Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid widely used in various industries. However, its toxicological impact on humans is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of two methyltransferases, thiopurine S‑methyltransferase (TPMT) and indolethylamine N‑methyltransferase (INMT), in the methylation of tellurite, an inorganic Te oxyanion. The products of the reaction of Te compounds catalyzed by recombinant human TPMT and/or INMT were analyzed by liquid chromatography hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that TPMT catalyzes the methylation of non-methylated Te and methanetellurol to generate dimethyltelluride. On the other hand, INMT catalyzes the methylation of methanetellurol and dimethyltelluride to produce trimethyltelluronium ion, a metabolite excreted into animal urine. We conclude that TPMT and INMT are cooperatively responsible for the detoxification of Te oxyanions through methylation to form trimethyltelluronium ions.
{"title":"Thiopurine S‑methyltransferase- and indolethylamine N‑methyltransferase-mediated formation of methylated tellurium compounds from tellurite.","authors":"Yu-Ki Tanaka, Ayuka Takata, Karin Takahashi, Yoshikazu Yamagishi, Yasunori Fukumoto, Noriyuki Suzuki, Yasumitsu Ogra","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03890-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03890-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid widely used in various industries. However, its toxicological impact on humans is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of two methyltransferases, thiopurine S‑methyltransferase (TPMT) and indolethylamine N‑methyltransferase (INMT), in the methylation of tellurite, an inorganic Te oxyanion. The products of the reaction of Te compounds catalyzed by recombinant human TPMT and/or INMT were analyzed by liquid chromatography hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that TPMT catalyzes the methylation of non-methylated Te and methanetellurol to generate dimethyltelluride. On the other hand, INMT catalyzes the methylation of methanetellurol and dimethyltelluride to produce trimethyltelluronium ion, a metabolite excreted into animal urine. We conclude that TPMT and INMT are cooperatively responsible for the detoxification of Te oxyanions through methylation to form trimethyltelluronium ions.</p>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142456824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-16DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03885-1
Hermann M. Bolt
{"title":"The current state of EVALI research (electronic cigarettes or vaping product use-associated lung injury)","authors":"Hermann M. Bolt","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03885-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00204-024-03885-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142456825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-12DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03886-0
Yihan Qian, Jie Zhao, Hailong Wu, Xiaoni Kong
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an acute liver injury that poses a significant threat to human health. In severe cases, it can progress into chronic DILI or even lead to liver failure. DILI is typically caused by either intrinsic hepatotoxicity or idiosyncratic metabolic or immune responses. In addition to the direct damage drugs inflict on hepatocytes, the immune responses and liver inflammation triggered by hepatocyte death can further exacerbate DILI. Initially, we briefly discussed the differences in immune cell activation based on the type of liver cell death (hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and LSECs). We then focused on the role of various immune cells (including macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, eosinophils, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells) in both the liver injury and liver regeneration stages of DILI. This article primarily reviews the role of innate immune regulation mediated by these immune cells in resolving inflammation and promoting liver regeneration during DILI, as well as therapeutic approaches targeting these immune cells for the treatment of DILI. Finally, we discussed the activation and function of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) during APAP-induced massive hepatic necrosis and the involvement of chronic inflammation in DILI.
