Mitochondrial DNA deletion of proximal tubules is the result of itai-itai disease

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of itai-itai disease continues to be controversial, although cadmium (Cd) poisoning which arises via polluted water and rice in Japan is likely involved. Until recently, however, a well-defined animal model for Cd intoxication was not available. An animal model for itai-itai disease was produced in rats by low-dose Cd treatment, intraperitoneally for a period of 70-80 weeks. Osteomalacia followed the renal damage. RESULTS: A gene deletion in the mitochondrial DNA was found in the mitochondria of the proximal tubule cells of rats with chronic Cd intoxication, as was shown by the increased smaller PCR product seen by gel electrophoresis in one DNA region, where ATPase and cytochrome oxidase genes are located. However, the PCR product was different from that seen with a gene deletion associated with aging: del4834bp. Renal damage from Cd intoxication initially caused mitochondrial dysfunction indicated by the disturbance in reabsorption in the proximal tubules and decreased amounts of ATP, ATPase, and cytochrome oxidase with gradually progressing tubular proteinuria, and, finally, chronic renal failure with tubulointerstitial damage throughout the renal cortex. These gave rise to osteomalacia, subsequently. CONCLUSION: We concluded that in Cd poisoning, a mitochondrial gene deletion in the mitochondria of the proximal tubule cells was the primary event for the pathogenesis of osteomalacia in itai-itai disease.     

A NOVEL APPROACH TO TREATMENT WITH HIGH-DOSE STEROID AS A DIFFERENTIATION INDUCER IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE MYELOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Several experimental studies have demonstrated that certain steroid hormones can induce differentiation of mouse myeloid leukemic cells to macrophages and granulocytes. We have shown that high-dose methylprednisolone treatment (HDMP, 20-30 mg/kg/day) can induce differentiation of leukemic cells to mature granulocytes in children with different morphological subtypes of acute myeloblastic leukemia (FAB AML M1, M2, M3, M4). In addition, apoptosis can also be induced in vivo and in vitro in AML blast by HDMP treatment. Short-course (3 to 5 days) HDMP treatment increases the hematopoietic CD34- positive progenitor cells in both bone marrow and peripheral blood in children with AML. Acceleration of leukocyte and neutrophil recovery has been obtained by the administration of short-course HDMP in chemotherapy-induced neutropenic children with AML. The addition of HDMP to anti leukemic chemotherapy increased the complete remission rate and prolonged the duration of remission in children with AML and significantly improved the outcome of AML children who presented with extramedullary infiltration. We suggest that the possibility of HDMP-induced differentiation and apoptosis should be evaluated in patients with other malignant diseases.     

Role of connexin 43 in cadmium‐induced proliferation of human prostate epithelial cells

Connexins (Cxs), the subunits of gap junction channels, are involved in many physiological processes. Aberrant control of Cxs and gap junction intercellular communication may contribute to many diseases, including the promotion of cancer. Cd exposure is associated with increased risk of human prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The roles of Cxs in the effects of Cd on the prostate have, however, not been reported previously. In this study, the human prostate epithelial cell line RWPE‐1 was exposed to Cd. A low dose of Cd stimulated cell proliferation along with a lower degree of gap junction intercellular communication and an elevated level of the protein Cx43. Cd exposure increased the levels of intracellular Ca²⁺ and phosphorylated Cx43 at the Ser368 site. Knockdown of Cx43 using siRNA blocked Cd‐induced proliferation and interfered with the Cd‐induced changes in the protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, p27^Kip1 (p27) and p21^Waf1/Cip1 (p21). The increase in Cx43 expression induced by Cd was presumably mediated by the androgen receptor, because it was abolished upon treatment with the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide. Thus, a low dose of Cd promotes cell proliferation in RWPE‐1, possibly mediated by Cx43 expression through an effect on cell cycle‐associated proteins. Cx43 might be a target for prostatic diseases associated with Cd exposure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protective effect of Fragaria ananassa methanolic extract on cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective effect of Fragaria ananassa methanolic extract on cadmium chloride (CdCl₂)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. CdCl₂ was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 6.5?mg/kg of body weight for 5 d with or without methanol extract of Fragaria ananassa (250?mg/kg). The hepatic cadmium concentration, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, glutathione (GSH) content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), GSH peroxidase, and GSH reductase, were estimated. CdCl₂ injection induced a significant elevation in cadmium concentration, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide and caused a significant depletion in GSH content compared to controls, along with a remarkable decrease in antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress induction and cadmium accumulation in the liver were successfully ameliorated by F. ananassa (strawberry) pre-administration. In addition, the pre-administration of strawberry decreased the elevated gene expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene as well as the protein expression of caspases-3 in the liver of CdCl₂-injected rats. In addition, the reduced gene expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was increased. Our results show an increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α in the liver of rats treated with cadmium. In sum, our results suggested that F. ananassa successfully prevented deleterious effects on liver function by reinforcing the antioxidant defense system, inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis.     

