Mitochondrial toxicity and in vitro biological effects of ambient PM2.5 from an urban site in China

Abstract

The roles of PM_2.5-induced mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress on mast cell degranulation were examined in vitro. Mast cells were treated with suspensions of PM_2.5 in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium at concentrations from 25 to 200?mg/L in the absence or presence of 10?mmol/L N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Biological effects and mitochondrial function were assessed by determining cell viability, β-hexosaminidase release, interleukin-4 secretion, reactive oxygen species generation, adenosine triphosphate production, potential alteration of mitochondrial membrane, and activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes I and III. Exposure of mast cells to PM_2.5 induced reduction of adenosine triphosphate production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibition of the activity of complex III. Co-treatment of mast cells exposed to PM_2.5 with N-acetyl-L-cysteine attenuated cytotoxicity and the production of reactive oxygen species, and decreased the release of β-hexosaminidase and interleukin-4. Evidently, PM_2.5-induced oxidative stress plays an essential role in mitochondrial toxicity and mast cell activation.     

Genotoxic effects of metals on human salivary gland tissue and lymphocytes as detected by the Comet assay

The etiology of salivary gland malignancies still remains unclear. Metal compounds are of special interest since they show ubiquitous presence in the environment, are present in many working places, and are accepted (co-)carcinogens in some other malignancies. Metals enter the body as xenobiotics by inhalation or ingestion. This study investigated the genotoxic potential of sodium dichromate (Na₂Cr₂O₇), nickel sulfate (NiSO₄), cadmium sulfate (CdSO₄) and zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) on human salivary gland cells and lymphocytes. Macroscopically healthy tissue of salivary glands was harvested from 46 patients during surgery and isolated to single cells by enzymatic digestion. The cells were incubated with Na₂Cr₂O₇, NiSO₄, CdSO₄ or ZnCl₂. Na₂Cr₂O₇ was also incubated in combination with the other metal compounds listed. Carcinogenic and co-carcinogenic effects of cadmium were tested by incubation with Na₂Cr₂O₇ and consecutive repair intervals. DNA damage and repair were evaluated by the Comet assay, determining DNA-strand breaks. The extent of damage was quantified using a digital analysis system. Na₂Cr₂O₇ produced significantly enhanced DNA-strand breaks in human salivary gland tissue and lymphocytes. All other metal compounds exerted no damaging effect on both cell types. Co-incubation of Na₂Cr₂O₇ with the other metals revealed a significant additive effect only for CdSO₄. Specific analysis of the influence of cadmium showed a reduction of DNA-repair after Na₂Cr₂O₇-induced strand breaks in salivary gland cells. This study provides evidence that exposure to distinct metals may significantly contribute to malignant salivary gland tumors. In consequence, further studies as epidemiological and toxicological data are warranted to determine the role of distinct metals as potential (co-) carcinogens.     

铅与纳米SiO2联合染毒对A549细胞氧化损伤的影响

为了研究铅与纳米SiO2联合染毒所致的细胞损伤特征,并从氧化应激方面探讨其可能的作用机制。用铅和SiO2处理A549细胞,采用四唑盐(MTT)比色法检测细胞存活率,评价铅和SiO2联合染毒所致的细胞损伤特征;采用硫代巴比妥酸(TBA)比色法检测细胞内丙二醛(MDA)含量,评价铅与SiO2联合染毒所致细胞的氧化应激状态;检测了细胞内抗氧化物还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量以及细胞内抗氧化酶的活性,以评价铅与SiO2联合染毒对细胞抗氧化系统的影响。将实验数据进行ANOVA分析。结果表明,铅、SiO2单独染毒组各指标没有明显改变;而联合染毒能造成细胞氧化损伤,表现为细胞存活率、GSH水平、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性显著低于对照组及2个单独染毒组(P<0.05),细胞内MDA含量显著高于对照组及各单独染毒组(P<0.05)。可见,联合染毒可引起明显的细胞毒性,氧化损伤可能是铅与SiO联合染毒致肺细胞毒性损伤的作用机制之一。     

Comparative study between using natural and synthetic zeolites for the improvement of soil salinity and crop yield

The effects of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite, NZ) and synthetic zeolite (Y, SZ) on salinity and the presence of the harmful salts in the soil were compared on Raphanus sativus L. Nine soil treatments were studied: 1 (control), 2 (NaCl), 3 (Na₂SO₄), 4 (NZ), 5 (SZ), 6 (NZ?+?NaCl), 7 (SZ?+?NaCl), 8 (NZ?+?Na₂SO₄), and 9 (SZ?+?Na₂SO₄). Five radish seeds were planted in each pot. Each treatment was repeated 10 times. After 50 days under equal conditions some parameters consisting of the number of leaves (NL), total leaf area (TLA), total fresh weight (TFW), total dry weight (TDW), root fresh weight (RFW), air fresh weight (AFW), root dry weight (RDW) and air dry weight (ADW) were determined. Results showed that adding either NZ or SZ to salinic soil (treatments NZNaCl, NZNa₂SO₄, SZNaCl and SZNa₂SO₄) increased AFW, TFW and TDW. Using both NZ and SZ in normal soil increased the weight of plants by developing AFW. Further NZ was more effective on soil with NaCl than SZ.     