药物性肝损伤(DILI)是一种急性肝损伤,对人类健康构成重大威胁。严重者可发展为慢性 DILI,甚至导致肝功能衰竭。DILI 通常是由内在肝毒性或特异性代谢或免疫反应引起的。除了药物对肝细胞造成的直接损伤外,肝细胞死亡引发的免疫反应和肝脏炎症也会进一步加剧 DILI。首先,我们简要讨论了肝细胞死亡类型(肝细胞、胆管细胞和LSECs)在免疫细胞激活方面的差异。然后,我们重点讨论了各种免疫细胞(包括巨噬细胞、单核细胞、中性粒细胞、树突状细胞、肝窦内皮细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞、自然杀伤细胞和自然杀伤 T 细胞)在 DILI 的肝损伤和肝再生阶段的作用。本文主要综述了这些免疫细胞介导的先天性免疫调节在 DILI 期间消除炎症和促进肝脏再生中的作用,以及针对这些免疫细胞治疗 DILI 的方法。最后,我们讨论了在 APAP 诱导的大量肝坏死过程中肝脏祖细胞(LPCs)的活化和功能,以及慢性炎症在 DILI 中的参与。
{"title":"Innate immune regulation in inflammation resolution and liver regeneration in drug-induced liver injury.","authors":"Yihan Qian, Jie Zhao, Hailong Wu, Xiaoni Kong","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03886-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03886-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an acute liver injury that poses a significant threat to human health. In severe cases, it can progress into chronic DILI or even lead to liver failure. DILI is typically caused by either intrinsic hepatotoxicity or idiosyncratic metabolic or immune responses. In addition to the direct damage drugs inflict on hepatocytes, the immune responses and liver inflammation triggered by hepatocyte death can further exacerbate DILI. Initially, we briefly discussed the differences in immune cell activation based on the type of liver cell death (hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and LSECs). We then focused on the role of various immune cells (including macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, dendritic cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, eosinophils, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells) in both the liver injury and liver regeneration stages of DILI. This article primarily reviews the role of innate immune regulation mediated by these immune cells in resolving inflammation and promoting liver regeneration during DILI, as well as therapeutic approaches targeting these immune cells for the treatment of DILI. Finally, we discussed the activation and function of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) during APAP-induced massive hepatic necrosis and the involvement of chronic inflammation in DILI.</p>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142456823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-10DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03883-3
Hermann M. Bolt, Jan G. Hengstler
{"title":"Trends in research on advanced glycation end products (AGEs)","authors":"Hermann M. Bolt, Jan G. Hengstler","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03883-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00204-024-03883-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142447303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-06DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03875-3
Arya Ghosh, Bapi Gorain
Despite offering significant conveniences, plastic materials contribute substantially in developing environmental hazards and pollutants. Plastic trash that has not been adequately managed may eventually break down into fragments caused by human or ecological factors. Arguably, the crucial element for determining the biological toxicities of plastics are micro/nano-forms of plastics (MPs/NPs), which infiltrate the mammalian tissue through different media and routes. Infiltration of MPs/NPs across the intestinal barrier leads to microbial architectural dysfunction, which further modulates the population of gastrointestinal microbes. Thereby, it triggers inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1α/β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) by activating specific receptors located in the gut barrier. Mounting evidence indicates that MPs/NPs disrupt host pathophysiological function through modification of junctional proteins and effector cells. Moreover, the alteration of microbial diversity by MPs/NPs causes the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and translocation of metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, LPS) through the vagus nerve. Potent penetration affects the neuronal networks, neuronal protein accumulation, acceleration of oxidative stress, and alteration of neurofibrillary tangles, and hinders distinctive communicating pathways. Conclusively, alterations of these neurotoxic factors are possibly responsible for the associated neurodegenerative disorders due to the exposure of MPs/NPs. In this review, the hypothesis on MPs/NPs associated with gut microbial dysbiosis has been interlinked to the distinct neurological impairment through the gut-brain axis.
{"title":"Mechanistic insight of neurodegeneration due to micro/nano-plastic-induced gut dysbiosis.","authors":"Arya Ghosh, Bapi Gorain","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03875-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03875-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite offering significant conveniences, plastic materials contribute substantially in developing environmental hazards and pollutants. Plastic trash that has not been adequately managed may eventually break down into fragments caused by human or ecological factors. Arguably, the crucial element for determining the biological toxicities of plastics are micro/nano-forms of plastics (MPs/NPs), which infiltrate the mammalian tissue through different media and routes. Infiltration of MPs/NPs across the intestinal barrier leads to microbial architectural dysfunction, which further modulates the population of gastrointestinal microbes. Thereby, it triggers inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1α/β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) by activating specific receptors located in the gut barrier. Mounting evidence indicates that MPs/NPs disrupt host pathophysiological function through modification of junctional proteins and effector cells. Moreover, the alteration of microbial diversity by MPs/NPs causes the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and translocation of metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, LPS) through the vagus nerve. Potent penetration affects the neuronal networks, neuronal protein accumulation, acceleration of oxidative stress, and alteration of neurofibrillary tangles, and hinders distinctive communicating pathways. Conclusively, alterations of these neurotoxic factors are possibly responsible for the associated neurodegenerative disorders due to the exposure of MPs/NPs. In this review, the hypothesis on MPs/NPs associated with gut microbial dysbiosis has been interlinked to the distinct neurological impairment through the gut-brain axis.