Hematobiochemical effects of cadmium intoxication in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and its amelioration with silymarin and milk thistle

The present study was designed to investigate the toxico-pathological effect of cadmium (Cd) and its amelioration with silymarin (SL) and milk thistle (MT) in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). A total of 144 male quail were divided into nine equal groups (A–I). Experimental feeds were offered to these groups containing different combinations of Cd chloride (Cd1: 150 and Cd2: 300?mg/kg feed), SL (250?mg/kg of feed), and MT (10?g/kg of feed). The duration of the experiment was 60 days. The physical parameters studied included feed intake and body weight. Hematobiochemical parameters included total protein, albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique, and group means were compared by Duncan’s multiple range test. The body weight decreased significantly in Cd-treated groups while SL and MT ameliorated the toxic effects of Cd as compared to control group. The hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and hematocrit (Hct) values were decreased significantly in Cd2-treated group, while Hb and Hct decreased nonsignificantly in Cd1-treated group compared with control. Similar hematological findings were observed, when Cd was used in combinations with SL and MT. Urea, creatinine, and AST increased significantly, while ALT increased nonsignificantly in Cd-treated groups as compared to control group, while total protein, albumin, and globulin decreased significantly in Cd-treated groups as compared to control group. The SL and MT completely ameliorated these toxic effects at low dose of Cd; however, amelioration was partial at higher doses of Cd. These compounds (SL &; MT) might be used to ameliorate toxic effects of Cd in Japanese quail.     

维生素C、维生素E、硒与镉联合作用对LLC-PK1细胞脂质过氧化的影响

[目的]研究氯化镉(CACl2)及其分别与维生素C(VitC)、维生素E(VitE)、硒联合作用对猪肾近曲小管上皮(LLC—PKl)细胞增殖、脂质过氧化及抗氧化酶的影响。[方法]实验设对照组、镉组、镉 Vitc组、镉 VitE组和镉 硒组。以四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)比色法检测LIE—PK,细胞活力的变化，黄嘌呤氧化酶法测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力，以催化还原性谷胱甘肽(GSH)速度表示谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH—Px)的活力，硫代巴比妥酸法(TBA)测定丙二醛(MDA)含量。[结果]不同浓度cdcl2(0—100μmol／L)作用于LIE—PK1细胞12h，细胞存活率随CAC12浓度升高而下降，呈剂量一反应关系；VitC 镉组、vitE 镉组、硒 镉组分别与单独加镉组相比均可显著提高LIE—PK,细胞存活率；10—40pmol／L(ktCl2作用LLC—PK，细胞12h后的培养液上清MDA含量明显增加，与对照组相比差别有显著性。同时，CuZn-SOD、Mn-SOD、GSH—Px活力较对照组相比显著性升高；硒 镉组细胞培养液上清MDA含量与镉组相比有显著性下降。[结论]镉对LIE—PKl细胞增殖有明显的抑制作用；镉可引起LIE．PK1细胞脂质过氧化，是导致肾细胞毒性机制之一；硒对镉引起的ILC—PK。细胞的脂质过氧化有一定的拮抗作用。     

Co-exposure of cadmium and lead on bone health in a southwestern Chinese population aged 40-75 years

Both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are associated with bone health, but studies exploring the effects of Cd and Pb co-exposure on bone health are rare. This study aimed to assess the interactive effects of Cd and Pb co-exposure on bone health. In total, 799 participants, living in the targeted areas (located in southwestern China) for more than 15 years, aged 40-75 years, and subsisted on homegrown rice and vegetables were investigated. Cd and Pb levels in urine and blood samples, as well as bone mineral density, T- and Z-score were determined. After being adjusted for covariates, the T-score was negatively correlated with blood Pb in men (P < .05); for women and non-smoking women, the T-score was negatively correlated with urinary Pb (P < .05). Moreover, after being adjusted for covariates, the Z-score was negatively correlated with urinary Pb in non-smoking women (P < .05). No positive association of prevalence of osteoporosis with Cd and Pb exposure was found. However, at an additive scale, positive interactions of urinary Cd and Pb on the prevalence of osteoporosis for women and non-smoking women, and the same interactions to blood Cd and Pb for men were found. There was also a positive interaction of urinary Cd and Pb for women at a multiplicative scale. This study suggests Cd and Pb exposure could exert detrimental effects on bone health, with possible underlying interactions. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to explore the interactive effects of heavy metal co-exposure.     

