatly simplifies the system structure and reduces the system cost.

DNA methylation of JAK3/STAT5/PPARγ regulated the changes of lipid levels induced by di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and high-fat diet in adolescent rats.

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and high-fat diet (HFD) could induce lipid metabolic disorder. This study was undertaken to identify the effect of DNA methylation of JAK3/STAT5/PPARγ on lipid metabolic disorder induced by DEHP and HFD. Wistar rats were divided into a normal diet (ND) group and HFD group. Each diet group treated with DEHP (0, 5, 50, 500 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks' gavage. The DNA-methylated levels of PPARγ, JAK3, STAT5a, and STAT5b in rats' livers and adipose were analyzed with MethylTarget. The lipid levels of rats' livers and adipose were detected with ELISA. Results showed in ND group that the DNA methylation levels of PPARγ, JAK3 in livers, and STAT5b in adipose were lower in 500 mg/kg/d group than the control. And the level of total cholesterol (TC) in adipose was higher in 500 mg/kg/d group than the control. In HFD group, the DNA methylation level of JAK3 was the lowest in livers and the highest in adipose in 50 mg/kg/d group. And the level of TC in livers was the lowest in 50 mg/kg/d group. In the 500 mg/kg/d group, the DNA methylation level of STAT5b was lower in livers and higher in adipose in HFD group than that in ND group. And the levels of TC in livers were lower in HFD group than those in ND group. Therefore, DNA methylation of JAK3/STAT5/PPARγ regulated the changes in lipid levels induced by DEHP and HFD in adolescent rats.

Correction to: Effects of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and high-fat diet on lipid metabolism in rats by JAK2/STAT5.

We found an error in the materials and methods section. Since our team used two methodsfor anesthesia in rats and the anesthesia method used in this paper was 3.5% chloralhydrate anesthesia, we mistakenly wrote the anesthetic as 3% sodium pentobarbital.

Effects of Hydroxyl Group on the Interaction of Carboxylated Flavonoid Derivatives with S. Cerevisiae α-Glucosidase.

INTRODUCTION: Carboxyalkyl flavonoids derivatives are considered as effective inhibitors in reducing post-prandial hyperglycaemia. METHODS: Combined with Density Functional Theory (DFT) and the theory of Atoms in Molecules (AIM), molecular docking and charge density analysis are carried out to understand the molecular flexibility, charge density distribution and the electrostatic properties of these carboxyalkyl derivatives. RESULTS: Results show that the electron density of the chemical bond C14-O17 on B ring of molecule II increases while O17-H18 decreases at the active site, suggesting the existence of weak noncovalent interactions, most prominent of which are H-bonding and electrostatic interaction. When hydroxyl groups are introduced, the highest positive electrostatic potentials are distributed near the B ring hydroxyl hydrogen atom and the carboxyl hydrogen atom on the A ring. It was reported that quercetin has a considerably inhibitory activity to S. cerevisiae α-glucosidase, from the binding affinities, it is suggested that the position and number of hydroxyl groups on the B and C rings are also pivotal to the hypoglycemic activity when the long carboxyalkyl group is introduced into the A ring. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the presence of three well-defined zones in the structure, both hydrophobicity alkyl, hydrophilicity carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are necessary.

Influencing factors of coexistence PreDM and PreHTN in occupational population of state grid corporation of Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Early intervention of coexisting prediabetes (PreDM) and prehypertension (PreHTN) has great significance for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the influencing factors of the coexisting PreDM and PreHTN has been widely concerned by human beings. The State Grid Corporation occupational population as a special group, who are often exposed to a certain amount of voltage. Earlier studies have shown that exposure to a certain level of voltage can cause cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to explore the risk factors of coexisting PreDM and PreHTN, and to provide theoretical basis for early intervention. METHODS: A stratified random sampling method was used to randomly select Occupational population from the five power supply regions of China in 2012 for questionnaire surveys and clinical examinations. Respondents were divided into Normal blood glucose group, PreDM group, Diabetes group, Normal blood pressure group, PreHTN group, Hypertension group. RESULTS: The prevalence of coexisting PreDM and PreHTN in the study population was 1.9%. The binary Logistic regression results showed that region, gender, age, BMI, triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were the effects of factor coexisting PreDM and PreHTN. CONCLUSION: It is important to pay attention to the early stage of hypertension and diabetes, control the transition from PreHTN and PreDM to hypertension and diabetes, and improve the health of Power Supply Enterprise Population.