Effect of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles on cellular oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms in mouse liver

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO₂), a common ingredient of cosmetics has a huge variety of applications. Previous studies reported oxidative stress mediated toxicity of ZnO₂ nanoparticles on various mammalian cell lines. Although zinc (Zn) is an essential mineral at higher concentrations this metal is toxic. The present study focused on size determination by monitoring changes in activities of antioxidant defense mechanism in response to oxidative stress induced by ZnO₂ nanoparticles using mouse liver tissue homogenates. The study also investigated effects of oxidative stress induced DNA damage by determining formation of 8-OHdG in mouse liver homogenate. A cytotoxicity assay was also carried out in L929 cells to determine cell viability. The results of the study indicated that 50μg/ml of ZnO₂ nanoparticles induced 50% cell death. Alterations in antioxidant parameters and 8-OHdG were also noted. Data showed that there was a concentration-dependent fall in cell viability, decrease antioxidant enzyme levels and increase formation of DNA adduct (8-OHdG) when mouse liver tissue homogenate were exposed to ZnO₂ nanoparticles.     

H_2O_2致大鼠RTE细胞系氧化应激作用及GSH保护作用的体外研究

许多具有氧化作用的空气污染物,均能使细胞产生氧化损伤,使胸腺基质淋巴生成素(thymic stromal lymphopoietin,TSLP)含量上升。而TSLP是一种启动过敏性炎症的重要因子,会导致哮喘等疾病发生率的上升。在本研究中用过氧化氢(H_2O_2)模拟具有氧化作用的空气污染物进行染毒,研究细胞氧化应激水平的变化,并讨论还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)对细胞受氧化损伤的保护作用。将大鼠支气管上皮细胞(RTE)分组培养,每组设置6个平行实验,分别用低、中、高剂量H_2O_2染毒3 h;高剂量设置1个重复,作为保护组,在染毒前用GSH保护2 h。结果显示,高剂量组H_2O_2(3.2 mmol·L~(~(-1)))染毒的细胞,其细胞活力下降(P0.01),丙二醛(MDA)水平上升(P0.01),TSLP水平上升(P0.05),与之相比,用GSH保护后的同剂量染毒组,上述指标得到全面缓解(P0.01)。这表明高浓度的H_2O_2会损伤细胞活力,并使MDA及TSLP水平上升,而GSH对TSLP及MDA的升高有极显著的抑制作用,即对细胞有一定的保护作用。     

Protective role of epigallocatechin 3-gallate against lead-induced toxicity in human neuroblastoma cells

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, known to induce oxidative stress and produce damage to the antioxidant defence system ultimately leading to cell death. Antioxidants such as epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol, was shown to play a protective role during Pb-exposure. In this study, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to different concentrations (0.01–10?µM) of Pb for 48?h to determine effects on the viability of cells. It was observed that IC₅₀ was at 5?µM and at this concentration the cells exhibited a significant increase in caspase-3 activity, an indicator of apoptosis at least by 10-fold and the decrease of 59.4% in glutathione (GSH) content. The total cellular prostaglandin-E₂ (PGE₂) level was found to be elevated at least 10-fold upon Pb exposure. However, the effects of Pb on cells pre-incubated with 50?µM EGCG followed by 5?µM Pb showed 40% inhibition in cell viability, 17.3% decrease in caspase-3 activity, 23% increase in GSH content, and 11.4% fall in PGE₂ levels when compared with cells exposed to Pb only. Data suggest that EGCG exerted a significant protection to cell viability in preventing cell death and elevation in levels of GSH in cells exposed to Pb. However, EGCG did not elicit any significant effect on release of PGE₂ indicating the nature of EGCG as an effective anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent.     