</p>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142379990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC) catalyzes the hydrolysis of small molecules containing ester and amide bonds. Recently, it has been reported that AADAC can suppress reactive oxygen species production in cancer cells. This study aimed to elucidate the possibility that AADAC protects against drug-induced liver injury accompanied by oxidative stress and to explore its molecular mechanisms. Intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride induced significantly more severe liver injury in Aadac knockout (KO) mice (plasma alanine aminotransferase level: 19,381 ± 10,578 U/L) than in wild-type (WT) mice (7219 ± 4729 U/L). More severe liver injury in Aadac KO mice was accompanied by higher hepatic malondialdehyde and antioxidant gene mRNA levels than those in WT mice. The increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase levels in Aadac KO mice was substantially suppressed by pretreatment with the ferroptosis inhibitors deferoxamine or ferrostatin-1, suggesting that Aadac deficiency increases susceptibility to ferroptosis. Immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic analysis revealed that AADAC interacts with ceruloplasmin (CP), which oxidizes ferrous iron to ferric iron. Hepatic CP activity was significantly lower in Aadac KO mice than that in WT mice, resulting in elevated hepatic ferrous iron levels in Aadac KO mice. Overexpression of human AADAC in Huh-7 cells significantly attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing ferrous iron accumulation, suggesting that AADAC interacts with CP to suppress hepatic ferrous iron accumulation. The hepatoprotective role of Aadac in ferroptosis was also observed in mice with acetaminophen-induced liver injury. This study demonstrates a novel function of AADAC in protecting against ferroptosis induced by hepatotoxicants, carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.
{"title":"Arylacetamide deacetylase regulates hepatic iron homeostasis to protect against carbon tetrachloride-induced ferroptosis","authors":"Soshi Shinohara, Seijo Uchijima, Keiya Hirosawa, Mai Nagaoka, Masataka Nakano, Miki Nakajima, Tatsuki Fukami","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03873-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00204-024-03873-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC) catalyzes the hydrolysis of small molecules containing ester and amide bonds. Recently, it has been reported that AADAC can suppress reactive oxygen species production in cancer cells. This study aimed to elucidate the possibility that AADAC protects against drug-induced liver injury accompanied by oxidative stress and to explore its molecular mechanisms. Intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride induced significantly more severe liver injury in <i>Aadac</i> knockout (KO) mice (plasma alanine aminotransferase level: 19,381 ± 10,578 U/L) than in wild-type (WT) mice (7219 ± 4729 U/L). More severe liver injury in <i>Aadac</i> KO mice was accompanied by higher hepatic malondialdehyde and antioxidant gene mRNA levels than those in WT mice. The increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase levels in <i>Aadac</i> KO mice was substantially suppressed by pretreatment with the ferroptosis inhibitors deferoxamine or ferrostatin-1, suggesting that <i>Aadac</i> deficiency increases susceptibility to ferroptosis. Immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic analysis revealed that AADAC interacts with ceruloplasmin (CP), which oxidizes ferrous iron to ferric iron. Hepatic CP activity was significantly lower in <i>Aadac</i> KO mice than that in WT mice, resulting in elevated hepatic ferrous iron levels in <i>Aadac</i> KO mice. Overexpression of human AADAC in Huh-7 cells significantly attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing ferrous iron accumulation, suggesting that AADAC interacts with CP to suppress hepatic ferrous iron accumulation. The hepatoprotective role of Aadac in ferroptosis was also observed in mice with acetaminophen-induced liver injury. This study demonstrates a novel function of AADAC in protecting against ferroptosis induced by hepatotoxicants, carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142379047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-04DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03878-0
Marjolein J Hoogstraaten, Jelle Vriend, Victoria C de Leeuw, Simona O Negro, Ellen H M Moors, Anne S Kienhuis, Jarno Hoekman
This perspective paper, which is the result of a collaborative effort between toxicologists and scholars in innovation and transition studies, presents a heuristic framework based on innovation system literature for understanding and appraising mission achievement to animal-free chemical safety assessment using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). While scientific and technical challenges in this area are relatively well known, the recent establishment of missions and roadmaps to accelerate the acceptance and effective use of NAMs for chemical safety assessment raises new questions about how we can grasp the systemic nature of all changes needed in this transition. This includes recognising broader societal, institutional, and regulatory shifts necessary for NAM acceptance and uptake. Our paper discusses how the innovation system approach offers insights into key processes and associated activities that include as well as transcend the technical and scientific realm, and can help to accelerate acceptance and uptake of NAMs. Based on these insights, we present a comprehensive framework that, next to scientific and technological developments, recognises the need for coordinated efforts in areas like education, training, funding, policy-making, and public engagement to promote the acceptance and uptake of NAMs. Our framework can be used to perform structural and functional analyses of the innovation system of NAMs and animal-free safety assessment and as such provides handholds to track progress and organise collective efforts of actors to make sure we are moving in the right direction.