Assessment of heavy metals by ICP-OES and their impact on insulin stimulating hormone and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) have recently emerged as major health concerns owing to their strong association with diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to investigate the heavy metals exposure towards incidence of DM at various enzymatic and hormonal levels. Additionally, association of As and Cd with Zinc (Zn, essential metal) was also evaluated. Spot urine samples were collected to assess As, Cd and Zn through ICP-OES. Serum was analyzed by assay method for fasting blood glucose, liver and renal function biomarkers. ELISA was performed to investigate the impact of heavy metals on HbA1c, α-amylase, DPP-IV, IGF-1, leptin, GSH, MDA, SOD, HDL, FFA, TG and interleukin (IL)-6. Association of heavy metals with DM was measured by odds ratio (OR) and level of significance was assessed by Chi-squared test. Unpaired student's t-test was used to compare DM-associated risk factors in heavy metals-exposed and unexposed participants. As and Cd were detectable in 75.4% and 83% participants with mean concentration of 75.5 ppb and 54.5 ppb, respectively. For As exposure, OR in the third quartile was maximum ie 1.34 (95% CI, 0.80 to 2.23), however the result was not statistically significant (P > .05). For Cd exposure, OR in the fourth quartile was considerably high, 1.62 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.61), with a significant probability value (P < .05). Urinary Cd was negatively associated with Zn. As and Cd exposure increases the incidence of DM in the general population. Impaired hormonal and enzymatic levels in diabetic and non-diabetic exposed participants reflect the multiple organ damage by heavy metal exposure.     

High-content analysis for mitophagy response to nanoparticles: A potential sensitive biomarker for nanosafety assessment

Mitophagy, a selective autophagy of mitochondria, clears up damaged mitochondria to maintain cell homeostasis. We performed high-content analysis (HCA) to detect the increase of PINK1, an essential protein controlling mitophagy, in hepatic cells treated with several nanoparticles (NPs). PINK1 immunofluorescence-based HCA was more sensitive than assays and detections for cell viability and mitochondrial functions. Of which, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-NPs or graphene oxide-quantum dots (GO-QDs) was selected as representatives for positive or negative inducer of mitophagy. SPIO-NPs, but not GO-QDs, activated PINK1-dependent mitophagy as demonstrated by recruitment of PARKIN to mitochondria and degradation of injured mitochondria. SPIO-NPs caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, decrease in ATP, and increase in mitochondrial reactive oxide species and Ca²⁺. Blocking mitophagy with PARKIN siRNA aggravated the cytotoxicity of SPIO-NPs. Taken together, PINK1 immunofluorescence-based HCA is considered to be an early, sensitive, and reliable approach to evaluate the bioimpacts of NPs.     

镉诱导LLC-PK_1细胞凋亡与bcl-2、p53蛋白表达关系的研究

目的　探讨镉诱导LLC PK1 细胞凋亡及与bcl 2、p5 3(mtp5 3)蛋白表达的相互关系。方法　采用透射电镜观察凋亡小体、流式细胞仪分析凋亡率、琼脂糖凝胶DNA电泳方法确定镉对LLC PK1 细胞诱导的凋亡作用 ,以及流式细胞仪分别测定bcl 2和p5 3基因表达产物bcl 2蛋白、mtp5 3蛋白。结果　透射电镜观察发现 4 0 μmol LCdCl2 作用LLC PK1 细胞 12h后 ,出现典型的凋亡小体 ;流式细胞仪分析其凋亡率为 32 6 1% ,并高于对照组 (1 0 8% ) (P <0 0 1) ;琼脂糖凝胶DNA电泳呈明显梯形条带。 0、10、2 0、4 0 μmol LCdCl2 作用LLC PK1 细胞 4h、8h ,8h后 ,bcl 2基因表达逐渐下降 ,并呈良好的剂量 -反应关系 (r=- 0 910 ,P <0 0 5 ) ;作用 4h、8h后mtp5 3蛋白表达均明显下降 ,并有剂量 -反应关系 (r值分别为 - 0 716、- 0 972 ,P值均 <0 0 5 )。结论　镉诱导LLC PK1 细胞凋亡可能与镉抑制bcl 2、mtp5 3蛋白表达有关