Involvement of mitochondrial-mediated caspase-3 activation and lysosomal labilization in acrylamide-induced liver toxicity

Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical frequently used in both industrial and synthetic processes and may be produced during food processing. ACR at very high concentrations is postulated to exert its toxicity through the stimulation of an oxidative stress. ACR in excessive doses induces the central nervous system, reproduction, and genetic toxicity. However, ACR effects on the liver, a major organ of drug metabolism, have not been adequately explored. In addition, the role of mitochondria in an ACR-mediated hepatotoxicity is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic mechanisms attributed to ACR using isolated rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were isolated by the collagenase perfusion method and incubated with an EC50_2hr concentration of ACR for 3 hr. The EC50_{2 hr} of ACR on isolated rat hepatocytes was determined to be 1 mM. Based on our results, hepatocytes cytotoxicity of ACR (1 mM) was mediated by a reactive oxygen species formation and lipid peroxidation. Incubation of hepatocytes with ACR produced rapid hepatocyte glutathione depletion which is another marker of the cellular oxidative stress. ACR cytotoxicity was also associated with mitochondrial injury as evidenced by the decline of mitochondrial membrane potential and lysosomal membrane leakiness. Our results also showed that ACR induced caspase-3 activation, the final mediator of apoptosis signaling. These findings contribute to a better understanding underlying mechanisms involved in ACR hepatotoxicity originating from the oxidative stress and ending in mitochondrial/lysosomal damage and cell death signaling.     

Electrochemical remediation of phenanthrene from contaminated kaolinite

In this work a two-stage process combining soil electrokinetic remediation and liquid electrochemical oxidation for the remediation of polluted soil with organic compounds has been developed and evaluated using phenanthrene-spiked kaolinite. Application of an unenhanced electrokinetic process resulted in negligible removal of phenanthrene from the kaolinite sample. Addition of co-solvents and electrolyte to the processing fluid used in the electrode chambers enhanced phenanthrene desorption from the kaolinite matrix and favoured electro-osmotic flow. Near-complete removal of phenanthrene was achieved using Na₂SO₄ and ethanol in the processing fluid. Phenanthrene was transported towards the cathode chamber where it was collected. The cathodic solution containing the pollutant was treated by electrochemical oxidation; complete degradation of phenanthrene occurred after 9 h using Na₂SO₄ as electrolyte.     

ZnO纳米粒子通过线粒体通路抑制小鼠光感受器细胞Na~+/K~+-ATP酶表达和活性的作用研究

氧化锌(ZnO)纳米粒子已被发现具有生物毒性,氧化应激被认为是最重要的因素之一。前期实验证实,ZnO纳米粒子能显著减少锰超氧化物歧化酶(Mn SOD)蛋白的表达,降低Mn SOD活性。本文通过检测乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)释放、线粒体活性氧(ROS)水平和膜电位(Δφm)、延迟整流钾电流变化和Na~+/K~+-ATP酶的表达及活性等变化,检测ZnO纳米粒子对小鼠光感受器细胞的细胞毒作用。结果表明,ZnO纳米粒子可显著增强小鼠光感受器细胞中LDH的释放、增加线粒体内ROS水平并下调Δφm、阻断延迟整流钾电流,同时降低Na~+/K~+-ATP酶的表达及活性,从而对小鼠视网膜光感受器细胞产生细胞毒作用,提示ZnO纳米粒子可通过线粒体通路引起氧化应激,从而抑制小鼠光感受器细胞Na~+/K~+-ATP酶表达和活性,产生细胞毒性,导致细胞死亡。本文的研究结果有助于理解ZnO纳米粒子引起细胞毒性的作用机理。     

Geochemistry and quality of groundwater of the Yarmouk basin aquifer,north Jordan

Quality of groundwater in the Yarmouk basin, Jordan has been assessed through the study of hydrogeochemical characteristics and the water chemistry as it is considered the main source for drinking and agriculture activities in the region. The results of the relationship between Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus HCO₃^? + CO₃^2?, Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ versus total cations, Na⁺ + K⁺ versus total cations, Cl^? + SO₄^2? versus Na⁺ + K⁺, Na⁺ versus Cl^?, Na⁺ versus HCO₃^? + CO₃^2?, Na⁺ versus Ca²⁺, and Na⁺: Cl^? versus EC describe the mineral dissolution mechanism through the strong relationship between water with rocks in alkaline conditions with the release of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃^?, CO₃^2?, SO₄^2?, and F^? ions in the groundwater for enrichment. Furthermore, evaporation processes, groundwater depletion, and ion exchange contribute to the increased concentration of Na⁺ and Cl^? ions in groundwater. Anthropogenic sources are one of the main reasons for contamination of groundwater in the study area and for increasing the concentration of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄^2?, and NO₃^? ions. Results show the quality of groundwater in the study area is categorized as follows: HCO₃^? + CO₃^2? > Cl^? > SO₄^2? > NO₃^? > F^? and Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺. In conclusion, the results of TDS, TH, and chemical composition showed that 26% of the groundwater samples were unsuitable for drinking. About 28% of groundwater samples in the study area have a high concentration of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and NO₃^? above the acceptable limit. Also, based on high SAR, 10% of the groundwater samples were not suitable for irrigation purposes.     