Effects of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and high-fat diet on lipid metabolism in rats by JAK2/STAT5.

Exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) induces lipid metabolism disorder and high-fat diet (HD) may have joint effects with DEHP. We aim to clarify the role of JAK2/STAT5 pathway in the process and reveal the effects of HD on the toxicity of DEHP. Wistar rats (160 animals) were fed with HD or normal diet (ND) respectively and exposed to DEHP 0, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Lipid levels, as well as the morphology of liver and adipose, mRNA levels, and protein levels of JAK2, STAT5A, STAT5B, FAS, ap2, and PDK4 were detected. The results showed that DEHP exposure leads to increased weight gain. The JAK2/STAT5 pathway was activated in adipose after DEHP exposure and promoted the expression of FAS, ap2, and PDK4 in ND rats. While in the liver, JAK2 was inhibited, and lipid synthesis and accumulation were increased. However, rats exposed to DEHP in combination with HD showed a complete disorder of lipid metabolism. Therefore, we conclude that DEHP affects lipid metabolism through regulating the JAK2/STAT5 pathway and promotes adipogenesis and lipid accumulation. High-fat diet may have a joint effect with DEHP on lipid metabolism disorder.

Urinary levels of phthalate metabolites and their association with lifestyle behaviors in Chinese adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods of human growth and development. Phthalates are environmental endocrine disruptors, and their health hazards in adolescents and young adults cannot be ignored. This study was undertaken to assess phthalate exposure and determine the associations between lifestyle behaviors and phthalate metabolite levels in Chinese adolescents and young adults. METHODS: Four hundred and seventy-eight adolescents and young adults aged 16-20 years were included in this study. The levels of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and mono-(2-carboxmethyl)-hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) in the subjects' urine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard index (HI) of phthalates were calculated based on urinary metabolite levels. Relevant information on the subjects was collected via questionnaires. The associations between phthalate metabolite levels and lifestyle behaviors were examined using the independent-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In this study, the detection rates of all seven metabolites were >98%. The highest median metabolite concentration was MBP, which was 43.00 µg/L (33.11 µg/g creatinine). The highest median EDI was for di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which was 2.40 µg/kg-bw/day (volume-based) and 1.51 µg/kg-bw/day (creatinine-based). 2.7% (volume-based) and 1.0% (creatinine-based) of the subjects showed excessive HITDI (HI of the tolerable daily intake) values, which indicated the cumulative risk of anti-androgenic effects. Furthermore, factors significantly associated with phthalate metabolite levels included the use of plastic food packages (DEHP metabolites), physical exercise (MEOHP), the frequency of fast food consumption (MBP), and the frequency of skin care cosmetics and color cosmetics use (MEP). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Chinese adolescents and young adults are widely exposed to phthalates and their metabolite levels are influenced by lifestyle behaviors.

Effects of Different Components of PM2.5 on the Expression Levels of NF-κB Family Gene mRNA and Inflammatory Molecules in Human Macrophage.