{"title":"Animal-free safety assessment of chemicals: an innovation system perspective.","authors":"Marjolein J Hoogstraaten, Jelle Vriend, Victoria C de Leeuw, Simona O Negro, Ellen H M Moors, Anne S Kienhuis, Jarno Hoekman","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03878-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03878-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This perspective paper, which is the result of a collaborative effort between toxicologists and scholars in innovation and transition studies, presents a heuristic framework based on innovation system literature for understanding and appraising mission achievement to animal-free chemical safety assessment using New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). While scientific and technical challenges in this area are relatively well known, the recent establishment of missions and roadmaps to accelerate the acceptance and effective use of NAMs for chemical safety assessment raises new questions about how we can grasp the systemic nature of all changes needed in this transition. This includes recognising broader societal, institutional, and regulatory shifts necessary for NAM acceptance and uptake. Our paper discusses how the innovation system approach offers insights into key processes and associated activities that include as well as transcend the technical and scientific realm, and can help to accelerate acceptance and uptake of NAMs. Based on these insights, we present a comprehensive framework that, next to scientific and technological developments, recognises the need for coordinated efforts in areas like education, training, funding, policy-making, and public engagement to promote the acceptance and uptake of NAMs. Our framework can be used to perform structural and functional analyses of the innovation system of NAMs and animal-free safety assessment and as such provides handholds to track progress and organise collective efforts of actors to make sure we are moving in the right direction.</p>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142370842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-04DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03879-z
Monita Sharma, Erin Huber, Emma Arnesdotter, Holger P Behrsing, Adam Bettmann, David Brandwein, Samuel Constant, Rahul Date, Abhay Deshpande, Eric Fabian, Amit Gupta, Robert Gutierrez, Arno C Gutleb, Marie M Hargrove, Michael Hollings, Victoria Hutter, Annie M Jarabek, Yulia Kaluzhny, Robert Landsiedel, Lawrence Milchak, Robert A Moyer, Jessica R Murray, Kathryn Page, Manish Patel, Stephanie N Pearson, Elijah J Petersen, Emily Reinke, Nuria Roldan, Clive Roper, Jamie B Scaglione, Raja S Settivari, Andreas O Stucki, Sandra Verstraelen, Joanne L Wallace, Shaun McCullough, Amy J Clippinger
Standard information reporting helps to ensure that assay conditions and data are consistently reported and to facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons. Here, we present recommendations on minimum information for reporting on the TEER (trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance) assay (MIRTA). The TEER assay is extensively used to evaluate the health of an epithelial/endothelial cell culture model and as an indicator of the potential toxicity of a test substance. This publication is the result of an international collaboration─called the RespTox (Respiratory Toxicity) Collaborative─through which twelve laboratories shared their protocols for assessing the barrier function of respiratory epithelial cells using the TEER assay following exposure to substances. The protocols from each laboratory were reviewed to identify general steps for performing the TEER assay, interlaboratory differences between steps, the rationale for differences, whether these differences impact results or cross-laboratory comparisons between TEER measurements. While the MIRTA recommendations are focused on respiratory epithelial cell systems, these recommendations can be adapted for other cell systems that form barriers. The use of these recommendations will support data transparency and reproducibility, reduce challenges in data interpretation, enable cross-laboratory comparisons, help assess study quality, and facilitate the incorporation of the TEER assay into national and international testing guidance.