Efficient suspension freeze desalination of mine wastewaters to separate clean water and salts

Suspension freeze desalination is a promising technique for producing clean water from mine wastewaters. The principle is that growing ice crystals reject impurities during freezing. As a result, pure water is separated from mine wastewaters as clean ice. Actually, there is a need for improved techniques to increase water yield and purity. Here we tested ice formation in complex synthetic solutions during cooling and addition of seed. Solutions included: pure distilled water, 50, 33 g/L NaCl and 17, 50 g/L Na₂SO₄, 50 g/L NaCl and 50 g/L Na₂SO₄. Results show that heat of crystallization was the highest with pure distilled water at 8859 J, whereas the lowest heat of crystallization, of 4608 J, was for the solution of 50 g/L NaCl and 50 g/L Na₂SO₄, indicating that the presence of the salt enhances ice formation. As an application, we designed a new flow diagram, which, in addition to heat exchanger and ice filter, now includes a fluidized bed reactor for salt crystallization and recovery, and a separate heat exchanger for ice crystallization.     

Metal-free oxidation of aldehydes to acids using the 4Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>·2H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>·NaCl adduct

Oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids is a major reaction. Conventionally, this reaction is carried out with oxidants and metal catalysts, thus producing unwanted metal waste. Recently, aqueous media have been used as an alternative for toxic organic solvents. Here, we tested the clathrate-structured, neutral hydrogen peroxide adduct 4Na₂SO₄·2H₂O₂·NaCl for the oxidation of aldehydes to acids in aqueous solution. We found that various aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic aldehydes were selectively oxidized to corresponding acids in 70–98% yields. This simple acid–base treatment allows to separate easily the acid product in high purity without any organic solvent. Moreover, the adduct is produced using 25% H₂O₂, with inexpensive sodium sulphate, Na₂SO₄, and sodium chloride, NaCl. The adduct is a non-toxic white crystalline solid, readily soluble in water, and easy to handle.     

Did the Clean Air Act cause the remarkable decline in sulfur dioxide concentrations?

Over the last three decades, ambient concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) air pollution have declined by approximately 80%. This paper tests whether the 1970 Clean Air Act and its subsequent amendments caused this decline. The centerpiece of this legislation is the annual assignment of all counties to SO₂ nonattainment or attainment categories. Polluters face stricter regulations in nonattainment counties. There are two primary findings. First, regulators pay little attention to the statutory selection rule in their assignment of the SO₂ nonattainment designations. Second, SO₂ nonattainment status is associated with modest reductions in SO₂ air pollution, but a null hypothesis of zero effect generally cannot be rejected. This finding holds whether the estimated effect is obtained with linear adjustment or propensity score matching. Overall, the evidence suggests that the nonattainment designation played a minor role in the dramatic reduction of SO₂ concentrations over the last 30 years.     

大气细颗粒物与糖尿病

随着我国社会经济和城市化的快速发展,大气颗粒物是影响我国城市空气质量的首要污染物,大气细颗粒物污染已严重威胁我国居民健康。本文简要综述了PM2.5诱导的氧化应激和炎症反应在糖尿病的发生和发展中的分子作用机制。     

Rice seedlings under cadmium stress: effect of silicon on growth,cadmium uptake,oxidative stress,antioxidant capacity and root and leaf structures

In this study, the effect of silicon (Si) addition on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice seedlings was investigated. After a series of screening experiments, 50 μmol·L^?1 of Cd and 10 μ mol·L^?1 of Si were selected. Treatment of rice seedlings with Cd (50 μ mol·L^?1) resulted in significant accumulation of this metal in roots and shoots. The data revealed that accumulation of Cd resulted in oxidative stress in rice seedlings as evidenced by increased accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA; a peroxidation product of lipids). However, addition of Si (10 μ mol·L^?1) together with Cd prevented accumulation of Cd, H₂O₂ and MDA. Antioxidant capacity was decreased by Cd but enhanced by Si addition. Cd decreased the length and frequency of root hairs, stomatal frequency, and distorted leaf mesophyll cells and vascular bundles. However, addition of Si together with Cd reduced these abnormalities. The results showed that addition of exogenous Si protected rice seedlings against Cd toxicity by preventing Cd accumulation and oxidative stress (H₂O₂ and MDA accumulation) by increasing Si accumulation and antioxidant capacity, which maintained the structure and integrity of leaf and root.     