Background: Studies have found that exposure to fine particulate matter with sizes below 2.5 µm (PM2.5) might cause inflammation response via the NF-κB pathway. To date, only a few studies have focused on the toxicity of different components of PM2.5. We aimed to explore the effects of PM2.5 with different components on the expression levels of NF-κB family gene mRNA and inflammatory molecules in human macrophages. Methods: Human monocytic cell line THP-1-derived macrophages were exposed to water-soluble (W-PM2.5), fat-soluble (F-PM2.5), and insoluble (I-PM2.5) PM2.5. The cell survival rate was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The levels of inflammatory molecules were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the relative mRNA levels of the NF-κB family gene were determined by real time PCR. Results: PM2.5 could decrease the cell viability. After exposure to W-PM2.5, the levels of interleukins (IL)-1ß and IL-12 p70 significantly increased. After exposure to F-PM2.5, the levels of IL-12 p70 significantly increased. The levels of IL-12 p70 and TNF-α after exposure to I-PM2.5 were significantly higher than that in W- and F-PM2.5 treatment groups. The levels of IL-8, C reactive protein (CRP), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 increased only after exposure to I-PM2.5. F-PM2.5 increased the mRNA levels of NF-κB genes, especially NF-κB1 and RelA. Conclusions: PM2.5 can decrease the cell survival rate and up-regulate the expression of NF-κB family gene mRNA and inflammatory molecules. The main toxic components of PM2.5 related to inflammatory response in macrophages were the I-PM2.5.

Effect of the TYK-2/STAT-3 pathway on lipid accumulation induced by mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate.

BACKGROUND: Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), an important metabolite of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), can induce lipid metabolic disorder. Previous studies have shown that MEHP promotes 3T3-L1 cell differentiation; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of the TYK-2/STAT-3 pathway on lipid accumulation induced by MEHP. METHODS: A 3T3-L1 precursor adipocyte differentiation model was exposed to MEHP. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), dexamethasone (DEX), and insulin were used to establish the 3T3-L1 precursor adipocyte differentiation model. Then the model cells were exposed to MEHP for 8 d. The lipid droplet formation in 3T3-L1 cells was determined with Oil-Red-O staining, and isopropyl alcohol was used to extract the lipid droplets for quantification. Flow cytometry was used to detect the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect mRNA expression, and western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins encoded by TYK-2/STAT-3 pathway genes and adipogenesis-related genes. RESULTS: MEHP treatment, compared with the control treatment, significantly promoted the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and increased the expression of STAT-3 mRNA and protein and P-STAT3 protein in the cells. In addition, MEHP down-regulated the phosphorylation of STAT-3 in mitochondria. MEHP was found to influence the mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ROS levels. CONCLUSION: MEHP may affect adipocyte differentiation and lead to lipid accumulation through the TYK-2/STAT-3 pathway.

The effect of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate on inflammation and lipid metabolic disorder in rats.

BACKGROUND: Plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) can induce lipid metabolic disorder. There was a chronic low level inflammatory response in adipose tissue of patients with lipid metabolic disorder. But the effect of inflammation on lipid metabolic disorder induced by DEHP is unclear. The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate on inflammation and lipid metabolic disorder in rats. METHODS: Eighty healthy 21-day-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and administered DEHP by gavage at 0, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/ d for 8 weeks. Morphological changes of adipose tissue, the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, LEP, and ADP in rat serum and adipose tissue, the serum TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C, the mRNA and protein expression levels of lipid metabolism-related gene CEBP/ß and inflammation-related gene CD68 were measured. RESULTS: After exposure to DEHP, the weight of rats in the high dose group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). And the number of adipose tissue cells in the medium-dose and high-dose DEHP groups increased, with much more macrophage infiltrated. The levels of LDL-C, HDL-C, TC in serum and LEP in adipose tissue of rats exposed to 500 mg/kg DEHP were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05); while the level of ADP in adipose tissue in rats exposed to DEHP was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in surum and adipose tissue of rats exposed to DEHP were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of CEBP/ß and CD68 in adipose tissue of rats exposed to DEHP were significantly higher than those in the control group. The TC, LEP and ADP Levels of rats were significantly different among different subgroup of IL-1ß and TNF-α, and in high level subgroup, the TC, LEP and ADP Levels were increased. The levels of TC and LEP was increased in high level subgroup of CD68. CONCLUSION: DEHP induced more macrophage infiltrated in adipose tissue of rats, promoted the secretion of IL-1ß, TNF-α and the formation of inflammation, and disturbed the normal lipid metabolism and lead to lipid metabolic disorders. What is more, the levels of inflammation were associated with the lipid levels.