{"title":"Minimum information for reporting on the TEER (trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance) assay (MIRTA).","authors":"Monita Sharma, Erin Huber, Emma Arnesdotter, Holger P Behrsing, Adam Bettmann, David Brandwein, Samuel Constant, Rahul Date, Abhay Deshpande, Eric Fabian, Amit Gupta, Robert Gutierrez, Arno C Gutleb, Marie M Hargrove, Michael Hollings, Victoria Hutter, Annie M Jarabek, Yulia Kaluzhny, Robert Landsiedel, Lawrence Milchak, Robert A Moyer, Jessica R Murray, Kathryn Page, Manish Patel, Stephanie N Pearson, Elijah J Petersen, Emily Reinke, Nuria Roldan, Clive Roper, Jamie B Scaglione, Raja S Settivari, Andreas O Stucki, Sandra Verstraelen, Joanne L Wallace, Shaun McCullough, Amy J Clippinger","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03879-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-024-03879-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Standard information reporting helps to ensure that assay conditions and data are consistently reported and to facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons. Here, we present recommendations on minimum information for reporting on the TEER (trans-epithelial/endothelial electrical resistance) assay (MIRTA). The TEER assay is extensively used to evaluate the health of an epithelial/endothelial cell culture model and as an indicator of the potential toxicity of a test substance. This publication is the result of an international collaboration─called the RespTox (Respiratory Toxicity) Collaborative─through which twelve laboratories shared their protocols for assessing the barrier function of respiratory epithelial cells using the TEER assay following exposure to substances. The protocols from each laboratory were reviewed to identify general steps for performing the TEER assay, interlaboratory differences between steps, the rationale for differences, whether these differences impact results or cross-laboratory comparisons between TEER measurements. While the MIRTA recommendations are focused on respiratory epithelial cell systems, these recommendations can be adapted for other cell systems that form barriers. The use of these recommendations will support data transparency and reproducibility, reduce challenges in data interpretation, enable cross-laboratory comparisons, help assess study quality, and facilitate the incorporation of the TEER assay into national and international testing guidance.</p>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142370843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-04DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03870-8
Andreas Frederik Treschow, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Maria João Valente
New approach methodologies (NAMs) for predicting embryotoxicity and developmental toxicity are urgently needed for generating human relevant data, while reducing turnover time and costs, and alleviating ethical concerns related to the use of animal models. We have previously developed the PluriLum assay, a NKX2.5-reporter gene 3D model using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that are genetically modified to enable the assessment of adverse effects of chemicals on the early-stage embryo. Aiming at improving the predictive value of the PluriLum assay for future screening purposes, we sought to introduce standardization steps to the protocol, improving the overall robustness of the PluriLum assay, as well as a shortening of the assay protocol. First, we showed that the initial size of embryoid bodies (EBs) is crucial for a proper differentiation into cardiomyocytes and overall reproducibility of the assay. When the starting diameter of the EBs exceeds 500 µm, robust differentiation can be anticipated. In terms of reproducibility, exposure to the fungicide epoxiconazole at smaller initial diameters resulted in a larger variation of the derived data, compared to more reliable concentration–response curves obtained using spheroids with larger initial diameters. We further investigated the ideal length of the differentiation protocol, resulting in a shortening of the PluriLum assay by 24 h to 7 days. Following exposure to the teratogens all-trans and 13-cis retinoic acid, both cardiomyocyte contraction and measurement of NKX2.5-derived luminescence were recorded with a similar or increased sensitivity after 6 days of differentiation when compared to the original 7 days. Finally, we have introduced an efficient step for enzymatic dissociation of the EBs at assay termination. This allows for an even splitting of the individual EBs and testing of additional endpoints other than the NKX2.5-luciferase reporter, which was demonstrated in this work by the simultaneous assessment of ATP levels. In conclusion, we have introduced standardizations and streamlined the PluriLum assay protocol to improve its suitability as a NAM for screening of a large number of chemicals for developmental toxicity testing.