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity of TiO2 nano anatase in liver and kidney of Wistar rat

This study examined the adverse effects of TiO₂ nanoparticle (nano-TiO₂) on the kidney and liver of Wistar rats. Changes of serum biochemical parameters and pathological lesions indicated that liver and kidney were significantly affected in animals treated with 50?mg?kg^?1 of nano-TiO₂. The inverse relationship between the level of reactive oxygen species and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase indicates that nano-TiO₂ induces oxidative stress. A significant increase in the apoptosis of liver and kidney in a dose-dependent manner was also observed. The ultrastructural observations confirmed the internalization of nano-TiO₂ and their direct involvement in the mitochondria-mediated cytotoxicity. Data indicated that nano-TiO₂ induce oxidative stress which produces genotoxicity such as oxidative DNA damage, micronuclei (MN) induction, and cell apoptosis in liver and kidney.     

The effect of seasonality on oxidative metabolism in the sea urchin Loxechinus albus

The objective of the present study was to investigate seasonal variations in the oxidative metabolism of the sea urchin Loxechinus albus gonads. The reported spawning period for this species is from September to November. Lipid radical content showed non-significant changes upon the seasons. Ascorbyl radical content and the content of α-tocopherol were lower in samples collected in spring and summer as compared to the values in winter-collected animals. Ascorbate content decreased in samples collected in fall as compared to those collected in winter. For the lipophilic compartment, the lipid radical content/α-tocopherol content ratio is an indicator of oxidative stress. This index increased significantly in tissues during spawning as compared to the values in samples collected during winter. The ascorbyl content/ascorbate content ratio is an indicator of oxidative stress for the hydrophilic milieu. A significant decrease by 66% was determined in tissues from gonads of animals collected in summer as compared to values in animals collected in winter. The data reported here suggest a different profile of response against oxidative stress at the lipophilic and hydrophilic milieus in L. albus gonads.     

立方体和八面体微/纳米氧化亚铜对大型水蚤(Daphnia magna)的氧化胁迫和生理损伤

为了实现特定的功能和应用,越来越多不同结构特性的纳米材料逐渐被人们精确合成。一些研究指出纳米材料的物理化学特性能够显著影响纳米材料对水生生物的毒性作用,但是对于不同特性的纳米氧化亚铜的毒性研究依然比较缺乏。本研究制备了2种不同形貌和结构的微/纳米氧化亚铜(micro/nano-Cu_2O)晶体,通过对大型水蚤(Daphnia magna)进行72 h的急性暴露实验,测定了大型水蚤体内还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)的含量以及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和钠/钾腺苷三磷酸酶(Na+/K+-ATPase)的活性变化。结果表明在2种不同特性的微/纳米氧化亚铜暴露体系中,大型水蚤体内Cu的积累量差别不大,但是不同结构的micro/nano-Cu_2O对大型水蚤抗氧化酶活性和钠/钾腺苷三磷酸酶活性影响存在差别。与立方体相比,八面体micro/nano-Cu_2O能够暴露更多的{111}面,并且其原子排列使其具有较高的表面能量,因此更容易在大型水蚤肠道内诱导产生活性氧(ROS)及溶出更多Cu2+,对大型水蚤产生更强的氧化胁迫和膜损伤。     

Inhibition of pyrite oxidation by surface coating: a long-term field study

Pyrite and other iron sulfides are readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen in aqueous phase, producing acidity and Fe²⁺, which causes significant environmental problems. Applications of surface coating agents (Na₂SiO₃ and KH₂PO₄) were conducted at Boeun (Chungbuk, South Korea) outcrop site, and their efficiencies to inhibit the oxidation of sulfide minerals were monitored for a long-term period (449 days). The rock sample showed positive Net Acid Production Potential (NAPP = 20.23) and low Net Acid Generation pH (NAGpH = 2.42) values, suggesting that the rock sample was categorized in the potential acid-forming group. For the monitored time period (449 days), field study results showed that the application of Na₂SiO₃ effectively inhibited the pyrite oxidation as compared to KH₂PO₄. Na₂SiO₃ as a surface coating agent maintained pH 5–6 and reduced oxidation of pyrite surface up to 99.95 and 97.70 % indicated by Fe²⁺ and SO₄ ^2? release, respectively. The scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis indicated that the morphology of rock surface was completely changed attributable to formation of iron silicate coating. The experimental results suggested that the treatment with Na₂SiO₃ was highly effective and it might be applicable on field for inhibition of iron sulfide oxidation.