{"title":"Standardization and optimization of the hiPSC-based PluriLum assay for detection of embryonic and developmental toxicants","authors":"Andreas Frederik Treschow, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Maria João Valente","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03870-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00204-024-03870-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>New approach methodologies (NAMs) for predicting embryotoxicity and developmental toxicity are urgently needed for generating human relevant data, while reducing turnover time and costs, and alleviating ethical concerns related to the use of animal models. We have previously developed the PluriLum assay, a <i>NKX2.5</i>-reporter gene 3D model using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that are genetically modified to enable the assessment of adverse effects of chemicals on the early-stage embryo. Aiming at improving the predictive value of the PluriLum assay for future screening purposes, we sought to introduce standardization steps to the protocol, improving the overall robustness of the PluriLum assay, as well as a shortening of the assay protocol. First, we showed that the initial size of embryoid bodies (EBs) is crucial for a proper differentiation into cardiomyocytes and overall reproducibility of the assay. When the starting diameter of the EBs exceeds 500 µm, robust differentiation can be anticipated. In terms of reproducibility, exposure to the fungicide epoxiconazole at smaller initial diameters resulted in a larger variation of the derived data, compared to more reliable concentration–response curves obtained using spheroids with larger initial diameters. We further investigated the ideal length of the differentiation protocol, resulting in a shortening of the PluriLum assay by 24 h to 7 days. Following exposure to the teratogens all-<i>trans</i> and 13-<i>cis</i> retinoic acid, both cardiomyocyte contraction and measurement of <i>NKX2.5-</i>derived luminescence were recorded with a similar or increased sensitivity after 6 days of differentiation when compared to the original 7 days. Finally, we have introduced an efficient step for enzymatic dissociation of the EBs at assay termination. This allows for an even splitting of the individual EBs and testing of additional endpoints other than the <i>NKX2.5</i>-luciferase reporter, which was demonstrated in this work by the simultaneous assessment of ATP levels. In conclusion, we have introduced standardizations and streamlined the PluriLum assay protocol to improve its suitability as a NAM for screening of a large number of chemicals for developmental toxicity testing.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11496362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142370844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thallium (Tl) is one of the most toxic heavy metals, associated with accidental poisoning and homicide. It causes acute and chronic systemic diseases, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases and kidney failure. However, few studies have investigated the mechanism by which Tl induces acute kidney injury (AKI). This study investigated the toxic effects of Tl on the histology and function of rat kidneys using biochemical and histopathological assays after intraperitoneal thallium sulfate administration (30 mg/kg). Five days post-administration, rats exhibited severely compromised kidney function. Low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy revealed excessive calcium (Ca) deposition in the outer medulla of Tl-loaded rats, particularly in the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) of the loop of Henle. Tl accumulated in the mTAL, accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction in this segment. Tl-loaded rats showed reduced expression of kidney transporters and channels responsible for Ca2+ reabsorption in the mTAL. Pre-administration of the Na–K–Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) inhibitor furosemide alleviated Tl accumulation and mitochondrial abnormalities in the mTAL. These findings suggest that Tl nephrotoxicity is associated with preferential Tl reabsorption in the mTAL via NKCC2, leading to mTAL mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted Ca2+ reabsorption, culminating in mTAL-predominant Ca crystal deposition and AKI. These findings on the mechanism of Tl nephrotoxicity may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to counter Tl poisoning. Moreover, the observation of characteristic Ca crystal deposition in the outer medulla provides new insights into diagnostic challenges in Tl intoxication.
{"title":"Thallium reabsorption via NKCC2 causes severe acute kidney injury with outer medulla-specific calcium crystal casts in rats","authors":"Kana Unuma, Shuheng Wen, Sho Sugahara, Shutaro Nagano, Toshihiko Aki, Tadayuki Ogawa, Shino Takeda-Homma, Masakazu Oikawa, Akihiro Tojo","doi":"10.1007/s00204-024-03868-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00204-024-03868-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Thallium (Tl) is one of the most toxic heavy metals, associated with accidental poisoning and homicide. It causes acute and chronic systemic diseases, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases and kidney failure. However, few studies have investigated the mechanism by which Tl induces acute kidney injury (AKI). This study investigated the toxic effects of Tl on the histology and function of rat kidneys using biochemical and histopathological assays after intraperitoneal thallium sulfate administration (30 mg/kg). Five days post-administration, rats exhibited severely compromised kidney function. Low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy revealed excessive calcium (Ca) deposition in the outer medulla of Tl-loaded rats, particularly in the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) of the loop of Henle. Tl accumulated in the mTAL, accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction in this segment. Tl-loaded rats showed reduced expression of kidney transporters and channels responsible for Ca<sup>2+</sup> reabsorption in the mTAL. Pre-administration of the Na–K–Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) inhibitor furosemide alleviated Tl accumulation and mitochondrial abnormalities in the mTAL. These findings suggest that Tl nephrotoxicity is associated with preferential Tl reabsorption in the mTAL via NKCC2, leading to mTAL mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted Ca<sup>2+</sup> reabsorption, culminating in mTAL-predominant Ca crystal deposition and AKI. These findings on the mechanism of Tl nephrotoxicity may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to counter Tl poisoning. Moreover, the observation of characteristic Ca crystal deposition in the outer medulla provides new insights into diagnostic challenges in Tl intoxication.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8329,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Toxicology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11496332/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142364226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}